Work guidance apparatus and work guidance method

Abstract

This work guidance apparatus comprises an acquisition unit and a guidance unit. The acquisition unit acquires an operating state of a conveyance apparatus for conveying a device used in a circuit board work machine that performs predetermined circuit board work on a circuit board to produce a circuit board product. In accordance with the operating state of the conveyance apparatus, as acquired by the acquisition unit, the guidance unit guides work content of a worker working on the conveyance apparatus.

Description

Work guidance device and work guidance method

[0001] This specification discloses techniques relating to a work guidance device and a work guidance method.

[0002] The information acquisition unit described in Patent Document 1 acquires production plan information, floor layout information, mounted material information, etc. from a database, manufacturing equipment, mobile terminals, automated guided vehicles, etc., and stores it in an information storage unit. The production plan information includes the number of mounted boards to be manufactured by the manufacturing system, the scheduled date and time of production completion, as well as information identifying multiple materials to be used in the manufacturing equipment (part numbers, reel numbers, etc.) and the scheduled number of materials to be used.

[0003] The floor layout information includes the layout of manufacturing equipment on the floor, the layout of material storage facilities, information on the travel path of the automated guided vehicle (transport means), and the travel speed of the automated guided vehicle. The loaded material information includes information identifying the automated guided vehicle carrying the material (vehicle number), information identifying the material loaded on the automated guided vehicle, and the loaded position (slot number, etc.).

[0004] Furthermore, the take-out instruction creation unit described in Patent Document 1 determines the take-out worker in charge based on production plan information, floor layout information, etc. Specifically, the take-out instruction creation unit creates a take-out instruction for the take-out worker to take out materials to be supplied to the manufacturing equipment from the material storage and load them onto an automatic guided vehicle (transport means).

[0005] The dispensing instruction includes information specifying the material to be loaded onto the automated guided vehicle (part number, reel number), the location where the material is stored in the material storehouse (shelf number), information specifying the automated guided vehicle that will load the material (vehicle number), and the location of the storage slot where the material will be loaded (slot number). The created dispensing instruction is sent to a portable terminal carried by the dispensing worker. The dispensing instruction received by the portable terminal is then displayed on the touch panel.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-061310

[0007] When a worker performs work using a transport device, the work content of the worker may change depending on the operating status of the transport device. Therefore, the worker needs to know the work content that matches the operating status of the transport device.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, this specification discloses a work guidance device and a work guidance method that can provide guidance on work content that matches the operating status of a conveying device.

[0009] This specification discloses a work guidance device including an acquisition unit and a guidance unit. The acquisition unit acquires the operational status of a transport device that transports equipment used in a substrate-related operation machine that performs a predetermined substrate-related operation on a substrate to produce a product substrate. The guidance unit provides guidance on the work content of a worker performing work on the transport device in accordance with the operational status of the transport device acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0010] This specification also discloses a work guidance method including an acquisition step and a guidance step. The acquisition step acquires the operational status of a transport device that transports equipment used in a substrate-related operation machine that performs a predetermined substrate-related operation on a substrate to produce a product substrate. The guidance step provides guidance to a worker performing work on the transport device in accordance with the operational status of the transport device acquired by the acquisition step.

[0011] This specification discloses a technical idea in claim 6 of the claims originally attached to the application (hereinafter referred to as the "initial claims"), where "the work guidance device according to claim 3" is changed to "the work guidance device according to any one of claims 3 to 5." This specification also discloses a technical idea in claim 8 of the original claims, where "the work guidance device according to claim 3" is changed to "the work guidance device according to any one of claims 3 to 7."

[0012] According to the above-described work guidance device, it is possible to guide the worker on the work content in accordance with the operating state of the conveying device. What has been described above about the work guidance device also applies to the work guidance method.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of production equipment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the replacement system and the component mounting machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a feeder replacement operation between a moving device and a component supply device of the component mounting machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control block of a work guidance device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure by the work guidance device. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a feeder magazine mounted on a conveying device. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of guidance when the operating state of the conveying device is a first state. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of guidance when the operating state of the conveying device is a second state. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of guidance when the operating state of the conveying device is a third state.

[0014] 1. Embodiment 1-1. Example of Production Facility Configuration The work guidance device 100 of the embodiment can be applied to a production facility. As shown in Figure 1, the production facility includes a production line WL0 including at least one (four in this figure) component placement machine 10, an exchange system 30, a moving device 40, a storage device 50, and a line management device 60, a work area 70, a conveying device 80, and an automated warehouse AS0.

[0015] The four component mounting machines 10 are installed along the transport direction (X direction) of the board 90 shown in Figure 2. The component mounting machines 10 are included in a substrate-related operation machine WM0 that performs predetermined substrate-related operations on the board 90 to produce the product board 900. The substrate-related operations performed by the component mounting machines 10 include operations for loading and unloading the board 90, and operations for supplying, picking, and mounting the components 91. The component mounting machines 10 are each provided with, for example, a detachable cassette-type feeder 20.

[0016] On the board loading side of the production line WL0 (the left side of the drawing in FIG. 1 ), a storage device 50 is installed, for example, to store the feeders 20. The production line WL0 is also provided with an exchange system 30 and a moving device 40, which perform operations of supplying, exchanging, and recovering the feeders 20. The configuration of the production line WL0 may be appropriately added or modified depending on, for example, the type of product board 900 to be produced. Specifically, the production line WL0 may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related operation machines WM0, such as a solder printer, a solder inspection machine, a reflow oven, and a visual inspection machine. In this way, the production line WL0 uses various substrate-related operation machines WM0 to transport the boards 90 in order and perform production processes, including inspection processes, to produce the product boards 900.

[0017] The substrate-related performing machine WM0 that constitutes the production line WL0 is configured to be able to input and output various data to and from the line management device 60 via a network. For example, the storage device 50 has a plurality of slots. The storage device 50 stocks the feeders 20 installed in the plurality of slots. The feeders 20 installed in the slots of the storage device 50 are able to communicate with the line management device 60. As a result, the slots of the storage device 50 and the identification information of the feeders 20 installed in the slots are associated with each other and recorded in the line management device 60.

[0018] Furthermore, line management device 60 monitors the operating status of production line WL0 and performs overall control of substrate-related operation machines WM0 such as component mounting machine 10, exchange system 30, moving device 40, and storage device 50. Line management device 60 stores various data for controlling substrate-related operation machines WM0, exchange system 30, moving device 40, and storage device 50. Line management device 60 sends out various data such as a production program when component mounting machine 10 executes the process of mounting components 91.

[0019] 1-2. Configuration example of component mounting machine 10 As shown in Fig. 2, each of the four component mounting machines 10 includes a board transport device 11, a component supply device 12, and a head drive device 13. In this specification, the transport direction of the board 90 is defined as the X direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction in a horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction. The vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (the vertical direction on the paper surface of Fig. 2) is defined as the Z direction.

[0020] The board transport device 11 is configured by, for example, a belt conveyor, a positioning device, etc. The board transport device 11 sequentially transports the board 90 in the transport direction (X direction) and positions the board 90 at a predetermined position within the machine. After the mounting process by the component mounting machine 10 is completed, the board transport device 11 transports the board 90 out of the machine.

[0021] The component supply device 12 supplies components 91 to be mounted on the board 90. The component supply device 12 has a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b that can accommodate a plurality of feeders 20. In this embodiment, the first slot 12a is disposed at the top of the front side of the component mounting machine 10 and operably holds the installed feeders 20. The operation of the feeders 20 installed in the first slot 12a is controlled during the mounting process by the component mounting machine 10, and the feeders 20 supply components 91 at take-out sections provided at specified positions above the feeders 20. In this way, the first slot 12a can hold the feeders 20 used in the production of the product board 900.

[0022] In the embodiment, the second slot 12b is disposed below the first slot 12a and stocks the installed feeders 20. Specifically, the second slot 12b holds spare feeders 20 to be used in the production of the product substrates 900. The second slot 12b also temporarily holds feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of the product substrates 900. The operation of exchanging the feeders 20 between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b is performed by the moving device 40.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, feeder 20 includes feeder body 21 and drive unit 22. In this embodiment, feeder body 21 is formed in a flat box shape. Feeder body 21 detachably (replaceably) holds reel 23 around which carrier tape containing components 91 to be mounted on substrate 90 is wound. Drive unit 22 includes sprocket 22a that engages with feed holes provided in the carrier tape. Drive unit 22 rotates sprocket 22a to feed and move the carrier tape.

[0024] The operation of the drive unit 22 of the feeder 20 is controlled by the control unit of the component mounting machine 10. When the feeder 20 is installed in the first slot 12a of the component mounting machine 10, the feeder 20 receives power from the component mounting machine 10 via a connector and is able to communicate with the component mounting machine 10. This allows the component mounting machine 10 to detect the supply and withdrawal of the feeder 20 in the first slot 12a. What has been described above for the first slot 12a also applies to the second slot 12b.

[0025] The feeder 20 installed in the first slot 12a controls the feeding operation of the carrier tape containing the components 91 based on control commands from the component mounting machine 10. As a result, the feeder 20 supplies the components 91 to an extraction section provided above the feeder 20 so that the components 91 can be picked up by the holding member of the mounting head 13b.

[0026] The head driving device 13 moves the movable table 13a in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) using a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 13b is replaceably (detachably) fixed to the movable table 13a by a clamp member. The mounting head 13b is moved integrally with the movable table 13a in the X direction and Y direction by the linear motion mechanism of the head driving device 13. The mounting head 13b uses a holding member to pick up the component 91 supplied by the component supply device 12. The holding member may be, for example, a suction nozzle that sucks the component 91 by supplied negative pressure air, or a chuck that grips the component 91.

[0027] The mounting head 13b holds the holding member so that it can move in the Z direction and rotate around the Q axis parallel to the Z direction. The mounting head 13b adjusts the position and angle of the holding member depending on the orientation of the picked component 91. The mounting head 13b then places the component 91 at the placement position on the board 90 as instructed by the production program. The total time required for the predetermined number of pick-and-place cycles of the component 91 and the time required to load and unload the board 90 corresponds to the cycle time per board 90.

[0028] The holding members provided on the mounting head 13b can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of component 91 in the mounting process for mounting the component 91 on the board 90. For example, when a suction nozzle to be used in a mounting process is not attached to the mounting head 13b, the component mounting machine 10 attaches a suction nozzle housed in a nozzle station to the mounting head 13b. The nozzle station is detachably mounted at a predetermined position within the component mounting machine 10 or on the feeder 20.

[0029] 1 and 2, the exchange system 30 includes a first rail 31 and a second rail 32. The first rail 31 and the second rail 32 form a travel path 30R of the movement device 40. The first rail 31 extends along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90, and is provided between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0030] The second rail 32 extends along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the board 90 and is provided below the second slot 12b in the vertical direction (Z direction). The first rail 31 and the second rail 32 extend across almost the entire area of ​​the production line WL0 in the conveyance direction (X direction) of the board 90. The conveyance direction (X direction) of the board 90 corresponds to the arrangement direction of the four component mounting machines 10.

[0031] The mobile device 40 is provided so as to be able to travel on the travel path 30R formed by the first rail 31 and the second rail 32. The mobile device 40 receives power from a power transmitting unit provided on the first rail 31 via a power receiving unit provided opposite the power transmitting unit through contactless power supply. The power received by the power receiving unit is used for the travel of the mobile device 40, predetermined work, etc., via a power receiving circuit. The mobile device 40 detects its position (current position) on the travel path 30R, for example, using a position detection device. The position detection device can detect the position using, for example, an optical detection method, a detection method using electromagnetic induction, etc.

[0032] The above-mentioned predetermined operations include an exchange operation in which a device DD0 used in a substrate-related operation machine WM0 such as component mounting machine 10 is exchanged with the substrate-related operation machine WM0. In the embodiment, moving device 40 performs an exchange operation of feeder 20 between component mounting machine 10, which is a substrate-related operation machine WM0, and feeder 20, which supplies components 91 to be mounted on board 90, as device DD0. Moving device 40 can also perform an exchange operation of feeder 20 between storage device 50 and feeder 20, which supplies components 91 to be mounted on board 90 as device DD0.

[0033] The moving device 40 of the embodiment transports the feeders 20 from the storage device 50 to the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b of the component mounting machine 10 to supply the feeders 20. The moving device 40 also performs a feeder 20 exchange operation between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b of the component mounting machine 10. Furthermore, the moving device 40 transports unnecessary feeders 20 from the component mounting machine 10 to the storage device 50 to collect the feeders 20.

[0034] 3, the moving device 40 includes at least one (two in the figure) holding unit 41 and a control device 42. In the embodiment, each of the two holding units 41 can simultaneously clamp a plurality (two in the figure) of feeders 20, and can simultaneously hold a plurality (two) of feeders 20. Furthermore, each of the two holding units 41 can independently move in the attachment / detachment direction of the feeder 20 (the Y direction in the embodiment) by, for example, a linear motion mechanism, and can simultaneously move a plurality (two) of feeders 20 in the Y direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the two holding units 41 can be moved together in the vertical direction (Z direction) by, for example, a linear motion mechanism, and multiple (four) feeders 20 can be moved simultaneously in the Z direction. The moving device 40 can also include, for example, multiple (four) holding units 41. In this case, each of the multiple (four) holding units 41 can clamp one feeder 20 and independently move the multiple (four) feeders 20 in the Y direction and the Z direction. The holding units 41 are not limited to clamping mechanisms or linear motion mechanisms and can take various forms. For example, the holding units 41 can include protrusions that can fit into holes provided in the feeders 20. In this case, the protrusions of the holding units 41 fit into the holes of the feeders 20 to hold the feeders 20.

[0036] The control device 42 includes a known arithmetic unit and memory device, and forms a control circuit. The control device 42 is communicatively connected to the four component mounting machines 10, the replacement system 30, the storage device 50, and the line management device 60. The control device 42 controls the travel of the moving device 40 and the operation of the two holding units 41. With the above configuration, the moving device 40 can move to a predetermined position along the first rail 31 and the second rail 32 and perform the work of replacing the feeder 20 at the stopped position.

[0037] Storage device 50 is not limited to feeder 20 and can store equipment DD0 used in substrate-related operation machine WM0. For example, if substrate-related operation machine WM0 is component mounting machine 10, a tray unit that stores trays on which multiple components 91 are arranged and a wafer component supply device that can supply wafer components are included in equipment DD0. Also, a holding member supply device (a nozzle station if the holding member is a suction nozzle) that can supply a holding member (such as a suction nozzle) is included in equipment DD0. If substrate-related operation machine WM0 is a solder printing machine that prints solder on board 90, a mask that prints the solder and a solder container that stores the solder are included in equipment DD0.

[0038] In this way, storage device 50 can reserve equipment DD0 to be used in the production of product substrates 900 or temporarily reserve equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900. Furthermore, moving device 40 is not limited to feeder 20; it can supply equipment DD0 carried into storage device 50 to first slot 12a or second slot 12b, and retrieve equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 from first slot 12a or second slot 12b to storage device 50.

[0039] Furthermore, the substrate-related operation performing machine WM0 is not limited to being a component mounting machine 10, but may be equipped with a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b, and the device DD0 that it holds is not limited to being a feeder 20. In other words, the substrate-related operation performing machine WM0 is equipped with a first slot 12a that can hold a device DD0 that is used in the production of product substrates 900, and a second slot 12b that can hold spare device DD0 that is scheduled to be used in the production of product substrates 900, or can temporarily hold device DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900.

[0040] 1-4. Configuration Example of Work Area 70, Conveyor Device 80, and Automated Warehouse AS0 In the work area 70, workers can perform various tasks related to the devices DD0 that are supplied to the production line WL0 and the devices DD0 that have been collected from the production line WL0. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the work area 70 in this embodiment includes a workbench 71, a feeder stand 72, a reel rack 73, and a portable terminal 74. In the work area 70, workers perform tasks such as kitting, preparation, loading, carrying out, and tidying up the devices DD0.

[0041] For example, if the device DD0 is a feeder 20, the worker loads a predetermined reel 23 onto the feeder 20 so that it can be supplied to the production line WL0. Specifically, the worker loads the predetermined reel 23 onto the feeder 20 on the workbench 71 (kitting work) and can then place the feeder 20, for example, in a feeder stand 72 where the feeder 20 can be temporarily stored (preparation work). The reel 23 and feeder 20 can be obtained by the worker from, for example, the automated warehouse AS0. In this case, the worker can place the obtained feeder 20 in the feeder stand 72. Similarly, the worker can place the obtained reel 23 on a reel rack 73 where the reel 23 can be temporarily stored.

[0042] The worker can then remove the feeder 20 from the feeder stand 72 and the reel 23 from the reel rack 73 to perform kitting work. Specifically, the worker reads the identification code attached to the reel 23 using, for example, the reader 74a of the portable terminal 74. Similarly, the worker reads the identification code attached to the feeder 20 using, for example, the reader 74a of the portable terminal 74. As a result, identification information identifying the reel 23 and identification information identifying the feeder 20 are transmitted to the production management system MS2 that manages the production of the product substrates 900. The production management system MS2 can also manage various production information related to the production of the product substrates 900.

[0043] For example, when the production control system MS2 acquires the above-mentioned identification information, it associates the identification information of the reel 23 with the identification information of the feeder 20 and stores them in a storage device. Furthermore, the production control system MS2 can also update the location information of the feeder 20, for example, when the feeder 20 is moved. For example, when the feeder 20 is installed in a slot of the feeder stand 72 and power is supplied via a connector, the feeder stand 72 can communicate with the feeder 20 to acquire location information of the feeder 20 and transmit the acquired location information of the feeder 20 to the production control system MS2. The production control system MS2 can update the location information of the feeder 20 using the received location information of the feeder 20. The location information includes the identification information of the feeder stand 72, the storage area in which the feeder 20 is stored (e.g., the upper, middle, or lower level of the feeder stand 72), the slot number, etc.

[0044] The reel 23 and the feeder 20 can also be obtained by the conveying device 80 from the automated warehouse AS0. The conveying device 80 is not limited as long as it can transport the equipment DD0. For example, the conveying device 80 can be an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). The automated warehouse AS0 that stores the reel 23 automates the storage and retrieval of the reel 23, and can also transfer the reel 23 to and from the conveying device 80. Similarly, the automated warehouse AS0 that stores the feeder 20 automates the storage and retrieval of the feeder 20, and can also transfer the feeder 20 to and from the conveying device 80.

[0045] When the transport device 80 arrives at the work area 70, an operator can load the feeder 20, which is equipped with the reel 23 and is placed on the feeder stand 72, onto the transport device 80 (loading operation). For example, the transport device 80 is provided with a feeder magazine FM0 that can be equipped with the feeder 20. The feeder magazine FM0 has a plurality of slots, and an operator can set the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 into the slot of the feeder magazine FM0.

[0046] In this way, when feeder 20 is loaded onto transport device 80, transport device 80 can transport feeder 20 equipped with reel 23 to storage device 50 of production line WL0. Note that an operator can also equip feeder 20 with a predetermined reel 23 on workbench 71 (kitting work) and store feeder 20 equipped with reel 23 in feeder magazine FM0 provided on transport device 80 (mounting work). In other words, the preparation work can be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the conveying device 80 can also convey, for example, feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 from the storage device 50 of the production line WL0 to the working area 70. In the working area 70, a worker removes the feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 from the conveying device 80 (removal work). For example, the worker can remove a specific feeder 20 from the feeder magazine FM0. The worker can also remove the feeder 20 together with the feeder magazine FM0.

[0048] The worker puts away the feeder 20 that is no longer needed for the production of the product substrate 900 as needed (tidying up work). Specifically, the worker removes the reel 23 from the feeder 20. The removed reel 23 can be stored, for example, in the reel rack 73, and the feeder 20 from which the reel 23 has been removed can be stored, for example, in the feeder stand 72. The reel 23 and the feeder 20 may be transported by the transport device 80 to the automated warehouse AS0 and stored there. In these cases, the correspondence between the identification information of the reel 23 and the identification information of the feeder 20 stored in the storage device is deleted. Furthermore, if the tidying up work is not necessary, the reel 23 and the feeder 20 can be stored in an installed state, for example, in the feeder stand 72. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reel 23 and the identification information of the feeder 20 stored in the storage device is maintained.

[0049] The operation of the transport device 80 is managed by a transport management system MS1. Specifically, the transport management system MS1 is configured to be able to communicate with the transport device 80 via a network. For example, the transport management system MS1 can grasp the location of the transport device 80 by communicating with the transport device 80. Specifically, the transport management system MS1 receives signals transmitted from the transport device 80 at multiple access points, and can recognize the relative positions of the multiple access points and the transport device 80 based on the strength of the signals, the arrival time difference, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, if the transport device 80 is an automated guided vehicle, the transport device 80 can move on a magnetic tape equipped with reference marks. The transport device 80 can recognize its own position by recognizing the reference marks. Furthermore, if the transport device 80 is an autonomous transport robot, the transport device 80 can also recognize its own position using various detection devices such as a camera or a laser sensor. In either case, the transport management system MS1 can obtain position information of the transport device 80 from the transport device 80 and determine the location of the transport device 80.

[0051] Furthermore, the transport management system MS1 is configured to be able to communicate with the production management system MS2 via a network. This allows the transport management system MS1 to obtain information on the progress of production of the product substrates 900 from the production management system MS2. The transport management system MS1 can then determine the transport device 80 that will transport the device DD0 in accordance with the progress of production of the product substrates 900, and can deliver the transport device 80.

[0052] 1-5. Configuration example of work guidance device 100 For example, when transport device 80 arrives at and waits in worker's work area 70, the worker can perform the mounting work described above. Also, when transport device 80 has not yet arrived at work area 70, the worker can perform the preparation work described above. Furthermore, when transport device 80 carrying device DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product boards 900 arrives at and waits in work area 70, the worker can perform the carry-out work described above. Also, after the carry-out work, the worker can perform the tidying up work described above.

[0053] In this way, when a worker performs work using the conveying device 80, the work content of the worker may change depending on the operating status of the conveying device 80. Therefore, the worker needs to know the work content that matches the operating status of the conveying device 80. Therefore, in the embodiment, a work guidance device 100 is provided. The work guidance device 100 guides the worker on the work content in accordance with the operating status of the conveying device 80.

[0054] Specifically, the work guidance device 100 includes an acquisition unit 101 and a guidance unit 102. The acquisition unit 101 and the guidance unit 102 can be provided in various control devices, management devices, etc. For example, at least one of the acquisition unit 101 and the guidance unit 102 can be provided in the transport management system MS1. At least one of the acquisition unit 101 and the guidance unit 102 can also be provided in the production management system MS2.

[0055] At least one of the acquisition unit 101 and the guidance unit 102 may be provided in the line management device 60. At least one of the acquisition unit 101 and the guidance unit 102 may also be formed on the cloud. As shown in FIG. 4, the acquisition unit 101 and the guidance unit 102 of this embodiment are provided in the production management system MS2. The work guidance device 100 also executes control in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. The acquisition unit 101 performs the processing shown in step S11. The guidance unit 102 performs the processing and judgments shown in steps S12 to S16. The matters described in this specification can be selected and applied as appropriate. The matters described in this specification can be combined as appropriate.

[0056] 1-5-1. Acquisition Unit 101 The acquisition unit 101 acquires the operating status of the transport device 80 that transports the device DD0 used in the substrate-related operation performing machine WM0 (step S11 shown in FIG. 5). As described above, the substrate-related operation performing machine WM0, the device DD0, and the transport device 80 can take various forms. This specification has been described using the transport device 80 that transports the feeder 20 used in the component mounting machine 10 as an example. Similarly, the operating status of the transport device 80 may be any status related to the status of the transport device 80, and can take various states.

[0057] For example, the operating state can be a first state, a second state, or a third state. The first state refers to a state in which the transport device 80 has arrived at the worker's work area 70 and is waiting for the worker to load the device DD0 onto the transport device 80. The second state refers to a state in which the transport device 80 is moving toward the work area 70 but has not yet arrived at the work area 70. The third state refers to a state in which the transport device 80 loaded with the device DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrates 900 has arrived at the work area 70 and is waiting for the worker to load the device DD0 from the transport device 80. The work area 70 can be set arbitrarily depending on the work performed by the worker.

[0058] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 can acquire the operating status of the transport device 80 by various methods. For example, the acquisition unit 101 can acquire the operating status of the transport device 80 based on operation information related to the operation of the transport device 80 and production information related to the production of the product substrates 900. As described above, the operation of the transport device 80 is managed by the transport management system MS1, which manages operation information including, for example, the location of the transport device 80. The operation information may be any information related to the operation of the transport device 80, and may include various information.

[0059] For example, the operation information includes information about the location of the conveyance device 80, such as the current position, speed, and other moving conditions of the conveyance device 80, and the destination (destination and route, if necessary). The operation information also includes information about the operation plan, such as the equipment DD0 being conveyed, the equipment DD0 scheduled to be conveyed, the target production line WL0, the operation date and time (departure date and time and scheduled arrival date and time), and the worker in charge. As described above, the conveyance management system MS1 is configured to be able to communicate with the production management system MS2 via a network, and can operate the conveyance device 80 in cooperation with the production management system MS2.

[0060] The production management system MS2 manages the production of product substrates 900 and manages production information related to the production of product substrates 900. The production information may include a variety of information as long as it relates to the production of product substrates 900. For example, the production information includes information related to the production plan, such as the type of product substrates 900 to be produced, the planned number of substrates to be produced, the production line WL0 to be used, the substrate-related processing machine WM0 to be used, the equipment DD0 to be used, the production date and time (the production start date and the planned production completion date and time), and the worker in charge. The production information also includes information related to the progress of production, such as the number of product substrates 900 produced and the supply and collection status of the equipment DD0.

[0061] As described above, the transfer management system MS1 can determine the transfer device 80 that will transfer the device DD0 in accordance with the progress of production of the product substrate 900, and can deliver the transfer device 80. The acquisition unit 101 can acquire operation information from the transfer management system MS1 and grasp the operation status of the transfer device 80. The acquisition unit 101 can also acquire production information from the production management system MS2 and grasp the delivery purpose of the transfer device 80 (such as delivery to supply the device DD0 or delivery to collect the device DD0).

[0062] As a result, the acquisition unit 101 can acquire the operation status of the transport device 80 as the first state, the second state, or the third state. Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 can recognize from the operation information whether the transport device 80 has arrived at the worker's work area 70. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 101 recognizes from the operation information and the production information (delivery to supply the equipment DD0) that the transport device 80 has arrived at the worker's work area 70 and is waiting for the installation work, it acquires the operation status as the first state.

[0063] Similarly, when it is recognized from the operation information and production information (delivery to supply device DD0) that transport device 80 is moving toward work area 70 and has not yet arrived at work area 70, acquiring unit 101 acquires the operating status of the second state. Furthermore, when it is recognized from the operation information and production information (delivery to collect device DD0) that transport device 80 equipped with device DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of product substrates 900 has arrived at work area 70 and is waiting in preparation for removal work, acquiring unit 101 acquires the operating status of the third state.

[0064] The guidance unit 102 guides the worker performing the work on the conveyance device 80 in accordance with the operating status of the conveyance device 80 acquired by the acquisition unit 101 (steps S12 to S16 shown in FIG. 5). The guidance unit 102 may take various forms as long as it can guide the worker in accordance with the operating status of the conveyance device 80.

[0065] For example, when the first state is acquired by the acquisition unit 101 (Yes in step S12), the guidance unit 102 guides the worker through the mounting work (step S13). Then, the control by the work guidance device 100 is temporarily terminated. Note that the control by the work guidance device 100 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle. As described above, for example, the device DD0 includes a feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23. In this case, the mounting work includes the work of mounting the reel 23 on the feeder 20 (kitting work) and storing the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 in a feeder magazine FM0 provided in the conveyance device 80.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the transport device 80 can enter below the transport cart 81 and connect to the transport cart 81, and can tow the connected transport cart 81. The feeder magazine FM0 is formed in a rectangular box shape with one side open, and is installed on the base of the transport cart 81. An operator places the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 into the feeder magazine FM0 through the opening and sets it in the slot. The guide unit 102 can guide the loading work using various methods, and the production management system MS2 can recognize the completion of the loading work using various methods.

[0067] For example, the guiding unit 102 can use the operation screen 74b to provide guidance during the mounting work, and the worker can operate the operation screen 74b to notify the production control system MS2 of the completion of the mounting work. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the portable terminal 74 is equipped with the operation screen 74b. The operation screen 74b is configured, for example, with a touch panel, and the worker can obtain various information including work instructions and can operate the operation screen 74b to issue various notifications and instructions.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows an example of the operation screen 74b. The operation screen 74b shown in FIG. 7 shows an example of guidance provided by the guidance unit 102 when the operation state of the transport device 80 is the first state. For example, the installation work is guided using icons along with text information such as "Please set the feeder in the feeder magazine." Specifically, the kitted component icon on the left side of FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the reel 23 and the feeder 20, and indicates the kitting work of installing the reel 23 in the feeder 20. The feeder magazine icon on the right side of FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the feeder magazine FM0 containing the feeder 20, and indicates the work of storing the feeder 20, with the reel 23 installed, in the feeder magazine FM0 provided in the transport device 80.

[0069] As such, the operation screen 74b shown in the figure illustrates the mounting operation of mounting the reel 23 onto the feeder 20 (kitting operation) and storing the feeder 20 with the mounted reel 23 into the feeder magazine FM0 provided on the conveying device 80. The text information can also display information about the feeder 20, information about the components 91 supplied from the feeder 20, and the like. The OK icon is an area displayed on the operation screen 74b and is a completion button BT1 that notifies the completion of the operation (in this case, the mounting operation). When the mounting operation is completed, the worker operates the completion button BT1. This allows the production management system MS2 to recognize that the worker has completed the mounting operation.

[0070] Also, for example, the transport device 80 equipped with a battery can supply power to the feeder magazine FM0 via the transport cart 81. The transport cart 81 equipped with a battery can also supply power to the feeder magazine FM0. In these cases, when the feeder 20 is installed in a slot of the feeder magazine FM0, the feeder 20 is supplied with power from the feeder magazine FM0 via the connector, and the transport device 80 can communicate with the feeder 20 and recognize that the feeder 20 has been installed. Conversely, when the feeder 20 is removed from the feeder magazine FM0, the transport device 80 can no longer communicate with the feeder 20 and recognize that the feeder 20 has been removed.

[0071] The production management system MS2 is notified of the completion of the loading work from the transport device 80 via the transport management system MS1, and can recognize the completion of the loading work by the worker from this notification. Similarly, the production management system MS2 is notified of the completion of the carry-out work from the transport device 80 via the transport management system MS1, and can recognize the completion of the carry-out work by the worker from this notification.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, the feeder magazine FM0 is provided with multiple slots, and the transport device 80 can load multiple feeders 20. If the loading work needs to be completed for all of the multiple devices DD0 to be transported, the transport of the devices DD0 for which the loading work has been completed will be delayed due to the devices DD0 for which the loading work has not been completed. The greater the urgency of the transport of the devices DD0 for which the loading work has been completed, the greater the problem of transport delays. Therefore, the production management system MS2 can also determine the completion of the loading work when the loading work has been completed for at least one of the multiple devices DD0.

[0073] This makes it possible to prevent delays in the transport of devices DD0 for which the loading work has been completed due to devices DD0 for which the loading work has not been completed. Note that in the above embodiment, the number of deliveries by the transport device 80 is likely to increase. Therefore, the number of devices DD0 that the transport device 80 transports at one time can also be set based on the urgency of the transport of the devices DD0. Specifically, the higher the urgency of the transport of the devices DD0, the fewer the number of devices DD0 that the transport device 80 transports at one time can be set. What has been described above regarding the loading work also applies to the unloading work.

[0074] The operation screen 74b also has an instruction button BT2. The instruction button BT2 is an area displayed on the operation screen 74b and is a button for instructing the transport device 80 to perform the next operation. The production management system MS2 allows the operator to operate the instruction button BT2 when the operator operates the completion button BT1 on the operation screen 74b that guides the loading work. The production management system MS2 also allows the operator to operate the instruction button BT2 when the transport device 80 notifies the operator via the transport management system MS1 that the loading work has been completed. When the instruction button BT2 can be operated, the operator can instruct the transport device 80 to perform the next operation by operating the instruction button BT2. For example, the operator can start the transport device 80 toward the destination.

[0075] For example, the production management system MS2 can change the display color of the instruction button BT2 on the operation screen 74b to notify the operator that operation is now possible. Figure 7 shows an example of how the instruction button BT2 appears before the operator operates the complete button BT1. The instruction button BT2 shown in the figure includes text information indicating that the next operation instruction for the transport device 80 is to start the transport device, and a rectangular area surrounding the text information. The rectangular area is displayed in gray, and the outline of the rectangle and the text information are displayed in white.

[0076] For ease of illustration, the gray rectangular area is represented by a dashed rectangle in the figure, indicating that the worker cannot operate the instruction button BT2. From this state, for example, if the worker operates the complete button BT1, the production management system MS2 enables the worker to operate the instruction button BT2. For example, the production management system MS2 displays the rectangular area of ​​the instruction button BT2 in green, and the outline of the rectangle and the text information in white. This allows the production management system MS2 to notify the worker that it is now possible to operate the instruction button BT2.

[0077] When the operator operates the instruction button BT2, the transport management system MS1 causes the transport device 80 to depart toward the destination. Specifically, when the transport management system MS1 receives the next operation instruction for the transport device 80 (an instruction to depart the transport device 80) from the portable terminal device 74, it transmits information regarding the destination (and the destination and route, if necessary) and a departure command to the transport device 80. Upon receiving the departure command, the transport device 80 departs toward the destination. Note that, as shown in the operation screen 74b in FIGS. 8 and 9 (described later), the area of ​​the instruction button BT2 can also display various information including work instructions, such as waiting for dispatch and whether cleanup work is available.

[0078] When the second state is acquired by the acquiring unit 101 (No in step S12 and Yes in step S14), the guiding unit 102 guides the worker through the preparation work for the mounting work (step S15). Then, the control by the work guidance device 100 is temporarily terminated. Note that the control by the work guidance device 100 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle. As described above, for example, the device DD0 includes a feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23. In this case, the preparation work includes the work of installing the reel 23 in the feeder 20 (kitting work) and storing the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 in a feeder stand 72 that can temporarily store the feeder 20.

[0079] The operation screen 74b shown in FIG. 8 shows an example of guidance provided by the guidance unit 102 when the operation state of the conveying device 80 is the second state. For example, the preparation work is guided using icons along with text information such as "Please set the feeder in the feeder stand." Specifically, the kitted part icon on the left side of the figure is a schematic diagram of the reel 23 and the feeder 20, and indicates the kitting work of mounting the reel 23 on the feeder 20. Furthermore, the feeder stand icon on the right side of the figure is a schematic diagram of the feeder stand 72 in which the feeder 20 is stored, and indicates the work of storing the feeder 20 with the reel 23 mounted on it in the feeder stand 72.

[0080] As such, the operation screen 74b shown in the figure indicates the preparatory work of mounting the reel 23 on the feeder 20 (kitting work) and storing the feeder 20 with the mounted reel 23 in the feeder stand 72. The text information can also display information about the feeder 20, information about the components 91 supplied from the feeder 20, and the like. The OK icon in this case is the completion button BT1, which notifies the completion of the preparatory work. When the preparatory work is completed, the worker operates the completion button BT1. This allows the production management system MS2 to recognize that the worker has completed the preparatory work.

[0081] In the second state, the transport device 80 has not yet arrived at the work area 70, and the area of ​​the instruction button BT2 displays information indicating that the transport device 80 is waiting for dispatch. When the transport device 80 arrives at the work area 70, the operation state of the transport device 80 changes to the first state. In this case, the guidance unit 102 can display an operation screen similar to the operation screen 74b shown in FIG. 7 to guide the operator through the work. However, in this case, the kitting work has already been completed, and the feeder 20 has been stored in the feeder stand 72. Therefore, the icon of the kitted parts on the left side of FIG. 7 is changed to the icon of the feeder stand on the right side of FIG. 8. This allows the operator to perform the loading work of storing the feeder 20, which is equipped with the reel 23 and placed in the feeder stand 72, into the feeder magazine FM0 provided in the transport device 80.

[0082] When the acquiring unit 101 acquires the third state (No in step S14), the guiding unit 102 guides the worker through the carry-out operation and the tidying up of the device DD0 that was carried out by the carry-out operation (step S16). Then, the control by the work guidance device 100 is temporarily terminated. Note that the control by the work guidance device 100 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle. As described above, for example, the device DD0 includes a feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23. In this case, the worker carries out the feeder 20 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 from the conveying device 80. For example, the worker can carry out a predetermined feeder 20 from the feeder magazine FM0. The worker can also carry out the feeder 20 together with the feeder magazine FM0.

[0083] The cleanup work includes removing the reels 23 from the feeders 20 that were removed in the unloading work, storing the removed reels 23 in a reel rack 73 that can temporarily store the reels 23, and storing the feeders 20 from which the reels 23 were removed in a feeder stand 72 that can temporarily store the feeders 20. The operation screen 74b shown in FIG. 9 shows an example of guidance by the guidance unit 102 when the operating state of the conveyance device 80 is in the third state. For example, in the first or second state, the area where an icon is displayed together with text information displays the initial screen, and the area of ​​the instruction button BT2 displays text information saying "Cleanup is possible." This allows the worker to perform the cleanup work described above.

[0084] As described above, the operation screen 74b shown in the figure guides the worker through the carry-out operation and the tidying up operation of the device DD0 that was carried out by the carry-out operation. The guidance unit 102 can also guide the worker through the carry-out operation and the tidying up operation by displaying an icon simulating the operation of removing the reel 23 from the feeder 20, an icon simulating the operation of storing the reel 23 in the reel rack 73, and an icon simulating the operation of storing the feeder 20 in the feeder stand 72. Furthermore, the worker can be notified of the completion of the carry-out operation on an operation screen similar to the operation screen 74b described above. The worker can also be notified of the completion of the tidying up operation on an operation screen similar to the operation screen 74b described above.

[0085] When a loading operation is scheduled to follow for the transport device 80 for which the unloading operation has been completed, the operating state of the transport device 80 becomes the first state. In this case, the guiding unit 102 can display an operation screen similar to the operation screen 74b shown in FIG. 7 to guide the loading operation. The loading operation may be an operation of mounting the reel 23 on the feeder 20 (kitting operation) and storing the feeder 20 with the mounted reel 23 in a feeder magazine FM0 provided in the transport device 80. The loading operation may also be an operation of storing the feeder 20, which is mounted with the reel 23 and placed on the feeder stand 72, in a feeder magazine FM0 provided in the transport device 80.

[0086] If no further loading work is planned for the transport device 80 for which the unloading work has been completed, the worker can issue an instruction to start the transport device 80 on an operation screen similar to the operation screen 74b described above. The transport management system MS1 starts the transport device 80 based on the worker's instruction to start the transport device 80. Once the transport device 80 has started, the worker no longer needs to perform work on the transport device 80. Therefore, when the transport device 80 is moving away from the work area 70, it is not included in the operating state described above.

[0087] The operation screen 74b can also provide various information. For example, the production management system MS2 generates a list of devices DD0 that the worker needs to prepare, and the operation screen 74b can provide information related to the devices DD0 in the order in which the workers prepare the devices DD0. In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, icons, unit production identification information, item identification information, device identification information, device names, scheduled device use dates and times, and locations are displayed in a list. As described above, the icons indicate various tasks. For example, the icons for unit production identification information W1 and unit production identification information W4 indicate that the worker needs to perform the previously described installation tasks. The icons for unit production identification information W2 and unit production identification information W3 indicate that the worker needs to perform the previously described preparation tasks.

[0088] Unit production identification information refers to information that can identify a unit production. A production plan for the product substrate 900 specifies the order of multiple unit productions. For example, when the type of product substrate 900 to be produced changes, a new unit production is set in the production plan. Also, even if the type of product substrate 900 to be produced remains the same, when the production lot changes, a new unit production is set in the production plan. Figures 7 to 9 show that the unit productions indicated by unit production identification information W1 to W4 are carried out in this order.

[0089] Item identification information refers to information that can identify item MD0 supplied from device DD0. For example, if device DD0 is feeder 20, item MD0 corresponds to part 91. FIGS. 7 to 9 show that items MD0 indicated by item identification information PID1 to item identification information PID4 are required in this order. Device identification information refers to information that can identify device DD0. FIGS. 7 to 9 show that a worker needs to prepare devices DD0 indicated by device identification information DID1 to device identification information DID4 in this order.

[0090] The device name refers to the name of the device DD0. Figures 7 to 9 show that the names of the device DD0 indicated by the device identification information DID1 to DID4 are expressed in this order as device names DNM1 to DNM4. The planned device use date and time refers to the planned date and time when the device DD0 is used on the production line WL0. The device DD0 indicated by the device identification information DID1 to DID4 is used in this order on dates and times D1 to D4. The dates and times D1 to D4 are expressed in terms of month, day, hour, and minute. The location refers to the location of the device DD0. The device DD0 indicated by the device identification information DID1 to DID4 is present at locations A1 to A4 in this order.

[0091] Furthermore, the production management system MS2 can display the remaining production continuation time at the top of the operation screen 74b. The remaining production continuation time is the remaining time for which production of the product board 900 can be continued, and indicates the time from the current time to the scheduled date and time of equipment use. The remaining production continuation time can be displayed for the device DD0 on which the worker is to work first (device DD0 indicated by device identification information DID1 in FIGS. 7 to 9). In FIGS. 7 to 9, the remaining production continuation time for device DD0 indicated by device identification information DID1 is indicated in hours H1, minutes M1, and seconds S1. Once the worker has completed work on device DD0 indicated by device identification information DID1, the production management system MS2 can display the remaining production continuation time for the device DD0 on which the worker is to work next (device DD0 indicated by device identification information DID2 in the figures).

[0092] Then, the production management system MS2 stops displaying information related to the device DD0 indicated by the device identification information DID1 for which the work has been completed, and moves up and displays information related to the devices DD0 indicated by the device identification information DID2 to DID4. Furthermore, the production management system MS2 can display, at the bottom, information related to the device DD0 on which the worker is to work next after the device DD0 indicated by the device identification information DID4.

[0093] In this way, the production management system MS2 can provide information related to the device DD0 and the available production continuation time in the order in which the worker works on the device DD0. This allows the worker to recognize both the information related to the device DD0 on which he or she is to work and the available production continuation time. Therefore, the worker can obtain information related to the device DD0 and work on the device DD0 while paying attention to the available production continuation time.

[0094] 1-5-3. Others In this specification, the equipment DD0 is described using the feeder 20 as an example. However, the equipment DD0 is not limited to the feeder 20. As already mentioned, the equipment DD0 may be, for example, a tray unit, a wafer component supply device, a holding member supply device, a mask, a solder container, or the like.

[0095] Furthermore, the work area 70 in this embodiment is provided in an off-site setup area separated from the substrate-related operation machine WM0. However, the work area 70 can be provided in any location. For example, the production line WL0 can omit the replacement system 30 and the moving device 40. In this configuration, workers are required to perform operations such as supplying, replacing, and retrieving the equipment DD0. Therefore, the work area 70 can be provided near the storage device 50, the substrate-related operation machine WM0, and the like. In this case, workers can also perform operations such as kitting, preparation, installation, removal, and cleanup of the equipment DD0 in the work area 70.

[0096] 2. Work Guidance Method What has already been described about the work guidance device 100 also applies to the work guidance method. Specifically, the work guidance method includes an acquisition step and a guidance step. The acquisition step corresponds to control performed by the acquisition unit 101. The guidance step corresponds to control performed by the guidance unit 102. Note that duplicated explanations will be omitted in this specification.

[0097] 3. Example of Effect of the Embodiment According to the work guidance device 100, it is possible to guide the worker on the work content in accordance with the operating state of the conveying device 80. What has been described above about the work guidance device 100 also applies to the work guidance method.

[0098] 20: Feeder, 23: Reel, 70: Work area, 72: Feeder stand, 73: Reel rack, 80: Conveying device, 90: Board, 91: Part, 900: Product board, 100: Work guiding device, 101: Acquisition unit, 102: Guidance unit, DD0: Equipment, FM0: Feeder magazine, WM0: Work machine for substrates.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the operating state of a transport device that transports equipment used in a substrate-facing operation machine that performs a predetermined substrate-facing operation on a substrate to produce a product substrate; and a guidance unit that guides the work content of an operator who performs work on the transport device according to the operating state of the transport device acquired by the acquisition unit. A work guidance device comprising the same.

2. The work guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the operating state of the transport device based on operation information regarding the operation of the transport device and production information regarding the production of the product substrate.

3. The operating state is a first state in which the transport device has arrived at the operator's work area and is waiting in preparation for a mounting operation in which the operator mounts the equipment on the transport device; a second state in which the transport device is moving toward the work area and has not yet arrived at the work area; or a third state in which the transport device carrying the equipment that has become unnecessary in the production of the product substrate has arrived at the work area and is waiting in preparation for a dismounting operation in which the operator dismounts the equipment from the transport device. The work guidance device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The work guidance device according to claim 3, wherein the guidance unit guides the operator to perform the mounting operation when the acquisition unit acquires the first state.

5. The equipment is a feeder equipped with a reel around which a carrier tape for accommodating components to be mounted on the substrate is wound, and the mounting operation is an operation of equipping the feeder with the reel and storing the feeder equipped with the reel in a feeder magazine provided in the transport device. The work guidance device according to claim 4.

6. The work guidance device according to claim 3, wherein the guidance unit guides the operator to perform preparatory work for the mounting operation when the acquisition unit acquires the second state.

7. The equipment is a feeder equipped with a reel around which a carrier tape for accommodating components to be mounted on the substrate is wound, and the preparatory work is an operation of equipping the feeder with the reel and storing the feeder equipped with the reel in a feeder stand capable of temporarily storing the feeder. The work guidance device according to claim 6.

8. The work guidance device according to claim 3, wherein when the third state is acquired by the acquisition unit, the case internal part guides the operator to perform the unloading work and the work of tidying up the equipment unloaded by the unloading work.

9. The equipment is a feeder equipped with a reel around which a carrier tape for accommodating components mounted on the substrate is wound. The tidying-up work includes taking out the reel from the feeder unloaded by the unloading work, storing the taken-out reel in a reel rack capable of temporarily storing the reel, and storing the feeder from which the reel has been taken out in a feeder stand capable of temporarily storing the feeder. The work guidance device according to claim 8.

10. An operation guidance method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring an operating state of a transport device that transports equipment used in a substrate processing machine that performs predetermined substrate processing on a substrate to produce a product substrate; and a guidance step of guiding the work content of an operator who performs work on the transport device according to the operating state of the transport device acquired in the acquisition step.

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