Parts recovery method

Abstract

To efficiently prepare a feeder and replenish a feeder in a storage portion.SOLUTION: A component supply method is used in a component mounting system that includes a component mounter that picks up components from a feeder and mounts them, a storage unit that temporarily stores feeders containing components to be used by the component mounter, and a transfer device that transfers the feeders between the storage unit and the component mounter. This method obtains the number of vacant spaces in the storage unit that can store feeders, determines a number of feeders to be prepared for each predetermined regular supply period on the basis of the number of vacant spaces in the storage unit, and supplies the plurality of feeders to the storage unit all at once for each regular supply period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a component supply method and a management device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a component mounting system has been proposed that includes a component mounting line including a plurality of component mounting machines arranged in a substrate transfer direction and a feeder storage for storing a plurality of feeders that can be attached to and detached from each component mounting machine, and an exchange robot that moves along the component mounting line (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the component mounting system, an operator or an automated guided vehicle replenishes or retrieves feeders with respect to the storage areas (slots) of the feeder storage. The exchange robot automatically exchanges feeders between the feeder storage and each component mounting machine. In addition, each component mounting machine is provided with a supply area capable of supplying components and a stock area for temporarily storing feeders separately from the feeder storage, and the exchange robot can also exchange feeders between the supply area and the stock area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By providing a storage area in the component mounting line, feeders to be used in subsequent production can be replenished in advance in the storage area. As a result, even if there are variations in the replenishment of feeders to the storage area, the storage area functions as a buffer, making it possible to continue production. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention at all at what timing and how much work should be prepared by the operator who prepares the feeders to be replenished, and there is still room for improvement.

[0005] The primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a parts supply direction and management device that can efficiently prepare feeders and replenish feeders to storage areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure employs the following means to achieve the primary objectives described above.

[0007] The parts supply method disclosed herein is: A component supply method for supplying feeders to the storage unit, used in a component mounting system comprising: a component mounting machine for picking up and mounting components from a feeder; a storage unit for temporarily storing feeders containing components used in the component mounting machine; and a transfer device for transferring the feeders between the storage unit and the component mounting machine, wherein the feeders are supplied to the storage unit. The number of available slots in the storage section capable of accommodating the feeder is obtained. Based on the available space in the aforementioned storage unit, multiple feeders to be prepared at predetermined regular replenishment intervals are determined, The multiple feeders are supplied to the storage unit all at once at each of the aforementioned periodic replenishment intervals. This is the gist of it.

[0008] The parts replenishment method of this disclosure determines the number of feeders to be prepared at predetermined periodic replenishment intervals based on the number of available slots in the storage area, and replenishes these feeders to the storage area all at once at each periodic replenishment interval. This allows workers to prepare a number of feeders corresponding to the available slots in the storage area all at once, making feeder preparation more efficient compared to when feeder preparation work occurs sporadically depending on when the parts are used. Furthermore, since the multiple feeders prepared at each periodic replenishment interval are supplied to the storage area all at once, feeder replenishment can be carried out efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the component mounting system. [Figure 2]This is a schematic diagram of the component mounting machine and feeder configuration. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the feeder configuration. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the loader's configuration. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationships of a component mounting system. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a production plan. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the tasks that workers perform regarding the preparation, replenishment, and retrieval of the feeder 30. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the supply plan creation process. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a process for calculating the time required for a component. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setup parts list. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of out-of-stock parts. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the process for calculating the replenishment time. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of required times. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of supply lists and recovery lists. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Next, the forms for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the component mounting system. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the component mounting machine and feeder stand. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the feeder. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the loader. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationships of the component mounting system. In Figures 1, 2, and 4, the left-right direction is the X-axis direction, the front-back direction is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction.

[0012] The component mounting system 10 produces a substrate S on which components are mounted. As shown in FIG. 1, it includes a printing device 12, a printing inspection device 14, a plurality (five) of component mounting machines 20, a mounting inspection device (not shown), a loader 50, a plurality (two) of feeder storage units 60, and a management device 80 that manages the entire system. The printing device 12 prints solder on the surface of the substrate S. The printing inspection device 14 inspects the state of the solder printed by the printing device 12. The component mounting machine 20 picks up the components supplied from the feeder 30 with a suction nozzle (collecting member) and mounts them on the substrate S. The mounting inspection device inspects the mounting state of the components mounted by the component mounting machine 20. The printing device 12, the printing inspection device 14, the plurality of component mounting machines 20, and the mounting inspection device are aligned in this order from upstream along the conveyance direction of the substrate S to form a production line.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the component mounting machine 20 includes a mounted portion 21 to which the feeder 30 is mounted, a substrate conveyance device 22 that conveys the substrate S in the X-axis direction, a head 25 that picks up components from the feeder 30 and mounts them on the substrate S, a head movement device 24 that moves the head 25 in the horizontal direction (XY-axis direction), and a mounting control device 29 (see FIG. 5). Although not shown, the head 25 has a suction nozzle that sucks components and a lifting device that raises and lowers the suction nozzle. The head movement device 24 has a slider 24a to which the head 25 is attached and moves the slider 24a in the horizontal direction (XY-axis direction).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the feeder 30 is a cassette-type tape feeder, and includes a tape reel 32, a tape feeding mechanism 33, a connector 35, and a feeder control device 39 (see FIG. 5). The tape reel 32 has a tape wound thereon in which components are accommodated. The components are protected by a film covering the surface of the tape. The tape feeding mechanism 33 pulls out the tape from the tape reel 32 and feeds it to the component supply position. The components accommodated in the tape are exposed at the component supply position by peeling off the film in front of the component supply position, and are picked up by the head 25 (suction nozzle). The feeder control device 39 is composed of a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and outputs a drive signal to the tape feeding mechanism 33 (feeding motor).

[0015] The mounted part 21 is provided on the front side (front part) of the component mounter 20 and has two upper and lower areas where the feeder 30 can be set. The upper area is a supply area 21A where the feeder 30 can supply components to a position (component supply position) where the head 25 can pick them up, and the lower area is a buffer area 21B for temporarily storing the feeder 30. In each of the areas 21A and 21B, a feeder stand 40 is installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeder stands 40 in each of the areas 21A and 21B have a plurality of slots 42 for attaching and detaching the feeder 30, and a plurality of connectors 45 that are electrically connected to the connectors 35 of the feeder 30 mounted in the corresponding slots 42. In the supply area 21A, a feeder 30 containing components used in the job (production) being executed is mounted. Also, when there are empty slots 42 in the supply area 21A, a spare feeder 30 that supplies the same type of components in place of the feeder 30 that has run out of components during production, or a feeder 30 containing components used in the job to be executed in the future, etc. are also mounted. The buffer area 21B is used to temporarily store a feeder 30 containing components used in the job to be executed in the future, or to temporarily store a used feeder 30.

[0016] The component mounting machine 20 also includes a mark camera 26 and a parts camera 27. The mark camera 26 captures a reference mark attached to the substrate S from above in order to detect the position of the substrate S. The parts camera 27 captures a part picked up by the suction nozzle from below in order to detect suction errors or misalignment.

[0017] The mounting control device 29 is composed of a well-known CPU 29a, ROM 29b, HDD 29c, RAM 29d, etc. The mounting control device 29 receives image signals from the mark camera 26 and parts camera 27. The mounting control device 29 also outputs drive signals to the board transport device 22, head 25, head moving device 24, etc.

[0018] Furthermore, the mounting control device 29 is connected to the feeder control device 39 of the feeder 30 mounted on the feeder stand 40 via connectors 35 and 45 for communication. When the feeder 30 is mounted, the mounting control device 29 receives feeder information such as the feeder ID, part type, and remaining number of parts contained in the feeder control device 39 of the feeder 30 from the said feeder control device 39. The mounting control device 29 also transmits the received feeder information and the mounting position (slot number) where the feeder 30 is mounted to the management device 80.

[0019] The CPU 29a of the mounting control device 29 executes a mounting process to mount components onto the substrate S. The CPU 29a moves the head 25 above the component supply position of the feeder 30 using the head moving device 24. Next, the CPU 29a lowers the suction nozzle using the lifting device to pick up the component with the suction nozzle. The CPU 29a moves the component picked up by the suction nozzle above the part camera 27 using the head moving device 24 and images the component with the part camera 27. The CPU 29a processes the captured image of the component to measure the amount of suction displacement of the component and corrects the mounting position of the component on the substrate S. Then, the CPU 29a moves the component picked up by the nozzle above the corrected mounting position using the head moving device 24, and lowers the suction nozzle using the lifting device to mount the component onto the substrate S.

[0020] Each of the multiple feeder storage units 60 is integrated into the production line and serves as a temporary storage location for multiple feeders 30. In this embodiment, one feeder storage unit 60 stores feeders 30 that are scheduled to be used by each component mounting machine 20, while the other feeder storage unit 60 stores used feeders 30 that have been used by each component mounting machine 20. Each feeder storage unit 60 is equipped with a feeder stand that has multiple slots 42 and connectors 45, similar to the feeder stand 40 of the component mounting machine 20. When a feeder 30 is attached to a connector 45 in a feeder storage unit 60, feeder information such as the feeder ID, component type, and remaining number of components contained in the feeder 30, along with the attachment position (slot number) where the feeder 30 is attached, is transmitted to the management device 80.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the loader 50 moves along the line in front of the component mounting system 10 (production line) to retrieve feeders 30 to be used from the feeder storage 60 and replenish them to each component mounting machine 20, and to collect used feeders 30 from each component mounting machine 20 and transport them to the feeder storage 60. As shown in Figure 4, the loader 50 is equipped with a loader moving device 51, a feeder transfer device 53, and a loader control device 59 (see Figure 5). The loader moving device 51 moves the loader 50 along a guide rail 18 arranged in front of the production line. This loader moving device 51 has an X-axis motor 52a that drives a drive belt for moving the loader 50, and guide rollers 52b that roll on the guide rail 18 to guide the movement of the loader 50. The feeder transfer device 53 transfers the feeder 30 between the loader 50 and the component mounting machine 20 when the loader 50 is facing the component mounting machine 20, or transfers the feeder 30 between the loader 50 and the feeder storage unit 60 when the loader 50 is facing the feeder storage unit 60. The feeder transfer device 53 includes a Y-axis slider 55 and a Z-axis motor 56a that moves the Y-axis slider 55 along the Z-axis guide rail 56b. The Y-axis slider 55 includes a clamping portion 54 that clamps the feeder 30 and a Y-axis motor 55a that moves the clamping portion 54 along the Y-axis guide rail 55b. The Y-axis slider 55 moves up and down by the drive of the Z-axis motor 56a. The feeder transfer device 53 moves the feeder 30 to the supply area 21A or the feeder storage 60 by raising the Y-axis slider 55, so that the Y-axis slider 55 faces the feeder stand 40 in the supply area 21A of the component mounting machine 20 or the feeder stand 40 in the feeder storage 60. In this state, the feeder 30 is clamped by the clamping part 54 and moved in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis slider 55, thereby transferring the feeder 30 to the supply area 21A or the feeder storage 60. Alternatively, the feeder transfer device 53 moves the feeder 30 to the buffer area 21B by lowering the Y-axis slider 55, so that the Y-axis slider 55 faces the buffer area 21B of the component mounting machine 20. In this state, the feeder 30 is clamped by the clamping part 54 and moved in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis slider 55, thereby transferring the feeder 30 to the buffer area 21B.The loader control device 59 is composed of a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and receives signals from a position sensor 57 that detects the travel position and a monitoring sensor 58 that detects the presence or absence of obstacles in the surrounding area, and outputs drive signals to the loader moving device 51 and the feeder transfer device 53.

[0022] The management device 80 is a general-purpose computer and, as shown in Figure 5, is equipped with a CPU 81, ROM 82, HDD 83 (storage device), and RAM 84. Input devices 85 such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display 86 are electrically connected to the management device 80. The HDD 83 stores production plans, feeder ownership information, job information, status information, etc. This information is managed for each component mounting machine 20. Here, the production plan is a plan that defines which components to mount in what order at each component mounting machine 20, and how many boards S (products) with such mounting will be manufactured (produced). As shown in Figure 6, the production plan includes the number of units to be produced for each job, the components required for production (necessary components), and the production start time. The feeder ownership information is information about the feeders 30 owned by each component mounting machine 20 and the feeder storage unit 60. The feeder ownership information includes feeder information such as feeder ID, component type, and remaining component count, as well as location information such as the device that owns the feeder 30 (component) (which component mounting machine 20 or which feeder storage unit 60 it is) and the mounting position (slot number) of the feeder 30. The job information is information about the mounting process (job) that each component mounting machine 20 should perform. This job information includes the type of circuit board to be produced, the type of component to be mounted, the mounting position for each component, and the placement position (placement position information) of the components to be placed in the supply area 21A for each job. The status information is information indicating the operating status of each component mounting machine 20. This status information includes statuses such as "in production," "changing setup," and "anomaly occurred."

[0023] The management device 80 is connected to the mounting control device 29 via a wired connection and exchanges various information with each component mounting machine 20 of the component mounting system 10. The management device 80 receives the operating status from each component mounting machine 20 and updates the status information to the latest information. The management device 80 is also connected to the feeder control device 39 of the feeder 30 attached to the feeder stand 40 of each component mounting machine 20 via the mounting control device 29. When a feeder 30 is removed from or attached to a component mounting machine 20 or feeder storage 60, the management device 80 receives the attachment / detachment status from the corresponding component mounting machine 20 or feeder storage 60 and updates the feeder ownership information to the latest information. Furthermore, the management device 80 is connected to the loader control device 59 via wireless communication and exchanges various information with the loader 50. Furthermore, the control device 80 is also connected to the control devices of the printing device 12, the printing inspection device 14, and the mounting inspection device, and exchanges various types of information with the corresponding devices.

[0024] In the component mounting system 10 configured in this way, operations related to the production of the circuit board S are automated, and tasks such as preparing the feeder 30 containing the necessary components for production, replenishing the feeder storage 60, collecting used feeders 30, and various maintenance are performed by an operator at the appropriate time.

[0025] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the tasks performed by workers regarding the preparation, replenishment, and retrieval of feeders 30. As shown in the figure, the tasks performed by workers include picking and kitting, feeder replenishment, feeder retrieval, and dismantling. Picking is performed in the parts warehouse 100 by carrying reels containing the necessary parts from the parts shelves to the external setup area 101. Kitting is performed by preparing feeders 30 containing the reels (necessary parts) that have been carried out to the external setup area 101. Pallet transfer is performed in the external setup area 101 by mounting the prepared feeders 30 onto pallets similar to the feeder stand 40. Feeder replenishment is performed by transporting the prepared feeders 30, pallet and all, to the feeder storage 60. The feeders 30 replenished in the feeder storage unit 60 are transported by the loader 50 to their respective component mounting machines 20 and temporarily stored in the buffer area 21B of the corresponding component mounting machine 20. The feeders 30 temporarily stored in the buffer area 21B are then transferred by the loader 50 to the supply area 21A and used for production before the job using the feeder 30 is executed. In this embodiment, the feeders 30 are replenished in the feeder storage unit 60 through the feeder replenishment operation and then transferred by the loader 50 to the buffer area 21B of each component mounting machine 20, but they may also be replenished directly to the buffer area 21B through the feeder replenishment operation.

[0026] The feeder retrieval operation is performed by retrieving used feeders 30 from the feeder storage 60 onto a pallet and transporting them to the retrieval area 102. The feeder retrieval operation is basically performed on the return from replenishment work. The dismantling operation is performed by removing the used feeders 30 from the pallet and removing the reels (parts) from the used feeders 30. If there are used feeders 30 that contain necessary parts for future production, the worker may transport the relevant feeders 30 to the external setup area 101 as feeders 30 to be replenished and attach them to a pallet.

[0027] Furthermore, these tasks are not limited to being performed entirely by workers; some tasks may be automated. For example, pallet replenishment and pallet retrieval may be performed by automated guided vehicles (AGVs). In this embodiment, pallet replenishment (including pallet retrieval performed on the return trip from pallet replenishment) is performed regularly at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes) (periodic replenishment).

[0028] Next, we will describe the operation for creating a replenishment plan for supplying (including preparation and retrieval) the feeder 30. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the replenishment plan creation process performed by the CPU 81 of the control device 80.

[0029] When the supply plan creation process is executed, the CPU 81 first calculates the required time for each component used in the multiple component mounting machines 20 of the component mounting system 10 (step S100). This process is performed by executing the component required time calculation process illustrated in Figure 9. In the component required time calculation process, the CPU 81 first extracts one job to be processed (target job) from the production plan (step S200). Next, the CPU 81 extracts the required components needed for the target job (step S210). When the CPU 81 extracts JobA as the job to be processed in the production plan in Figure 6, it extracts PartA to PartN as required components. After extracting the required components from the target job, the CPU 81 extracts the production start time of the target job and creates a setup parts list using the extracted production start time as the supply deadline for the required components (step S220). Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setup parts list. As shown in the diagram, the setup parts list associates the names (part types) of the required parts with their respective expiration dates. Each part in the setup parts list is listed in order of its earliest expiration date.

[0030] Next, the CPU 81 predicts parts shortages that will occur during production (step S230) and creates a parts shortage list with the predicted parts shortage time as the replenishment deadline (step S240). Parts shortages can be predicted by comparing the number of parts produced by a job in progress with the remaining number of parts used in that job, based on the production plan and feeder inventory information described above. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a parts shortage list. As shown in the figure, the parts shortage list associates the part name (part type) of the part that is predicted to run out with its replenishment deadline (predicted parts shortage time). Each part in the parts shortage list is arranged in order of the earliest replenishment deadline.

[0031] When CPU 81 creates a setup parts list and a parts shortage list for the target job, it determines whether lists have been created for all jobs in the production plan (step S250). If CPU 81 determines that there are jobs in the production plan for which lists have not been created, it returns to step S200, extracts the next target job, and repeats the process of steps S210 to S240 to create a setup change list and a parts shortage list for the next target job. On the other hand, if CPU 81 determines that there are no jobs in the production plan for which lists have not been created, it creates a required time list by merging the created setup parts list and parts shortage list (step S260), and terminates the parts required time calculation process.

[0032] Returning to the supply plan creation process, the CPU 81 then calculates the supply time for each component (step S110). This process is performed by executing the supply time calculation process shown in Figure 12. In the supply time calculation process, the CPU 81 first sorts the required time list created in step S100 in descending order of supply deadline (step S300). Next, the CPU 81 extracts one component to be processed (target component) from the beginning of the required time list (in descending order of supply deadline) (step S310). Then, the CPU 81 determines whether there is a supplyable slot available to supply the feeder 30 containing the target component at the periodic supply time immediately preceding the supply deadline of the target component, among the periodic supply times at predetermined time intervals (step S320). This process is performed by assuming that any component in the required time list whose replenishment deadline falls before the replenishment deadline of the target component is a replenished component, and then determining whether the value obtained by subtracting the number of feeders 30 containing replenished components from the maximum capacity of feeders 30 in each feeder storage unit 60 and each buffer area 21B is greater than a threshold. For example, if two feeder storage units 60 each have slots 42 that can accommodate a maximum of 44 feeders 30, and each buffer area 21B of five component mounting machines 20 has slots 42 that can accommodate a maximum of 32 feeders 30, the maximum capacity will be 248 (44 × 2 + 32 × 5). The threshold can be, for example, the capacity of one feeder storage unit 60. This allows feeders 30 to be replenished or retrieved in pallet units by attaching and detaching feeder stands 40 (pallets) to the feeder storage units 60. Alternatively, the threshold value may be set to 0, and feeders 30 may be replenished to the feeder storage 60 one at a time. In this embodiment, since the feeders 30 (parts) are replenished to the feeder storage 60, it is necessary to secure an empty slot in the feeder storage 60 when replenishing. However, even if the feeder storage 60 is full, if there is an empty slot in the buffer area 21B of each component mounting machine 20, it is possible to secure an empty slot in the feeder storage 60 by transferring the feeders 30 in the feeder storage 60 to an empty slot in the buffer area 21B using the loader 50.

[0033] If the CPU 81 determines that there are available slots for replenishment at the most recent scheduled replenishment time, it proceeds to step S340. On the other hand, if the CPU 81 determines that there are no available slots for replenishment at the most recent scheduled replenishment time, it adds to the recovery list to secure available slots (step S330). This process is performed by extracting used feeders 30 (parts) from the feeder storage 60 and each buffer area 21B based on job information and feeder ownership information, and adding them to the recovery list. If a used feeder 30 added to the recovery list is in the buffer area 21B, the loader 50 transfers the used feeder 30 to the feeder storage 60.

[0034] Next, the CPU 81 determines whether the replenishment of the target part at the most recent scheduled replenishment time will be sufficient (step S340). This process is performed by determining whether the number of parts with the same replenishment time as the scheduled replenishment time determined in step S340, among the parts for which a replenishment time was set in step S350 or S380 (described later), has reached the maximum capacity of the pallet used in the feeder replenishment operation (for example, 32 parts). If the number of relevant parts has not reached the maximum capacity of the pallet, the CPU 81 determines that the replenishment at the most recent scheduled replenishment time will be sufficient. On the other hand, if the number of relevant parts has reached the maximum capacity of the pallet, the CPU 81 determines that the replenishment at the most recent scheduled replenishment time will not be sufficient because no more new feeders 30 can be attached to the pallet.

[0035] If the CPU 81 determines that the supply at the most recent scheduled supply time will be sufficient, it sets that most recent scheduled supply time as the supply time for the target part, and if there are any additions to the recall list in step S330, it sets that scheduled supply time as the recall time in the recall list with the additions (step S350). On the other hand, if the CPU 81 determines that the supply at the most recent scheduled supply time will not be sufficient, it searches for a scheduled supply time that will be sufficient by going back one by one to the previous scheduled supply times until it finds one that will be sufficient (steps S360, 370). Then, when the CPU 81 finds a scheduled supply time that will be sufficient, it sets that scheduled supply time as the supply time for the target part, and if there are any additions to the recall list in step S330, it sets that scheduled supply time as the recall time in the recall list with the additions (step S380).

[0036] Once the CPU 81 sets the replenishment time for the target component, it determines whether there are any components in the required time list for which a replenishment time has not been set (step S390). If the CPU 81 determines that there are components in the required time list for which a replenishment time has not been set, it returns to step S310 and repeats the process of steps S310 to S380 to extract the next target component and set its replenishment time. On the other hand, if the CPU 81 determines that there are no components in the required time list for which a replenishment time has not been set, it terminates the replenishment time calculation process.

[0037] Returning to the supply plan creation process, the CPU 81 then calculates the preparation time (preparation start time or preparation end time) for each component based on the set supply time (step S120), outputs the calculated preparation times as a list to the display 86 or a portable information terminal (not shown) carried by the worker (step S130), and terminates the supply plan creation process. The worker prepares the feeder 30 containing the necessary components according to the instructed preparation time, and when the regular supply time arrives, supplies the prepared feeder 30 in pallet units to the feeder storage 60. Then, if there are used feeder 30 to be collected on the collection list, the worker collects those feeder 30 on their way back. This allows for efficient supply and collection of feeder 30. In addition, by regularly supplying feeder 30 to be used in subsequent production, even if there are variations in the supply of feeder 30, the feeder storage 60 and buffer area 21B can function as buffers, making it possible to continue executing jobs (production).

[0038] Here, we will explain the correspondence between the main elements of this embodiment and the main elements described in the claims section. Specifically, the component mounting system 10 of this embodiment corresponds to the component mounting system of this disclosure, the component mounting machine 20 corresponds to the component mounting machine, the feeder storage unit 60 and the buffer area 21B of the component mounting machine 20 correspond to the storage unit, and the loader 50 corresponds to the transfer device.

[0039] It goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0040] For example, in the embodiment described above, the CPU 81 extracted components from the required time list in order from the latest to the latest supply deadline and set their supply times. However, it is also possible to extract components in order from the earliest to the latest supply deadline and set their supply times.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the component mounting system 10 is equipped with a feeder storage unit 60 and a buffer area 21B of the component mounting machine 20 as storage locations for temporarily storing the feeder 30. However, the component mounting system 10 may be equipped with only one of the feeder storage unit 60 and the buffer area 21B. If only the buffer area 21B is provided as a storage location for the feeder 30, the worker or automated guided vehicle can directly replenish the feeder 30 in the buffer area 21B.

[0042] As described above, the component supply method of this disclosure is used in a component mounting system comprising a component mounting machine that takes components from a feeder and mounts them, a storage unit that temporarily stores feeders containing components used in the component mounting machine, and a transfer device that transfers the feeders between the storage unit and the component mounting machine. The method is for supplying the feeders to the storage unit and involves obtaining the number of available slots in the storage unit that can accommodate the feeders, determining a plurality of feeders to be prepared at predetermined periodic supply intervals based on the number of available slots in the storage unit, and supplying the plurality of feeders to the storage unit all at once at each periodic supply interval.

[0043] In the parts replenishment method disclosed herein, workers can prepare a number of feeders at once according to the availability of the storage area, making feeder preparation more efficient compared to systems where feeder preparation is performed sporadically depending on when the parts are used. Furthermore, since multiple feeders prepared at regular replenishment intervals are supplied to the storage area all at once, feeder replenishment can be performed efficiently.

[0044] In the component storage method of this disclosure, the usage period for each component used in the component mounting machine may be obtained, and based on the number of available slots in the storage unit and the usage period for each component, the number of feeders to be prepared may be determined so that the feeders containing the components to be replenished are replenished at a period earlier than the usage period of the components to be replenished. In this way, the replenishment of feeders can be reliably timed to coincide with the usage period of the components, and production interruptions can be prevented.

[0045] In this case, the number of feeders to be prepared may be determined so that the feeders containing the parts to be replenished are prioritized for replenishment at the periodic replenishment timing closest to the time of use of the parts to be replenished. This prevents parts with later use times from being replenished first, which would reduce the available space in the storage area and prevent parts with earlier use times from being stored in the storage area.

[0046] Furthermore, in the parts replenishment method of this disclosure, if there is insufficient space in the storage unit, the number of feeders to be prepared may be determined by selecting used feeders from those stored in the storage unit for collection, and the selected feeders may be collected along with the replenishment of the multiple feeders at the periodic replenishment time. This increases the number of available spaces in the storage unit, making it possible to store many unused parts (feeders).

[0047] Furthermore, in the parts supply method of this disclosure, the plurality of feeders mounted in the plurality of slots of the pallet are supplied together with the pallet, and the plurality of feeders to be prepared may be determined within the range of the number of slots of the pallet. In this way, parts (feeders) can be supplied more efficiently.

[0048] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to a method for supplying parts, but can also be in the form of a control device for managing the supply of feeders to a storage unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0049] This disclosure is applicable to the manufacturing industry, including component mounting systems and control devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10 Component mounting system, 12 Printing device, 14 Print inspection device, 18 Guide rail, 20 Component mounting machine, 21 Mounting section, 21A Supply area, 21B Buffer area, 22 Board transport device, 24 Head moving device, 24a Slider, 25 Head, 26 Mark camera, 27 Part camera, 29 Mounting control device, 29a CPU, 29b ROM, 29c HDD, 29d RAM, 30 Feeder, 32 Tape reel, 33 Tape feeding mechanism, 35 Connector, 39 Feeder control device, 40 Feeder stand, 42 Slot, 45 Connector, 50 Loader, 51 Loader moving device, 52a X-axis motor, 52b Guide roller, 53 Feeder transfer device, 54 Clamp section, 55 Y-axis slider, 55a Y-axis motor, 55b Y-axis guide rail, 56a Z-axis motor, 56b Z-axis guide rail, 57 position sensor, 58 monitoring sensor, 59 loader control device, 60 feeder storage, 80 management device, 81 CPU, 82 ROM, 83 HDD, 84 RAM, 85 input device, 86 display, 100 parts warehouse, 101 external setup area, 102 recovery area.

Claims

1. A component retrieval method used in a component mounting system comprising: a component mounting machine for picking up and mounting components from a feeder; a storage unit for temporarily storing feeders containing components used in the component mounting machine; and a transfer device for transferring the feeders between the storage unit and the component mounting machine, The used feeders used in the component mounting machine are transported to the storage unit by the transfer device and temporarily stored in the storage unit. When a worker or automated guided vehicle returns after periodically replenishing the multiple feeders in the storage unit, the worker or automated guided vehicle will collect the used feeders stored in the storage unit. The process of collecting the used feeders is performed only when there are insufficient space in the storage unit. Parts recovery method.

2. A method for recovering parts according to claim 1, The aforementioned implementation system has a plurality of storage units, The used feeders are transported to one of the storage units and temporarily stored. Parts recovery method.

3. A method for recovering parts according to claim 1 or 2, The feeder retrieval process involves collecting the used feeders onto a pallet. Parts recovery method.

4. A method for recovering parts according to claim 3, The aforementioned component mounting system includes an automated guided vehicle, The storage unit is configured such that the pallet can be attached to and detached from the storage unit. In the feeder retrieval operation, the automated guided vehicle retrieves the pallet from the storage unit. Parts recovery method.

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