Production guidance device and production guidance method

Abstract

This production guidance device comprises a planning unit and a guidance unit. The planning unit plans a timing to use a conveyance device to perform advance supply, from a storage device to at least one empty region among a first slot and a second slot, of equipment necessary in setup changeover work for a substrate working machine and equipment replenishment work with respect to the substrate working machine. The guidance unit guides a worker to supply the equipment to the storage device at a prescribed time before the timing of the advance supply planned by the planning unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The production system described in Patent Document 1 includes a production plan concretization unit and a setup support unit. After the part shortage prediction process is executed, the production plan concretization unit executes printing of pre-preparation lists such as work instruction sheets (for example, required parts lists, replenishment parts lists, shortage lists for reissue of parts) when executing the production plan. The setup support unit gives work instructions (for example, whether to return the reel member or divert the reel member) at the time of model changeover. Thus, the production system described in Patent Document 1 plans the setup changeover work and the parts replenishment work respectively, and guides the setup changeover work and the parts replenishment work respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the production system described in Patent Document 1, an operator needs to prepare the equipment required for the setup changeover work of the substrate processing machine and the equipment required for the replenishment work for the substrate processing machine respectively, and supply them to the substrate processing machine. Therefore, the work of the operator becomes complicated, and there is a possibility that the work efficiency decreases.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, this specification discloses a production guidance device and a production guidance method capable of improving the work efficiency of the setup changeover work and the replenishment work of the substrate processing machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a production guidance device applied to a production line. The production line comprises a substrate handling machine, a storage device, and a transport device. The substrate handling machine has a first slot capable of holding equipment used in the production of product substrates, and a second slot capable of temporarily holding equipment intended for use in the production of product substrates or equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates, and produces product substrates by performing predetermined substrate handling operations on the substrates. The storage device is capable of temporarily holding equipment intended for use in the production of product substrates or equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates. The transport device supplies the equipment supplied to the storage device to the first slot or the second slot, and retrieves the equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates from the first slot or the second slot to the storage device. The production guidance device comprises a planning unit and a guidance unit. The planning unit plans the timing for pre-supplying the equipment necessary for the setup change operation of the substrate work machine and the supply operation of the equipment to the substrate work machine from the storage device to at least one empty area of ​​the first slot and the second slot using the transport device. The guidance unit guides the worker to supply the equipment to the storage device during a predetermined period prior to the timing of pre-supply planned by the planning unit.

[0007] This specification also discloses a production guidance method applicable to a production line. The production line comprises a substrate handling machine, a storage device, and a transport device. The substrate handling machine has a first slot capable of holding equipment used in the production of product substrates, and a second slot capable of temporarily holding equipment intended for use in the production of product substrates or equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates, and produces product substrates by performing predetermined substrate handling operations on the substrates. The storage device is capable of temporarily holding equipment intended for use in the production of product substrates or equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates. The transport device supplies the equipment supplied to the storage device to the first slot or the second slot, and retrieves the equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates from the first slot or the second slot to the storage device. The production guidance method comprises a planning step and a guidance step. The planning step plans the timing for pre-supplying the equipment necessary for the setup change operation of the substrate work machine and the supply operation of the equipment to the substrate work machine from the storage device to at least one empty area of ​​the first slot and the second slot using the transport device. The guidance step guides the worker to supply the equipment to the storage device during a predetermined period prior to the timing of pre-supply planned by the planning step.

[0008] 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 6 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 5."

[0009] Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 7 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 6." Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 8 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 7." 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." [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the production line described above, the equipment necessary for setting up and replenishing the equipment for the circuit board work machines can be supplied in advance. Furthermore, the production guidance device described above can guide workers to the supply of equipment during a predetermined period prior to the timing of the equipment's advance supply. Therefore, workers can perform equipment preparation work together without distinguishing between setting up and replenishing the equipment for the circuit board work machines, thereby improving worker efficiency. The same can be said for the production guidance method as well as the production guidance device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [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 an example of guidance for supplying equipment to storage facilities. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Further, 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. The line management device 60, for example, sends out various data such as a production program when executing the mounting process of the component 91 by the component mounting machine 10.

[0016] 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 defined as the X direction. Also, the direction orthogonal to the X direction on the horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction. Further, the vertical direction (the vertical direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The component supply device 12 supplies components 91 to be mounted on the substrate 90. The component supply device 12 includes a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b that can accommodate a plurality of feeders 20. In the embodiment, the first slot 12a is disposed at the upper part on the front side of the component mounting machine 10 and operably holds the equipped feeder 20. The feeder 20 equipped in the first slot 12a is controlled in operation during the mounting process by the component mounting machine 10 and supplies the component 91 at the take-out part provided at the specified position above the feeder 20. Thus, the first slot 12a can hold the feeder 20 used in the production of the product substrate 900.

[0019] In the embodiment, the second slot 12b is disposed below the first slot 12a and stocks the equipped feeder 20. Specifically, the second slot 12b preliminarily holds the feeder 20 planned to be used in the production of the product substrate 900. Also, the second slot 12b temporarily holds the feeder 20 that has become unnecessary in the production of the product substrate 900. The replacement operation of the feeder 20 between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b is performed by the transfer device 40a.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the feeder 20 includes a feeder main body 21 and a drive device 22. The feeder main body 21 of the embodiment is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder main body 21 removably (replaceably) holds a reel 23 around which a carrier tape accommodating a large number of components 91 is wound. The drive device 22 includes a sprocket 22a that engages with a feed hole provided in the carrier tape. The drive device 22 rotates the sprocket 22a to feed and move the carrier tape.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 on the substrate processing machine WM0. Therefore, it is necessary to supply equipment DD0 to the production line WL0. Furthermore, it is also necessary to supply equipment DD0 to the production line WL0 during setup changes of the substrate processing machine WM0.

[0038] For example, in a production line that does not have a first slot 12a, a second slot 12b, a storage device 50, and a transport device 40a, the equipment DD0 cannot be automatically replaced. Therefore, the operator must prepare the equipment DD0 required for the setup change of the substrate work machine WM0 and the equipment DD0 required for the supply of the substrate work machine WM0, and supply them to the substrate work machine WM0.

[0039] Specifically, the setup changeover of the circuit board handling machine WM0 is performed for each predetermined production unit of the product circuit board 900 (corresponding to the unit production described later). For example, if the equipment DD0 is a feeder 20, the worker sets the predetermined reel 23 onto the feeder 20 in advance in the external setup area and moves it to the trolley 40b. Then, before the production unit changes, the worker moves the trolley 40b to the internal setup area near the production line and changes the feeder 20 for each circuit board handling machine WM0. The worker also needs to retrieve the feeder 20 that is no longer needed for the production of the product circuit board 900 from the circuit board handling machine WM0.

[0040] Replenishment of the circuit board work machine WM0 is performed separately from the setup changeover. For example, an operator sets a predetermined reel 23 on the feeder 20 in a replenishment area near the production line. Then, whenever a component 91 runs out, the operator replaces the feeder 20 at the circuit board work machine WM0. Thus, in the above configuration, the setup changeover of the circuit board work machine WM0 and the replenishment of the circuit board work machine WM0 are different tasks, and an operator is required for each area. Therefore, the operator's work becomes complicated, and work efficiency may decrease.

[0041] Therefore, the substrate work machine WM0 of the embodiment is equipped with a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b. The production line WL0 of the embodiment is equipped with a storage device 50 and a transport device 40a. Furthermore, the production line WL0 is equipped with a production guidance device 70. The production guidance device 70 is equipped with a planning unit 71 and a guidance unit 72. The planning unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can be provided in various control devices, management devices, etc. For example, at least one of the planning unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can be provided in a line management device 60. At least one of the planning 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 planning unit 71 and the guidance unit 72 can also be formed on the cloud.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the planning 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 planning unit 71 performs the process shown in step S11. The guidance unit 72 performs the process shown in step S12.

[0043] 1-4-1. Planning Department 71 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the substrate processing machine WM0 of the embodiment includes a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b. The production line WL0 of the embodiment also includes 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 the equipment DD0, and the transport device 40a can move the equipment DD0 between the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50.

[0044] Therefore, the production line WL0 pre-supplies the equipment DD0 required for the setup operation of the substrate work machine WM0 and the supply operation of equipment DD0 to the substrate work machine WM0 from the storage device 50 to at least one empty area of ​​the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b using the transport device 40a. As a result, the production line WL0 of this embodiment can perform the setup operation and the supply operation of the substrate work machine WM0 in the same manner without distinguishing between them.

[0045] The planning unit 71 plans the timing for pre-supplying the equipment DD0 (step S11 shown in Figure 5). The planning unit 71 only needs to be able to plan the timing for pre-supplying the equipment DD0, and can take various forms. For example, the production line WL0 can produce product substrates 900 based on a production plan that includes the type of product substrate 900 to be produced, the number of substrates to be produced, the production timing, and the equipment DD0 to be used in the production of the product substrates 900.

[0046] In this case, the planning unit 71 can plan the timing for pre-supplying equipment DD0 based on the remaining number of articles MD0 that can be supplied from equipment DD0 held in any of the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50, and the expected number of articles MD0 to be used when producing product substrates 900 according to the production plan.

[0047] The broken line L10 in Figure 6 shows an example of the change in the remaining number of a given item MD0 over time. The vertical axis of the figure shows the remaining number of items MD0 in the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50, and the horizontal axis shows time. Time T0 shows the current time, and time T15 shows the time when the remaining number of items MD0 becomes zero. The time from time T0 to time T15 is the time during which the substrate processing machine WM0 can continue to produce product substrates 900 using the items MD0 remaining in the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50, and is called the production continuation time TM0.

[0048] The planning unit 71 plans the timing for pre-supplying equipment DD0 so that the pre-supply of equipment DD0 is completed by the time T15 at the latest when the production continuation time TM0 becomes zero. Specifically, the production plan includes the type of product substrate 900 to be produced, the number of products to be produced, the production timing, and the equipment DD0 to be used in the production of the product substrate 900. Therefore, the planning unit 71 can obtain the planned number of items MD0 to be used by referring to the production plan. Thus, the planning unit 71 can obtain the change in the remaining number of items MD0 over time, as shown in the line graph L10.

[0049] 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 the type of product substrate 900 being produced. For example, the slope of the line L10 differs between time T0 and time T11, between time T12 and time T13, and between time T14 and time T15. Also, the remaining number of items MD0 remains constant and does not decrease between time T11 and time T12, and between time T13 and time T14. This indicates that, depending on the type of product substrate 900 being produced, the equipment DD0 capable of supplying the type of items MD0 shown in the figure may not be used in production.

[0050] The planning unit 71 can, for example, plan to pre-supply equipment DD0 when the remaining number of items MD0 in the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50 falls below a predetermined number (for example, a predetermined timing between time T14 and time T15). The predetermined number can be set arbitrarily. The planning unit 71 can also plan to pre-supply equipment DD0 at any timing during the time when equipment DD0 is not used in production (for example, between time T13 and time T14).

[0051] In this way, the planning unit 71 can plan the timing for pre-supplying the equipment DD0 required for the replenishment work of the substrate work machine WM0. Furthermore, by referring to the production plan, the planning unit 71 can determine when the equipment DD0 will be needed during the setup changeover of the substrate work machine WM0. The planning unit 71 can plan the timing for pre-supplying the equipment DD0 required for the setup changeover of the substrate work machine WM0 to be earlier than that time.

[0052] The equipment DD0, which is supplied in advance using the conveying device 40a, is prepared by the workers. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, a work area 80 is provided in the production line WL0. The work area 80 is equipped with a workbench 81, shelves 82, and a portable terminal 83. In the work area 80, workers perform 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 to supply equipment DD0 to the storage device 50 during a predetermined period prior to the pre-supply timing planned by the planning unit 71 (step S12 shown in Figure 5). The guide unit 72 only needs to be able to guide the worker to supply equipment DD0 to the storage device 50 and can take various forms.

[0058] For example, the guidance unit 72 can display a list of equipment DD0 that the worker needs to prepare and guide the supply of equipment DD0. The guidance unit 72 can also guide the worker with information related to equipment DD0 in the order in which the equipment DD0 is prepared. Furthermore, the guidance unit 72 can also guide the worker with the remaining time until the equipment DD0 is supplied in advance. In addition, the guidance unit 72 can also guide the worker with the supply of equipment DD0 on their portable terminal 83.

[0059] Specifically, the guidance unit 72 can guide the supply of equipment DD0 by displaying a list of equipment DD0 shown in Figure 7 on the display device 85 of the portable terminal 83 shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 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.

[0060] The icons schematically represent the tasks that the worker will perform on equipment DD0. For example, the top and bottom icons in Figure 7 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 work has already been completed and the worker needs to perform the serving preparation tasks described above.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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, is required in this order. 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.

[0063] The equipment name refers to the name of equipment DD0. The diagram 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. Equipment DD0, indicated by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, will be 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, will be located in this order as location A1 to location A4.

[0064] Furthermore, the guidance unit 72 can also provide information on the remaining time until the timing to pre-supply the equipment DD0. The guidance unit 72 can display the remaining time until the timing to pre-supply the equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare first (equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1 in Figure 7). Once the worker has completed the preparation work for equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1, the guidance unit 72 can display the remaining time until the timing to pre-supply the equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare next (equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID2 in the same figure).

[0065] Then, the guidance unit 72 stops displaying information related to equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID1 once the preparation work is complete, 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 equipment DD0 that the worker should prepare next, after the equipment DD0 indicated by equipment identification information DID4, at the bottom. In this way, the guidance unit 72 can guide the worker through the information related to equipment DD0 in the order in which they prepare the equipment DD0. This allows the worker to recognize the information related to the equipment DD0 to be prepared in the necessary order.

[0066] Furthermore, the guidance unit 72 provides guidance on the supply of equipment DD0 during a predetermined period prior to the timing of pre-supplying the equipment DD0. Specifically, the guidance unit 72 can provide guidance on the supply of equipment DD0 to the worker based on the required time, which includes the time required for the worker to prepare equipment DD0 and the transport time until equipment DD0 is transported to the storage device 50 by the trolley 40b. For example, the guidance unit 72 starts providing guidance on the supply of equipment DD0 a time equal to the above required time plus a predetermined buffer time, prior to the timing of pre-supplying equipment DD0.

[0067] The longer the time between being notified of the supply of equipment DD0 and the time spent not preparing equipment DD0, the less buffer time becomes, and the more urgent the worker becomes in preparing equipment DD0. Therefore, the guidance unit 72 can again notify the worker of the supply of equipment DD0 when the buffer time becomes shorter than the predetermined allowable time. The guidance unit 72 can also again notify the worker of the supply of equipment DD0 when the buffer time runs out. Furthermore, the guidance unit 72 can also notify the worker of the supply of equipment DD0 each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the buffer time ran out.

[0068] The working time can be set to the standard working time required for a typical worker to perform the preparation work for equipment DD0. The working time can also be set according to the worker's ability. For example, the lower the worker's ability, the longer the working time can be set compared to the standard working time. Furthermore, the working time can be set for each production line WL0, or for each production facility with multiple production lines WL0. The guidance unit 72 can also provide voice guidance for supplying equipment DD0 to the storage device 50. Additionally, the guidance unit 72 can guide the supply of equipment DD0 to the storage device 50 by vibrating the portable terminal 83. In this way, the guidance unit 72 can guide the supply of equipment DD0 to the storage device 50 through at least one of the worker's sight, hearing, and touch.

[0069] 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 7 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.

[0070] 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 7. 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In the production line WL0 of this embodiment, the conveying device 40a can move the equipment DD0 between the first slot 12a, the second slot 12b, and the storage device 50. Therefore, the equipment DD0 only needs to be supplied to the storage device 50, and the operator does not need to distinguish whether the equipment DD0 supplied to the storage device 50 is used for setup work or replenishment work. Thus, the guide unit 72 can guide the supply of equipment DD0 without distinguishing whether the equipment DD0 supplied to the storage device 50 is used for setup work or replenishment work.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, if the transport device 40a is moving the equipment DD0 between the storage device 50 and the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b, the storage device 50 will have difficulty accepting the equipment DD0 being brought in by the trolley 40b. Therefore, the guide unit 72 can guide the distribution of equipment DD0 when the storage device 50 is able to accept the equipment DD0 being brought in.

[0074] Specifically, the guidance unit 72 acquires the operating status of the conveying device 40a from the line management device 60. The guidance unit 72 can then guide the distribution of equipment DD0 so that it is distributed during a time when the conveying device 40a is not performing any operations on the storage device 50. For example, if equipment DD0 is a feeder 20, when the distribution of the feeder 20 is guided, the worker performs the distribution preparation work described above. Specifically, the worker moves the feeder 20, which has the reel 23 set and is mounted on the shelf 82, to the trolley 40b. The trolley 40b then transports the feeder 20 with the reel 23 set to the storage device 50 on the production line WL0. The guidance unit 72 guides the distribution of the feeder 20 by calculating backward from the scheduled time when the feeder 20 will be supplied to the storage device 50.

[0075] Furthermore, the more carts 40b used to transport the equipment DD0 there are, the more complicated the control of the carts 40b becomes, making it difficult for the worker to recognize which cart 40b should carry the equipment DD0. Therefore, the guide unit 72 can guide the worker to use the minimum number of carts 40b to load the equipment DD0 into the storage device 50. For example, the guide unit 72 can guide the worker to use one cart 40b to load the equipment DD0 into the storage device 50. If it is difficult to load the equipment DD0 using one cart 40b, the guide unit 72 can sequentially increase the number of carts 40b used.

[0076] The guide unit 72 can also guide the worker so that the number of equipment DD0 to be mounted on the trolley 40b approaches the maximum number of equipment DD0 that can be mounted on the trolley 40b. In addition, the worker may not know the number of equipment DD0 to be mounted on a single trolley 40b. In this case, the guide unit 72 can also guide the worker so that the number of equipment DD0 to be mounted on the trolley 40b that will be distributing the equipment DD0 at one time is also guided.

[0077] Furthermore, the storage device 50 collects equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrates 900. If the trolley 40b only supplies equipment DD0 and does not collect it, it would be necessary to move the trolley 40b to the storage device 50 separately to collect the equipment DD0, which would reduce the transport efficiency of the trolley 40b. Therefore, the guide unit 72 can guide the operator to collect the equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrates 900 and has been collected in the storage device 50 when supplying equipment DD0 to the storage device 50. This improves the transport efficiency of the trolley 40b.

[0078] In the production line WL0 of this embodiment, the equipment DD0 only needs to be supplied to the storage device 50, and the worker does not need to distinguish whether the equipment DD0 supplied to the storage device 50 will be used for setup changeover or replenishment. Therefore, the worker can perform the preparation work for equipment DD0 related to setup changeover and replenishment in the same way, and the standardization of work methods can reduce work errors. It can also reduce the cost of training workers. Furthermore, by using the minimum number of carts 40b to deliver the equipment DD0 to the storage device 50, the number of workers can be reduced. For example, it becomes possible for one worker to consistently perform the kitting, preparation, and cleanup work of equipment DD0 in the same work area 80.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 planning process and a guidance process. The planning process corresponds to the control performed by the planning unit 71. The guidance process corresponds to the control performed by the guidance unit 72. The production guidance method is executed by the control device through its processing.

[0082] 3. An example of the effects of the embodiment On the production line WL0, the equipment DD0 required for the setup change operation of the substrate work machine WM0 and the replenishment operation of equipment DD0 for the substrate work machine WM0 can be supplied in advance. Furthermore, the production guidance device 70 can guide the worker to the supply of equipment DD0 during a predetermined period before the timing of the advance supply of equipment DD0. Therefore, the worker can perform the preparation work for equipment DD0 all at once without distinguishing between the setup change operation and the replenishment operation of the substrate work machine WM0, thereby improving the worker's work efficiency. The same applies to the production guidance method as described above regarding the production guidance device 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 12a: First slot, 12b: Second slot, 40a: Conveyor device, 40b: Trolley, 50: Storage equipment, 70: Production guidance equipment, 71: Planning department, 72: Information unit, 83: Mobile terminal, 90: Circuit board, 900: Product circuit board, DD0: Equipment, MD0: Goods, WL0: Production line WM0: Circuit board work machine.

Claims

1. A substrate processing machine that produces product substrates by performing predetermined substrate processing operations on a substrate, comprising: a first slot capable of holding equipment used in the production of product substrates; and a second slot capable of temporarily holding equipment intended for use in the production of product substrates or equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates; 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 supplied to 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, A production guidance device applied to a production line equipped with, A planning unit plans the timing for pre-supplying the equipment necessary for the setup change operation of the substrate work machine and the supply operation of the equipment to the substrate work machine from the storage device to at least one empty area of ​​the first slot and the second slot using the transport device, A guide unit that guides the worker to supply the equipment to the storage device during a predetermined period prior to the timing of the advance supply planned by the planning unit, A production guidance device equipped with the following features.

2. 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 planning unit plans the timing for pre-supplying the equipment based on the remaining number of articles that can be supplied from the equipment held in any of the first slot, the second slot, and the storage device, and the expected number of articles to be used when producing the product substrates according to the production plan.

3. The production guidance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guidance unit guides the supply of the equipment without distinguishing whether the equipment supplied to the storage device is used in the setup change operation or the replenishment operation.

4. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit is a portable terminal carried by the worker that guides the supply of the equipment.

5. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit displays a list of the equipment that the worker should prepare and guides the supply of the equipment.

6. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit guides the distribution of the equipment when the storage device is able to accept the delivery of the equipment.

7. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit guides the worker to place the equipment in the storage device using the minimum number of carts.

8. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit guides the worker on the number of equipment to be loaded at one time onto the cart for distributing the equipment.

9. The production guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit guides the worker to retrieve the equipment that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrates that has been collected in the storage device when supplying the equipment to the storage device.

10. A substrate processing machine that produces product substrates by performing predetermined substrate processing operations on a substrate, comprising: a first slot capable of holding equipment used in the production of product substrates; and a second slot capable of temporarily holding equipment intended for use in the production of product substrates or equipment that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates; 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 supplied to 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, A production guidance method applicable to a production line equipped with, A planning step of planning the timing for pre-supplying the equipment necessary for the setup change operation of the substrate work machine and the supply operation of the equipment to the substrate work machine from the storage device to at least one empty area of ​​the first slot and the second slot using the transport device, A guidance step in which an operator is instructed to supply the equipment to the storage device during a predetermined period prior to the timing of the advance supply planned by the planning step, A production guidance method that includes the following features.

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