Parts mounting support device, parts mounting support method, and parts mounting support program

Abstract

To make it possible to suppress the number of component storage members in use present at a production site.SOLUTION: A component type (first target component type) of a component E to be mounted on a component mounting machine 4 (work target mounting machine) that is a target of component mounting work is acquired (steps S402 and S502). Components E of the relevant component type stored in a component supply tape 152 (component storage member) attached to a tape feeder 421 (component supply machine) of another component mounting machine 4 different from the work target mounting machine 4 among a plurality of component mounting machines 4, in other words, components E (first same type components) of the same component type are searched for (steps S403 and S503). Among the components E (first same type components) searched for in steps S403 and S503, a candidate component E that is not scheduled to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machines 4 is searched for (steps S404 and S504), and a worker is notified of the candidate component E (steps S407 and S507).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for assisting the work of tool change for a component mounting machine that mounts components on a substrate.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a component mounting machine that mounts components on a substrate is generally used by transferring the components supplied by a feeder (such as a tape feeder or a tray feeder) to the substrate by the component mounting machine. When starting component mounting with such a component mounting machine, it is necessary to perform the work of attaching a component storage member (such as a tape or a tray) that stores the components to the feeder. Further, after the start of component mounting, when a component runs out in the component storage member, it is necessary to perform the work of attaching a new component storage member to the feeder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] These operations are executed by attaching the component storage member taken out from the component storage to the component feeder (feeder) of the component mounting machine. However, every time the operation is required, a new component storage member is attached to the component mounting machine, and there may be a situation where a large number of component storage members in use exist at the production site.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to be able to suppress the number of component storage members in use existing at the production site using a component mounting machine that mounts components on a substrate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The component mounting support device according to the present invention includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first target component type, which is the type of component to be mounted on a target mounting machine, among a plurality of component mounting machines that perform component mounting in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a substrate by a mounting head; a first similar component search unit that searches for components of the first target component type stored in a component storage member attached to a component supply machine of a component mounting machine other than the target mounting machine among the plurality of component mounting machines as first similar components; a candidate component search unit that searches for candidate components among the first similar components that are not planned to be used for component mounting in other component mounting machines; and a notification unit that notifies the operator of the candidate components.

[0007] The component mounting work support method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: acquiring a first target component type, which is the type of component to be mounted on a target mounting machine, from among a plurality of component mounting machines that perform component mounting, in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a substrate by a mounting head; searching for components of the first target component type stored in a component storage member attached to a component supply machine of a component mounting machine other than the target mounting machine, as first identical component types; a candidate component search unit that searches for candidate components from among the first identical component types that are not planned to be used for component mounting in other component mounting machines; and notifying the work subject of the candidate components.

[0008] The component mounting support program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire a first target component type, which is the type of component to be mounted on the target mounting machine, from among a plurality of component mounting machines that perform component mounting, in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a circuit board by a mounting head; search for components of the first target component type stored in a component storage member attached to a component supply machine of a component mounting machine other than the target mounting machine, as first identical components; search for candidate components among the first identical components that are not planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machines; and notify the operator of the candidate components.

[0009] In the present invention (part mounting work support device, part mounting work support method, and part mounting work support program) configured as described above, a first target part type, which is the type of part to be mounted on the target mounting machine, is acquired from among multiple part mounting machines. Furthermore, among the multiple part mounting machines, parts of the first target part type that are stored in a part storage member attached to a part supply machine of a part mounting machine different from the target mounting machine are searched for as first identical parts. Then, candidate parts that are not intended to be used for part mounting on other part mounting machines are searched for from among the first identical parts, and the operator is notified of these candidate parts. In other words, when the operator is working to attach a part storage member to the target mounting machine, if parts of the same type as the part to be mounted on the target mounting machine (first identical parts) are attached to other part mounting machines, and furthermore, if there are candidate parts among the first identical parts that are not intended to be used on other part mounting machines, the operator is notified of these candidate parts. Therefore, the operator can transfer the component storage member containing the candidate component from another component mounting machine to the target mounting machine, thereby enabling the user to attach a component storage member that is currently in use to the target mounting machine. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the number of component storage members currently in use in a production site that uses component mounting machines to mount components onto circuit boards.

[0010] Furthermore, the first identical parts search unit may be configured as a parts mounting support device to further search for parts of the first target part type that are stored in a parts storage member that has been removed from the parts supply machine and is stored in the parts storage unit, as first identical parts. In this configuration, a parts storage member that is in use and stored in the parts storage unit can be attached to the mounting machine to be worked on and used, making it possible to reduce the number of parts storage members in use present in the production site.

[0011] Furthermore, the component mounting support device may be configured to perform component mounting support, which includes acquiring a first target component type by a first acquisition unit, searching for a first similar component by a first similar component search unit, searching for candidate components by a candidate component search unit, and notifying of candidate components by a notification unit, at predetermined timings. In such a configuration, a component storage member in use that is present on the production floor at a predetermined timing can be mounted and used on the target mounting machine, thereby reducing the number of component storage members in use present on the production floor.

[0012] Specifically, the component mounting support device may be configured to perform component mounting support before the component mounting process begins using the target mounting machine. In this configuration, a component storage member that is currently in use and present on the production floor can be mounted and used on the target mounting machine before the component mounting process begins using the target mounting machine, thereby reducing the number of component storage members currently in use on the production floor.

[0013] Furthermore, the component storage member may be marked with a component identifier that identifies the type of component stored in it. The first acquisition unit acquires the component identifier attached to the selected storage member, which is the component storage member selected by the worker, and acquires the type of component indicated by the component identifier as the first target component type. Once the first acquisition unit acquires the component identifier, the component mounting support device may be configured to perform component mounting support. In this configuration, when the component identifier attached to the selected storage member is acquired by the first acquisition unit, a component storage member currently in use at the production site can be mounted and used on the target mounting machine, thereby reducing the number of component storage members currently in use at the production site.

[0014] Furthermore, the component supply machine may be assigned a supply machine identifier to identify the component supply machine, and the first acquisition unit may be configured to acquire the supply machine identifier assigned to the component supply machine to which the selected storage member, which is a component storage member selected by the worker, is attached, and to acquire the type of component indicated by the supply machine identifier as the first target component type, and to perform component mounting work support when the first acquisition unit acquires the supply machine identifier. In such a configuration, when the supply machine identifier assigned to the component supply machine to which the selected storage member is attached is acquired by the first acquisition unit, the component storage member that is in use and present in the production site can be attached to the target mounting machine and used, making it possible to reduce the number of component storage members in use that are present in the production site.

[0015] Furthermore, the component mounting support device may be configured such that the candidate component search unit searches for first identical components as candidate components, which are not intended for use in component mounting on other component mounting machines and whose remaining quantity in the component storage member is less than the number of components stored in the selected storage member. In such a configuration, a component storage member that is in use but has a small number of remaining components can be attached to the target mounting machine and used, and the components stored in that component storage member can be used up, thereby reducing the number of in-use component storage members present on the production floor.

[0016] Furthermore, the candidate part search unit obtains the number of parts of the first target part type used in the mounting machine after the part storage member containing the first target part type has been mounted on the mounting machine. The candidate part search unit then searches for candidate parts for the first identical part stored in N part storage members (where N is a positive integer of 2 or more) in order of the smallest number of remaining parts in each member. The component mounting support device may be configured such that the total number of parts stored in the first to (N-1) part storage members in order of the smallest number of remaining parts is less than the number of parts used, and the total number of parts stored in the first to N part storage members in order of the smallest number of remaining parts is greater than or equal to the number of parts used. In this configuration, part storage members with a small number of remaining parts can be preferentially mounted and used in the mounting machine, and the number of part storage members in use on the production floor can be reduced by using up the parts stored in those parts storage members.

[0017] Furthermore, the component mounting support device may be configured to perform component mounting support when the target mounting machine runs out of parts of the first target component type after it has started mounting components. In this configuration, when the target mounting machine runs out of parts of the first target component type, a component storage member that is in use on the production floor can be attached to the target mounting machine and used, thereby reducing the number of component storage members that are in use on the production floor.

[0018] Furthermore, the component mounting support device may be configured such that the candidate component search unit, after a component storage member containing components of the first target component type has been mounted on the target mounting machine, obtains the number of components of the first target component type used in the target mounting machine, and searches for first components of the same type as candidate components that are not planned to be used for component mounting in other component mounting machines and whose remaining number stored in the component storage member is less than the number of components used. In such a configuration, a component storage member that is in use and has a small number of remaining components can be mounted on the target mounting machine and used, and the number of in-use component storage members present in the production site can be reduced by using up the components stored in the component storage member.

[0019] Furthermore, the candidate part search unit searches for first identical parts to be stored in N (where N is a positive integer of 2 or more) part storage members in order of the smallest number of remaining parts in the part storage members, and the part mounting work support device may be configured such that the total number of parts stored in the 1st to (N-1)th part storage members in order of the smallest number of remaining parts is less than the number used, and the total number of parts stored in the 1st to Nth part storage members in order of the smallest number of remaining parts is greater than or equal to the number used. In such a configuration, part storage members with a small number of remaining parts can be preferentially mounted and used on the mounting machine to be worked on, and it is possible to use up the parts stored in those part storage members and reduce the number of part storage members in use present on the production floor.

[0020] Furthermore, the component mounting support device may be configured such that the candidate component search unit searches for first identical components as candidate components that are not intended for use in component mounting on other component mounting machines and have a shorter expiration date than a predetermined date. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent components stored in a component storage member during use from being discarded due to the expiration of their expiration date.

[0021] Furthermore, the component mounting support device may be configured to further include: a used-up identification unit that identifies component storage members that are mounted on a production switching mounting machine, which has completed component mounting on one type of substrate and is not scheduled to be used on another type of substrate, as used-up storage members; a second acquisition unit that acquires the types of components stored in the used-up storage members as second target component types; and a second identical component search unit that searches for components of the second target component type stored in component storage members mounted on a component supply machine of a component mounting machine different from the production switching mounting machine, as second identical component types, and the notification unit notifies information corresponding to the results of the second identical component search unit's search for second identical component types.

[0022] Specifically, the notification unit may be configured to notify the worker of a second identical component, thereby supporting the component mounting work. This allows used component storage members that have finished being used in a production changeover mounting machine where the type of substrate being produced changes to be moved to another component mounting machine for use, thereby reducing the number of component storage members in use present in the production area.

[0023] Furthermore, the notification unit may be configured to further notify the operator of the remaining number of parts or the expiration date of the parts in the parts storage member that stores the second type of parts. In such a configuration, the operator can appropriately decide whether or not to relocate the used storage member by considering the remaining number of parts and the expiration date of the parts stored in the parts storage member currently in use at the parts mounting machine that is a candidate to relocate the used storage member.

[0024] Further, the notification unit may be configured to further notify the operator of the remaining number of parts or the expiration date of the parts in the used and stored member. In such a configuration, the operator can appropriately determine whether to perform relocation in consideration of the remaining number of parts and the expiration date of the parts in the used and stored member.

[0025] Furthermore, the component mounting work support device may further include a replaceable component search unit that searches for components that satisfy a predetermined condition among the second same-type components as replaceable components, and the notification unit may be configured to notify the operator of the replaceable components.

[0026] Specifically, the replaceable component search unit may be configured to search for components stored in a component storage member that stores a larger number of components than the used and stored member as replaceable components. In such a configuration, a component storage member with a small remaining number of components can be preferentially used, and the components stored in the component storage member can be used up, suppressing the number of component storage members in use at the production site.

[0027] Furthermore, the replaceable component search unit may be configured to search for components stored in a component storage member that stores components with a longer expiration date than the used and stored member as replaceable components. In such a configuration, a component storage member with a short expiration date of the components can be preferentially used, and the components stored in the component storage member can be used up, suppressing the components stored in the component storage member in use from being discarded due to the expiration of the expiration date.

[0028] Furthermore, the component mounting work support device may be configured to further include: an optimization execution unit that performs an optimization process to determine which components to be mounted on a component mounting machine based on a production plan for mounting components on a circuit board to produce a component-mounted circuit board; a prediction unit that predicts a first target component type, a first identical component, and candidate components based on the results of the optimization process; and a notification control unit that causes the notification unit to notify the candidate components predicted by the prediction unit at a predetermined timing. In such a configuration, the operator can mount a component storage member that contains the candidate components predicted based on the optimization process to the target mounting machine by moving the component storage member that contains the candidate components predicted based on the optimization process from another component mounting machine to the target mounting machine. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the number of component storage members that are in use in the production site using a component mounting machine that mounts components on a circuit board.

[0029] Furthermore, the notification control unit may be configured to update the candidate parts according to the change in mounting status of the component storage member containing the first target component type to the component supply machine of another component mounting machine, if the mounting status changes at the time the prediction unit predicts candidate parts and at a predetermined time, before notifying the notification unit of the candidate parts. In such a configuration, the worker can be notified of candidate parts corresponding to the change in mounting status of the component storage member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of component storage members in use present in a production site using a component mounting machine that mounts components onto a substrate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example of a circuit board production system. [Figure 2] A schematic plan view showing an example configuration of a component mounting machine used in a circuit board production line. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the circuit board production system in Figure 1. [Figure 4A]A flowchart illustrating an example of a component mounting operation, where components are attached to a component mounting machine. [Figure 4B] This figure schematically shows an example of component mounting position information created during the component mounting process shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] A flowchart illustrating an example of the parts receiving process, specifically the process of placing parts into a parts storage facility. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A schematically shows an example of parts storage location information created during the parts receiving operation. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of circuit board production performed on a circuit board production line. [Figure 7A] A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for supporting component mounting work during component setup before the start of circuit board production. [Figure 7B] This diagram shows an example of a search results screen for parts in progress. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of a method to support component mounting work in the event of component shortages after the start of circuit board production. [Figure 9A] This diagram shows an example flowchart for considering the transfer of used parts supply tapes. [Figure 9B] This diagram shows an example of a search results screen for parts in progress. [Figure 10A] A flowchart showing an example of predictive display. [Figure 10B] This diagram shows an example of the setup navigation screen when there are no changes in the situation after the optimization process. [Figure 10C] This diagram shows an example of a setup navigation screen when there are changes in the situation after the optimization process. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing variations of the transfer consideration process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit board production system. In Figure 1 and the following diagrams, the horizontal direction (X), the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction (Y), and the vertical direction (Z) are indicated as appropriate. Circuit board production system 1 is equipped with multiple (three in the example of Figure 1) circuit board production lines 10A, 10B, and 10C, and each circuit board production line 10A, 10B, and 10C produces component-mounted circuit boards by mounting components onto the circuit boards. In the following, when multiple circuit board production lines 10A, 10B, and 10C are not distinguished, they will be abbreviated as circuit board production line 10 as appropriate.

[0033] Each circuit board production line 10 is equipped with multiple (four in the example in Figure 1) component mounting machines 4. The multiple component mounting machines 4 are arranged in series in this order in the X direction, which is the circuit board transport direction. In other words, circuit boards are transported to the multiple component mounting machines 4 in sequence, and the multiple component mounting machines 4 sequentially mount components onto the circuit boards.

[0034] Furthermore, the PCB production system 1 includes a parts storage cabinet 15 for storing parts used in the parts mounting machine 4. The operator then performs a parts setup operation in which they take the parts from the parts storage cabinet 15 and mount them in the parts mounting machine 4.

[0035] Furthermore, the PCB production system 1 includes a server computer 5 that manages the entire PCB production system 1, and the server computer 5 assists the workers who perform component setup tasks. The configuration and operation of this server computer 5 will be described later.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of an example of a component mounting machine in a circuit board production line. The component mounting machine 4 performs component mounting, mounting components E onto a circuit board B. This component mounting machine 4 is equipped with a transport unit 41 that transports the circuit board B in the X direction (circuit board transport direction). This transport unit 41 has a pair of conveyors 411 arranged in parallel in the X direction, and the conveyors 411 transport the circuit board B in the X direction. The distance between these conveyors 411 can be changed in the Y direction (width direction), which is perpendicular to the X direction, and the transport unit 41 adjusts the distance between the conveyors 411 according to the width of the circuit board B being transported. This transport unit 41 transports the circuit board B from the upstream side in the X direction, which is the circuit board transport direction, to a predetermined work position (the position of circuit board B in Figure 2), and then transports the circuit board B with components E mounted on it from the work position to the downstream side in the X direction.

[0037] On each side of the transport unit 41 in the Y direction, two parts supply units 42 (parts supply trolleys) are arranged in the X direction. In addition, in each parts supply unit 42, feeder set positions Lf to which tape feeders 421 are detachably mounted are arranged in the X direction. When tape feeders 421 are mounted in these feeder set positions Lf, multiple tape feeders 421 are arranged in the X direction in each parts supply unit 42, and each tape feeder 421 supplies parts E to a parts supply location 422 provided at its tip. In addition, each parts supply unit 42 is provided with a parts mounting section 425 corresponding to each tape feeder 421, and a parts supply reel 151 is mounted on each parts mounting section 425. A parts supply tape 152 is wound around this parts supply reel 151, and small pieces of parts E such as integrated circuits, transistors, and capacitors are stored on the parts supply tape 152 at predetermined intervals. The parts supply tape 152 is pulled out from the parts supply reel 151 and loaded into the tape feeder 421. The tape feeder 421 intermittently feeds the parts supply tape 152 pulled out from the parts supply reel 151 toward the parts supply location 422, thereby supplying the parts E in the parts supply tape 152 to the parts supply location 422. When the parts E in the parts supply tape 152 held by the parts supply reel 151 mounted on the parts mounting section 425 are used up, a parts setup operation is performed in which the parts supply reel 151 stored in the parts storage unit 15 is taken out of the parts storage unit 15 and mounted on the parts mounting section 425 of the parts supply unit 42.

[0038] Furthermore, the components E used in the component mounting machine 4 are not limited to tape components supplied by component supply tape 152 wound around component supply reel 151, but may also be tray components supplied by trays. When the components E stored in the trays are used up, a component setup operation is performed in which the tray stored in the component storage unit 15 is taken out of the component storage unit 15 and the tray is mounted on the component mounting unit (tray mounting unit) for tray components provided in the component mounting machine 4.

[0039] Furthermore, the component mounting machine 4 is provided with a pair of Y-axis rails 43 extending in the Y direction, a Y-axis ball screw 44 extending in the Y direction, and a Y-axis motor M44 (servo motor) that rotates the Y-axis ball screw 44. The X-axis rail 45 is supported by the pair of Y-axis rails 43 so as to be movable in the Y direction and is fixed to the nuts of the Y-axis ball screw 44. The X-axis rail 45 is fitted with an X-axis ball screw 46 extending in the X direction and an X-axis motor M46 (servo motor) that rotates the X-axis ball screw 46. The head unit 47 is supported by the X-axis rail 45 so as to be movable in the X direction and is fixed to the nuts of the X-axis ball screw 46. Therefore, the Y-axis motor M44 can rotate the Y-axis ball screw 44 to move the head unit 47 in the Y direction, or the X-axis motor M46 can rotate the X-axis ball screw 46 to move the head unit 47 in the X direction.

[0040] The head unit 47 has multiple mounting heads 48 arranged linearly in the X direction. The mounting heads 48 descend toward the component E supplied to the component supply point 422, bringing the nozzle at the lower end of the mounting head 48 into contact with the component E. In this state, the mounting head 48 generates negative pressure in the nozzle to attract the component E. Having attracted the component E, the mounting head 48 moves upward toward the substrate B. Then, the mounting head 48 descends toward the substrate B, bringing the component E into contact with the substrate B. In this state, the mounting head 48 generates positive pressure in the nozzle to mount the component E onto the substrate B. Note that the type of head unit 47 is not limited to the inline type shown in this example; a rotary type with multiple mounting heads 48 arranged circumferentially is also acceptable.

[0041] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the circuit board production system in Figure 1. The server computer 5 includes a communication unit 51, an arithmetic unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a UI (User Interface) 54. The communication unit 51 communicates with the aforementioned parts storage unit 15 and the parts mounting machine 4. Furthermore, the communication unit 51 communicates with the ID reader 611 (barcode scanner) used by the worker for parts setup. The arithmetic unit 52 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the storage unit 53 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The UI 54 is configured, for example, as a touch panel display, and displays information to the worker and accepts input from the worker.

[0042] This server computer 5 is used to produce component-mounted circuit boards by the circuit board production line 10 according to a predetermined production plan 531 stored in the memory unit 53. The production plan 531 is created for each of the multiple circuit board production lines 10A, 10B, and 10C, and indicates the type of component-mounted circuit board to be produced in the corresponding circuit board production line 10, the production order of each type, and the number of each type to be produced. For example, the production plan 531 indicates that circuit board production line 10A will produce 100 component-mounted circuit boards B(1), 200 component-mounted circuit boards B(2), and 50 component-mounted circuit boards B(3).

[0043] Furthermore, the production plan 531 indicates the production program used to produce each component mounting board B(1), B(2), and B(3). Here, the production program defines the operations that the component mounting machine 4 should perform in order to produce the component mounting boards B(1), B(2), and B(3) shown in the production plan 531. In other words, the component mounting machine 4 performs a mounting turn in accordance with the production program, in which it uses the mounting head 48 to pick up components E from the component supply point 422 and mounts them on board B, thereby mounting components E to the mounting points on board B. This production program is created by the arithmetic unit 52 of the server computer 5 for each component mounting machine 4 and transmitted from the server computer 5 to each component mounting machine 4.

[0044] This server computer 5 performs the function of supporting the component setup work, which involves mounting the components E necessary for executing the production plan 531 onto the component mounting machine 4 of the circuit board production line 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the component setup support program 532 is stored in the memory unit 53. When the arithmetic unit 52 executes the component setup support program 532, the component setup support described later is performed.

[0045] Figure 4A is a flowchart showing an example of a component mounting operation in which components are mounted on a component mounting machine, and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing an example of component mounting position information created in the component mounting operation in Figure 4A. When an operator has the ID reader 611 read a component ID, the component ID is transmitted from the ID reader 611 to the communication unit 51, and the calculation unit 52 acquires the component ID (step S101). Here, the component ID is attached to the component supply reel 151 and is an identifier that identifies the component E stored in the component supply tape 152 held on the component supply reel 151, and indicates the type, number, and expiration date of the component E stored in the component supply tape 152.

[0046] When the operator has the ID reader 611 read the feeder ID, the feeder ID is transmitted from the ID reader 611 to the communication unit 51, and the calculation unit 52 acquires the feeder ID (step S102). Here, the feeder ID is attached to the tape feeder 421 and is an identifier that identifies the tape feeder 421. Based on this, the calculation unit 52 can determine that the part E with the part ID acquired in step S101 has been mounted on the feeder with the feeder ID acquired in step S102.

[0047] When an operator places the tape feeder 421 at the feeder set position Lf of the component mounting machine 4, the component mounting machine 4 transmits the feeder set position Lf in which the tape feeder 421 is placed to the communication unit 51, and the calculation unit 52 acquires the feeder set position Lf (step S103). As a result, the calculation unit 52 can determine that the tape feeder 421 with the feeder ID acquired in step S102 has been placed at the feeder set position Lf.

[0048] In step S104, the calculation unit 52 creates component mounting position information (Figure 4B) that associates the feeder set position Lf with the feeder ID of the tape feeder 421 mounted at the feeder set position Lf and the component ID of the component E mounted on the tape feeder 421 of the feeder ID, and this information is stored in the storage unit 53.

[0049] Figure 5A is a flowchart showing an example of a parts receiving operation in which parts are placed into a parts storage facility, and Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing an example of parts storage location information created in the parts receiving operation in Figure 5A. When an operator enters the part ID of part E to be placed into the parts storage facility 15, the part ID is transmitted from the parts storage facility 15 to the communication unit 51, and the calculation unit 52 acquires the part ID (step S201). The input of the part ID into the parts storage facility 15 is performed, for example, by an ID reader provided in the parts storage facility 15.

[0050] Furthermore, the parts storage unit 15 transmits the storage location Ls of the received part E to the communication unit 51, and the calculation unit 52 acquires the storage location Ls (step S202). This allows the calculation unit 52 to determine that part E with the part ID acquired in step S201 is stored at the storage location Ls acquired in step S202. In step S203, the calculation unit 52 creates part storage location information (Figure 4B) that associates the storage location Ls with the part ID of part E stored at that storage location Ls, and stores it in the storage unit 53.

[0051] In addition to new parts E, the parts storage unit 15 also stores parts E removed from the tape feeder 421 of the parts mounting machine 4 (parts supply tape 152 that contains the parts E). In other words, the parts storage unit 15 stores both new parts E and parts E that are partially used.

[0052] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of PCB production performed on a PCB production line. In step S301, the calculation unit 52 creates a component setup plan based on the production plan 531 created for the PCB production line 10. This component setup plan indicates the types of components E to be mounted on the component mounting machine 4 for each feeder set position Lf in order to execute the production plan 531.

[0053] The parts setup plan created in step S301 is displayed in UI54, and the operator installs the tape feeder 421, which is fitted with a parts supply tape 152 containing the corresponding type of parts E, at each feeder set position Lf according to this parts setup plan. Specifically, in step S302, the parts installation work described above is performed using Figure 4A.

[0054] Then, once the component setup is complete, component-mounted boards are produced according to the production plan 531 (step S303). In step S303, a predetermined number of component-mounted boards of one type are produced. Once the production of these component-mounted boards is complete, in step S304, it is determined whether or not to produce component-mounted boards of other types next. If it is determined to produce component-mounted boards of other types (if "YES" is answered in step S304), then in step S303, those component-mounted boards of other types are produced. On the other hand, if it is determined not to produce component-mounted boards of other types (if "NO" is answered in step S304), then the board production shown in Figure 6 ends.

[0055] Figure 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for supporting component mounting work in component setup work before the start of PCB production. Each step in Figure 7A is performed by the arithmetic unit 52. In step S401, the arithmetic unit 52 determines whether the start condition has been met. In one example, the arithmetic unit 52 determines that the start condition has been met when it obtains the component ID in step S101 of Figure 4A (YES in step S401). In another example, the arithmetic unit 52 determines that the start condition has been met when it obtains the feeder ID in step S102 of Figure 4A (YES in step S401).

[0056] When the starting condition is met, the arithmetic unit 52 obtains the part type of the target part E (step S402). For example, if the starting condition is obtaining the part ID, the part type indicated by that part ID is obtained. Alternatively, if the starting condition is obtaining the feeder ID, the part type indicated by that feeder ID is obtained. Here, the part type indicated by the feeder ID is the part ID associated with the feeder ID obtained in step S102, that is, the part type indicated by the part ID obtained in step S101.

[0057] Then, the calculation unit 52 searches for parts E of the same type as the part type obtained in step S402 from among the parts E already mounted on the parts mounting machine 4 and parts E stored in the parts storage unit 15 in the production site shown in Figure 1, and creates a list of identical parts (step S403). At this time, among the parts E stored in the parts storage unit 15, parts E that are in use are the target of the search. This list of identical parts indicates the feeder set position Lf of the tape feeder 421 on which the parts supply tape 152 containing the part E of that part type is mounted, and the storage position in the parts storage unit 15. This list of identical parts can be created, for example, by referring to the parts mounting position information and parts storage position information stored in the memory unit 53.

[0058] In step S404, the arithmetic unit 52 removes part E, which is scheduled to be used in subsequent part mounting, from the list of similar parts created in step S403. Whether or not part E is scheduled to be used in part mounting can be determined by referring to the production plan 531.

[0059] In step S405, the remaining number of parts E selected by the worker, specifically the parts E targeted for the parts mounting work in Figure 4A (remaining number of selected parts), is compared with the remaining number of each part E included in the list of similar parts (remaining number of mounted parts). Parts E whose remaining mounted parts are greater than or equal to the remaining number of selected parts are removed from the list of similar parts. Here, the remaining number of parts E refers to the number of parts E in the parts supply tape 152 that stores parts E.

[0060] As a result, if part E (candidate part) is included in the list of similar parts (if the answer is "YES" in step S406), the calculation unit 52 displays a work-in-progress part search result screen (Figure 7B) showing the candidate part E included in the list of similar parts on the UI 54 (step S407).

[0061] Figure 7B shows an example of a work-in-progress parts search results screen. This screen displays the location of candidate parts E, the remaining number of those candidate parts E, and the remaining usable days (expiration date) of those parts E, all associated with each other, in a list format. The location of candidate parts E is represented by the name of the line (PCB production line 10) (e.g., SMT-002) and the name of the equipment (part mounting machine 4) (e.g., Mch04). Furthermore, this screen shows the number of parts E of the part type to be mounted by the worker, supplied by the tape feeder 421 (the number of parts planned to be consumed in this production plan), i.e., the number of parts used. This number of parts used can be calculated by referring to the production plan 531. This screen also shows the remaining number of parts E selected by the worker for mounting (the remaining number of parts to be set up) and the expiration date (the remaining usable days of the parts to be set up). Furthermore, this screen displays a warning indicating that when the part E selected by the operator is mounted to the part mounting machine 4, the number of part E in use (parts in progress) will increase. The operator can then input to the calculation unit 52 that they intend to use a particular candidate part E by selecting one of the candidate part E shown in the list and clicking the "Use this part" button. Alternatively, the operator can close this screen by selecting the "Do not use this part" button.

[0062] The component mounting support shown in Figure 7A assists with component setup work before starting PCB production on the PCB production line 10. On the other hand, such component mounting support can also be performed, for example, after PCB production has started, if component E runs out on the component supply tape 152 used by the component mounting machine 4 (when component E is depleted) (Figure 8).

[0063] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for supporting component mounting work in the event of a component shortage after the start of circuit board production. Each step in Figure 8 is performed by the arithmetic unit 52. In step S501, the arithmetic unit 52 determines whether a component shortage has occurred. If a component shortage occurs, the arithmetic unit 52 obtains the component type of the component E in question, that is, the component type of component E that should be supplied by the tape feeder 421 that experienced the component shortage (step S502).

[0064] Then, in the production site shown in Figure 1, the calculation unit 52 searches for parts E of the same type as the part type obtained in step S502 from among the parts E already mounted on the parts mounting machine 4 and the parts E stored in the parts storage 15, and creates a list of identical parts (step S503). In step S504, the calculation unit 52 deletes parts E that are scheduled to be used in subsequent parts mounting from the list of identical parts created in step S503.

[0065] In step S505, the number of parts E to be supplied by the tape feeder 421 that has run out of parts (number used) is compared with the remaining number of each part E included in the list of similar parts (remaining number of installed parts). Parts E whose remaining installed parts are greater than or equal to the number used are removed from the list of similar parts. If, as a result, part E (candidate part) is included in the list of similar parts (if the answer is "YES" in step S506), the calculation unit 52 displays the candidate part E on the UI 54 (step S507). The display of such candidate parts is the same as the screen shown in Figure 7B.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, the component type (first target component type) of the component E to be mounted on the component mounting machine 4 (target mounting machine) that is the target of the component mounting work (steps S402, S502) among the multiple component mounting machines 4 installed in the production site shown in Figure 1 is acquired. Also, among the multiple component mounting machines 4, the component E of the same component type (first identical component) stored in the component supply tape 152 (component storage member) attached to the tape feeder 421 (component supply machine) of another component mounting machine 4 different from the target mounting machine 4 is searched (steps S403, S503). Then, among the component E (first identical component) searched in steps S403, S503, candidate component E that is not planned to be used for component mounting on the other component mounting machines 4 is searched (steps S404, S504), and the candidate component E is notified to the operator (steps S407, S507). In other words, when an operator attaches a component supply tape 152 to a component mounting machine 4, if a component E of the same type as the component E to be mounted on the component mounting machine 4 (first identical component) is mounted on another component mounting machine 4, and if there is a candidate component E among the identical components E that is not intended for use on the other component mounting machine 4 (if the answer is "YES" in steps S406 and S506), then this candidate component E is notified to the operator (steps S407 and S507). Therefore, the operator can attach a component supply tape 152 that is currently in use to the component mounting machine 4 by transferring the component supply tape 152 containing this candidate component E from the other component mounting machine 4 to the component mounting machine 4 being worked on. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the number of component supply tapes 152 currently in use present in the production site using a component mounting machine 4 that mounts component E onto a circuit board B.

[0067] Furthermore, the calculation unit 52 (first identical component search unit) searches for component E to be stored in the component supply tape 152 that has been removed from the tape feeder 421 of the component mounting machine 4 and is stored in the component storage unit 15 (steps S403, S503). With this configuration, a component supply tape 152 that is in use and stored in the component storage unit 15 can be attached to the component mounting machine 4 to be worked on and used, making it possible to reduce the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present in the production site.

[0068] Furthermore, component mounting support (Figures 7A and 8) is performed at predetermined timings, which includes acquiring the component type of the target component E by the calculation unit 52 (first acquisition unit) (steps S402 and S502), searching for similar components by the calculation unit 52 (first similar component search unit) (steps S403 and S503), searching for candidate components by the calculation unit 52 (candidate component search unit) (steps S404 to S405, S504, and S505), and notifying the candidate component E by the UI 54 (notification unit) (step S407). With this configuration, a component supply tape 152 that is in use and present in the production area at a predetermined timing can be attached to the component mounting machine 4 to be worked on and used, making it possible to reduce the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present in the production area.

[0069] Specifically, before component mounting begins using the component mounting machine 4, component mounting support (steps S402 to S407) is performed (Figure 7A). In this configuration, a partially used component supply tape 152 that is already in use on the production floor can be attached to the component mounting machine 4 before component mounting begins using the component mounting machine 4, thereby reducing the number of partially used component supply tapes 152 present on the production floor.

[0070] Furthermore, the component supply tape 152 (held by the component supply reel 151) is marked with a component ID (component identifier) ​​that identifies the type of component E stored in the component supply tape 152. The calculation unit 52 (first acquisition unit) then acquires the component ID attached to the component supply tape 152 (selected storage member) selected by the operator (step S101), and acquires the type of component E (first target component type) indicated by the component ID. In particular, in the example described above, once the calculation unit 52 acquires the component ID (step S401), it executes steps S402 to S407 (component mounting work support). With this configuration, when the component ID attached to the selected component supply tape 152 is acquired by the calculation unit 52, the component supply tape 152 that is in use and present in the production area can be mounted on the component mounting machine 4 to be worked on and used, making it possible to reduce the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present in the production area.

[0071] Furthermore, the tape feeder 421 is assigned a feeder ID (supply machine identifier) ​​to identify it. The calculation unit 52 (first acquisition unit) then acquires the feeder ID attached to the tape feeder 421 on which the component supply tape 152 (selected storage member) selected by the operator is mounted, and acquires the type of component E (first target component type) indicated by the feeder ID. In particular, in the other example described above, once the calculation unit 52 acquires the feeder ID (step S401), it executes steps S402 to S407 (component mounting work support). In this configuration, when the calculation unit 52 acquires the feeder ID attached to the tape feeder 421 on which the selected component supply tape 152 is mounted, the component supply tape 152 that is in use and present in the production area can be mounted and used in the component mounting machine 4 to be worked on, making it possible to reduce the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present in the production area.

[0072] Furthermore, the calculation unit 52 (candidate part search unit) searches for candidate parts E (first identical parts) that are not scheduled to be used for part mounting in other part mounting machines 4 and whose remaining quantity stored in the part supply tape 152 is less than the number of parts stored in the selected part supply tape 152 (step S405). With this configuration, a part supply tape 152 that is in use but has a small remaining quantity of parts E can be attached to the part mounting machine 4 to be worked on and used, and the number of part supply tapes 152 in use present in the production site can be reduced by using up the parts E stored in that part supply tape 152.

[0073] Furthermore, the calculation unit 52 (candidate part search unit) obtains the number of parts E of the part type acquired in step S402 that are supplied from the tape feeder 421 of the component mounting machine 4 after the component supply tape 152 containing the part E of the part type acquired in step S402 has been mounted on the tape feeder 421 of the component mounting machine 4 to be worked on (number used). Then, as shown in Figure 7B, the calculation unit 52 searches for candidate parts that contain the same type of part E stored in N parts supply tapes 152 (5 in the example of Figure 7B) in order of the smallest number of remaining parts E in the parts supply tapes 152. At this time, N satisfies the following conditions. In other words, out of N component supply tapes 152, the total number of component E stored in the component supply tapes 152 from the 1st to the (N-1)th in order of the smallest remaining number of component E is less than the number used (the number of component parts to be consumed in this production plan), and the total number of component E stored in the component supply tapes 152 from the 1st to the Nth in order of the smallest remaining number of component E is greater than or equal to the number used. With this configuration, component supply tapes 152 with a small remaining number of component E can be preferentially attached to the component mounting machine 4 to be worked on, and the component E stored in those component supply tapes 152 can be used up, thereby reducing the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present on the production floor.

[0074] Furthermore, if the component mounting machine 4 runs out of components after it has started mounting components, component mounting support (steps S502 to S507) is executed (Figure 8). In this configuration, when the component E runs out in the component mounting machine 4, a partially used component supply tape 152 that is present in the production area can be attached to the component mounting machine 4 and used, thereby reducing the number of partially used component supply tapes 152 present in the production area.

[0075] Furthermore, the calculation unit 52 (candidate part search unit) obtains the number of parts E of the part type acquired in step S502 that are supplied from the tape feeder 421 of the target part mounting machine 4 (number used) after the part supply tape 152 containing parts E of the part type acquired in step S502 has been mounted on the tape feeder 421 of the target part mounting machine 4. Then, parts E (first identical parts) that are not scheduled to be used for part mounting in other part mounting machines 4 (step S504) and whose remaining number stored in the part supply tape 152 is less than the number used are searched for as candidate parts E (step S505). With this configuration, a part supply tape 152 that is in use and has a small remaining number of parts E can be mounted on the target part mounting machine 4 and used, and the number of part supply tapes 152 in use present in the production site can be reduced by using up the parts E stored in the part supply tape 152.

[0076] Furthermore, the calculation unit 52 (candidate part search unit) searches for candidate parts (first identical parts) stored in N parts supply tapes 152 in order of the smallest number of remaining parts E in each tape (step S507). In this case, N satisfies the following conditions: Of the N parts supply tapes 152, the total number of parts E stored in the parts supply tapes 152 from the 1st to the (N-1)th in order of the smallest number of remaining parts E is less than the number used, and the total number of parts E stored in the parts supply tapes 152 from the 1st to the Nth in order of the smallest number of remaining parts E is greater than or equal to the number used. With this configuration, parts supply tapes 152 with a small number of remaining parts E can be preferentially installed and used in the parts mounting machine 4 to be worked on, and the parts E stored in those parts supply tapes 152 can be used up, thereby reducing the number of parts supply tapes 152 in use present in the production site.

[0077] In the example above, when a component supply tape 152 is attached to the component mounting machine 4 in response to component setup work or component shortage, the component supply tape 152 that is currently in use is attached. On the other hand, when the use of the component supply tape 152 attached to the component mounting machine 4 is completed, the part of the component supply tape 152 that is currently in use can also be transferred and attached (Figure 9A).

[0078] Figure 9A is an example of a flowchart for considering the transfer of a component supply tape that has finished being used. As described above, multiple types of component-mounted boards are produced sequentially on the board production line 10. In this case, the transfer consideration shown in Figure 9A is executed by the calculation unit 52 at the production changeover timing between the end of production of one type of component-mounted board and the start of production of the next type of component-mounted board.

[0079] In step S601, a positive integer K used to identify the feeder set position Lf is reset to zero, and in step S602, K is incremented. Then, it is determined whether the component supply tape 152 mounted at the K-th feeder set position Lf(K) is intended to be used in the production of the next type of component mounted board (step S603). If the component supply tape 152 is intended to be used (if the answer in step S603 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step S606.

[0080] On the other hand, if there is no plan to use the component supply tape 152 (if the answer is "NO" in step S602), it is determined that the component supply tape 152 is a used tape that has finished being used in production, and the component type of component E stored in the component supply tape 152 is obtained (step S604). Furthermore, among the component supply tapes 152 installed in component mounting machines 4 that are currently performing component mounting in the production field, other than the component mounting machine 4 in which the component supply tape 152 is installed, a component supply tape 152 containing component E of the component type obtained in step S604 is searched for, and a list of similar components is created (step S605). This list of similar components indicates the feeder set position Lf of the tape feeder 421 on which the component supply tape 152 containing component E of the component type is installed. This list of similar components can be created, for example, by referring to component mounting position information stored in the storage unit 53.

[0081] In step S606, it is determined whether steps S603 to S605 have been executed for all feeder set positions Lf. If there are any feeder set positions Lf for which these steps have not been executed, the process returns to step S602. Once steps S603 to S605 have been executed for all feeder set positions Lf, the work-in-progress parts search results screen (Figure 9B) showing parts E of the same part type included in the same parts list is displayed on UI54 (step S607).

[0082] Figure 9B shows an example of a work-in-progress parts search results screen. This screen displays a list showing the location of parts E of the same type as the used parts supply tape 152, along with the planned consumption quantity, remaining quantity, and remaining usable days (expiration date) of those parts E. The location of candidate parts E is indicated by the name of the line (printed circuit board production line 10) (e.g., SMT-002), the name of the equipment (parts mounting machine 4) (e.g., Mch04), and the feeder set position Lf. Furthermore, this screen shows the feeder set position Lf (24) of the used parts supply tape 152, the remaining quantity of parts E (5962 pieces), and the remaining usable days (7 days).

[0083] In the examples shown in Figures 9A and 9B above, among the multiple component mounting machines 4, a component supply tape 152 that is installed in a component mounting machine 4 (production changeover mounting machine) that is in the process of switching production after completing component mounting on one type of substrate B and before starting component mounting on another type of substrate B, and which is not intended to be used by the component mounting machine 4, is identified by the calculation unit 52 (usage completion identification unit) (step S603). Then, the type of component E (second target component type) stored in the component supply tape 152 (usage completion storage unit) is acquired by the calculation unit 52 (second acquisition unit) (step S604). Furthermore, among the multiple component mounting machines 4, the calculation unit 52 (second identical component search unit) searches for a component supply tape 152 of the same component type (second target component type) stored in a component supply tape 152 mounted on the tape feeder 421 of a component mounting machine 4 different from the component mounting machine 4 that is currently undergoing production changeover (step S605). Then, the UI 54 (notification unit) notifies information corresponding to the search result in step S605 (step S607). With this configuration, a used component supply tape 152 that has finished being used in the component mounting machine 4 that is switching the type of substrate being produced can be moved to another component mounting machine 4 and used, making it possible to reduce the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present in the production area.

[0084] Specifically, UI54 notifies the operator of a component E (second identical component) of the same type as the component supply tape 152 that has finished using (Figure 9B). This allows the component supply tape 152 that has finished using in a component mounting machine 4 during a production changeover when the type of substrate being produced changes to be moved to another component mounting machine 4 for use, thereby reducing the number of component supply tapes 152 in use present in the production area. Here, when a component supply tape 152 is installed at the destination, moving the component supply tape 152 means replacing that component supply tape 152 with another component supply tape 152 installed at the destination.

[0085] Furthermore, UI54 also informs the operator of the remaining quantity and expiration date of component E (second identical component) in component supply tape 152 that contains component E of the same type as the component supply tape 152 that has finished being used (Figure 9B). With this configuration, the operator can appropriately decide whether or not to move the component supply tape 152 that has finished being used, taking into account the remaining quantity and expiration date of component E stored in the component supply tape 152 currently in use at the component mounting machine 4 that is a candidate for relocation.

[0086] Furthermore, UI54 notifies the operator of the remaining number of parts E and their expiration date in the parts supply tape 152 after use has been completed (Figure 9B). With this configuration, the operator can appropriately decide whether or not to relocate the parts by considering the remaining number of parts E and their expiration date in the parts supply tape 152 after use has been completed.

[0087] In this case, by exchanging the used component supply tape 152 with another component supply tape 152 that has a larger remaining quantity of component E, it becomes possible to use up all of component E in the used component supply tape 152. Alternatively, by exchanging the used component supply tape 152 with another component supply tape 152 that has a longer shelf life for component E, it becomes possible to use up all of component E in the used component supply tape 152 before its expiration date.

[0088] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 7A, information that is useful for supporting component mounting work in component setup work before the start of board production may be predicted and displayed. Figure 10A is a flowchart of an example of a predictive display. Each step in Figure 10A is performed by the arithmetic unit 52.

[0089] In step S701, optimization processing is performed. Specifically, based on the production plan 531, the component E to be mounted at the feeder set position Lf of the component mounting machine 4 is calculated. In step S702, it is determined whether the inventory component management mode is set. This inventory component management mode can be set by the operator, for example, in UI 54. If the inventory component management mode is not set (if "NO" is selected in step S702), the prediction display in Figure 10A ends. As a result, support for the component setup work is provided in the manner shown in Figure 7A.

[0090] On the other hand, if the inventory parts management mode is set (if "YES" is selected in step S702), the optimization process identifies the type of part E that requires parts setup, i.e., the type of part E that should be mounted on the parts mounting machine 4 in order to start the board production indicated in the production plan 531 (step S703).

[0091] Then, the arithmetic unit 52 searches and predicts, based on the results of the optimization process, for parts E of the same type as the part type identified in step S703, from among the parts E mounted on the parts mounting machine 4 at the start of the parts setup work and the parts E stored in the parts storage 15, and creates a list of similar parts (step S704). At this time, among the parts E stored in the parts storage 15, parts E that are in use are targeted for search. In step S705, the arithmetic unit 52 deletes parts E that the results of the optimization process indicate are scheduled to be used in subsequent parts mounting from the list of similar parts created in step S704. In this way, a list of similar parts including candidate parts E is created.

[0092] In step S706, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to display candidate component E. Specifically, obtaining the component ID corresponding to the same type as component E (step S101) or obtaining the feeder ID (step S102) is determined as an instruction to display component E. In step S707, it is determined whether the mounting status of component E on the component mounting machine 4 has changed since the end of the optimization process. For example, the calculation unit 52 can determine whether or not there has been a change based on the component mounting position information created in step S104 in response to the operator's work.

[0093] If there are no changes (if "NO" is selected in step S707), the list of identical parts created in steps S704 and S705 is displayed on the setup navigation screen (Figure 10B). Figure 10B is an example of the setup navigation screen when there are no changes in the situation after the optimization process. On this screen, the location of candidate part E, the remaining number of candidate part E, and the remaining usable days (expiration date) of part E are shown in a list format. The location of candidate part E is also represented by the name of the line (board production line 10) (e.g., SMT-002) and the name of the equipment (part mounting machine 4) (e.g., Mch04). Furthermore, this screen shows the number of parts to be consumed in the current production plan.

[0094] On the other hand, if there are changes (YES in step S707), the list of similar parts created in steps S704 and S705 is updated to reflect those changes (step S708). Then, the candidate part E shown in the updated list of similar parts is displayed on the setup navigation screen (Figure 10C). Figure 10C is an example of the setup navigation screen when there are changes in the situation after the optimization process. Compared with Figure 10B, in Figure 10C, part E is grayed out to reflect that it has been removed from the equipment Mch on line SMT-002.

[0095] As shown in the example in Figures 10A to 10C, the calculation unit 52 (optimization execution unit) performs an optimization process to determine which component E should be mounted on the component mounting machine 4 based on a production plan 531 for producing a component-mounted board by mounting component E on board B (step S701). Based on the results of the optimization process, the calculation unit 52 (prediction unit) predicts the component type (first target component type) of the component E to be set up, the component E of that component type (first identical component), and candidate component E (steps S703, S704, and S705). The predicted candidate component E is then displayed on the UI 54 at the timing indicated by the display instruction (a predetermined timing). In this configuration, the operator can mount a component supply tape 152 containing the candidate component E predicted based on the optimization process onto the component mounting machine 4 being worked on by transferring the tape from another component mounting machine 4 to the component mounting machine 4 being worked on. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the number of partially used component supply tapes 152 present in the production site using a component mounting machine 4 that mounts component E onto circuit board B.

[0096] Furthermore, if the calculation unit 52 (notification control unit) detects a change in the mounting status of the component supply tape 152 containing the same type of component E on the tape feeder 421 of another component mounting machine 4 at the time when it predicted the candidate component E (steps S704, S705) and at the time when a display instruction is given (step S706) (if the answer is "YES" in step S707), it updates the candidate component E according to the change in mounting status (step S708) and then displays the candidate component E on the UI 54. With this configuration, the operator can be shown the candidate component E according to the change in the mounting status of the component supply tape 152.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, the parts storage unit 15 corresponds to an example of the "parts storage unit" of the present invention, the parts supply tape 152 corresponds to an example of the "parts storage member" of the present invention, the parts mounting machine 4 corresponds to an example of the "parts mounting machine" of the present invention, the tape feeder 421 corresponds to an example of the "parts supply machine" of the present invention, the mounting head 48 corresponds to an example of the "mounting head" of the present invention, the server computer 5 corresponds to an example of the "parts mounting work support device" of the present invention, the calculation unit 52 corresponds to an example of the "first acquisition unit", "first identical parts search unit", "candidate parts search unit", "usage completion identification unit", "second acquisition unit", "second identical parts search unit", "optimization execution unit", "prediction unit", and "notification control unit" of the present invention, the parts setup support program 532 corresponds to an example of the "parts mounting work support program" of the present invention, the UI 54 corresponds to an example of the "notification unit" of the present invention, the substrate B corresponds to an example of the "substrate" of the present invention, and the part E corresponds to an example of the "part" of the present invention.

[0098] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made to those described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in step S405 above, the component E is narrowed down based on the remaining number of component E selected by the operator. However, the component E may also be narrowed down based on the expiration date of the component E. In this case, in step S405, the calculation unit 52 (candidate component search unit) narrows down the candidate component E to similar component E that are not planned to be used for component mounting in other component mounting machines 4 and whose expiration date (predetermined expiration date) is shorter than that of the selected component E. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent component E stored in the component supply tape 152 during use from being discarded due to the expiration date.

[0099] Furthermore, the transfer study described using Figure 9A may be modified as shown in Figure 11. Here, Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the transfer study. The difference between Figure 11 and Figure 9A is that step S608 is provided between step S605 and step S606.

[0100] In step S608, the remaining number of parts E stored in the used parts supply tape 152 (remaining number of used parts) is compared with the remaining number of each part E included in the list of similar parts (remaining number of installed parts). Parts whose remaining number of installed parts is less than or equal to the remaining number of used parts are removed from the list of similar parts.

[0101] In other words, specifically, the calculation unit 52 (replaceable parts search unit) searches for parts E (replaceable parts) stored in parts supply tapes 152 that contain a larger number of parts E than the parts supply tapes 152 that have finished using up, and creates a list of similar parts (step S608). Then, the parts E included in this list of similar parts are displayed in the UI 54. With this configuration, parts supply tapes 152 with fewer remaining parts E can be exchanged for parts supply tapes 152 with more remaining parts E and used preferentially, thereby using up the parts E stored in the parts supply tapes 152 and reducing the number of parts supply tapes 152 in use on the production floor.

[0102] In step S608, the component E may be narrowed down based on its expiration date. In this case, the calculation unit 52 (replaceable component search unit) searches for component E (replaceable component) stored in a component supply tape 152 that stores component E with a longer expiration date compared to a component supply tape 152 that has finished using up. With this configuration, a component supply tape 152 with a short expiration date for component E can be exchanged for a component supply tape 152 with a long expiration date for component E and used preferentially. This prevents the component E stored in a component supply tape 152 from being used up and discarded due to the expiration date of a component E stored in a component supply tape 152 that is still in use.

[0103] Furthermore, the component storage member is not limited to the component supply tape 152, but may also be a tray for storing component E.

[0104] Alternatively, instead of the server computer 5, a portable computer such as a tablet that has the functions of the server computer 5 may be used to configure the component mounting support device.

[0105] Furthermore, the primary operator of the work is not limited to human workers; it may also be a work robot. Information can be transmitted to the work robot by a communication unit 51 that communicates with the work robot, instead of by UI 54. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 15... Parts storage room 152... Parts supply tape (parts storage material) 4…Component mounting machine 421... Tape feeder (parts supply machine) 48…Implementation Head 5…Server computer (parts mounting support device) 52...Calculation Unit (First Acquisition Unit, First Identical Part Search Unit, Candidate Part Search Unit, Use Completion Identification Unit, Second Acquisition Unit, Second Identical Part Search Unit, Optimization Execution Unit, Prediction Unit, and Notification Control Unit) 532... Parts setup support program (Parts installation support program) 54…UI (News Department) B... Circuit board E...parts

Claims

1. Among multiple component mounting machines that perform component mounting, in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a circuit board by a mounting head, a first acquisition unit acquires a first target component type, which is the type of component to be mounted on the target mounting machine. A first same-type component search unit searches for components of the first target component type stored in the component storage member attached to the component supply machine of a component mounting machine other than the component mounting machine being worked on, among the multiple component mounting machines, as first same-type components, and creates a list of same-type components; A candidate component search unit searches for candidate components that are not planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, while deleting from the list of similar components that are planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, A notification unit that notifies the main worker of the candidate parts and A parts mounting support device equipped with the following features.

2. The parts mounting work support device according to claim 1, wherein the first identical parts search unit further searches for parts of the first target parts type that are stored in the parts storage member, which has been removed from the parts supply machine and stored in the parts storage unit, as first identical parts.

3. The component mounting work support device according to claim 1, which performs component mounting work support, comprising acquiring the first target component type by the first acquisition unit, searching for the first identical component by the first identical component search unit, searching for the candidate component by the candidate component search unit, and notifying the candidate component by the notification unit, at a predetermined timing.

4. The component mounting support device according to claim 3, which performs component mounting support before the component mounting is started by the component mounting machine.

5. The aforementioned parts storage member is marked with a parts identifier that identifies the type of parts stored in the parts storage member. The first acquisition unit acquires the component identifier attached to the selected storage member, which is the component storage member selected by the work entity, and acquires the type of component indicated by the component identifier as the first target component type. The component mounting work support device according to claim 4, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the component identifier and then performs the component mounting work support.

6. The parts supply machine is assigned a parts supply machine identifier to identify the parts supply machine, The first acquisition unit acquires the supply machine identifier attached to the parts supply machine to which the selected storage member, which is the parts storage member selected by the work entity, is attached, and acquires the type of part indicated by the supply machine identifier as the first target part type. The component mounting work support device according to claim 4, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the supply machine identifier and then performs the component mounting work support.

7. The component mounting work support device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the candidate component search unit searches for first identical components as candidate components, which are not intended to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine and whose remaining number to be stored in the component storage member is less than the number of components to be stored in the selection storage member.

8. The candidate part search unit, after the part storage member containing the parts of the first target part type has been mounted on the work target mounting machine, obtains the number of parts of the first target part type that will be used in the work target mounting machine, The candidate part search unit searches for the first identical parts stored in N parts storage members (where N is a positive integer of 2 or more) in order of the smallest number of remaining parts in the parts storage member, as candidate parts. The component mounting work support device according to claim 7, wherein, of the N component storage members, the total number of components stored in the component storage members from the 1st to the (N-1)th in order of the smallest number of remaining components in the component storage members is less than the number of components used, and the total number of components stored in the component storage members from the 1st to the Nth in order of the smallest number of remaining components in the component storage members is equal to or greater than the number of components used.

9. The component mounting support device according to claim 3, which performs the component mounting support when the component mounting machine runs out of parts of the first target component type after the machine has started mounting the components.

10. The component mounting support device according to claim 9, wherein the candidate component search unit, after the component storage member for storing components of the first target component type has been mounted on the work target mounting machine, obtains the number of components of the first target component type used, which is the number of components of the first target component type used on the work target mounting machine, and searches for components of the first same type that are not planned to be used for component mounting on other component mounting machines and whose remaining number stored in the component storage member is less than the number of components used, as candidate components.

11. The candidate part search unit searches for the first identical parts stored in N parts storage members (where N is a positive integer of 2 or more) in order of the smallest number of remaining parts in the parts storage member, as candidate parts. The component mounting work support device according to claim 10, wherein, of the N component storage members, the total number of components stored in the component storage members from the 1st to the (N-1)th in order of the smallest number of remaining components in the component storage members is less than the number of components used, and the total number of components stored in the component storage members from the 1st to the Nth in order of the smallest number of remaining components in the component storage members is equal to or greater than the number of components used.

12. The component mounting work support device according to claim 1, wherein the candidate component search unit searches for the first identical component which is not intended to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine and which has a shorter expiration date than a predetermined date, as the candidate component.

13. A plurality of component mounting machines that perform component mounting, in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a circuit board by a mounting head, comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first target component type which is the type of component to be mounted on the target mounting machine; A first identical part search unit searches for parts of the first target part type stored in the part storage member attached to the part supply machine of a part mounting machine other than the part mounting machine being worked on, among the plurality of part mounting machines, as first identical parts, A candidate component search unit searches for candidate components from the first identical component that are not intended to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, A notification unit that notifies the main worker of the candidate parts and A component storage member that is mounted on a production switching mounting machine among the plurality of component mounting machines, before it has completed the component mounting on one type of substrate and has started the component mounting on another type of substrate, and which is not intended to be used by the production switching mounting machine, is identified as a used storage member by a used storage member. A second acquisition unit acquires the type of part stored in the used storage member as a second target part type, A second identical part search unit searches for parts of the second target part type stored in the part storage member attached to the part supply machine of a part mounting machine other than the production switching mounting machine among the multiple part mounting machines, as second identical parts. Equipped with, The notification unit is a component mounting work support device that notifies information corresponding to the result of the second identical component search unit's search for the second identical component.

14. The component mounting work support device according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit notifies the work subject of the second identical component.

15. The component mounting work support device according to claim 14, wherein the notification unit further notifies the worker of the remaining number of components or the expiration date of the components in the component storage member that stores the second identical components.

16. The parts mounting work support device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the notification unit further notifies the work subject of the remaining number of parts or the expiration date of the parts in the used storage member.

17. The system further includes a replaceable part search unit that searches for a replaceable part among the second identical parts that meets predetermined conditions, The component mounting work support device according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit notifies the work subject of the replaceable component.

18. The component mounting work support device according to claim 17, wherein the replaceable component search unit searches for components stored in the component storage member that stores a larger number of components than the used component storage member, as replaceable components.

19. The component mounting work support device according to claim 17, wherein the replaceable component search unit searches for a component stored in the component storage member that stores components with a longer shelf life compared to the used storage member, as the replaceable component.

20. An optimization execution unit performs an optimization process to determine which components should be mounted on the component mounting machine based on a production plan for mounting components on the aforementioned substrate to produce a component-mounted substrate. A prediction unit predicts the first target part type, the first identical part, and the candidate part based on the results of the optimization process, A notification control unit that causes the notification unit to notify the notification unit of the candidate parts predicted by the prediction unit at a predetermined timing. The component mounting work support device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

21. The component mounting work support device according to claim 20, wherein if the mounting status of the component storage member that stores the first target component type on the component supply machine of the other component mounting machine changes at the timing when the prediction unit predicts the candidate component and at the predetermined timing, the notification control unit updates the candidate component according to the change in mounting status and then notifies the notification unit of the candidate component.

22. The process involves obtaining a first target component type, which is the type of component to be mounted on the target mounting machine, among multiple component mounting machines that perform component mounting, in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a circuit board by a mounting head. A step of creating a list of identical parts by searching for parts of the first target part type stored in the part storage member attached to the part supply machine of a part mounting machine other than the part mounting machine being worked on, among the plurality of part mounting machines, as first identical parts, A candidate component search unit searches for candidate components that are not planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, while deleting from the list of similar components that are planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, A process of notifying the main worker of the candidate parts and A method for assisting in the installation of parts, equipped with the necessary components.

23. The process involves obtaining a first target component type, which is the type of component to be mounted on the target mounting machine, among multiple component mounting machines that perform component mounting, in which components stored in a component storage member are supplied by a component supply machine and mounted on a circuit board by a mounting head. A step of creating a list of identical parts by searching for parts of the first target part type stored in the part storage member attached to the part supply machine of a part mounting machine other than the part mounting machine being worked on, among the plurality of part mounting machines, as first identical parts, A candidate component search unit searches for candidate components that are not planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, while deleting from the list of similar components that are planned to be used for component mounting in the other component mounting machine, A process of notifying the main worker of the candidate parts and A program that assists with component installation work by having a computer perform the necessary steps.

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