Management system and control method

Abstract

To provide a management system capable of appropriately managing feeders attached to and detached from a carriage that is attachable to and detachable from a component mounting apparatus.SOLUTION: A component mounting system 1 is a management system including a storage device 20 that stores a feeder 60 that is detachable from a carriage 50 that is detachable from a component mounting device 30. The storage device 20 includes a storage unit 25 that stores the feeder 60, a carriage storage unit 26 that stores the carriage 50, and a manipulator 23 that attaches the feeder 60 stored in the storage unit 25 to the carriage 50 stored in the carriage storage unit 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage device for storing a feeder that is detachably attached to a carriage that is detachable from a component mounting device, a management system including the storage device, and a control method in the management system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cart having a mounting portion on which a tray for supporting components is mounted and wheels that can contact a traveling surface, and an unmanned transport vehicle that is connected to the cart via a connecting mechanism so as to be relatively movable and travels on the traveling surface. The cart enters a passage space provided in an elevator device having a lifting member capable of supporting the tray, and a component transport device that transports the tray between the cart and the lifting member is disclosed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a storage device including a reel storage, a reel rewinding device provided in the reel storage, a storage space provided in the reel storage for storing stored items including reels, a rewinding portion, and a moving portion. The reel storage stores at least one of a first reel around which a component tape for accommodating components is wound and a second reel having a different reel diameter compared to the first reel. The rewinding portion rewinds the component tape wound around the first reel onto the second reel using the reel rewinding device as necessary when the first reel is stored in the reel storage. The moving portion moves and stores the reel in a predetermined storage space, and moves and discharges the reel stored in the storage space to the discharge port of the reel storage when the reel is discharged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a need to properly manage feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device, such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure provides a management system that can appropriately manage feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage device for storing feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device, the storage device comprising: a storage unit for storing feeders; a trolley storage unit for storing the trolley; and a manipulator for attaching the feeders stored in the storage unit to the trolley stored in the trolley storage unit.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, recording medium, or computer program, or in any combination of a system, apparatus, method, recording medium, and computer program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the management system and other related information disclosed herein, it is possible to properly manage feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the component mounting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the detailed configuration of the component mounting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically shows a storage device in which a trolley is stored. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows a storage device in which a trolley is stored. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows the trolley storage section of the storage device. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the process from attaching a feeder to a trolley stored in a storage device to connecting the trolley to a component mounting device. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the process from when the trolley is stored in the storage device, to when the feeder attached to the trolley is stored in the storage section of the storage device. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the component mounting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the management computer according to the embodiment before the start of production. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the management computer according to the embodiment during setup changes or after production has finished. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows another example of the operation of the management computer according to the embodiment before production starts or during setup changes. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the management computer according to the embodiment when determining which feeders are used in production and which are not used in production. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (The circumstances that led to obtaining one aspect of this disclosure) Before the start of circuit board production using a component mounting machine, a person manually attaches the necessary feeders to designated positions on a detachable cart attached to the component mounting machine. After production is complete, a person manually removes the feeders from the cart and stores them in a storage rack or similar location. When the attachment and detachment of feeders to the cart is done manually in this way, managing the feeders can become complicated.

[0012] On the other hand, hereinafter, a management system or the like that can appropriately manage a feeder that is detachably attached to a carriage that is detachable from a component mounting apparatus will be described.

[0013] The management system of the present disclosure is a management system including a storage device that stores a feeder detachably attached to a carriage that is detachable from a component mounting apparatus, and the storage device includes a storage unit that stores the feeder, a carriage storage unit that stores the carriage, and a manipulator that attaches the feeder stored in the storage unit to the carriage stored in the carriage storage unit.

[0014] According to this, the feeder can be automatically attached to the carriage stored in the carriage storage unit of the storage device using the manipulator without human intervention. For this reason, the management of the feeder can be automated by a computer, and the feeder can be appropriately managed. Further, since the carriage is stored in the carriage storage unit of the storage device, the positional relationship between the carriage and the manipulator provided in the storage device can be easily fixed, so that the feeder can be accurately attached to the carriage.

[0015] For example, the management system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the carriage is stored in the carriage storage unit, and when the determination unit determines that the carriage is stored, the manipulator may attach a feeder that is scheduled to be used in the production plan among the feeders stored in the storage unit to the carriage.

[0016] According to this, it is possible to determine whether or not the carriage is stored in the carriage storage unit. Further, a feeder that is scheduled to be used in the production plan can be attached to the carriage stored in the carriage storage unit.

[0017] For example, the management system further includes an automated guided vehicle that transports the carriage, and when the determination unit determines that the carriage is not stored, the automated guided vehicle may transport the carriage and store it in the carriage storage unit.

[0018] According to this, if a trolley is not stored in the trolley storage compartment, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) can automatically store the trolley in the trolley storage compartment.

[0019] For example, the manipulator may move feeders mounted on the trolley that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan to the storage unit.

[0020] According to this system, feeders scheduled for use in production can be automatically moved from the cart to the storage area using a manipulator, without human intervention. This allows for the automation of feeder management by computer, ensuring proper management of the feeders.

[0021] For example, the management system may further include an acquisition unit for acquiring mounting data from the component mounting device, and a storage unit for storing feeder status information determined based on the mounting data.

[0022] According to this, the feeder's status can be determined based on the implementation data. For example, if the implementation data is good, the feeder's status can be determined to be good, and if the implementation data is not good, the feeder's status can be determined to be not good. Since the feeder's status information determined in this way is stored, the feeder can be managed appropriately.

[0023] For example, the determination unit may determine, based on the production plan and the status information, whether or not a feeder scheduled to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning, and the manipulator may move the feeder determined to be malfunctioning from the trolley to the storage unit.

[0024] This ensures that malfunctioning feeders are not used. Furthermore, malfunctioning feeders can be automatically moved from the cart to the storage area using a manipulator, allowing for management of malfunctioning feeders (for example, tracking which feeders are malfunctioning and where they are stored).

[0025] For example, if the manipulator determines that the feeder scheduled to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning, it may instead attach a working feeder from the storage unit to the trolley.

[0026] According to this, production can be carried out by using a working feeder instead of a malfunctioning one.

[0027] For example, the management system may further include an update unit that updates the production plan to limit the use of the malfunctioning feeder.

[0028] According to this, production plans can be updated to ensure that malfunctioning feeders are not used.

[0029] The storage device of this disclosure is a storage device for storing feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device, and comprises a storage section for storing feeders, a trolley storage section for storing the trolley, and a manipulator for attaching feeders to the trolley stored in the trolley storage section.

[0030] According to this, a storage device can be provided that can properly manage feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device.

[0031] The control method of the present disclosure is a control method in a management system including a storage device for storing feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that can be attached to a component mounting device, the method being used to determine whether the trolley is stored in the storage device, and if it is determined that the trolley is stored, the control of a manipulator provided in the storage device to move feeders mounted on the trolley that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan to the storage device, or to attach feeders stored in the storage device that are scheduled to be used in the production plan to the trolley.

[0032] This provides a control method that can appropriately manage feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device.

[0033] The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0034] (Embodiment) The embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13.

[0035] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the component mounting system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0036] The component mounting system 1 has the function of producing mounted circuit boards by mounting components such as electronic components onto a circuit board using soldering or other methods. Alternatively, mounted circuit boards may be produced by bonding components to the circuit board with adhesive or the like. The component mounting system 1 includes a component mounting line 80 and a management computer 10 connected to the component mounting line 80 via a network for producing mounted circuit boards. The component mounting line 80 includes a circuit board supply device, a screen printing device, a component mounting device 30 (see Figure 2), a reflow device, a circuit board recovery device, and an inspection device. The management computer 10 controls production management in the component mounting line 80. The component mounting system 1 also includes a storage device 20, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) control system 70, and an AGV 40. The storage device 20 stores feeders 60 (see Figure 2) that are attached to and detached from a trolley 50 (see Figure 2) that is detachable from the component mounting device 30. The AGV control system 70 controls the AGV 40 through control by the management computer 10. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) 40 transports the trolley 50 and moves between the parts mounting line 80 and the storage device 20. The AGV 40 is, for example, an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) or an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). The parts mounting system 1 is an example of a management system that includes a storage device 20 for storing feeders 60 that are attached to and detached from the trolley 50 which is detachable from the parts mounting device 30.

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the details of the configuration of the component mounting system 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 shows the components mounting system 1 as consisting of a management computer 10, a component mounting device 30, an automated guided vehicle 40, and a storage device 20.

[0038] The management computer 10 is communicatively connected to the component mounting device 30, the automated guided vehicle 40 (specifically the automated guided vehicle control system 70), and the storage device 20, and controls and manages them. The management computer 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0039] The control unit 11 is a CPU device that operates based on various programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The control unit 11 is an example of a determination unit that determines whether or not a trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage unit 26 (see Figure 6), and whether or not a feeder 60 scheduled to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning, based on the production plan and status information. The control unit 11 is also an example of an acquisition unit that acquires mounting data from the component mounting device 30. Furthermore, the control unit 11 is an example of an update unit that updates the production plan to restrict the use of a malfunctioning feeder 60. The control unit 11 also creates a maintenance plan for a malfunctioning feeder 60. Details of the operation of the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0040] The memory unit 12 stores production plan information 12a, implementation data 12b, feeder management information 12c, and maintenance plan information 12d.

[0041] The production plan information 12a is information indicating the production plan for mounted boards and the like using the component mounting device 30. The production plan information 12a includes, for example, information on the feeders 60 that are scheduled to be used. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a pre-created production plan as the production plan information 12a, but the control unit 11 may update the production plan.

[0042] The mounting data 12b is data from when components were mounted onto the substrate by the component mounting device 30, and includes data such as the number of times components were picked up from the feeder 60 used in production and the variation in the position of the components picked up. For example, the more times components are picked up, the higher the likelihood that the feeder 60 is malfunctioning. Also, for example, if there is a large variation in the position of the components picked up, there is a high possibility that the feeder 60 is malfunctioning. The mounting data 12b is acquired from the component mounting device 30 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0043] The feeder management information 12c is an example of status information indicating the status of the feeder 60, determined based on the implementation data 12b. For example, in the feeder management information 12c, the feeder ID of the feeder 60 is associated with the storage location of the feeder 60 in the storage device 20 and a flag indicating whether the feeder 60 requires maintenance. In other words, the feeder management information 12c makes it possible to manage things like where each feeder ID of the feeder 60 is located and which feeder IDs of the feeder 60 require maintenance. For example, the information of the storage location of each feeder ID of the feeder 60 is obtained from the storage device 20 and stored in the storage unit 12, associated with a flag indicating whether the feeder 60 requires maintenance.

[0044] Maintenance plan information 12d is information indicating the maintenance plan for the malfunctioning feeder 60. Based on the maintenance plan, maintenance such as replacing the motor of the feeder 60 is performed. Maintenance plan information 12d is created, for example, in the control unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0045] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that communicates with the component mounting device 30, the automated guided vehicle control system 70, and the storage device 20. The communication unit 13 sends and receives data and commands with the component mounting device 30, the automated guided vehicle control system 70, and the storage device 20. The communication unit 13 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0046] The component mounting device 30 is a device that performs component mounting work, which involves mounting components onto a circuit board using a mounting head. The component mounting device 30 includes a mounting control unit 31, a mounting storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The component mounting device 30 is also integrated with a detachable trolley 50 (feeder trolley) by being connected to the component mounting device 30. The trolley 50 is provided with a coupling mechanism 51 for connecting to the component mounting device 30. A detachable feeder 60 is also attached to the trolley 50.

[0047] The mounting control unit 31 executes component mounting work using production plan information 12a transmitted from the management computer 10. The mounting control unit 31 picks up components supplied from the feeder 60 attached to the trolley 50 and controls the mounting head of the component mounting device 30 to mount the picked-up components onto the substrate.

[0048] The mounting storage unit 32 stores mounting data, which is data from when components are mounted onto the circuit board by the component mounting device 30. The mounting data stored in the mounting storage unit 32 is transmitted to the management computer 10.

[0049] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface that communicates with the management computer 10. The communication unit 33 sends and receives data and commands with the management computer 10. The communication unit 33 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0050] The automated guided vehicle (AGV) 40 is an unmanned transport vehicle that transports the trolley 50. The AGV 40 comprises a travel control unit 41, a travel mechanism 42, a transport mechanism 43, and a wireless communication unit 44.

[0051] The travel control unit 41 controls the behavior of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) 40 in accordance with instructions from the AGV control system 70. For example, the travel control unit 41 moves the AGV 40 between the component mounting device 30 and the storage device 20. Alternatively, the AGV 40 may be directly controlled by the management computer 10 without going through the AGV control system 70. In this case, the travel control unit 41 controls the behavior of the AGV 40 in accordance with instructions from the management computer 10.

[0052] The travel mechanism 42 is a mechanism for moving the automated guided vehicle 40, and is, for example, a tire for traveling on the floor on which the component mounting device 30 and the storage device 20 are installed. Rails may also be installed on the floor on which the component mounting device 30 and the storage device 20 are installed, and the travel mechanism 42 may be a wheel for traveling on such rails.

[0053] The transport mechanism 43 is a mechanism for connecting the automated guided vehicle (AGV) 40 and the trolley 50, or a mechanism for the AGV 40 to lift the trolley 50. By connecting the AGV 40 and the trolley 50 via the transport mechanism 43, or by the AGV 40 lifting the trolley 50, the AGV 40 can transport the trolley 50. When the AGV 40 lifts the trolley 50, the transport mechanism 43 may be a mechanism that lifts the trolley 50 like a forklift, or a mechanism that lifts the trolley 50 by raising and lowering a top plate.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 44 is a wireless communication interface that communicates with the automated guided vehicle (AGV) control system 70. The wireless communication unit 44 sends and receives commands and other information with the AGV control system 70. However, if the AGV 40 is controlled directly by the management computer 10 without going through the AGV control system 70, the wireless communication unit 44 communicates with the management computer 10.

[0055] The storage device 20 is a device for storing feeders 60 that are attached to and detached from a trolley 50 that is detachable from the component mounting device 30. The storage device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage location management unit 22, a manipulator 23, a recognition unit 24, a storage unit 25, a trolley storage unit 26, and a communication unit 27.

[0056] The storage section 25 is a rack for storing the feeders 60. For example, there are various types of feeders 60 depending on the feed pitch of the parts and the tape width, and multiple feeders 60, including those of the same type, are stored in the storage section 25.

[0057] The trolley storage section 26 is a space provided in the storage device 20 for storing the trolley 50. Storing the trolley 50 in the trolley storage section 26 makes it easier to fix the positional relationship between the trolley 50 and the manipulator 23.

[0058] The manipulator 23 attaches the feeder 60 stored in the storage unit 25 to the trolley 50 stored in the trolley storage unit 26, or moves the feeder 60 mounted on the trolley 50 to the storage unit 25. As shown in Figures 4 and 5 described later, for example, the base of the manipulator 23 is movable in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the manipulator 23 has an arm connected via one or more joints, and the tip of the manipulator 23 is movable in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions. Furthermore, for example, the tip of the manipulator 23 has a mechanism capable of gripping objects, and can grip the feeder 60, etc. In addition, the tip of the manipulator 23 may be capable of rotation.

[0059] The control unit 21 controls the manipulator 23. For example, the control unit 21 moves the tip of the manipulator 23 up and down or left and right, grips the feeder 60 with the tip of the manipulator 23, or rotates the tip of the manipulator 23. For example, the control unit 21 uses production plan information 12a transmitted from the management computer 10 to move the tip of the manipulator 23 to a target feeder 60 (for example, a feeder 60 scheduled to be used in the production plan or a feeder 60 not scheduled to be used in the production plan) and grips the feeder 60.

[0060] The recognition unit 24 recognizes whether the feeder 60 is the intended feeder 60 when the manipulator 23 grasps it. The recognition unit 24 also allows for fine adjustment of the position of the tip of the manipulator 23. The recognition unit 24 can be implemented by, for example, an object detection sensor such as a camera or laser. It is not always necessary to recognize whether the feeder 60 is the intended feeder 60 or to fine-tune the position of the tip of the manipulator 23, so the storage device 20 does not necessarily need to have a recognition unit 24. The recognition unit 24 may also recognize the availability status, indicating whether a trolley is present in the trolley storage unit 26. The manipulator 23 may also be equipped with a recognition unit 24.

[0061] The storage location management unit 22 manages the storage locations of the feeders 60 stored in the storage unit 25. For example, the storage location management unit 22 stores the feeder ID of the feeder 60 stored in the storage unit 25 and the storage location of the feeder 60 in the storage unit 25, associating them for each feeder 60.

[0062] The communication unit 27 is a communication interface that communicates with the management computer 10. The communication unit 27 sends and receives data and commands with the management computer 10. The communication unit 27 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0063] Here, the storage device 20 will be explained in more detail using Figures 3 to 6.

[0064] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a storage device 20 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the storage device 20 is equipped with a transport opening for loading and unloading an automated guided vehicle 40 or a trolley 50. The shape of the transport opening is not limited to a rectangle. Multiple transport openings may be provided. As shown in Figure 6, which will be described later, the location where the transport opening is provided is not particularly limited.

[0065] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show the storage device 20 in which the trolley 50 is stored. Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing the Va-Va section shown in Figure 3.

[0066] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the Vb-Vb section shown in Figure 3.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4(a), the trolley 50 may be stored in the storage device 20 in such a way that the automated guided vehicle 40 pushes or lifts the trolley 50 forward into the storage device 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4(b), the trolley 50 may be stored in the storage device 20 in such a way that the automated guided vehicle 40 pulls or lifts the trolley 50 backward into the storage device 20. In the case of Figure 4(b), a space for the automated guided vehicle 40 may be provided in the storage device 20.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the storage device 20 (storage section 25) can store multiple feeders 60. In Figure 4, feeders 60a, 60b, and 60c are shown as multiple feeders 60. In the following, unless it is necessary to distinguish between feeders 60a, 60b, and 60c, they will be referred to simply as feeder 60. Here, for illustrative purposes, three feeders 60 are shown, but the storage device 20 may store three or more feeders 60. Also, here, an example is shown where multiple feeders 60 are stored in multiple stages, but multiple feeders 60 may be stored in a single stage.

[0069] For example, when attaching the feeder 60 to the trolley 50, the feeder 60 needs to be in a specific orientation. However, depending on the orientation of the trolley 50 when it is stored in the storage device 20, the orientation of the trolley 50 relative to the storage device 20 after it is stored in the storage device 20 may differ. For example, in Figure 4(a), the orientation of the trolley 50 relative to the storage device 20 after it is stored in the storage device 20 differs depending on whether the automated guided vehicle 40 pushes the trolley 50 into the storage device 20 or pulls it in. Even in such cases, the manipulator 23, with its rotatable tip, can rotate the gripped feeder 60 to a specific orientation and correctly attach the feeder 60 to the trolley 50.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5, multiple trolleys 50 may be stored in the storage device 20 simultaneously. In this case, after completing the replacement (installation or removal) of the feeder 60 for one trolley 50, the replacement of the feeder 60 for another trolley can be started immediately, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0071] As shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), the location in which the trolley storage section 26 is provided in the storage device 20 is not particularly limited.

[0072] Next, the process of attaching the feeder 60 to the trolley 50, and then storing the feeder 60 attached to the trolley 50 in the storage device 20, will be explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[0073] Figure 7 illustrates the process from when the feeder 60 is attached to the trolley 50 stored in the storage device 20, until the trolley 50 is connected to the component mounting device 30. For example, Figure 7 shows the process before the start of production.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7(a), the trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20. For example, using feeder management information 12c, the feeder 60 scheduled to be used in the production plan is identified. Here, let's assume that feeder 60c has been identified.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 7(b), the manipulator 23 grasps the identified feeder 60c and attaches it to the trolley 50.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 7(c), the automated guided vehicle 40 transports the trolley 50, to which the feeder 60c is attached, toward the component mounting device 30, which uses the feeder 60c to mount the components.

[0077] Then, as shown in Figure 7(d), the trolley 50 to which the feeder 60c is attached is connected to the component mounting device 30. This allows the component mounting device 30 to mount the components supplied from the feeder 60c onto the circuit board.

[0078] Figure 8 illustrates the flow from when the trolley 50 is stored in the storage device 20, until the feeder 60 attached to the trolley 50 is stored in the storage section 25 of the storage device 20. For example, Figure 8 shows the flow during setup changeover or after production has finished.

[0079] During or after production in the component mounting device 30, mounting data (data such as the number of times components are picked up from the feeder 60c and the variation in the position of the components picked up) is transmitted to the management computer 10. Then, as shown in Figure 8(a), the automated guided vehicle 40 detaches the trolley 50 to which the feeder 60c is attached from the component mounting device 30 and transports it toward the storage device 20.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 8(b), the automated guided vehicle 40 stores the trolley 50 to which the feeder 60c is attached in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20.

[0081] Next, as shown in Figure 8(c), the manipulator 23 grips the feeder 60c attached to the trolley 50.

[0082] Then, as shown in Figure 8(d), the manipulator 23 stores the grasped feeder 60c in the storage section 25 of the storage device 20. The feeder 60c may be stored in any available space in the storage section 25, or in a predetermined location. The storage device 20 transmits the feeder ID of the feeder 60c and the storage location of the feeder 60c to the management computer 10, and the storage location of the feeder 60c is managed.

[0083] Next, the operation of the component mounting system 1 will be explained using Figure 9, and the operation of the management computer 10 will be explained in detail using Figures 10 to 13.

[0084] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the component mounting system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0085] The management computer 10 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to transport the trolley 50 from the parts mounting line 80 (parts mounting device 30) to the storage device 20 (step S101). Specifically, the management computer 10 sends a control command to the automated guided vehicle control system 70 to control the automated guided vehicle 40 (step S102), and the automated guided vehicle control system 70 sends a control command to the automated guided vehicle 40 to control the automated guided vehicle 40 (step S103).

[0086] The automated guided vehicle 40 stores the trolley 50 in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 in accordance with the received control command (step S104).

[0087] The management computer 10 transmits a control command to the storage device 20 to execute the process in step S106 (step S105). As a result, the storage device 20 controls the manipulator 23 to replace (remove and install) the feeder 60 of the trolley 50 stored in the trolley storage section 26, and move the removed feeder 60 to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20 (step S106).

[0088] The storage device 20 acquires the feeder ID and storage location of the stored feeder 60 (step S107). The storage device 20 then transmits the acquired feeder ID and storage location to the management computer 10 (step S108), and the management computer 10 stores the received feeder ID and storage location in the storage unit 12 (step S109).

[0089] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management computer 10 according to the embodiment before the start of production.

[0090] First, the control unit 11 identifies the trolley 50 to be moved to the storage device 20 (step S11). The identified trolley 50 is the trolley 50 to which the feeder 60 is attached in the storage device 20 and which is connected to the component mounting device 30. The method of identifying the trolley 50 is not particularly limited. For example, a trolley 50 predetermined in the production plan may be identified, or a trolley 50 that is not being used for other work and is available may be identified, or an operator at a facility equipped with the component mounting system 1 may input information about the trolley 50 into a terminal (not shown), and the control unit 11 may acquire the input information to identify it.

[0091] Next, the control unit 11 obtains status information from the storage device 20 indicating the status of the storage device 20 (step S12). For example, the status information includes whether a trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20, the ID of the stored trolley 50, whether a feeder 60 is attached to the stored trolley 50, the ID of the trolley 50 whose replacement has been completed, and the ID of the feeder 60 attached to the stored trolley 50.

[0092] Next, the control unit 11 determines, based on the status information, whether or not the identified trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (step S13).

[0093] If it is determined that the identified trolley 50 is not stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (No in step S13), the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to store the identified trolley 50 in the storage device 20 (step S14). As a result, the automated guided vehicle 40 transports the identified trolley 50 and stores it in the trolley storage section 26. Consequently, the status information acquired in step S12 indicates that the identified trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20, and in step S13, it is determined that the identified trolley 50 is stored in the storage device 20.

[0094] If it is determined that the identified trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (Yes in step S13), the control unit 11 controls the manipulator 23 to move the feeders 60 mounted on the trolley 50 that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan from the trolley 50 to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20, and to attach the feeders 60 stored in the storage section 25 of the storage device 20 that are scheduled to be used in the production plan back to the trolley 50 (step S15). The feeder ID and storage location of the feeders 60 moved to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20 are managed by the storage location management unit 22. Note that the feeders 60 removed from the trolley 50 do not necessarily have to be moved to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20, but may be moved to a different location on the trolley 50. Details of the process in step S15 will be explained in Figure 13 below.

[0095] Next, the control unit 11 obtains the feeder ID and storage location of the feeder 60 that has moved to the storage device 20 from the storage device 20 and stores them in the memory unit 12 (step S16). This allows the management computer 10 to manage the storage location of the feeder 60 in the storage device 20.

[0096] Next, the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to transport it to the trolley 50, which is equipped with a feeder 60 and stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (step S17).

[0097] Then, the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to connect the trolley 50 to which the feeder 60 is attached to the component mounting device 30 that uses the feeder 60 to mount components (step S18). As a result, the component mounting device 30 can mount the components supplied from the feeder 60 onto the circuit board.

[0098] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management computer 10 according to the embodiment during setup changes or after production has finished.

[0099] First, the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to connect it to the trolley 50 connected to the component mounting device 30 (step S21).

[0100] Next, the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to store the trolley 50 connected to the automated guided vehicle 40 in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (step S22).

[0101] The control unit 11 controls the manipulator 23 to move the feeders 60 that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan from the trolley 50 to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20, and to attach the feeders 60 that are scheduled to be used in the production plan from the storage section 25 of the storage device 20 to the trolley 50 (step S23). The process in step S23 is the same as the process in step S15, and the details will be explained in Figure 13 below.

[0102] Then, the control unit 11 obtains the feeder ID and storage location of the feeder 60 that has been moved to the storage device 20 from the storage device 20 and stores them in the memory unit 12 (step S24). This allows the management computer 10 to manage the storage location of the feeder 60 in the storage device 20.

[0103] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the management computer 10 according to the embodiment before production starts or during setup changes.

[0104] First, the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to transport it to the trolley 50 that needs to have its feeder 60 replaced (step S31). The trolley 50 that needs to have its feeder 60 replaced may be a trolley 50 that does not have a feeder 60 attached before the start of production, or it may be a trolley 50 that is connected to the component mounting device 30 and needs to have a different feeder 60 attached during setup changes.

[0105] Next, the control unit 11 obtains status information from the storage device 20 indicating the status of the storage device 20 (step S32). For example, the status information includes information on the availability of the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20. For example, if the recognition unit 24 recognizes that there are no trolleys 50 in the trolley storage section 26, the control unit 21 of the storage device 20 generates status information that associates a flag with the ID of the trolley storage section 26 and transmits the generated status information to the control unit 11. In this way, the control unit 11 can obtain the availability of the trolley storage section 26.

[0106] Next, the control unit 11 determines, based on the status information, whether or not there is an empty trolley storage section 26 in the storage device 20 (step S33).

[0107] If it is determined that there are no available trolley storage units 26 (No in step S33), the control unit 11 determines, based on the status information, whether or not there are any trolleys 50 stored in the trolley storage unit 26 of the storage device 20 whose feeders 60 have been replaced (step S34). If it is determined that there are no trolleys 50 whose feeders 60 have been replaced (No in step S34), the process in step S34 is repeated until the replacement of the feeders 60 of the trolleys 50 stored in the trolley storage unit 26 is completed. The control unit 21 of the storage device 20 may generate status information and transmit it to the control unit 11 once the replacement of the feeders 60 of the trolleys 50 is completed.

[0108] If it is determined that there is a trolley 50 for which the feeder 60 has been replaced (Yes in step S34), the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to transport it to the trolley 50 for which the feeder 60 has been replaced, which is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (step S35).

[0109] Then, the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to move the trolley 50, which has had its feeder 60 replaced and is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20, out of the storage device 20 (step S36). As a result, in step S33, it is determined that there is an empty trolley storage section 26 in the storage device 20.

[0110] If it is determined that there is an empty trolley storage section 26 (Yes in step S33), the control unit 11 controls the automated guided vehicle 40 to store the trolley 50 that requires feeder 60 replacement in the empty trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 (step S37).

[0111] The control unit 11 controls the manipulator 23 to move the feeders 60 that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan from the trolley 50 to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20, and to attach the feeders 60 that are scheduled to be used in the production plan from the storage section 25 of the storage device 20 to the trolley 50 (step S38). The process in step S38 is the same as the process in step S15, and the details will be explained in Figure 13 below.

[0112] The process from step S39 to step S41 is the same as the process from step S16 to step S18 explained in Figure 10, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0113] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management computer 10 according to the embodiment when determining which feeders 60 to be used in production and which feeders 60 not to be used in production. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing specific examples of the processing in step S15 of Figure 10, step S23 of Figure 11, and step S38 of Figure 12.

[0114] First, the control unit 11 acquires mounting data from the component mounting device 30 and stores it in the storage unit 12 (step S51). For example, the control unit 11 calculates the performance (such as the adsorption rate) of the feeder 60 used for mounting from the mounting data and stores it in the storage unit 12 in association with the feeder ID of the feeder 60.

[0115] Next, the control unit 11 flags the feeder IDs whose performance is below a predetermined value (step S52). This flag indicates that the feeder 60 is malfunctioning, and by associating this flag with the feeder ID, it is possible to manage whether the feeder 60 is malfunctioning.

[0116] Next, the control unit 11 identifies the feeders 60 to be used in production based on the production plan (step S53). For example, the production plan information 12a includes the feeder IDs of the feeders 60 to be used in the production plan, and by referring to the production plan information 12a, the feeders 60 to be used in production can be identified.

[0117] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a flag is set on the feeder 60 to be used (step S54). In steps S53 and S54, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the feeder 60 to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning, based on the production plan (production plan information 12a) and status information (feeder management information 12c).

[0118] If it is determined that the feeder 60 to be used is not flagged (No in step S54), that is, if it is determined that the feeder 60 to be used in the production plan is not malfunctioning, the control unit 11 controls the manipulator 23 to use the feeder 60 in production (step S55). For example, the control unit 11 refers to the feeder management information 12c to identify the storage location of the feeder 60 and controls the manipulator 23 to move the feeder 60 stored in that storage location to the trolley 50. As a result, the non-malfunctioning feeder 60 is attached to the trolley 50, the trolley 50 is connected to the component mounting device 30, and the components supplied from the non-malfunctioning feeder 60 are mounted onto the circuit board.

[0119] If it is determined that a flag is set on the feeder 60 to be used (Yes in step S54), that is, if it is determined that the feeder 60 to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning, the control unit 11 controls the manipulator 23 so that the feeder 60 is not used in production (step S56). In this case, the control unit 11 may also control the manipulator 23 to move the malfunctioning feeder 60 from the trolley 50 to the storage section 25 of the storage device 20. Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 11 may refer to the feeder management information 12c to identify a normal feeder 60 in place of the malfunctioning feeder 60, and attach the identified normal feeder 60 from the storage section 25 of the storage device 20 to the trolley 50.

[0120] Next, the control unit 11 modifies the production plan (step S57). For example, the control unit 11 updates the production plan to restrict the use of the flagged feeder 60 (i.e., the malfunctioning feeder 60). This ensures that the malfunctioning feeder 60 is not used in production, in other words, that the normal feeder 60 is used in production, thereby suppressing the occurrence of defects.

[0121] Then, the control unit 11 creates a maintenance plan for the flagged feeder 60 (i.e., the malfunctioning feeder 60) (step S58). Depending on the degree of the malfunction of the feeder 60, this can be restored to a normal feeder 60.

[0122] As described above, with the component mounting system 1 and storage device 20 of this disclosure, the feeder 60 can be automatically attached to the trolley 50 stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20 using the manipulator 23 without human intervention. Therefore, the management of the feeder 60 can be automated by the management computer 10, and the feeder 60 can be properly managed. For example, the storage location of the feeder 60 in the storage device 20 and the necessity of maintenance of the feeder 60 can be properly managed. Proper management of the feeder 60 makes it possible to maintain the quality of mounted boards produced using properly managed feeders 60. In addition, since the trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage section 26 of the storage device 20, the positional relationship between the trolley 50 and the manipulator 23 provided in the storage device 20 can be easily fixed, so that the feeder 60 can be accurately attached to the trolley 50.

[0123] (Other embodiments) The component mounting system 1 (management system) and storage device 20 of this disclosure have been described above based on embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0124] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the component mounting system 1 is equipped with a function (determination unit) that determines whether or not a trolley 50 is stored in the trolley storage unit 26, but the component mounting system 1 does not have to be equipped with such a function.

[0125] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the component mounting system 1 is equipped with a function (determination unit) to determine whether or not the feeder 60 scheduled to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning. However, the component mounting system 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with such a function.

[0126] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the component mounting system 1 has a function (update unit) to update the production plan so as to limit the use of a malfunctioning feeder 60, but the component mounting system 1 does not have to have such a function.

[0127] For example, this disclosure can be implemented not only as a component mounting system 1 (management system), but also as a control method that includes the steps (processes) performed by each component that constitutes the management system.

[0128] The control method is a control method in a management system that includes a storage device for storing feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that can be attached to a component mounting device, and includes the process of determining whether or not a trolley is stored in the storage device (step S13) if it is determined that a trolley is stored (Yes in step S13), and if it is determined that a trolley is stored, controlling a manipulator provided in the storage device to move feeders that are mounted on the trolley but are not scheduled to be used in the production plan to the storage device, or to attach feeders that are stored in the storage device but are scheduled to be used in the production plan to the trolley (step S15).

[0129] For example, the steps in the control method may be performed by a computer (computer system). The present disclosure can be implemented as a program for causing a computer to perform the steps included in the control method. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be implemented as a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, on which the program is recorded.

[0130] For example, if this disclosure is implemented in a program (software), each step is executed by the program using hardware resources such as the computer's CPU, memory, and input / output circuits. In other words, each step is executed by the CPU obtaining data from memory or input / output circuits, performing calculations, and outputting the calculation results to memory or input / output circuits.

[0131] Furthermore, each component included in the component mounting system 1 of the above embodiment may be implemented as a dedicated or general-purpose circuit.

[0132] Furthermore, each component included in the component mounting system 1 of the above embodiment may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), specifically a Large Scale Integration (LSI).

[0133] Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. A programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor in which the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI can be reconfigured may also be used.

[0134] Furthermore, if advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, those technologies may be used to integrate each component included in the component mounting system 1 into an integrated circuit.

[0135] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0136] This disclosure is useful in the field of producing mounted substrates and the like using component mounting equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 1. Component mounting system 10 Management Computers 11, 21 Control Unit 12 Storage section 12a Production Plan Information 12b Implementation Data 12c Feeder Management Information 12d Maintenance Plan Information 13, 27 Communications Department 20 Storage device 22 Storage location management department 23 Manipulator 24 Recognition part 25 Storage Department 26 Trolley storage section 30 Component mounting equipment 31 Implementation Control Unit 32 Implemented Memory Unit 33 Communications Department 40 Automated Guided Vehicles 41 Driving Control Unit 42. Running mechanism 43 Conveying mechanism 44 Wireless Communication Section 50 trolleys 51 Connection mechanism 60, 60a, 60b, 60c feeders 70. Automated Guided Vehicle Control System 80-component mounting line

Claims

1. A management system including a storage device for storing feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device, The aforementioned storage device is A storage section for storing feeders, A trolley storage section for storing the aforementioned trolley, The system includes a manipulator for attaching a feeder stored in the storage section to the trolley stored in the trolley storage section, The aforementioned management system further, A determination unit for determining whether or not the trolley is stored in the trolley storage unit, The system includes an automated guided vehicle for transporting the aforementioned trolley, If the determination unit determines that the trolley is stored, the manipulator shall attach to the trolley a feeder from among the feeders stored in the storage unit that is scheduled to be used in the production plan. If the determination unit determines that the trolley is not stored, the automated guided vehicle transports the trolley and stores it in the trolley storage unit. Management system.

2. The manipulator moves feeders mounted on the trolley that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan to the storage unit. The management system according to claim 1.

3. The management system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires mounting data from the component mounting device, The system includes a storage unit that stores feeder status information determined based on the aforementioned implementation data. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The determination unit determines, based on the production plan and the status information, whether or not the feeder scheduled to be used in the production plan is malfunctioning. The manipulator moves the feeder that has been determined to be malfunctioning from the trolley to the storage unit. The management system according to claim 3.

5. If the manipulator determines that the feeder intended for use in the production plan is malfunctioning, it will instead attach a working feeder from the storage unit to the trolley. The management system according to claim 4.

6. The management system further includes an update unit that updates the production plan to limit the use of the malfunctioning feeder. The management system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The automated guided vehicle transports the trolley by pushing, pulling, or lifting the trolley, and stores the trolley in the trolley storage compartment in the direction in which the trolley is brought in from the transport opening of the trolley storage compartment. The management system according to claim 1.

8. A control method in a management system that includes a storage device for storing feeders that are attached to and detached from a trolley that is detachable from a component mounting device, Determine whether the trolley is stored in the storage device. If it is determined that the trolley is stored, the manipulator provided in the storage device is controlled to move feeders mounted on the trolley that are not scheduled to be used in the production plan to the storage device, or to attach feeders stored in the storage device that are scheduled to be used in the production plan to the trolley. If it is determined that the trolley is not stored, the automated guided vehicle is controlled to transport the trolley and store it in the storage device. Control method.

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