Dispensing management device

Abstract

A dispensation management device of the present disclosure is disposed in a production system comprising one or a plurality of production lines including a plurality of component mounting machines, and manages dispensation of components in an automatic warehouse in which a plurality of components are stored and that dispenses the components in response to a request. When it is expected that the components will run out in a plurality of component mounting machines within a predetermined time, the dispensation management device of the present disclosure acquires a required time or a required distance that is required to transfer a plurality of resupply components to be resupplied to the plurality of component mounting machines to the respectively corresponding component mounting machines, and determines a resupply component dispensation sequence so that, of the plurality of resupply components, a component having a longer required time or required distance is dispensed in preference over a resupply component having a shorter required time or distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a payout management device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a management device that determines the order in which an operator performs work on a component mounter that constitutes a production line is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that derives the predicted time of component shortage and determines the priority of replenishment work by an operator based on the derived predicted time of component shortage. The operator obtains a reel wound with a tape holding components from an electronic component storage location according to this priority and transports it to the component mounter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, an automated warehouse may be adopted as an electronic component storage location. The automated warehouse executes automatic payout of reels according to the priority determined by the management device. In the automated warehouse, a reel is taken out from the storage location of the internal reels and transported to the payout port. Therefore, in the automated warehouse, it takes a certain amount of time to payout one reel. Thus, when there are component shortage warnings at multiple component mounters, the operator waits for the desired component to be paid out from the automated warehouse and transports the paid-out component to the component mounter with the component shortage warning. Therefore, at a component mounter far from the electronic component storage, depending on the order of component payout, there is a risk that the operator waits for the component payout, a component shortage occurs while transporting the component to the component mounter, and the production efficiency deteriorates.

[0005] The primary purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the deterioration of production efficiency due to component shortages in component mounting machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first disbursement management device of this disclosure is A dispensing management device for managing the dispensing of parts in an automated warehouse that is located in a production system comprising one or more production lines including multiple component mounting machines, and which stores multiple parts and dispenses parts on demand, When a component shortage is expected within a predetermined time in multiple component mounting machines, the required time or distance to transport multiple replacement components to each corresponding component mounting machine is obtained, and the order in which the replacement components are dispensed is determined such that components with longer required time or distance are dispensed with priority over those with shorter required time or distance. This is the gist of it.

[0007] In this first dispensing management device, when a component shortage is expected within a predetermined time in multiple component mounting machines, the device obtains the time or distance required to transport multiple replacement components to their respective component mounting machines, and determines the dispensing order of the components so that components with longer required time or distance are dispensed with priority over those with shorter required time or distance. Since replacement components are dispensed when a component shortage is expected within a predetermined time, the longer the required time or distance, the higher the probability of a component shortage occurring during transport. Therefore, by prioritizing the dispensing of replacement components used in such component mounting machines, it is possible to avoid component shortages occurring before replenishment and suppress the deterioration of production efficiency due to component shortages.

[0008] The second disbursement management device of this disclosure is A dispensing management device for managing the dispensing of parts in an automated warehouse that is located in a production system comprising one or more production lines including multiple component mounting machines, and which stores multiple parts and dispenses parts on demand, When component shortages are anticipated in multiple component mounting machines, the system obtains the time or distance required to transport the multiple replacement components to be supplied to each corresponding component mounting machine. Based on the time or distance, it determines whether replacement components can be supplied to the component mounting machine where a shortage is anticipated before a shortage occurs. If it determines that replacement components cannot be supplied, the order in which the replacement components are dispensed is rearranged so that replacement components are supplied before a shortage occurs. This is the gist of it.

[0009] This second dispensing management device acquires the time or distance required to transport multiple replacement parts to the corresponding component mounting machines when component shortages are expected in multiple component mounting machines. Based on the required time or distance, it determines whether replacement parts can be supplied to the component mounting machines where shortages are expected before they run out. If it determines that replacement parts cannot be supplied, it rearranges the dispensing order of the replacement parts so that replacement parts are supplied before they run out. If replacement parts cannot be supplied to a component mounting machine before it runs out, a component shortage will occur. Therefore, by prioritizing the dispensing of replacement parts used in component mounting machines where a component shortage is expected before a component shortage occurs, it is possible to avoid a component shortage occurring before a component shortage is replenished and to suppress the deterioration of production efficiency due to component shortages. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of component mounting system 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of component mounting machine 10. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the electrical connection relationships of component mounting system 1. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of a payout management routine. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the transport route for replacement parts to a component mounting machine 10 that has issued a warning about running out of parts. [Figure 6A]This is an explanatory diagram showing how the payout order is determined. [Figure 6B] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the payout order is determined. [Figure 6C] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the payout order is determined. [Figure 6D] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the payout order is determined. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a variation of the payout management routine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a component mounting system 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a component mounting machine 10. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationships of the component mounting system 1. Note that the left-right direction shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the X-axis direction, the front-back direction shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction shown in Figure 2 (perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1) is the Z-axis direction.

[0012] The component mounting system 1 produces circuit boards S with components mounted on them. As shown in Figure 1, the component mounting system 1 comprises a plurality of (3 in this embodiment) production lines L (L1, L2, L3), an automated warehouse 50, and a management device 60.

[0013] Each production line L includes a plurality (five in this embodiment) of component mounting machines 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) arranged in the conveyance direction of the substrate S. In addition to this, each production line L also includes a printer for printing solder on the substrate S, a printing inspection machine for inspecting the state of the solder printed by the printer, a reflow device for heating the substrate S to melt the solder and then cooling it to electrically connect the components to the substrate S and fix the components to the substrate S, and the like. The component mounting machine 10 is a device that receives the supply of components from the feeder 30 and mounts them on the substrate S. As shown in FIG. 2, the component mounting machine 10 includes a moving device 11, a head 16, a substrate conveyance device 22, and a control device 23 (see FIG. 3). In addition to this, the component mounting machine 10 also includes a suction nozzle stocker for storing the suction nozzles 17 and a substrate fixing device for fixing the substrate S carried in by the substrate conveyance device 22 at a predetermined fixing position.

[0014] The moving device 11 is a device that moves the head 16 in the horizontal direction. The moving device 11 includes a Y-axis slider 13 that extends in the X-axis direction and is slidable in the Y-axis direction, and an X-axis slider 12 that is provided to be slidable in the X-axis direction with respect to the Y-axis slider 13.

[0015] The head 16 is a member that can hold a plurality of suction nozzles 17. The head 16 is attached in front of the X-axis slider 12. Therefore, the head 16 moves in the X-axis direction as the X-axis slider 12 moves in the X-axis direction, and moves in the Y-axis direction as the Y-axis slider 13 moves in the Y-axis direction. The head 16 includes a lifting device 18 (see FIG. 3) that moves the suction nozzle 17 up and down with respect to the head 16. The suction port of the suction nozzle 17 is selectively communicable with either a vacuum pump 20 (see FIG. 3) or an air pipe 21 (see FIG. 3) via a solenoid valve 19 (see FIG. 3). Each suction nozzle 17 can adsorb components by applying a negative pressure to the suction port by driving the solenoid valve 19 so that the suction port communicates with the vacuum pump 20, and can release the adsorption of the components by applying a positive pressure to the suction port by driving the solenoid valve 19 so that the suction port communicates with the air pipe 21.

[0016] The substrate transfer device 22 is a device that transfers the substrate S in the X-axis direction (from left to right in FIGS. 1 and 2). The substrate transfer device 22 is configured as, for example, a belt conveyor device.

[0017] The control device 23 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire component mounter 10. The control device 23 outputs control signals to the moving device 11, the lifting device 18, and the solenoid valve 19. Further, the control device 23 is communicably connected to the control device 23 of another component mounter 10, the management device 60, and the control device 52 of the automatic warehouse 50.

[0018] The feeder 30 is a device that supplies components to the component mounter 10. The feeder 30 pulls out a component supply tape from the reel 40 and conveys it to a predetermined component supply position. The reel 40 is wound with a component supply tape. The component supply tape is formed by attaching a cover tape onto a carrier tape that houses components in each of a plurality of recesses. The feeder 30 includes a control device (not shown) that controls the entire feeder 30. The feeder 30 is set on a feeder set table provided on the component mounter 10. When the feeder 30 is set on the feeder set table, the control device of the feeder 30 is communicably connected to the control device 23 of the component mounter 10.

[0019] The automatic warehouse 50 is a storage device that stores the reels 40 and automatically pays out the reels 40 in response to a payout request input from the management device 60. The automatic warehouse 50 includes a holding unit, a reel extraction device 51 (see FIG. 3), and a control device 52 (see FIG. 3). The holding unit is, for example, a member having a shelf on which a plurality of reels 40 can be placed. The reel extraction device 51 is a device that conveys the reel 40 held by the holding unit to the payout port 53 of the automatic warehouse 50. The control device 52 is communicably connected to the control device 23 of the component mounter 10 and the management device 60.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the management device 60 is a computer equipped with a CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, and storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) 64. The management device 60 stores the production program (job data) for the circuit board S. The production program for the circuit board S is a program that specifies, for each type of circuit board S (circuit board type), which component types to mount and in what order, and how many circuit boards S with mounted components to produce. The management device 60 is connected to the control device 23 of the component mounting machine 10 and the control device 52 of the automated warehouse 50 so as to be able to communicate with each other, and they exchange control signals and data.

[0021] Next, the operation of the component mounting system 1 configured in this manner will be described. First, the component mounting process performed by the component mounting machine 10 will be described. This process is performed by the control device 23 of each component mounting machine 10 after a mounting start instruction is input from the management device 60.

[0022] When this process begins, the control device 23 controls the substrate transport device 22 so that the substrate S is transported to a predetermined fixed position. Next, after confirming that the substrate S has been transported to the fixed position, the control device 23 controls the substrate fixing device so that the substrate S is fixed. Next, the control device 23 controls the X-axis slider 12 and the Y-axis slider 13 so that the suction nozzle 17 moves directly above the component to be mounted. Next, the control device 23 drives and controls the lifting device 18 so that the suction nozzle 17 descends and contacts the component to be mounted. Then, the control device 23 drives and controls the lifting device 18 and the solenoid valve 19 so that the component to be mounted is picked up. Next, the control device 23 drives and controls the X-axis slider 12 and the Y-axis slider 13 so that the suction nozzle 17, which has picked up the component, moves to the component mounting position on the substrate S. Next, the control device 23 controls the lifting device 18 and the solenoid valve 19 so that the component is mounted on the substrate S. The control device 23, after confirming that all components to be mounted by its own machine have been mounted on the circuit board, controls the circuit board fixing device so that the circuit board is released. Then, the control device 23 controls the circuit board transport device 22 so that the circuit board S is transported downstream. The control device 23 repeats the above process until the planned number of circuit boards S have been produced.

[0023] Next, the component count management process will be explained. The component count is the number of components remaining on the reels 40 held by each of the multiple feeders 30 set in each component mounting machine 10. The component count is used in the dispensing management routine described later. This process is constantly executed by the CPU 61 of the management device 60 while the component mounting process described above is being executed by the component mounting machine 10. When a feeder 30 is set, the component mounting machine 10 obtains feeder information from the feeder 30, including the ID (feeder ID and component ID), component type, and component count, and transmits it to the management device 60. The CPU 61 of the management device 60 receives the feeder information and stores it in the storage 64. Therefore, the management device 60 has already stored in the storage 64 the number of components contained in the reels 40 that supply components to each component mounting machine 10 at the start of the component mounting process.

[0024] When this process begins, the CPU 61 first waits until it receives a discharge signal from the control device 23 of one of the component mounting machines 10. The discharge signal indicates that the component mounting machine 10 has transported the board S downstream. The control device 23 outputs a discharge signal to the management device 60 each time it transports a board S on which it has mounted components downstream. When the CPU 61 receives a discharge signal, it updates the remaining number of components. Specifically, the CPU 61 obtains the type and number of components mounted on one board S by the component mounting machine 10 from the production program of the board S, and subtracts the number of components mounted on the board S by the component mounting machine 10 that output the transport signal from the remaining number of components on the reel 40 that supplied components to the component mounting machine 10 that output the discharge signal before the update. The CPU 61 then stores the updated remaining number of components in the storage device 64.

[0025] Next, the dispensing management process will be explained using Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a dispensing management routine. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the transport route of replacement parts to the component mounting machine 1 that has issued a component shortage warning. Figures 6A to 6D are explanatory diagrams showing how the dispensing order is determined. This routine is constantly executed by the CPU 61 of the management device 60 while the production line L is in operation.

[0026] When this routine is started, the CPU 61 first determines whether or not a component shortage warning has occurred in the component mounting machines 10 that make up each production line L (S100). This process is executed, for example, as follows: First, the CPU 61 obtains the estimated component shortage time for each reel 40 in each component mounting machine 10 of each production line L. Then, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the current time exceeds the estimated component shortage time. If the time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the current time exceeds the estimated component shortage time, the CPU 61 makes a positive determination; otherwise, the CPU 61 makes a negative determination. The predetermined time is the time obtained by adding a predetermined margin (for example, 1 to 10 minutes) to the replenishment time. The predetermined time is set to an approximately constant time (for example, 10 to 30 minutes) regardless of the type of replenishment component (reel 40). The replenishment time will be described later.

[0027] Here, the estimated time of component depletion is derived as follows: The CPU 61 derives the estimated time of component depletion by adding the time obtained by multiplying the remaining number of components by the consumption time per component, and adding this time to the current time. The remaining number of components is derived by the remaining quantity management process described above. The consumption time per component is obtained by dividing the time required to produce one circuit board S by the number of components required to produce one circuit board S, and is predetermined according to the type of component and the type of circuit board.

[0028] If a positive determination is made in S100, the CPU 61 adds information regarding the replacement parts (replacement parts needed for the component mounting machine 10 that will run out of parts within a predetermined time) to the end of the parts replacement list (S110). The parts replacement list is a list of parts to be replaced in the order in which they are replaced, that is, a list of the order in which the reels 40 to be replaced are dispensed from the automated warehouse 50. The parts replacement list stores the dispensed order of the parts (reels 40), the type of reel dispensed, the component mounting machine 10 that has issued a parts shortage warning, the production line L equipped with the component mounting machine 10, and the time when the parts shortage warning occurred, as a parts replacement task.

[0029] Next, the CPU 61 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of processing S100 (S120). After a positive determination in S120, a parts replenishment task for a group of parts that will run out within a certain period is registered in the list. Here, an example of a parts mounting machine 10 that has a parts shortage warning after a positive determination in S120 is shown in Figures 5 and 6A. In Figures 5 and 6A, parts shortage warnings have occurred at parts mounting machine 10E on production line L1, parts mounting machine 10A on production line L2, parts mounting machine 10D on production line L2, and parts mounting machine 10C on production line L3. In Figure 5, the transport route when replenishment parts dispensed from the automated warehouse 50 are transported to the parts mounting machine 10 is shown by a dashed line. In Figure 6A, the time when the parts shortage warning occurred is shown by a triangle, the time required for dispensing is shown by a black square, the time required for transport is shown by a shaded square, and the expected time of parts shortage is shown by a circle. The time required for dispensing and transport will be described later.

[0030] If a negative result is obtained in S120, the CPU 61 returns to S100. Alternatively, if a negative result is obtained in S120, the CPU 61 determines whether there are multiple tasks in the parts supply list (S130). If a negative result is obtained in S130, the CPU 61 proceeds to S190.

[0031] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in S130, the CPU 61 obtains the replenishment time for each task in the list (S140). The replenishment time is the sum of the dispensing time and the transport time, as shown in Figure 6A. The dispensing time is the time required to take out the desired part (reel 40) from the holding unit using the reel retrieval device 51. The transport time is the time required to transport the replenishment part dispensed from the automated warehouse 50 to the part mounting machine 10. The transport time is calculated for each part mounting machine 10 based on the transport distance between the automated warehouse 50 and the part mounting machine 10 and the worker's movement speed. The transport time is set longer for replenishment parts required at part mounting machines 10 with longer worker movement paths.

[0032] Then, the CPU 61 determines whether there are any tasks among the multiple parts supply tasks that can be executed all at once (supply parts that can be transported all at once) (S150). Specifically, the CPU 61 determines whether there are multiple tasks in the supply parts list that use parts used in the same production line L as supply parts. If the determination in S150 is negative, the CPU 61 proceeds to S190.

[0033] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in S150, the CPU 61 performs a process to group multiple replacement parts (S160). Specifically, it rearranges the dispensing order in the replacement parts list so that replacement parts required for the same production line L are dispensed consecutively from the automated warehouse 50. An example of the dispensing order after this process is shown in Figure 6B. In Figure 6B, the dispensing order of part P4 is set to follow the dispensing order of part P1 so that part P1 and part P4 are dispensed consecutively from the automated warehouse 50. This is because, in Figures 5 and 6A, both part P1 and part P4 are replacement parts required for production line L2, and the transport route of part P1 includes the transport route of part P4.

[0034] Next, the CPU 61 sets the supply time for each group (S170). The supply time for each group is set as follows: The CPU 61 derives the total supply time, which is the sum of the supply time for each supply part within the same group. Next, the CPU 61 derives the longest transport time among the supply parts transport times within the same group as the longest transport time. Then, the CPU 61 sets the sum of the total supply time and the longest transport time as the supply time for each group. Here, the execution of this process will be explained using Figures 6B and 6C. The CPU 61 derives the sum of the supply time T1 and the supply time T4 as the total supply time. Next, the CPU 61 derives the longest of the transport time U1 and the transport time U4 (transport time U1 in Figure 6B) as the longest transport time. The CPU 61 then derives the total time required for dispensing and the longest transport time (the sum of dispensing time T1, dispensing time T4, and transport time U1) as the replenishment time for each group.

[0035] The CPU 61 then rearranges the parts supply list so that the parts are dispensed in order of longest required supply time (S180). An example of the dispensing order after this process is executed is shown in Figure 6D.

[0036] After making a negative determination in S150 or after S180, the CPU 61 outputs a dispensing instruction to the automated warehouse 50 according to the parts supply list (S190). Then, it deletes the information about the part that was the target of the dispensing instruction from the parts supply list and terminates this routine. After receiving a dispensing request for a part (reel 40), the control device 52 of the automated warehouse 50 controls the reel retrieval device 51 of the automated warehouse 50 so that the reel 40 that is being requested to be dispensed is dispensed.

[0037] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The management device 60 of this embodiment corresponds to the dispensing management device of the present disclosure, the component mounting machines 10A to 10E correspond to multiple component mounting machines, the production lines L1 to L3 correspond to multiple production lines, and the component mounting system 1 corresponds to the production system.

[0038] The management device 60 described above acquires the required time for transporting multiple replacement parts to the corresponding component mounting machine 10 when a component shortage is expected within a predetermined time in multiple component mounting machines 10, and determines the order in which parts are dispensed so that parts with longer replenishment times are dispensed with priority over parts with shorter replenishment times. Since replacement parts are dispensed when a component shortage is expected within a predetermined time, the longer the replenishment time, the higher the probability that a component shortage will occur during transport. Therefore, by prioritizing the dispensing of replacement parts used in such component mounting machines 10, it is possible to avoid component shortages occurring before replenishment and suppress the deterioration of production efficiency due to component shortages.

[0039] Furthermore, if a group of parts includes a bulk transport component that can be transported together, the management device 60 groups the bulk transport component and determines the dispensing order of the parts so that multiple parts belonging to the same group are dispensed in a consecutive order. This allows for efficient transport of necessary parts within the same group.

[0040] It goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0041] In the embodiments described above, the dispensing management device of the present disclosure was described as the management device 60. However, the dispensing management device of the present disclosure may be the control device 23 of the component mounting machine 10 or the control device 52 of the automated warehouse 50.

[0042] Here, a modified version of the dispensing management routine executed by the management device 60 will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the modified dispensing management routine. Note that for each process in the dispensing management routine in Figure 7 that is the same as the dispensing management routine in Figure 4, the same step number is used, and its explanation is omitted. First, the CPU 61 waits until a component shortage warning is issued in any of the component mounting machines 10 (S100). Next, the CPU 61 obtains the dispensing time and transport time for each replacement component (S210). After S210, the CPU 61 adds the information regarding the replacement component to the end of the component supply list (S110). Next, the CPU 61 determines whether or not there are more than a predetermined number (for example, 4) of tasks stored in the component supply list (S220). If the determination in S220 is positive, the CPU 61 determines whether or not there are tasks that can be executed in a batch (S150). If a positive determination is made in S150, the CPU 61 groups together tasks that can be executed in a batch (S160) and sets the required supply time for each group (S170). After a negative determination is made in S150 or after S170, the CPU 61 determines whether there are any supply parts that cannot be supplied before a supply shortage occurs in the component mounting machine 10 (S230). Specifically, the CPU 61 determines whether the supply completion time exceeds the expected supply shortage time. The expected supply shortage time is obtained in S100. The supply completion time is the time obtained by adding the supply start time, supply time, and transport time to the supply start time. The supply start time is the time obtained by adding a predetermined waiting time to the time when a supply shortage warning is issued. The waiting time is, for example, the time until a supply part that has a higher supply order than a certain supply part in the supply list is supplied. If the supply completion time does not exceed the expected supply shortage time for any supply part, the CPU 61 makes a negative determination. On the other hand, if the replenishment completion time for any of the replacement parts (for example, part P3 shown in Figures 5 and 6A) exceeds the expected time of part depletion, the CPU 61 makes a positive determination. If a positive determination is made in S230, the CPU 61 rearranges the dispensing order so that the replacement parts are replenished before the part depletion occurs (S240).Specifically, when a replacement part whose issuance order is shifted by changing the issuance order is designated as a part whose issuance order is shifted, if a parts shortage does not occur in the parts mounting machine 10 that requires the parts whose issuance order is shifted while the parts whose issuance order is being transported, the CPU 61 will change the issuance order. Otherwise, the CPU 61 will not change the issuance order. After making a negative determination in S220, after making a negative determination in S230, or after S240, the CPU 61 outputs a dispensing instruction to the automated warehouse 50 so that parts are dispensed according to the parts replenishment list, and terminates this routine (S190). If replacement parts cannot be supplied to the parts mounting machine 10 before it runs out of parts, a parts shortage will occur. However, in this modified version of the issuance management routine, replacement parts needed by the parts mounting machine 10, which is not expected to receive parts before it runs out, are preferentially dispensed. In this way, it is possible to avoid parts shortages occurring before parts are replenished and to suppress the deterioration of production efficiency due to parts shortages.

[0043] In the embodiment described above, the replenishment time is set based on the sum of the dispensing time and the transport time. However, the replenishment time may also include the time required to set the reel 40 on the feeder 30 and to set the feeder 30 on the feeder set stand. This is also true in modified versions of the dispensing management routine.

[0044] In the embodiment described above, the S140 of the dispensing management routine obtains the required time for each replacement part, and the S180 of the dispensing management routine rearranges the order of the parts supply list so that they are dispensed in order of longest required time. However, the S140 of the dispensing management routine may also obtain the supply distance, and the S180 of the dispensing management routine may rearrange the order of the parts supply list so that they are dispensed in order of longest required distance. Alternatively, the S140 of the dispensing management routine may obtain the transport time, and the S180 of the dispensing management routine may rearrange the order of the parts supply list so that they are dispensed in order of longest transport time. These points are also true for modified versions of the dispensing management routine.

[0045] In the embodiment described above, the dispensing management routine performed the processes S150 to S170. However, these processes do not need to be performed. This is also true in modified versions of the dispensing management routine.

[0046] In the embodiment described above, the parts required on the same production line L were grouped together on the premise that they could be transported together. However, even if the parts replenishment tasks for replacement parts required by multiple parts mounting machines 10 located on different production lines L but with overlapping transport routes (for example, in Figure 5, parts mounting machine 10A on production line L2 and parts mounting machine 10E on production line L1) may be grouped together on the premise that they can be executed together. Alternatively, the parts replenishment tasks for replacement parts required by adjacent production lines L may be grouped together on the premise that they can be executed together. This point is also true in the modified version of the dispensing management routine.

[0047] In the embodiment described above, the dispensing management routine S100 determined whether a parts shortage would occur within a predetermined time based on the current time and a predetermined time. However, the determination of whether a parts shortage would occur within a predetermined time could also be made based on the number of remaining parts. In this case, the CPU 61 obtains the number of remaining parts and the estimated time of parts shortage, and if the number of remaining parts is less than the predetermined number, it makes an affirmative determination; otherwise, the CPU 61 makes a negative determination. In this case, regardless of the production line L, the parts mounting machine 10, or the type of parts (reels 40), the predetermined number should be set according to the type of parts mounting machine 10 and the type of parts (reels 40) so that the predetermined time is approximately constant. This point is the same in the modified example.

[0048] In the embodiment described above, the consumption time per component was predetermined. However, the consumption time per component may be set based on the number of circuit boards S produced within a predetermined period. In this case, the consumption time per component can be determined as follows: First, the CPU 61 obtains the number of circuit boards produced within the predetermined period. Then, the CPU 61 divides the obtained predetermined period by the number of circuit boards produced within the predetermined period and the number of components required to produce one circuit board S to derive the consumption time per component. [Industrial applicability]

[0049] This disclosure can be used in fields such as the manufacturing of component mounting machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. Component mounting system, 10, 10A~10E. Component mounting machine, 11. Moving device, 12. X-axis slider, 13. Y-axis slider, 14. Guide rail, 15. Guide rail, 16. Head, 17. Suction nozzle, 18. Lifting device, 19. Solenoid valve, 20. Vacuum pump, 21. Air piping, 22. Board transport device, 23. Control device, 30. Feeder, 40. Reel, 41. Control device, 50. Automated warehouse, 51. Reel retrieval device, 52. Control device, 53. Discharge outlet, 60. Management device, 61. CPU, 62. ROM, 63. RAM, 64. Storage, L, L1~L3. Production line, S. Board.

Claims

[Claim 1] A dispensing management device for managing the dispensing of parts in an automated warehouse that is located in a production system comprising one or more production lines including multiple component mounting machines, and which stores multiple parts and dispenses parts on demand, When a component shortage is anticipated in multiple component mounting machines, the system obtains the discharge time, which is the time required to transport the replacement parts from the holding section (a shelf on which replacement parts can be placed) in the automated warehouse to the discharge outlet of the automated warehouse, and the transport time, which is the time required to transport the multiple replacement parts to be supplied to each of the multiple component mounting machines to their respective corresponding component mounting machines. Based on the supply time, which is the sum of the discharge time and the transport time, the system determines whether replacement parts can be supplied to the component mounting machine where a component shortage is anticipated before a component shortage occurs. If it is determined that supply cannot be supplied, the discharge order of the replacement parts is rearranged so that replacement parts are supplied before a component shortage occurs. If the aforementioned multiple parts include a bulk transport component that can be transported together, the bulk transport component is grouped together, and the required replenishment time is set for each group. Dispensing management device.

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