Production guidance device and production guidance method

Abstract

This production informing device comprises a calculation unit and an informing unit. The calculation unit calculates a possible production continuation time period that is a time period over which a substrate work machine can use articles remaining in a production line and continue the production of product substrates, on the basis of the remaining quantity, in the entire production line that includes the substrate work machine, of articles that can be supplied from an apparatus of the substrate work machine that produces the product substrates by performing predetermined substrate work on substrates. The informing unit informs workers of the production line of the possible production continuation time period calculated by the calculation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a production guidance device and a production guidance method.

Background Art

[0002] The inventory management device described in Patent Document 1 includes a parts remaining quantity calculation unit, a replenishment instruction generation unit, and a replenishment instruction output unit. The parts remaining quantity calculation unit calculates the time until the replenishment timing for performing the splicing operation. The parts remaining quantity calculation unit sends remaining time information indicating the time until the replenishment timing calculated for each input port of the electronic component mounting device to the replenishment instruction generation unit.

[0003] Based on the remaining time information received from the parts remaining quantity calculation unit, the replenishment instruction generation unit determines whether there is an input port of the electronic component mounting device whose time until the replenishment timing is less than or equal to the threshold value. If there is an input port of the electronic component mounting device whose time until the replenishment timing is less than or equal to the threshold value, the replenishment instruction generation unit generates replenishment instruction information for instructing the splicing operation of the electronic components of the reel set at the input port of the electronic component mounting device, and sends it to the replenishment instruction output unit. The replenishment instruction output unit outputs the replenishment instruction information received from the replenishment instruction generation unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the articles supplied from the equipment remaining on the production line are insufficient, the production of the product substrate stops in the substrate processing machine. Therefore, there is a demand to guide the operator of the substrate processing machine about the production continuation time, which is the time during which the production of the product substrate can be continued using the articles remaining on the production line.

[0006] In light of these circumstances, this specification discloses a production guidance device and a production guidance method capable of informing an operator of the time during which production can continue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses a production guidance device comprising a calculation unit and a guidance unit. The calculation unit calculates a production continuation time, which is the time during which the production machine can continue producing the product substrates using the remaining items on the production line, based on the remaining number of items in the entire production line including the production machine that can be supplied from the equipment used in the production machine that performs predetermined production machine operations on substrates to produce product substrates. The guidance unit guides the production continuation time calculated by the calculation unit to the workers on the production line.

[0008] Furthermore, this specification discloses a production guidance method comprising a calculation step and a guidance step. The calculation step calculates the production continuation time, which is the time during which the production machine can continue producing the product substrates using the articles remaining on the production line, based on the remaining number of articles in the entire production line including the production machine that can be supplied from the equipment used in the production machine that performs predetermined production machine operations on substrates to produce product substrates. The guidance step informs the workers on the production line of the production continuation time calculated by the calculation step.

[0009] Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 4 of the claims initially attached to the application (hereinafter referred to as the initial claims), "the production guidance device described in claim 1" is changed to "the production guidance device described in any one of claims 1 to 3." In addition, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 5 of the initial claims, "the production guidance device described in claim 1" is changed to "the production guidance device described in any one of claims 1 to 4." Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 8 of the initial claims, "the production guidance device described in claim 5" is changed to "the production guidance device described in any one of claims 5 to 7."

[0010] Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 9 of the original claims, "the production guidance device described in claim 1" is changed to "the production guidance device described in any one of claims 1 to 8." Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 10 of the original claims, "the production guidance device described in claim 1" is changed to "the production guidance device described in any one of claims 1 to 9." [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the production guidance device described above, the worker can be informed of the remaining production time. Therefore, the worker can know the remaining production time and recognize the deadline for preparing the equipment. The same can be said for the production guidance method as well as the production guidance device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing an example of a circuit board production line configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the exchange system and parts mounting machine. [Figure 3] This is a plan view illustrating an example of feeder replacement work between a conveying device and a parts supply device for a parts mounting machine. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of a control block for a production guidance device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a control procedure using a production guidance device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how the remaining quantity of an item changes over time. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of how the remaining quantity of items changes over time. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of guidance on the period during which production can continue. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] 1. Embodiment 1-1. Example of Production Line WL0 Configuration The production guidance device 70 of this embodiment is applied to the production line WL0. As shown in Figure 1, the production line WL0 includes at least one (four in the figure) component mounting machines 10, a replacement system 30, a transport device 40a, a storage device 50, and a line management device 60. The four component mounting machines 10 are installed along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 shown in Figure 2. The component mounting machines 10 are included in a substrate work machine WM0 that performs predetermined substrate work on the substrate 90. The substrate work performed by the component mounting machines 10 includes loading and unloading of the substrate 90, supplying, picking, and mounting of components 91, etc. For example, a cassette-type feeder 20 is detachably provided on the component mounting machine 10.

[0014] On the substrate loading side of production line WL0 (left side of Figure 1), a storage device 50 is installed, for example, for storing feeders 20. Production line WL0 is also equipped with a replacement system 30 and a transport device 40a, which perform the supply, replacement, and retrieval operations of feeders 20. The configuration of production line WL0 can be appropriately added to and modified depending on, for example, the type of product substrate 900 to be produced. Specifically, production line WL0 can be appropriately equipped with substrate processing machines WM0, such as a solder printing machine, solder inspection machine, reflow oven, and visual inspection machine. In this way, production line WL0 can transport substrates 90 sequentially using various substrate processing machines WM0 and produce product substrates 900 by executing production processes, including inspection.

[0015] The substrate processing machine WM0 that constitutes the production line WL0 is configured to be able to input and output various data to and from the line management device 60 via a network. For example, the storage device 50 has a plurality of slots. The storage device 50 stocks the feeders 20 equipped in the plurality of slots. The feeder 20 equipped in the slot of the storage device 50 is in a communicable state with the line management device 60. Thereby, the identification information of the slot of the storage device 50 and the feeder 20 equipped in the slot is associated and recorded in the line management device 60.

[0016] Also, the line management device 60 monitors the operating status of the production line WL0 and performs overall control of the substrate processing machine WM0 such as the component mounting machine 10, the exchange system 30, the transfer device 40a, and the storage device 50. Various data for controlling the substrate processing machine WM0, the exchange system 30, the transfer device 40a, and the storage device 50 are stored in the line management device 60. For example, when the component mounting machine 10 executes the mounting process of the component 91, the line management device 60 sends out various data such as a production program.

[0017] 1-2. Configuration example of the component mounting machine 10 As shown in FIG. 2, each of the four component mounting machines 10 includes a substrate transfer device 11, a component supply device 12, and a head drive device 13. In this specification, the transfer direction of the substrate 90 is the X direction. Also, the direction orthogonal to the X direction in the horizontal plane is the Y direction. Further, the vertical direction (the up and down direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction.

[0018] The substrate transfer device 11 is constituted by, for example, a belt conveyor and a positioning device. The substrate transfer device 11 sequentially transfers the substrate 90 in the transfer direction (X direction) and positions the substrate 90 at a predetermined position inside the machine. After the mounting process by the component mounting machine 10 is completed, the substrate transfer device 11 carries out the substrate 90 outside the component mounting machine 10.

[0019] The component supply device 12 supplies components 91 to be mounted on the substrate 90. The component supply device 12 has a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b that can be equipped with a plurality of feeders 20. In this embodiment, the first slot 12a is located at the top of the front side of the component mounting machine 10 and operably holds the mounted feeders 20. The feeders 20 equipped in the first slot 12a are controlled to operate during the mounting process by the component mounting machine 10 and supply components 91 at a take-out section provided at a predetermined position on the top of the feeder 20. In this way, the first slot 12a can hold feeders 20 used in the production of product substrates 900.

[0020] In this embodiment, the second slot 12b is located below the first slot 12a and stores the installed feeders 20. Specifically, the second slot 12b reserves feeders 20 that are intended for use in the production of product substrates 900. The second slot 12b also temporarily holds feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900. The exchange of feeders 20 between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b is performed by the conveying device 40a.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the feeder 20 comprises a feeder body 21 and a drive device 22. The feeder body 21 in this embodiment is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder body 21 detachably (replaceable) holds a reel 23 around which a carrier tape containing a number of parts 91 is wound. The drive device 22 includes a sprocket 22a that engages with feed holes provided in the carrier tape. The drive device 22 rotates the sprocket 22a to feed and move the carrier tape.

[0022] The operation of the drive unit 22 of the feeder 20 is controlled by the control device of the component mounting machine 10. When the feeder 20 is installed in the first slot 12a of the component mounting machine 10, it receives power from the component mounting machine 10 via a connector and becomes able to communicate with the component mounting machine 10. This allows the component mounting machine 10 to detect the supply and retrieval of the feeder 20 in the first slot 12a. The same applies to the second slot 12b as described above for the first slot 12a.

[0023] The feeder 20, equipped in the first slot 12a, controls the feeding operation of the carrier tape containing the components 91 based on control commands from the component mounting machine 10. As a result, the feeder 20 supplies the components 91 so that they can be picked up by the holding member of the mounting head 13b at the extraction section located at the top of the feeder 20.

[0024] The head drive unit 13 moves the mobile table 13a horizontally (in the X and Y directions) by a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 13b is fixed to the mobile table 13a in a replaceable (detachable) manner by a clamping member. The mounting head 13b is moved integrally with the mobile table 13a in the X and Y directions by the linear motion mechanism of the head drive unit 13. The mounting head 13b uses a holding member to pick up the parts 91 supplied by the parts supply device 12. The holding member can be, for example, a suction nozzle that attracts the parts 91 with supplied negative pressure air, or a chuck that grips the parts 91.

[0025] The mounting head 13b holds the holding member so that it can move in the Z direction and rotate around the Q axis parallel to the Z direction. The mounting head 13b adjusts the position and angle of the holding member according to the orientation of the picked part 91. The mounting head 13b then mounts the part 91 to the mounting position on the substrate 90 as commanded by the production program. The total time required for the pick-and-place cycle of the part 91, plus the time required for loading and unloading the substrate 90, corresponds to the cycle time per substrate 90.

[0026] The retaining member provided on the mounting head 13b can be appropriately changed depending on the type of component 91 during the mounting process of mounting the component 91 onto the substrate 90. For example, if the suction nozzle to be used in the mounting process to be executed is not attached to the mounting head 13b, the component mounting machine 10 will attach a suction nozzle housed in the nozzle station to the mounting head 13b. The nozzle station is detachably mounted in a predetermined position inside the component mounting machine 10 or on the feeder 20.

[0027] 1-3. Example of configuration of exchange system 30 and conveying device 40a As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the exchange system 30 comprises a first rail 31 and a second rail 32. The first rail 31 and the second rail 32 form the travel path 30R of the transport device 40a. The first rail 31 extends along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 and is provided between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0028] The second rail 32 extends along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 and is located below the second slot 12b in the vertical direction (Z direction). The first rail 31 and the second rail 32 extend over almost the entire transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 in the production line WL0. The transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 corresponds to the arrangement direction of the four component mounting machines 10.

[0029] The transport device 40a is provided to travel along a travel path 30R formed by the first rail 31 and the second rail 32. The transport device 40a receives power from a power transmission unit via contactless power supply, for example, through a power receiving unit provided opposite the power transmission unit on the first rail 31. The power received by the power receiving unit is used for the transport device 40a's movement, predetermined operations, etc., via a power receiving circuit. The transport device 40a detects its position (current position) on the travel path 30R using, for example, a position detection device. The position detection device can detect the position using, for example, an optical detection method or a detection method using electromagnetic induction.

[0030] The above-mentioned predetermined operations include an exchange operation to exchange equipment DD0 used in the production of product substrates 900 by substrate work machines WM0 such as component mounting machines 10 with the substrate work machine WM0. In the embodiment, the transport device 40a uses the feeder 20 that supplies components 91 to be mounted on the substrate 90 as equipment DD0 and performs an exchange operation of the feeder 20 with the component mounting machine 10, which is the substrate work machine WM0. The transport device 40a can also use the feeder 20 as equipment DD0 and perform an exchange operation of the feeder 20 with the storage device 50.

[0031] In this embodiment, the conveying device 40a conveys the feeder 20 from the storage device 50 to the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b of the component mounting machine 10, thereby performing the feeder 20 supply operation. The conveying device 40a also performs the feeder 20 exchange operation between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b of the component mounting machine 10. Furthermore, the conveying device 40a conveys the unused feeder 20 from the component mounting machine 10 to the storage device 50, thereby performing the feeder 20 retrieval operation.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the conveying device 40a comprises at least one (two in the figure) holding section 41 and a control device 42. In this embodiment, each of the two holding sections 41 can simultaneously clamp multiple (two in the figure) feeders 20 and hold multiple (two) feeders 20 at the same time. Furthermore, each of the two holding sections 41 can move independently along the attachment / detachment direction of the feeder 20 (Y direction in this embodiment) by means of, for example, a linear motion mechanism, and multiple (two) feeders 20 can be moved simultaneously along the Y direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the two holding parts 41 can be moved integrally in the vertical direction (Z direction) by means of, for example, a linear motion mechanism, and multiple (four) feeders 20 can be moved simultaneously in the Z direction. The conveying device 40a can also be equipped with, for example, multiple (four) holding parts 41. In this case, each of the multiple (four) holding parts 41 can clamp one feeder 20, allowing the multiple (four) feeders 20 to be moved independently in the Y and Z directions. Moreover, the form of the holding part 41 is not limited to a clamping mechanism or a linear motion mechanism, but can take various forms. For example, the holding part 41 can be equipped with a protrusion that can be fitted into a hole provided in the feeder 20. In this case, the feeder 20 is held by the protrusion of the holding part 41 fitting into the hole in the feeder 20.

[0034] The control device 42 is equipped with a known computing device and memory device, and constitutes a control circuit. The control device 42 is communicatively connected to the four component mounting machines 10, the exchange system 30, the storage device 50, and the line management device 60. The control device 42 controls the movement of the conveying device 40a, the operation of the two holding units 41, and so on. With the above configuration, the conveying device 40a can move along the first rail 31 and the second rail 32 to a predetermined position, and can also perform feeder 20 replacement work at the stopping position.

[0035] Furthermore, the storage device 50 is not limited to the feeder 20, but can also store equipment DD0 used in the production of product substrates 900 using the substrate work machine WM0. For example, if the substrate work machine WM0 is a component mounting machine 10, a tray unit that houses a tray in which multiple components 91 are arranged, and a wafer component supply device capable of supplying wafer components are included in equipment DD0. Also, a retaining member supply device (nozzle station if the retaining member is a suction nozzle) capable of supplying retaining members (suction nozzles, chucks, etc.) are included in equipment DD0. If the substrate work machine WM0 is a solder printing machine that prints solder onto substrates 90, a solder container that holds the solder is included in equipment DD0.

[0036] Thus, the storage device 50 can temporarily hold equipment DD0 that is planned to be used in the production of product substrates 900, or equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900. Furthermore, the conveying device 40a can supply equipment DD0 brought into the storage device 50 to the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b, and can also recover equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 from the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b to the storage device 50.

[0037] Furthermore, the board processing machine WM0 is not limited to the component mounting machine 10, but can also include a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b, and the equipment DD0 to be held is not limited to the feeder 20. In other words, the board processing machine WM0 includes a first slot 12a capable of holding equipment DD0 used in the production of the product board 900, and a second slot 12b capable of pre-holding equipment DD0 intended for use in the production of the product board 900 or temporarily holding equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product board 900.

[0038] 1-4. Example of the configuration of the production guidance device 70 In this specification, items supplied from equipment DD0, such as components 91 supplied from feeders 20 and tray units, and solder supplied from solder containers, are referred to as articles MD0. If the articles MD0 supplied from equipment DD0 remaining on the production line WL0 become insufficient, production of product substrates 900 will stop at the substrate processing machine WM0. Therefore, there is a need to inform the operator of the production continuation time TM0, which is the time during which the substrate processing machine WM0 can continue production of product substrates 900 using the articles MD0 remaining on the production line WL0.

[0039] Therefore, the production line WL0 of this embodiment is equipped with a production guidance device 70. This allows the worker to know the production continuation time TM0 and recognize the deadline for preparing the equipment DD0. Specifically, the production guidance device 70 comprises a calculation unit 71 and a guidance unit 72. The calculation unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can be provided in various control devices, management devices, etc. For example, at least one of the calculation unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can be provided in a line management device 60. At least one of the calculation unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can also be provided in a management device that manages multiple production lines WL0. At least one of the calculation unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can also be formed on the cloud.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the calculation unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 of the embodiment are provided in the line management device 60. The production guidance device 70 performs control according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The calculation unit 71 performs the process shown in step S11. The guidance unit 72 performs the process shown in step S12.

[0041] 1-4-1. Calculation Unit 71 The calculation unit 71 calculates the production continuation time TM0 based on the remaining number of items MD0 that can be supplied from the equipment DD0 used for the substrate work machine WM0 in the entire production line WL0 including the substrate work machine WM0 (step S11 shown in Figure 5).

[0042] The remaining number of items MD0 in the entire production line WL0 refers to the number of items MD0 that can be supplied from the equipment DD0 that can be used in the production of product substrates 900 without worker intervention. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the substrate processing machine WM0 has a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b. The production line WL0 also has a storage device 50 and a transport device 40a. The first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50 can all hold equipment DD0, and the transport device 40a can move equipment DD0 between the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50 without worker intervention.

[0043] Therefore, in the above production line WL0, the articles MD0 remaining in the production line WL0 are articles MD0 that can be supplied from equipment DD0 held in any of the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, or the storage device 50. Furthermore, the production continuation time TM0 refers to the time during which the substrate work machine WM0 can continue producing product substrates 900 using the articles MD0 remaining in the production line WL0.

[0044] For example, when all the goods MD0 held in the first slot 12a are supplied from the equipment DD0, the equipment DD0 held in the second slot 12b or the storage device 50 are moved to the first slot 12a by the transport device 40a, and goods MD0 are supplied from that equipment DD0. When there are no more equipment DD0 capable of supplying goods MD0 in the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50, the substrate work machine WM0 will no longer be able to continue producing product substrates 900 using the goods MD0 remaining in the production line WL0. Therefore, the time from the current time to the scheduled time when goods MD0 will run out in the production line WL0 is the production continuation time TM0.

[0045] For example, production line WL0 can continuously produce product substrates 900 of the same type. In this case, the calculation unit 71 can calculate the production continuation time TM0 based on the remaining number of items MD0 in the entire production line WL0 and the planned number of items MD0 to be used per unit time. The straight line L10 in Figure 6 shows an example of the change over time in the remaining number of a given item MD0. The vertical axis in the figure shows the remaining number of items MD0 in the entire production line WL0 (first slot 12a, second slot 12b, and storage device 50), and the horizontal axis shows time. Time T0 shows the current time, and time T10 shows the time when the remaining number of items MD0 becomes zero (the time when the production continuation time TM0 becomes zero).

[0046] When production line WL0 continuously produces the same type of product substrate 900, the planned number of items MD0 used per unit time in production line WL0 remains constant. Therefore, as shown by the line L10, the remaining number of items MD0 decreases at a constant rate and becomes zero at time T10. In other words, the production continuation time TM0 in this case is the time from time T0 to time T10.

[0047] Production line WL0 can also produce product substrates 900 based on a production plan that includes the type of product substrate 900 to be produced, the number of products to be produced, the production timing, and the equipment DD0 used to produce the product substrates 900. In this case, the calculation unit 71 can calculate the production continuation time TM0 based on the remaining number of items MD0 in the entire production line WL0 and the expected number of items MD0 to be used when producing product substrates 900 according to the production plan.

[0048] The broken line L20 in Figure 7 shows another example of the change over time in the remaining quantity of a given item MD0. The vertical axis of the figure shows the remaining quantity of item MD0 in the entire production line WL0 (first slot 12a, second slot 12b, and storage device 50), and the horizontal axis shows time. Time T0 indicates the current time, and time T25 indicates the time when the remaining quantity of item MD0 becomes zero (the time when the production continuation time TM0 becomes zero).

[0049] The production plan includes the type, quantity, and timing of the product substrates 900 to be produced, as well as the equipment DD0 used to produce the product substrates 900. Therefore, the calculation unit 71 can determine the planned number of items MD0 to be used by referring to the production plan. Thus, the calculation unit 71 can obtain the change in the remaining number of items MD0 over time, as shown in the line graph L20. In this case, the production continuation time TM0 is the time from time T0 to time T25.

[0050] Furthermore, when production line WL0 produces product substrates 900 according to the production plan, the planned number of items MD0 used per unit time in production line WL0 will vary depending on differences in the type of product substrates 900 being produced. For example, the slope of the line graph L20 differs between time T0 and time T21, between time T22 and time T23, and between time T24 and time T25.

[0051] Furthermore, the number of remaining items MD0 remains constant and does not decrease during the time periods from T21 to T22 and from T23 to T24. This indicates that, depending on the type of product substrate 900 being produced, the equipment DD0 capable of supplying the type of item MD0 shown in the figure may not be used in production.

[0052] The worker needs to prepare the equipment DD0 to be supplied to the production line WL0 before the remaining quantity of goods MD0 runs out (the production continuation time TM0 reaches zero). Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the production line WL0 is equipped with a work area 80. The work area 80 includes a workbench 81, shelves 82, and a portable terminal 83. In the work area 80, the worker performs tasks such as kitting the equipment DD0, preparing for distribution, and cleaning up.

[0053] For example, if equipment DD0 is a feeder 20, the worker sets a predetermined reel 23 on the feeder 20 to make it ready for supply to the production line WL0. Specifically, the worker sets the predetermined reel 23 on the feeder 20 at the workbench 81 (kitting work) and places it on the shelf 82. The reel 23 and feeder 20 can be obtained by the worker from the storage facility 100. Alternatively, the reel 23 and feeder 20 can also be obtained from the storage facility 100, which is an automated warehouse, by a trolley 40b such as an automated guided vehicle or autonomous mobile transport robot. The worker moves the feeder 20, which has the reel 23 set and is placed on the shelf 82, to the trolley 40b (preparation work). The trolley 40b then transports the feeder 20 with the reel 23 set to the storage device 50 on the production line WL0.

[0054] During the kitting process, the worker reads the identification code attached to the reel 23 using, for example, the reader 84 of the portable terminal 83. The worker also reads the identification code attached to the feeder 20 using, for example, the reader 84 of the portable terminal 83. As a result, identification information identifying the reel 23 and identification information identifying the feeder 20 are transmitted to the item management device that manages the item MD0. When the item management device obtains the above identification information, it associates the identification information of the reel 23 with the identification information of the feeder 20 and stores it in its storage device. The item management device can also update the location information of the feeder 20 if, for example, the feeder 20 moves.

[0055] For example, when a worker moves the feeder 20 to the shelf 82, they read the identification code of the feeder 20 using a reader 84 on a portable terminal 83. If the portable terminal 83 has a positioning function, after reading the identification code, the portable terminal 83 transmits the location information of the feeder 20 to the inventory management device. The inventory management device updates the location information of the reel 23 and the feeder 20 stored in its storage device with the received location information. Alternatively, the worker can also read the location codes provided in the work area 80 using a reader 84 on the portable terminal 83. This transmits the location information of the area where the location codes are provided to the inventory management device, and the inventory management device updates the location information in the same way. Furthermore, when the feeder 20 is set in a slot on the shelf 82 and power is supplied, the inventory management device can communicate with the feeder 20 and update the location information of the feeder 20.

[0056] The trolley 40b transports, for example, feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 from the storage device 50 on the production line WL0 to the work area 80. In the work area 80, workers put away the feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 as needed (cleanup work). Specifically, workers remove the reels 23 from the feeders 20. The removed reels 23 are transported to the storage unit 100 by the trolley 40b, for example, and stored in the storage unit 100. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reels 23 and the identification information of the feeders 20 stored in the memory device is deleted. Also, if cleanup work is not required, the reels 23 and feeders 20 are stored together in a set, for example, on a shelf 82. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reels 23 and the identification information of the feeders 20 stored in the memory device is maintained.

[0057] 1-4-2. Information section 72 The guide unit 72 guides the worker on the production line WL0 with the production continuation time TM0 calculated by the calculation unit 71 (step S12 shown in Figure 5). The guide unit 72 only needs to be able to guide the worker with the production continuation time TM0 and can take various forms.

[0058] For example, the calculation unit 71 generates a list of equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare, and the guidance unit 72 can guide the worker through the equipment DD0 in the order they are to be prepared, along with information related to the equipment DD0 and the production continuation time TM0. Specifically, the calculation unit 71 generates the list of equipment DD0 shown in Figure 8. The guidance unit 72 can then guide the above information to the display device 85 of the portable terminal 83 shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 shows an example of the display screen shown on the display device 85 of the portable terminal 83, which displays a list of icons, unit production identification information, item identification information, equipment identification information, equipment name, scheduled date and time of equipment use, and location.

[0059] The icons schematically represent the tasks that the worker will perform on equipment DD0. For example, the top and bottom icons in Figure 8 indicate that the worker needs to perform the kitting and serving preparation tasks described above. The second and third icons in the same figure indicate that the kitting task has already been completed and the worker needs to perform the serving preparation tasks described above.

[0060] Unit production identification information refers to information that can identify a unit production. The production plan specifies the sequence of multiple unit productions. For example, if the type of product substrate 900 to be produced changes, a new unit production is set in the production plan. Also, even if the type of product substrate 900 to be produced remains the same, if the production lot changes, a new unit production is set in the production plan. The figure shows that the unit productions indicated by unit production identification information W1 to W4 are performed in this order.

[0061] Item identification information refers to information that can identify item MD0 supplied from equipment DD0. The figure shows that item MD0, indicated by item identification information PID1 to PID4, will be depleted in this order (for example, if item MD0 is part 91, a part shortage will occur). Equipment identification information refers to information that can identify equipment DD0. The figure shows that equipment DD0, indicated by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, should be prepared by the worker in this order.

[0062] The equipment name refers to the name of equipment DD0. The figure shows that the names of equipment DD0, indicated by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, are represented in this order as equipment names DNM1 to DNM4. The scheduled date and time of equipment use refers to the scheduled date and time when equipment DD0 will be used on production line WL0, and corresponds to time T10 shown in Figure 6 or time T25 shown in Figure 7. Equipment DD0, indicated by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, is used in this order as date and time D1 to date and time D4. Date and time D1 to D4 are expressed as month, day, hour, and minute. The location refers to the location of equipment DD0. Equipment DD0, indicated by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, is located in this order as location A1 to location A4.

[0063] Furthermore, the guidance unit 72 can display the production continuation time TM0, for example, at the top of the display device 85 of the mobile terminal 83. The guidance unit 72 can display the production continuation time TM0 for the equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare first (equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1 in Figure 8). In Figure 8, the production continuation time TM0 for equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1 is shown in hours H1, minutes M1, and seconds S1. Once the worker has completed the preparation work for equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1, the guidance unit 72 can display the production continuation time TM0 for the next equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare (equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID2 in the same figure).

[0064] Then, the guidance unit 72 stops displaying information related to equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1, which indicates that the preparation work has been completed, and moves up to display the information related to equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID2 to DID4. Furthermore, the guidance unit 72 can display information related to the next equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare after equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID4 at the bottom.

[0065] In this way, the guidance unit 72 can guide the worker through the order in which they prepare the equipment DD0, providing information related to each piece of equipment DD0 and the production continuation time TM0. This allows the worker to recognize both the information related to the equipment DD0 to be prepared and the production continuation time TM0. Therefore, the worker can acquire the information related to the equipment DD0 while paying attention to the production continuation time TM0 and perform the preparation work for the equipment DD0.

[0066] Furthermore, the shorter the grace period (production continuation time TM0) from the current time (time T0 shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7) until the time when the worker must complete the preparation work for equipment DD0 (time T10 shown in Figure 6 or time T25 shown in Figure 7), the more urgently the worker needs to complete the preparation work for equipment DD0. Therefore, the guidance unit 72 can change the method of guiding the production continuation time TM0 according to the grace period from the current time until the time when the worker must complete the preparation work for equipment DD0. This makes it easier for the worker to recognize the production continuation time TM0.

[0067] For example, the guidance unit 72 changes the method of guiding the production continuation time TM0 so that it can alert the worker when the grace period becomes shorter than the standard time at which a warning is required for the preparation work of equipment DD0. Also, the guidance unit 72 changes the method of guiding the production continuation time TM0 so that the worker immediately performs the preparation work of equipment DD0 when the grace period runs out. In either case, the guidance unit 72 can change the background color of the area 85a that displays the production continuation time TM0 on the display device 85.

[0068] Specifically, the guide unit 72 can display the background color of the area 85a that guides the production continuation time TM0 in green, for example, when the grace period is equal to or greater than the standard time. Furthermore, the guide unit 72 can display the background color of the area 85a that guides the production continuation time TM0 in yellow, for example, when the grace period is shorter than the standard time. This increases the likelihood that workers will pay close attention to the production continuation time TM0 compared to when the grace period is equal to or greater than the standard time.

[0069] Furthermore, when the grace period runs out, the guide unit 72 can display the background color of the area 85a that guides the production continuation time TM0 in, for example, red. This makes the worker pay more attention to the production continuation time TM0 compared to when there is still grace period remaining, increasing the likelihood that they will immediately begin the preparation work for the equipment DD0. The reference time can be set arbitrarily. For example, the reference time can be set to the standard work time required for a typical worker to perform the preparation work for equipment DD0.

[0070] Furthermore, the standard time can be set according to the worker's work ability. For example, the lower the worker's work ability, the longer the standard time can be set compared to the standard work time. In addition, the standard time can be set for each production line WL0, or for each production facility equipped with multiple production lines WL0. The guidance unit 72 can also provide voice guidance to the worker to pay attention to the production continuation time TM0 when the grace period becomes shorter than the standard time. Similarly, the guidance unit 72 can provide voice guidance to the worker to immediately perform the preparation work for equipment DD0 when the grace period runs out.

[0071] The guidance unit 72 can also vibrate the portable terminal 83 to alert the worker when the grace period becomes shorter than the standard time. Similarly, the guidance unit 72 can vibrate the portable terminal 83 to prompt the worker to prepare equipment DD0 when the grace period runs out. In this way, the guidance unit 72 can guide the worker through at least one of their sight, hearing, and touch senses regarding the production continuation time TM0.

[0072] The guidance unit 72 can also change the guidance for preparing equipment DD0 according to the progress of the preparation work performed by the worker. For example, the display screen shown in Figure 8 indicates that the equipment should be scanned. In other words, the guidance unit 72 guides the worker through the preparation work for equipment DD0, instructing them to read the identification code attached to equipment DD0 using the reader device 84 of the portable terminal 83 when performing the kitting work.

[0073] When the operator reads the identification code attached to the equipment DD0, the guide unit 72 provides instructions for the next preparatory work for the equipment DD0 on the display screen shown in Figure 8. For example, if the equipment DD0 is a feeder 20, when the identification code attached to the feeder 20 is read, the guide unit 72 instructs the operator to read the identification code attached to the reel 23 using the reader device 84 of the portable terminal 83 or the like. The guide unit 72 then instructs the operator to set the reel 23 on the feeder 20 and install it in the designated position on the shelf 82.

[0074] Furthermore, the guide unit 72 guides the worker to move the feeder 20, which has the reel 23 set and is mounted in a predetermined position on the shelf 82, to a predetermined slot on the trolley 40b when the worker is performing the food preparation work. In this way, the guide unit 72 can change the guidance for the preparation work of equipment DD0 according to the progress of the preparation work of equipment DD0 performed by the worker. This makes it easy for the worker to recognize the next preparation work of equipment DD0 to be performed.

[0075] The substrate processing machine WM0 of this embodiment includes a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b. The production line WL0 includes a storage device 50 and a transport device 40a. The articles MD0 remaining in the production line WL0 are articles MD0 that can be supplied from equipment DD0 held in any of the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, or the storage device 50. Therefore, the production line WL0 can extend its production continuation time TM0 by having equipment DD0 held in advance in the second slot 12b and the storage device 50.

[0076] Furthermore, the operator can perform the preparation work for the equipment DD0 supplied to the storage device 50 without distinguishing whether it will be used for the setup work of the substrate work machine WM0 or for the replenishment of equipment DD0 to the substrate work machine WM0. In addition, even if the production plan includes multiple unit productions, the production guidance device 70 can guide the production continuation time TM0 without distinguishing between the multiple unit productions.

[0077] 1-4-3. Others In this specification, equipment DD0 is described using feeder 20 as an example. However, equipment DD0 is not limited to feeder 20. As previously stated, equipment DD0 may be, for example, a tray unit, a solder container, or the like.

[0078] Furthermore, the transport device 40a in this embodiment is provided to be able to travel along a travel path 30R that extends along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90. The transport device 40a, like the trolley 40b, may be an automated guided vehicle, an autonomous mobile transport robot, etc. In this case, the production line WL0 can be equipped with a trolley 40b instead of the exchange system 30 and the transport device 40a. The matters described herein can be selected and applied as appropriate. Also, the matters described herein can be combined as appropriate.

[0079] 2. Production guidance method The same applies to the production guidance method as to the production guidance device 70. Specifically, the production guidance method comprises a calculation step and a guidance step. The calculation step corresponds to the control performed by the calculation unit 71. The guidance step corresponds to the control performed by the guidance unit 72. The production guidance method is executed by the control device through its processing.

[0080] 3. An example of the effects of the embodiment The production guidance device 70 can inform the worker of the production continuation time TM0. Therefore, the worker can know the production continuation time TM0 and recognize the deadline for preparing the equipment DD0. The same applies to the production guidance method as described above for the production guidance device 70. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 12a: First slot, 12b: Second slot, 40a: Conveyor device, 50: Storage device, 70: Production guidance device, 71: Calculation unit, 72: Guidance unit, 85: Display device, 85a: Area, 90: Board, 900: Product board, DD0: Equipment, MD0: Goods, TM0: Production continuity time WL0: Production line, WM0: Circuit board work machine.

Claims

1. A calculation unit calculates the production continuation time, which is the time during which the production machine can continue producing the product substrate using the articles remaining on the production line, based on the remaining number of articles that can be supplied from the equipment used in the equipment used in the production machine that performs predetermined operations on a substrate to produce a product substrate, and the total number of articles that can be supplied from the equipment in the entire production line including the production machine, A guide unit that informs the workers on the production line of the production continuation time calculated by the calculation unit, A production guidance device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned production line continuously produces the same type of product substrate, The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the production continuation time based on the remaining number of items in the entire production line and the planned number of items to be used per unit time.

3. The production line produces the product substrates based on a production plan that specifies the type of product substrate to be produced, the number of substrates to be produced, the production period, and the equipment to be used in producing the product substrates. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the production continuation time based on the remaining number of items in the entire production line and the expected number of items to be used when producing the product substrates according to the production plan.

4. The calculation unit generates a list of the equipment that the worker must prepare, The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit guides the worker through the order of the equipment to be prepared, providing information related to the equipment and the production continuation time.

5. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit changes the method of guiding the production continuation time according to the grace period from the current time until the time when the worker should complete the preparation work for the equipment.

6. The production guidance device according to claim 5, wherein the guidance unit changes the method of guiding the worker on the production continuation time so as to be able to alert the worker when the grace period becomes shorter than the standard time for which a warning is required regarding the preparation work of the equipment.

7. The production guidance device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the guidance unit changes the method of guiding the production continuation time so that the worker immediately performs the preparation work on the equipment when the grace period is exhausted.

8. The production guidance device according to claim 5, wherein the guidance unit changes the background color of the area that indicates the production continuation time in the display device.

9. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit changes the guidance for the preparation work of the equipment according to the progress of the preparation work of the equipment performed by the worker.

10. The aforementioned substrate processing machine is A first slot capable of holding the equipment used in the production of the aforementioned product substrate, A second slot capable of temporarily holding the equipment intended for use in the production of the aforementioned product substrate, or the equipment that is no longer needed in the production of the aforementioned product substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned production line is A storage device capable of temporarily storing the equipment intended for use in the production of the aforementioned product substrates, or the equipment that is no longer needed in the production of the aforementioned product substrates, A conveying device that supplies the equipment brought into the storage device to the first slot or the second slot, and retrieves the equipment that is no longer needed for the production of the product substrate from the first slot or the second slot to the storage device, Equipped with, The production guide device according to claim 1, wherein the articles remaining on the production line are articles that can be supplied from the equipment held in any of the first slot, the second slot, and the storage device.

11. A calculation step to calculate the production continuation time, which is the time during which the production machine can continue producing the product substrate using the articles remaining on the production line, based on the remaining number of articles in the entire production line including the production machine that can be supplied from the equipment used in the production machine that performs predetermined production operations on a substrate to produce a product substrate, A guidance step for informing the workers on the production line of the production continuation time calculated by the calculation step, A production guidance method that includes the following features.

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