Component mounting system and component mounting method

Abstract

A component mounting system (100) includes a component mounting device (13), a transfer robot (40) that collects and transfers component supply units (60) from the component mounting device, a return device (30) to which the component supply units are returned, and a control device (50) that controls the transfer robot so that component supply units requiring maintenance and component supply units not requiring maintenance among component supply units to be collected can be simultaneously collected and returned to the return device in such a manner that the component supply units requiring maintenance and the component supply units not requiring maintenance are distinguishable from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a component mounting system and a component mounting method, and particularly to a component mounting system and a component mounting method for transporting a component supply unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a component mounting system for transporting a component supply unit is known. Such a component mounting system is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2019 / 159319.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 159319 discloses a substrate working system (component mounting system) including an automated guided vehicle that transports a feeder (component supply unit) and a mounting device on which the feeder is disposed. In this substrate working system, it is determined whether the feeder used in the mounting device is at the maintenance time, and when it is determined that the feeder is at the maintenance time, the feeder determined to be at the maintenance time is collected from the mounting device by the automated guided vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the substrate working system of International Publication No. 2019 / 159319, when it is determined that the feeder is at the maintenance time, the feeder determined to be at the maintenance time is individually collected from the mounting device by the automated guided vehicle (transport robot). Therefore, while it is possible to prevent the occurrence of errors caused by the use of the component supply unit that requires maintenance, there is a problem that the number of times of collecting the feeder by the automated guided vehicle (transport robot) increases.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a component mounting system and component mounting method that can prevent errors caused by the use of a component supply unit that requires maintenance, while suppressing an increase in the number of times the component supply unit is retrieved by the transport robot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the component mounting system according to the first aspect of this invention comprises: a component mounting device that mounts components on a substrate using a component supply unit; a transport robot that retrieves and transports the component supply unit from the component mounting device; a return device to which the component supply unit retrieved by the transport robot is returned; and a control device that controls the transport robot so that it can simultaneously retrieve and return to the return device a component supply unit that requires maintenance and a component supply unit that does not require maintenance, after determining which of the component supply units to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not; wherein the control device is configured to sequentially acquire at least one of first information regarding the component supply unit obtained from the component mounting device and second information regarding the component supply unit obtained from the transport robot, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved based on at least one of the acquired first information and second information; and the transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing the component supply unit. Based on return location information that specifies the location to return parts supply units that require maintenance to the return device, in order to physically separate the parts supply units that do not require maintenance, The parts supply unit that requires maintenance and the parts supply unit that does not require maintenance To separate them physically The system is configured to control the insertion / removal unit so that it sorts the items and returns them to the return device. Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the component mounting system according to the second aspect of this invention comprises: a component mounting device that mounts components on a substrate using a component supply unit; a transport robot that retrieves and transports the component supply unit from the component mounting device; a return device to which the component supply unit retrieved by the transport robot is returned; and a control device that controls the transport robot so that it can simultaneously retrieve and return to the return device a component supply unit that requires maintenance and a component supply unit that does not require maintenance, after determining which of the component supply units to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not; and the control device acquires first information relating to the component supply unit from the component mounting device and information relating to the component supply unit from the transport robot. The device is configured to sequentially acquire at least one of the first and second pieces of information and to determine whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit to be recalled based on at least one of the acquired first and second pieces of information. The control device is configured to sequentially acquire both the first and second pieces of information and to determine whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit to be recalled based on both the acquired first and second pieces of information. Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the component mounting system according to the third aspect of this invention comprises: a component mounting device that mounts components on a substrate using a component supply unit; a transport robot that retrieves and transports the component supply unit from the component mounting device; a return device to which the component supply unit retrieved by the transport robot is returned; and a control device that controls the transport robot so that it can simultaneously retrieve and return to the return device a component supply unit that requires maintenance and a component supply unit that does not require maintenance, after determining which of the component supply units to be retrieved are required to be maintained and which are not; and the control device includes first information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the component mounting device and information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the transport robot. The system is configured to sequentially acquire at least one of the first and second pieces of information, and to determine whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit to be recovered based on at least one of the acquired first and second pieces of information. The first piece of information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the success or failure of parts suction in the parts supply unit, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the parts supply unit has been driven. The second piece of information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the number of times the parts supply unit has been inserted into and removed from the parts mounting device, and information regarding the number of insertion / removal errors in the parts supply unit's parts mounting device.

[0008] The first part of this invention ~3 In a component mounting system based on this phase, a control device is provided to control the transport robot so that it can simultaneously retrieve and return to the return device parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not, after distinguishing between parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not require maintenance. As a result, unlike when only parts supply units that require maintenance are retrieved independently, the number of times the transport robot retrieves parts supply units can be suppressed. Since the parts are collected and retrieved, it is possible to prevent errors caused by the use of parts supply units that require maintenance. As a result, it is possible to provide a parts mounting system that can prevent errors caused by the use of parts supply units that require maintenance, while suppressing an increase in the number of times the parts supply unit is collected by the transport robot. Furthermore, in the component mounting system according to the second phase described above, the control device is configured to sequentially acquire both the first and second pieces of information, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved based on both the acquired first and second pieces of information. This makes it easy to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved based on both the first and second pieces of information. As a result, component supply units that require maintenance can be easily retrieved. Furthermore, in the component mounting system according to the third aspect described above, the first information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the component supply unit is driven; and the second information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the number of times the component supply unit is inserted into and removed from the component mounting device, and information regarding the number of insertion / removal errors in the component mounting device of the component supply unit. Thus, the first information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the component supply unit is driven; and the second information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the number of times the component supply unit is inserted into and removed from the component mounting device, and information regarding the number of insertion / removal errors in the component mounting device of the component supply unit. Based on at least one of the two pieces of information, it becomes easier to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the parts supply unit to be recalled.

[0011] In the component mounting system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the transport robot includes a robot-side communication unit that communicates with a control device and a robot-side control unit. The control device is configured to acquire a retrieval list, including component supply units that require maintenance and component supply units that do not require maintenance, based on at least one of the first information and the second information, before the transport robot starts transporting the component supply unit, and to output the acquired retrieval list to the robot-side communication unit. The robot-side control unit is configured to perform control to retrieve the component supply unit and return it to the return device based on the retrieval list acquired from the control device via the robot-side communication unit. With this configuration, since the retrieval list is acquired before the transport robot starts transporting the component supply unit, component supply units that require maintenance and component supply units that do not require maintenance can be easily retrieved simultaneously based on the retrieval list. As a result, it is easy to suppress an increase in the number of times the transport robot retrieves the component supply unit.

[0012] The above 2 and 3 In a component mounting system based on this configuration, preferably, the transport robot is configured to return the component supply units to the return device in a separated state, separating those that require maintenance from those that do not. With this configuration, the component supply units are returned to the return device in a separated state, eliminating the need for the operator to separate them. As a result, the operator's sorting effort can be reduced. Furthermore, the operator can easily determine whether the component supply units returned to the return device require maintenance or not. As a result, the operator can easily perform maintenance on the component supply units that require maintenance.

[0013] the above A configuration that separates the parts supply unit that requires maintenance from the parts supply unit that does not require maintenance.Preferably, the return device includes a first return device to which parts supply units requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return device to which parts supply units not requiring maintenance are returned, and which is provided independently of the first return device. The transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing parts supply units, and the transport robot is configured to separate parts supply units requiring maintenance from parts supply units not requiring maintenance by controlling the insertion / removal unit to return parts supply units requiring maintenance to the first return device and parts supply units not requiring maintenance to the second return device. Therefore, since parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not require maintenance are returned to different first and second return devices, the operator can easily determine whether a parts supply unit requires maintenance or not by looking at whether it has been returned to the first or second return device. Furthermore, since parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not require maintenance are returned to different first and second return devices, compared to the case where parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not require maintenance are returned to a single return device, the operator can easily determine whether a parts supply unit requires maintenance or not. This allows for ample space to be allocated to the parts supply unit, which does not require maintenance.

[0014] the above A configuration that separates the parts supply unit that requires maintenance from the parts supply unit that does not require maintenance. Preferably, the return device includes a first return position to which parts supply units requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return position different from the first return position to which parts supply units not requiring maintenance are returned, and the transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing parts supply units, and the transport robot is configured to separate parts supply units requiring maintenance from parts supply units not requiring maintenance by controlling the insertion / removal unit to return parts supply units requiring maintenance to the first return position of the return device and parts supply units not requiring maintenance to the second return position of the return device. With this configuration, parts supply units requiring maintenance and parts supply units not requiring maintenance are returned to different first and second return positions on the return device. As a result, workers can easily determine whether a parts supply unit requires maintenance or not by simply checking whether it has been returned to the first or second return position. Furthermore, since parts supply units requiring maintenance and parts supply units not requiring maintenance are returned to different first and second return positions on the return device, the number of return devices can be reduced compared to a case where parts supply units requiring maintenance and parts supply units not requiring maintenance are returned to different return devices.

[0015] The above 1 ~3 In a component mounting system, preferably, the control device is configured to control the return device so as to notify the operator that a component supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device when the return device is returned to the return device. With this configuration, the operator can easily notice that a component supply unit is present in the return device and that the component supply unit present in the return device is a component supply unit requiring maintenance. As a result, the operator can reliably identify the component supply unit requiring maintenance and perform maintenance on the component supply unit quickly and without hesitation.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the return device includes a return device-side communication unit that communicates with a control device, and a return device-side control unit that performs control to notify the return device that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device, based on instructions received from the control device via the return device-side communication unit. With this configuration, the return device-side control unit can easily notify the return device that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device.

[0017] In a configuration in which the above-described return device includes a control unit on the return device side, preferably, at least one of the return device and the parts supply unit has a light-up unit, and the control unit on the return device side is configured to control the light-up unit to notify that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device. With this configuration, the worker can easily and visually notice the presence of a parts supply unit requiring maintenance by the illumination of the light-up unit. As a result, the worker can perform maintenance on the parts supply unit requiring maintenance quickly and reliably.

[0018] To achieve the above objective, a component mounting method according to the fourth aspect of this invention is a component mounting method for a component mounting system comprising: a component mounting device that mounts components on a substrate using a component supply unit; a transport robot that retrieves and transports the component supply unit from the component mounting device; and a return device to which the component supply unit retrieved by the transport robot is returned, comprising the steps of: determining whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved; and, having determined which of the component supply units to be retrieved are required to be maintained and which are not, simultaneously retrieving the component supply unit requiring maintenance and the component supply unit not requiring maintenance using the transport robot and returning them to the return device, the component mounting method for a component mounting system comprising: a step of determining whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved; and a step of, having determined which of the component supply units to be retrieved are required to be maintained and which are not, simultaneously retrieving the component supply unit requiring maintenance and the component supply unit not requiring maintenance using the transport robot and returning them to the return device, the component mounting method for a component mounting system comprising: a step of determining whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved The step of determining whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit includes sequentially acquiring at least one of first information regarding the parts supply unit obtained from the parts mounting device and second information regarding the parts supply unit obtained from the transport robot, and determining whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit to be retrieved based on at least one of the acquired first information and second information, wherein the transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing the parts supply unit, and the step of simultaneously retrieving parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not require maintenance and returning them to the return device by the transport robot, Physically separate the parts supply unit that requires maintenance from the parts supply unit that does not require maintenance. Based on the return location information, which specifies a location for sorting and returning items to the return device, The parts supply unit that requires maintenance and the parts supply unit that does not require maintenance To separate them physicallyIt includes a step of controlling the insertion / removal unit to return it to the return device separately.

[0019] In the component mounting method according to the 4 aspect of this invention, among the component supply parts to be recovered, in a state where the component supply parts that require maintenance and the component supply parts that do not require maintenance are discriminated, the component supply parts that require maintenance and the component supply parts that do not require maintenance are simultaneously recovered by the transfer robot and returned to the return device. A step is provided. Thereby, the component supply parts that require maintenance and the component supply parts that do not require maintenance can be recovered simultaneously. As a result, unlike the case of independently recovering only the component supply parts that require maintenance, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times of recovering the component supply parts by the transfer robot. Also, since the component supply parts that require maintenance are discriminated and recovered, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of errors caused by the use of the component supply parts that require maintenance. As a result, it is possible to provide a component mounting method capable of preventing the occurrence of errors caused by the use of the component supply parts that require maintenance while suppressing an increase in the number of times of recovering the component supply parts by the transfer robot.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a component mounting system and a component mounting method capable of suppressing an increase in the number of times of recovering the component supply parts by the transfer robot and preventing the occurrence of errors caused by the use of the component supply parts that require maintenance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a transfer robot, a management device, a component mounting device, and a return device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a schematic perspective view showing a transport robot, a parts supply unit, and a return device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the communication between a management device, a component mounting device, and a transport robot according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates maintenance determination by a management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a recovery instruction issued by a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates a first example of sorting and returning parts from a parts supply unit using a transport robot according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates a second example of sorting and returning parts from a parts supply unit using a transport robot according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram illustrating recovery control according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the drawings.

[0023] (Configuration of the component mounting system) Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the configuration of a component mounting system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] The component mounting system 100 according to this embodiment is configured to mount components onto a substrate S and manufacture a substrate S with components mounted on it. The substrate S is a printed circuit board on which conductive wiring is formed. The components are electronic components such as LSIs, ICs, transistors, capacitors, and resistors.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the component mounting system 100 comprises a mounting line 10, a storage device 20, a return device 30, a transport robot 40, and a control device 50. The mounting line 10 is located in the mounting area AR1 where the substrate S is manufactured. The storage device 20 and the return device 30 are located in the work area AR2 where workers perform their tasks. The control device 50 is an example of a "control device" within the scope of the claims.

[0026] Multiple mounting lines 10 are provided in the mounting area AR1. Each mounting line 10 includes a printing press 11, a print inspection machine 12, a component mounting device 13, a visual inspection device 14, and a reflow device 15. The mounting line 10 is configured to transport substrates S from upstream to downstream along the manufacturing line.

[0027] The printing press 11 is a screen printing press and has the function of applying solder paste onto the mounting surface of the circuit board S.

[0028] The printing inspection machine 12 has the function of inspecting the condition of the solder paste printed by the printing machine 11.

[0029] The component mounting device 13 has the function of mounting components at predetermined mounting positions on a substrate S on which solder paste has been printed. Multiple component mounting devices 13 are provided along the transport direction of the substrate S. Each of the multiple component mounting devices 13 has a similar configuration.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the component mounting device 13 includes a control unit 13a, a communication unit 13b, and a mounting head 13c. The control unit 13a is a control circuit that controls the operation of the component mounting device 13. The control unit 13a includes a processor for executing a predetermined mounting program and a memory for storing the predetermined mounting program. The communication unit 13b is configured to communicate with the management device 50. The communication unit 13b is configured to be able to input and output information to and from the management device 50. The communication unit 13b is configured to communicate with the management device 50, for example, by wireless communication. The mounting head 13c is configured to attract and hold components supplied from the component supply unit 60 (described later) under the control of the control unit 13a, and to mount the held components onto the substrate S. The component mounting device 13 also further includes a feeder bank 13d (see Figure 4) capable of arranging a plurality of component supply units 60 horizontally. The component mounting device 13 is configured to mount components onto the substrate S using the component supply unit 60.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the component supply unit 60 is a tape feeder that supplies components using a component supply tape T that holds the components. Specifically, the component supply unit 60 is a cassette feeder that has a reel R that holds the component supply tape T and a drive mechanism 60a including a sprocket and gears for feeding the component supply tape T inside its main body. In addition, a rail section 60b is provided at the bottom of the component supply unit 60 to guide the sliding movement of the component supply unit 60 when inserting the component supply unit 60 into and removing it from the component mounting device 13. Furthermore, a lighting section 60c including a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided on the back of the component supply unit 60 to indicate the status of the component supply unit 60.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the visual inspection device 14 has the function of inspecting the appearance of the substrate S on which components have been mounted by the component mounting device 13.

[0033] The reflow apparatus 15 has the function of melting solder by heat treatment and joining components to the electrode portion of the substrate S.

[0034] The storage device 20 is configured to store the parts supply units 60 that are scheduled to be used to replenish (install) the parts mounting device 13. Multiple storage devices 20 are provided in the work area AR2. The storage device 20 is, for example, a shelf having a storage section that can arrange multiple parts supply units 60 horizontally. The parts supply units 60 to be replenished to the parts mounting device 13 are prepared and placed in the storage device 20 by the worker. Then, the parts supply units 60 placed in the storage device 20 are loaded onto the transport robot 40 and transported to the parts mounting device 13.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the return device 30 is configured to return used parts supply units 60 recovered from the parts mounting device 13. Multiple return devices 30 are provided in the work area AR2. The return device 30 is a shelf having a storage section 30a that can arrange multiple parts supply units 60 horizontally. The storage section 30a is provided with openings 30aa for inserting and removing multiple parts supply units 60. The parts supply units 60 are inserted and removed through the openings 30aa. The parts supply units 60 recovered from the parts mounting device 13 are placed in the return device 30 by the transport robot 40. The parts supply units 60 placed in the return device 30 are then recovered by the worker. The recovered parts supply units 60 can be reused. For example, an empty reel R with no parts left can be removed from the recovered parts supply unit 60, a new reel R holding a new parts supply tape T can be attached, and the reel can be placed in the storage device 20.

[0036] The return device 30 further comprises a control unit 30b, a communication unit 30c, and a lighting unit 30d. The control unit 30b is a control circuit that controls the operation of the return device 30. The control unit 30b has a processor for executing a predetermined return program and a memory for storing the predetermined return program. The control unit 30b is also configured to be able to detect the parts supply unit 60 located in the storage unit 30a and to communicate with the detected parts supply unit 60. The communication unit 30c is configured to communicate with the management device 50. The communication unit 30c is configured to be able to input and output information to and from the management device 50. The communication unit 30c is configured to communicate with the management device 50, for example, by wireless communication. The lighting unit 30d is configured to light up and emit light under the control of the control unit 30b. The lighting unit 30d is an indicator light including a light source such as an LED. Note that the control unit 30b is an example of the "return device side control unit" in the claims. Furthermore, communication unit 30c is an example of a "return device side communication unit" within the scope of the claim.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the transport robot 40 is an autonomous robot. The transport robot 40 is configured to transport the parts supply unit 60 between the parts mounting device 13 and the storage device 20 and the return device 30. The transport robot 40 is configured to transport the parts supply unit 60 intended for use, acquired from the storage device 20, to the parts mounting device 13. The transport robot 40 is configured to transport the used parts supply unit 60 recovered from the parts mounting device 13 to the return device 30. Note that although only one transport robot 40 is shown in Figure 1 for convenience, multiple transport robots 40 are provided.

[0038] The transport robot 40 has a traveling section 40a and a housing section 40b provided on the traveling section 40a. The traveling section 40a has a plurality of wheels 40aa as drive wheels that are rotated by a motor and is configured to travel autonomously. The traveling section 40a is, for example, an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle). The housing section 40b is configured to accommodate a plurality of parts supply units 60 arranged horizontally. The housing section 40b is provided with an opening 40ba for inserting and removing the plurality of parts supply units 60. The parts supply units 60 are inserted and removed through the opening 40ba.

[0039] The transport robot 40 further comprises a control unit 40c, a communication unit 40d, and an insertion / removal unit 40e. The control unit 40c is a control circuit that controls the operation of the transport robot 40. The control unit 40c has a processor for executing a predetermined transport program and a memory for storing the predetermined transport program. The communication unit 40d is configured to communicate with the management device 50. The communication unit 40d is configured to be able to input and output information to and from the management device 50. The communication unit 40d is configured to communicate with the management device 50, for example, by wireless communication. Note that the control unit 40c is an example of the "robot-side control unit" in the claims. Similarly, the communication unit 40d is an example of the "robot-side communication unit" in the claims.

[0040] The insertion / removal unit 40e is configured to pull the component supply unit 60 into the housing section 40b and push the component supply unit 60 out of the housing section 40b under the control of the control unit 40c. The insertion / removal unit 40e retrieves the component supply unit 60 from the component mounting device 13 to the transport robot 40 by removing the component supply unit 60 from the component mounting device 13 and pulling it into the housing section 40b. The insertion / removal unit 40e also replenishes the component supply unit 60 from the transport robot 40 to the component mounting device 13 by pushing the component supply unit 60 out of the housing section 40b and inserting it into the component mounting device 13. Furthermore, the insertion / removal unit 40e returns the component supply unit 60 from the transport robot 40 to the return device 30 by pushing the component supply unit 60 out of the housing section 40b and inserting it into the housing section 30a of the return device 30. The insertion / removal unit 40e has a feeding mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism that can insert and remove (push and pull) the component supply unit 60.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the management device 50 is one or more computers that manage the component mounting system 100. The management device 50 is configured to manage production plan information for the substrate S. The management device 50 is also configured to manage the programs used for manufacturing the substrate S in each device of the mounting line 10. The management device 50 is also configured to manage information on materials used in each device of the mounting line 10 (such as information on the remaining number of components in the component mounting device 13). The management device 50 is also configured to manage the replenishment and retrieval of components in the component supply unit 60 based on the production plan information and the remaining number of components information.

[0042] The management device 50 includes a control unit 50a, a communication unit 50b, and a storage unit 50c. The control unit 50a is a control circuit that controls the operation of the management device 50. The control unit 50a includes a processor for executing a predetermined management program and a memory for storing the predetermined management program. The communication unit 50b is configured to communicate with the mounting line 10, including the component mounting device 13, the return device 30, and the transport robot 40. The communication unit 50b is configured to be able to input and output information to and from the mounting line 10, the return device 30, and the transport robot 40. The communication unit 50b is configured to communicate with the mounting line 10, the return device 30, and the transport robot 40, for example, by wireless communication.

[0043] The storage unit 50c is a storage medium capable of storing information such as that of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 50c stores information related to the mounting line 10, information related to the return device 30, information related to the transport robot 40, and information related to the component supply unit 60. The storage unit 50c also stores first information A1 obtained from the component mounting device 13 and second information A2 obtained from the transport robot 40. The first information A1 and second information A2 are used to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit 60. Details of the first information A1 and second information A2 will be described later.

[0044] (Configuration related to the recovery of parts supply units) Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 8, the configuration for retrieving the component supply unit 60 by the component mounting system 100 will be described.

[0045] The control device 50 is configured to identify which parts supply units 60 to be retrieved from among the parts supply units 60 used in the parts mounting device 13, based on information related to the retrieval of parts supply units 60, such as production plan information and remaining parts quantity information, and to control the transport robot 40 to retrieve the parts supply units 60 to be retrieved. For example, as production progresses, parts are taken out of the parts supply units 60 and the number of remaining parts decreases until a parts shortage occurs, at which point the parts supply unit 60 is identified as one to be retrieved.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 is configured to distinguish between parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance from among the parts supply units 60 to be collected due to parts shortages, etc., and to control the transport robot 40 so that, once it has distinguished between parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance from among the parts supply units 60 to be collected, it is possible to simultaneously collect the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance and return them to the return device 30.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 is configured to sequentially acquire first information A1 regarding the parts supply unit 60 obtained from the parts mounting device 13 and second information A2 regarding the parts supply unit 60 obtained from the transport robot 40, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved based on the acquired first information A1 and second information A2.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first information A1 includes information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit 60, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism 60a of the component supply unit 60 is driven. Specifically, the information regarding the success or failure of suction is the success rate (suction rate) of component suction from the component supply unit 60 by the mounting head 13c. Since the suction rate may decrease due to deterioration of the component supply unit 60, the suction rate can be used as an indicator of whether maintenance of the component supply unit 60 is necessary. In addition, the information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism 60a is driven is the number of times the drive mechanism 60a feeds the component supply tape T by pitch. Since the wear (deterioration) of the gears of the drive mechanism 60a can be determined by the number of pitch feeds, the number of pitch feeds can be used as an indicator of whether maintenance of the component supply unit 60 is necessary. Furthermore, if the gears of the drive mechanism 60a wear out, the feeding accuracy of the component supply tape T by the drive mechanism 60a decreases, which may cause component suction errors.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second information A2 includes information regarding the number of times the component supply unit 60 is inserted into and removed from the component mounting device 13, and information regarding the number of insertion / removal errors by the component supply unit 60 to the component mounting device 13. The information regarding the number of insertions and removals is either the total number of insertions and removals by the component supply unit 60 to the component mounting device 13, or the number of times the component supply unit 60 is inserted into the component mounting device 13 and the number of times the component supply unit 60 is removed from the component mounting device 13. Since the wear (deterioration) state of the rail portion 60b of the component supply unit 60 can be determined by the number of insertions and removals, the number of insertions and removals can be used as an indicator of whether or not maintenance of the component supply unit 60 is necessary. In addition, if the rail portion 60b is worn, the resistance during insertion and removal increases, which may cause insertion / removal errors. Furthermore, information regarding insertion and removal errors is either the number of errors in inserting and removing the component supply unit 60 into the component mounting device 13 (total number of insertion and removal errors), or the number of errors in inserting the component supply unit 60 into the component mounting device 13 and the number of errors in removing the component supply unit 60 from the component mounting device 13. Since the wear (deterioration) state of the rail portion 60b of the component supply unit 60 can be determined by the number of insertion and removal errors, the number of insertions and removals can be used as an indicator of whether or not maintenance of the component supply unit 60 is necessary.

[0050] The control unit 13a of the component mounting device 13 is configured to sequentially output first information A1 to the communication unit 50b of the management device 50 via the communication unit 13b while performing the component mounting operation on the substrate S by the mounting head 13c. In addition, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 is configured to sequentially output second information A2 to the communication unit 50b of the management device 50 via the communication unit 40d while performing the replenishment or retrieval operation of the component supply unit 60.

[0051] The control unit 50a of the management device 50 is configured to store in the storage unit 50c first information A1 obtained from the component mounting device 13 and second information A2 obtained from the transport robot 40, in association with the identification information of the component supply unit 60. This makes it possible to determine whether maintenance is required for each component supply unit 60. The control unit 50a of the management device 50 is configured to determine which component supply units 60 to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not, based on a comparison of the first information A1 and the second information A2 with a predetermined threshold. For example, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 determines that maintenance is required if the adsorption rate is less than a predetermined adsorption rate threshold. Also, for example, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 determines that maintenance is required if the number of drives exceeds a predetermined drive count threshold. Also, for example, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 determines that maintenance is required if the number of insertions and removals exceeds a predetermined insertion count threshold. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 determines that maintenance is required if the number of insertion / removal errors exceeds a predetermined threshold for the number of insertion / removal errors.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 50a of the management device 50 is configured to acquire a recovery list A3, which includes parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance, based on the first information A1 and the second information A2, before the transport robot 40 starts transporting the parts supply unit 60 (before the recovery operation starts), and to output the acquired recovery list A3 to the communication unit 40d of the transport robot 40.

[0053] The recall list A3 is a list of parts supply units 60 to be recalled. The recall list A3 includes recall location information representing the placement location of the parts supply unit 60 in the parts mounting device 13, return location information representing the placement location of the parts supply unit 60 in the return device 30, and information on whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit 60 to be recalled, all associated with the identification information of the parts supply unit 60 to be recalled.

[0054] The recovery location information includes, for example, information about the location of the component mounting device 13 and information about the location of the component supply unit 60 within the component mounting device 13. For example, if the component supply unit 60 to be recovered is being used at position 17 within the component mounting device 13 at position 1, the recovery location information is represented as "1-17".

[0055] The return location information includes, for example, information about the location of the return device 30 and information about the location of the parts supply unit 60 within the return device 30. For example, if the parts supply unit 60 to be recovered is returned to location 1 within the return device 30 at location 2, the return location information is represented as "2-1".

[0056] The control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 is configured to control the retrieval of the parts supply unit 60 and return it to the return device 30 based on the retrieval list A3 obtained from the management device 50 via the communication unit 40d. The control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 controls the travel unit 40a to move to the location of the parts mounting device 13 that uses the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved, based on the retrieval location information of the retrieval list A3. After moving to the location of the parts mounting device 13 that uses the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 controls the insertion / removal unit 40e to retrieve the parts supply unit 60 that is being used in the parts mounting device 13, based on the retrieval location information of the retrieval list A3.

[0057] Then, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 controls the travel unit 40a to move to the location of the return device 30 to which the retrieved parts supply unit 60 will be returned, based on the return location information of the retrieval list A3. After moving to the location of the return device 30 to which the retrieved parts supply unit 60 will be returned, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 controls the insertion / removal unit 40e to return the retrieved parts supply unit 60 to the return device 30, based on the return location information of the retrieval list A3.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the transport robot 40 is configured to return the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the return device 30 in a separated state from those that do not require maintenance. Specifically, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 is configured to control the insertion / removal unit 40e to return the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the return device 30 in a separated state from those that do not require maintenance, based on the collection list A3 obtained from the management device 50 via the communication unit 40d. The return position information in the collection list A3 specifies a position where the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and those that do not require maintenance are returned to the return device 30 in a separated state.

[0059] Figure 7 shows a first example of the separate return of parts supply units 60. In the example shown in Figure 7, the return device 30 includes a first return position B1 to which parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return position B2 to which parts supply units 60 not requiring maintenance are returned, and which is different from the first return position B1. The first return position B1 and the second return position B2 are provided as one side region and the other side region opposite to the one side region of the housing section 30a of a single return device 30, respectively. Specifically, the first return position B1 is provided as one side region of the housing section 30a with respect to a virtual center line C. The second return position B2 is provided as the other side region of the housing section 30a with respect to a virtual center line C.

[0060] The transport robot 40 is configured to separate the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance from those that do not, by returning the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the first return position B1 of the return device 30 and returning the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance to the second return position B2 of the return device 30. In other words, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 is configured to control the insertion / removal unit 40e so as to return the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the first return position B1 and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance to the second return position B2.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a second example of the separate return of parts supply units 60. In the example shown in Figure 8, the return device 30 includes a first return device 31 to which parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return device 32 which is provided independently of the first return device 31 and to which parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned. Parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance are returned to the storage section 30a of the first return device 31, and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to the storage section 30a of the second return device 32.

[0062] The transport robot 40 is configured to separate parts supply units 60 that require maintenance from those that do not, by returning parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the first return device 31 and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance to the second return device 32. In other words, the control unit 40c of the transport robot 40 is configured to control the insertion / extraction unit 40e so that parts supply units 60 that require maintenance are returned to the first return device 31 and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to the second return device 32.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the management device 50 is configured to control the return device 30 so as to notify the return device 30 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30 when the parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is returned to the return device 30. The control unit 30b of the return device 30 is configured to perform control to notify the return device 30 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30 based on instructions received from the management device 50 via the communication unit 30c.

[0064] Specifically, the control unit 30b of the return device 30 is configured to control at least one of the indicator lights 30d of the return device 30 and the indicator lights 60c of the parts supply unit 60 that has been returned to the return device 30, so as to notify that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30. In other words, the control unit 30b of the return device 30 is configured to control the system to illuminate at least one of the indicator lights 30d of the return device 30 and the indicator lights 60c of the parts supply unit 60 when a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30. At least one of the indicator lights 30d and 60c functions as a notification unit to inform workers working in the work area AR2 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30.

[0065] (Control processing related to the retrieval of parts from the parts supply unit) Next, with reference to Figure 9, the control process for retrieving the component supply unit 60 by the component mounting system 100 of this embodiment will be explained based on a sequence diagram. The case where the component supply unit 60 to be retrieved includes both component supply units 60 requiring maintenance and component supply units 60 not requiring maintenance will be described.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, in step S1, the component mounting device 13 outputs the first information A1 to the management device 50. The output of the first information A1 from the component mounting device 13 to the management device 50 is performed sequentially. The first information A1 in the storage unit 50c of the management device 50 is updated and stored sequentially.

[0067] In step S2, the management device 50 determines which parts supply unit 60 is to be recovered and acquires information about the parts supply unit 60 to be recovered. Specifically, in step S2, the management device 50 acquires identification information of the parts supply unit 60 to be recovered and recovery location information representing the placement location of the parts supply unit 60 in the parts mounting device 13.

[0068] Then, in step S3, the management device 50 determines whether or not maintenance is required for the parts supply unit 60 to be recovered. Specifically, in step S3, the management device 50 determines whether or not maintenance is required for the parts supply unit 60 to be recovered based on the first information A1 and the second information A2. At this time, the management device 50 acquires return position information that represents the placement position of the parts supply unit 60 to be recovered in the return device 30, according to whether or not maintenance is required.

[0069] Then, in step S4, the control device 50 outputs a retrieval instruction to the transport robot 40, instructing it to retrieve the parts supply unit 60. Specifically, in step S4, the control device 50 outputs a retrieval instruction to the transport robot 40, which includes a retrieval list A3 that includes retrieval location information, return location information, and maintenance requirements, all associated with the identification information of the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved.

[0070] Then, in step S5, the transport robot 40 starts the operation to retrieve the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved.

[0071] Then, in step S6, based on the retrieval position information output in step S4, the transport robot 40 moves to the location of the component mounting device 13 that is using the component supply unit 60 to be retrieved. Also in step S6, the transport robot 40 retrieves the component supply unit 60 used in the component mounting device 13, based on the retrieval position information output in step S4.

[0072] Then, in step S7, the transport robot 40 outputs the second information A2 to the management device 50. As a result, the second information A2 in the storage unit 50c of the management device 50 is sequentially updated and stored. In addition, during the retrieval operation, there are cases where the component supply unit 60 to the component mounting device 13 is replenished (for example, when replacing the component supply unit 60). In this case, the second information A2, which includes information on both the insertion and removal of the component supply unit 60, is output.

[0073] Then, in step S8, based on the return position information output in step S4, the transport robot 40 moves to the location of the return device 30 to which the collected parts supply unit 60 is returned. Also in step S8, the transport robot 40 returns the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the return device 30 in a separated state, based on the return position information output in step S4, with the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance separated. For example, as shown in the example in Figure 7, the transport robot 40 returns the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the first return position B1, and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance to the second return position B2. Alternatively, as shown in the example in Figure 8, the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance are returned to the first return device 31, and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to the second return device 32.

[0074] Then, in step S9, the transport robot 40 outputs a return completion notification to the control device 50, indicating that the retrieval operation of the parts supply unit 60 has been completed.

[0075] Then, in step S10, the management device 50 outputs a notification instruction to the return device 30, instructing it to perform a notification operation regarding the presence of a parts supply unit 60 that requires maintenance.

[0076] Then, in step S11, the return device 30 illuminates at least one of the indicator lights 30d of the return device 30 and the indicator lights 60c of the parts supply unit 60 to indicate that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30. Then, the control processing for retrieving the parts supply unit 60 is completed. As a result, in a single retrieval operation, both the parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance and the parts supply unit 60 not requiring maintenance are retrieved and returned simultaneously.

[0077] Furthermore, the parts supply unit 60 that requires maintenance and has been returned to the return device 30 is retrieved from the return device 30 and maintained by a worker in the work area AR2. If the maintained parts supply unit 60 is reusable, it is reused. When the maintained parts supply unit 60 is reused, the first information A1 and the second information A2 associated with the maintained parts supply unit 60 are reset (set to zero).

[0078] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0079] In this embodiment, as described above, a control device 50 is provided to control the transport robot 40 so that, after determining which of the parts supply units 60 to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not, the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance can be retrieved simultaneously and returned to the return device 30. This makes it possible to retrieve both the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance at the same time. As a result, unlike when only the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance are retrieved independently, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times the transport robot 40 retrieves the parts supply units 60. In addition, since the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance are identified and retrieved, it is possible to prevent errors caused by the use of parts supply units 60 that require maintenance. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times the transport robot 40 retrieves the parts supply units 60 while preventing errors caused by the use of parts supply units 60 that require maintenance.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management device 50 sequentially acquires first information A1 regarding the parts supply unit 60 from the parts mounting device 13 and second information A2 regarding the parts supply unit 60 from the transport robot 40, and is configured to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved based on the acquired first information A1 and second information A2. This makes it easy to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the parts supply unit 60 to be retrieved based on the first information A1 and second information A2. As a result, parts supply units 60 that require maintenance can be easily retrieved.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the first information A1 includes information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit 60, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism 60a of the component supply unit 60 has been driven. The second information A2 includes information regarding the number of times the component supply unit 60 has been inserted into and removed from the component mounting device 13, and information regarding the number of insertion / removal errors of the component supply unit 60 into the component mounting device 13. As a result, based on the first information A1, which includes information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit 60, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism 60a of the component supply unit 60 has been driven, and the second information A2, which includes information regarding the number of insertion / removal of the component supply unit 60 into and removed from the component mounting device 13, and information regarding the number of insertion / removal errors of the component supply unit 60 into the component mounting device 13, it is possible to more easily determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit 60 to be recovered.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the transport robot 40 includes a communication unit 40d that communicates with the management device 50 and a control unit 40c. The management device 50 is configured to acquire a retrieval list A3, which includes parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance, based on first information A1 and second information A2, before the transport of the parts supply unit 60 by the transport robot 40 begins, and to output the acquired retrieval list A3 to the communication unit 40d. The control unit 40c is configured to perform control to retrieve the parts supply unit 60 and return it to the return device 30 based on the retrieval list A3 acquired from the management device 50 via the communication unit 40d. As a result, since the retrieval list A3 is acquired before the transport of the parts supply unit 60 by the transport robot 40 begins, parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance can be easily retrieved simultaneously based on the retrieval list A3. As a result, it is possible to easily suppress an increase in the number of times the parts supply unit 60 is retrieved by the transport robot 40.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the transport robot 40 is configured to return the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the return device 30 in a separated state from those that do not require maintenance. As a result, the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and those that do not require maintenance are returned to the return device 30 in a separated state, eliminating the need for the operator to separate them. Consequently, the operator's sorting effort can be reduced. In addition, the operator can easily determine whether the parts supply units 60 returned to the return device 30 require maintenance or not. As a result, the operator can easily perform maintenance on the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the return device 30 includes a first return device 31 to which parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return device 32 to which parts supply units 60 not requiring maintenance are returned, and which is provided independently of the first return device 31. The transport robot 40 is configured to separate parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance from parts supply units 60 not requiring maintenance by returning parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance to the first return device 31 and parts supply units 60 not requiring maintenance to the second return device 32. As a result, parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance and parts supply units 60 not requiring maintenance are returned to different first and second return devices 31 and 2, respectively, so that an operator can easily determine whether a parts supply unit 60 requires maintenance or not by looking at whether it has been returned to the first return device 31 or the second return device 32. Furthermore, since the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to different first return devices 31 and second return devices 32, compared to the case where the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to a single return device 30, it is possible to secure a wider space for each of the parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and the parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the return device 30 includes a first return position B1 to which parts supply units 60 requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return position B2, which is different from the first return position B1, to which parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned. The transport robot 40 is configured to separate parts supply units 60 that require maintenance from parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance by returning parts supply units 60 that require maintenance to the first return position B1 of the return device 30 and returning parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance to the second return position B2 of the return device 30. As a result, parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to different first return positions B1 and second return positions B2 of the return device 30. Therefore, by looking at whether a parts supply unit 60 has been returned to the first return position B1 or the second return position B2, the operator can easily determine whether a parts supply unit 60 requires maintenance or does not require maintenance. Furthermore, since parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to different first return positions B1 and second return positions B2 of the return device 30, the number of return devices 30 can be reduced compared to the case where parts supply units 60 that require maintenance and parts supply units 60 that do not require maintenance are returned to different return devices 30.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management device 50 is configured to control the return device 30 so as to notify the return device 30 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30 when the parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is returned to the return device 30. This allows the operator to easily notice that a parts supply unit 60 is present in the return device 30 and that the parts supply unit 60 present in the return device 30 is a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance. As a result, the operator can reliably identify the parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance and perform maintenance on the parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance quickly and without hesitation.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the return device 30 includes a communication unit 30c that communicates with the management device 50, and a control unit 30b that performs control to notify the return device 30 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present, based on instructions received from the management device 50 via the communication unit 30c. This allows the control unit 30b to easily notify the return device 30 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the return device 30 and the parts supply unit 60 each have indicator lights 30d and 60c, respectively. The control unit 30b is configured to control at least one of the indicator lights 30d and 60c to notify the return device 30 that a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance is present in the return device 30. As a result, the operator can easily and visually notice the presence of a parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance by the illumination of at least one of the indicator lights 30d and 60c. Consequently, the operator can perform maintenance on the parts supply unit 60 requiring maintenance quickly and reliably.

[0089] (modified version) It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0090] For example, in the above embodiment, a management device for managing a component mounting system was shown as an example in which the control device of the present invention functions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a control unit for a component mounting device, a control unit for a transport robot, and a control unit for a return device may function as the control device of the present invention.

[0091] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the control device (management device) acquires first information and second information as information for determining whether maintenance of the parts supply unit is necessary, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device may acquire only one of the first information and second information as information for determining whether maintenance of the parts supply unit is necessary. Alternatively, the control device may acquire information other than the first information and second information as information for determining whether maintenance of the parts supply unit is necessary.

[0092] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the first information includes information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the component supply unit has been driven, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first information may include only one of the information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the component supply unit has been driven. Alternatively, the first information may include information other than the information regarding the success or failure of component suction in the component supply unit and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the component supply unit has been driven.

[0093] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the second information includes information regarding the number of times the component supply unit inserts and removes components from the component mounting device and information regarding the number of insertion and removal errors in the component mounting device, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second information may include only one of the information regarding the number of times the component supply unit inserts and removes components from the component mounting device and information regarding the number of insertion and removal errors in the component mounting device. Alternatively, the second information may include information other than the information regarding the number of insertions and removals in the component supply unit and information regarding the number of insertion and removal errors in the component mounting device.

[0094] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the transport robot returns parts supply units that require maintenance to the return device after separating them into parts supply units that do not require maintenance, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transport robot may return parts supply units that require maintenance to the return device without separating them into parts supply units that do not require maintenance.

[0095] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the return device notifies that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the return device does not need to notify that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device.

[0096] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example where the lighting unit functions as a notification unit that indicates the presence of a parts supply unit requiring maintenance in the return device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a display unit capable of displaying an image and an audio output unit capable of outputting sound, other than the lighting unit, may function as a notification unit that indicates the presence of a parts supply unit requiring maintenance in the return device.

[0097] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the return device and the parts supply unit have indicator lights to notify that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the return device or the parts supply unit may have an indicator light to notify that a parts supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 13. Component mounting equipment 30 Return device 30b Control Unit (Return Device Side Control Unit) 30c Communication Unit (Return Device Side Communication Unit) 30d lighting unit 31. First return device 32. Second return device 40 Transport robots 40c Control Unit (Robot-side control unit) 40d Communication Unit (Robot-side communication unit) 50 Control device (control device) 60 Parts Supply Department 60c lighting section 100-component mounting system A1 First Information A2 2nd information A3 Collection List B1 First Return Device B2 Second return position S substrate

Claims

1. A component mounting device that mounts components onto a circuit board using a component supply unit, A transport robot that retrieves the component supply unit from the component mounting device and transports it, A return device to which the parts supply unit collected by the transport robot is returned, The system includes a control device for controlling the transport robot, which, after determining which of the parts supply units to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not, can simultaneously retrieve the parts supply units requiring maintenance and the parts supply units not requiring maintenance and return them to the return device. The control device is configured to sequentially acquire at least one of the first information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the component mounting device and the second information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the transport robot, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved based on at least one of the acquired first information and second information. A component mounting system comprising a transport robot including an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing the component supply unit, wherein the insertion / removal unit is controlled to physically separate the component supply unit requiring maintenance from the component supply unit not requiring maintenance and return them to the return device based on return position information, the position of which is specified for this purpose.

2. A component mounting device that mounts components onto a circuit board using a component supply unit, A transport robot that retrieves the component supply unit from the component mounting device and transports it, A return device to which the parts supply unit collected by the transport robot is returned, The system includes a control device for controlling the transport robot, which, after determining which of the parts supply units to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not, can simultaneously retrieve the parts supply units requiring maintenance and the parts supply units not requiring maintenance and return them to the return device. The control device is configured to sequentially acquire at least one of the first information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the component mounting device and the second information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the transport robot, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved based on at least one of the acquired first information and second information. A component mounting system in which the control device is configured to sequentially acquire both the first information and the second information, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be recovered based on both the acquired first information and the second information.

3. A component mounting device that mounts components onto a circuit board using a component supply unit, A transport robot that retrieves the component supply unit from the component mounting device and transports it, A return device to which the parts supply unit collected by the transport robot is returned, The system includes a control device for controlling the transport robot, which, after determining which of the parts supply units to be retrieved require maintenance and which do not, can simultaneously retrieve the parts supply units requiring maintenance and the parts supply units not requiring maintenance and return them to the return device. The control device is configured to sequentially acquire at least one of the first information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the component mounting device and the second information relating to the component supply unit obtained from the transport robot, and to determine whether or not maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be retrieved based on at least one of the acquired first information and second information. The first information includes at least one of the following: information regarding the success or failure of the adsorption of the component in the component supply unit, and information regarding the number of times the drive mechanism of the component supply unit is driven. The component mounting system includes, for the second information, at least one of the following: information relating to the number of times the component supply unit has inserted and removed components from the component mounting device, and information relating to the number of insertion and removal errors of the component supply unit from the component mounting device.

4. The transport robot includes a robot-side communication unit that communicates with the control device, and a robot-side control unit. The control device is configured to obtain a recovery list, including parts supply units that require maintenance and parts supply units that do not require maintenance, based on at least one of the first information and the second information, before the transport robot starts transporting the parts supply unit, and to output the obtained recovery list to the robot-side communication unit. The component mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the robot-side control unit is configured to perform control to retrieve the component supply unit and return it to the return device based on the retrieval list obtained from the control device via the robot-side communication unit.

5. The component mounting system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transport robot is configured to return the component supply unit that requires maintenance to the return device in a separated state from the component supply unit that does not require maintenance.

6. The return device includes a first return device to which parts supply units requiring maintenance are returned, and a second return device to which parts supply units not requiring maintenance are returned, and which is provided independently of the first return device. The transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing the parts supply unit, The component mounting system according to claim 5, wherein the transport robot is configured to separate the component supply units that require maintenance from the component supply units that do not require maintenance by controlling the insertion / removal unit to return the component supply units that require maintenance to the first return device and the component supply units that do not require maintenance to the second return device.

7. The return device includes a first return position to which the parts supply unit requiring maintenance is returned, and a second return position different from the first return position to which the parts supply unit not requiring maintenance is returned. The transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing the parts supply unit, The component mounting system according to claim 5, wherein the transport robot is configured to separate the component supply unit that requires maintenance from the component supply unit that does not require maintenance by controlling the insertion / removal unit so as to return the component supply unit that requires maintenance to the first return position of the return device and the component supply unit that does not require maintenance to the second return position of the return device.

8. The component mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device is configured to control the return device so as to notify the return device that a component supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device when the component supply unit requiring maintenance is returned to the return device.

9. The component mounting system according to claim 8, wherein the return device includes a return device side communication unit that communicates with the control device, and a return device side control unit that performs control to notify the return device that a component supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device, based on instructions obtained from the control device via the return device side communication unit.

10. At least one of the return device and the parts supply unit has a lighting unit, The component mounting system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit on the return device side is configured to control the lighting unit so as to notify that the component supply unit requiring maintenance is present in the return device.

11. A component mounting method for a component mounting system comprising: a component mounting apparatus for mounting components onto a circuit board using a component supply unit; a transport robot for retrieving and transporting the component supply unit from the component mounting apparatus; and a return device to which the component supply unit retrieved by the transport robot is returned, A step of determining whether maintenance is required for the parts supply unit to be recovered, The system includes the step of determining which of the parts supply units to be collected require maintenance and which do not, and then using the transport robot to simultaneously collect the parts supply units that require maintenance and the parts supply units that do not require maintenance and return them to the return device. The step of determining whether maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be recovered includes sequentially acquiring at least one of first information regarding the component supply unit obtained from the component mounting device and second information regarding the component supply unit obtained from the transport robot, and determining whether maintenance is required for the component supply unit to be recovered based on at least one of the acquired first information and second information. The transport robot includes an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and removing the parts supply unit, A component mounting method comprising the step of simultaneously collecting the component supply unit requiring maintenance and the component supply unit not requiring maintenance using the transport robot and returning them to the return device, the step of controlling the insertion / removal unit so that the transport robot separates the component supply unit requiring maintenance and the component supply unit not requiring maintenance in a way that physically separates them and returns them to the return device, based on return position information that specifies a position for separating the component supply unit requiring maintenance and the component supply unit not requiring maintenance in a way that physically separates them and returns them to the return device.

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