Management system and management method

Abstract

A management system (1) comprises: an information acquisition unit (11) that acquires usage information (i) pertaining to a unit (50) that can be attached to and detached from a production apparatus (20); and a control unit (15) that, on the basis of the usage information (i), outputs a procedure instruction signal for instructing the unit (50) to perform a procedure.

Description

Management system and management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system and a management method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management device for the maintenance of a mounting system that includes a collection unit that collects components and a substrate processing unit that moves and fixes substrates. The management device described in Patent Document 1 acquires usage information for each component, including the number of times the component is operated and the operation time, and displays whether the component is due for maintenance based on the acquired information.

[0003] JP 2019-185214 A

[0004] When producing a product, various units are attached to production equipment and production is carried out. However, various situations can occur at the production site, for example, a unit may be left abandoned somewhere. In such cases, the abandoned unit cannot be used by the production equipment, causing production disruption.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a management system and the like that can manage the usage status of units that can be attached to and detached from production equipment.

[0006] A management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a production device, and a control unit that outputs a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit based on the usage information.

[0007] A management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of acquiring usage information of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a production device, and outputting a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit based on the usage information.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium.

[0009] The management system etc. of the present disclosure can manage the usage status of units that can be attached to and detached from production equipment.

[0010] Further advantages and effects of one aspect of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by some embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them necessarily need to be provided in order to obtain one or more identical features.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a unit attached to a production device in the management system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of unit usage information acquired by the management device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of setting a time for managing the usage status of a unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting a value related to the usage rate of a unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which the usage status of a unit is displayed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a management method according to an embodiment. FIG. 9A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system. FIG. 9B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system. FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram showing another example of the operation of the management system. FIG. 10B is a sequence diagram showing another example of the operation of the management system.

[0012] At production sites, workers may voluntarily not use malfunctioning units due to production results, abnormal noise, or other reasons. Such malfunctioning units are left unused in production without undergoing maintenance. As a result, maintenance of the malfunctioning units is delayed, which may affect production.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a management system that is attached to a production device and manages the usage status of a unit used by the production device to perform a predetermined operation, and displays to a factory manager or worker whether the unit continues to be unused. The present disclosure also provides a management system that supports maintenance of unused units.

[0014] An example of a management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0015] The management system of Example 1 includes an information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a production device, and a control unit that outputs a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit based on the usage information.

[0016] In this way, by issuing instructions for processing a unit based on the unit's usage information, it is possible to prevent the unit from being left unused, thereby enabling management of the unit's usage status.

[0017] The management system of Example 2 is the management system of Example 1, and the action on the unit may be at least one of checking the current status of the unit and performing maintenance on the unit.

[0018] In this way, by checking the current status of the unit and / or performing maintenance on the unit, it is possible to prevent the unit from being left unused, thereby making it possible to manage the usage status of the unit.

[0019] The management system of Example 3 is the management system of Example 1 or 2, wherein the usage information includes information regarding a non-use time when the unit is not being used for production, and the control unit may output the treatment instruction signal based on the information regarding the non-use time.

[0020] This allows instructions to be given to deal with the unit based on information about the time the unit has not been used, which prevents the unit from being left unused and allows management of the unit's usage status.

[0021] The management system of Example 4 is the management system described in Example 3, and the control unit may start counting the non-use time at least one of the following times: when use of the unit in the production device has ended, when confirmation of the current state of the unit has ended, and when maintenance on the unit has ended.

[0022] This allows appropriate acquisition of information regarding the time the unit is not in use, and prevents the unit from being left unused, thereby enabling management of the unit's usage status.

[0023] The management system of Example 5 is the management system described in Example 4, and the control unit may maintain the count of the non-use time at 0 when the unit is being used in the production device and / or when maintenance is being performed on the unit.

[0024] This makes it possible to appropriately acquire information regarding the time when the unit is not in use, and to prevent unnecessary monitoring of the unit, thereby enabling management of the usage status of the unit.

[0025] The management system of Example 6 is the management system described in Example 4, wherein the usage information further includes information on whether the unit is scheduled for use and reserved in a production plan using the production apparatus, and the control unit may maintain the count of the non-use time at 0 when the unit is reserved.

[0026] This makes it possible to obtain information about the units that are scheduled to be used, and to prevent unnecessary monitoring of the units, thereby enabling management of the usage status of the units.

[0027] The management system of Example 7 is the management system described in Example 4, wherein the usage information further includes information on whether or not matching of the unit has been completed in pre-production setup, and the control unit may maintain the count of the non-use time at 0 when matching of the unit has been completed.

[0028] This makes it possible to obtain information indicating that matching of the unit has been completed, and to prevent unnecessary monitoring of the unit, thereby enabling management of the usage status of the unit.

[0029] The management system described in Example 8 is the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 7, and the usage information may include at least one of information regarding the usage rate of the unit and information regarding the time until scheduled maintenance of the unit.

[0030] This allows instructions to be given to take action on the unit based on at least one of information about the unit's usage rate and information about the time until scheduled maintenance of the unit, which further reduces the likelihood of the unit being left unused. This makes it possible to manage the usage status of the unit.

[0031] The management system described in Example 9 may be the management system described in Example 8, wherein the utilization rate of the unit is a value calculated using the operating time of the production equipment as the denominator and the time the unit was attached to the production equipment as the numerator.

[0032] This allows the usage rate of the unit to be calculated appropriately and instructions to take action on the unit based on that usage rate, thereby further preventing the unit from being left unused, and thereby allowing the usage status of the unit to be managed.

[0033] The management system described in Example 10 is the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the unit has an ID (identification), and the information acquisition unit may acquire the usage information based on the ID.

[0034] This allows instructions to be given for handling individual units based on the usage information of each unit, thereby preventing units from being left unused and allowing management of the usage status of units.

[0035] The management system described in Example 11 is the management system described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, and may further include a display unit that displays the usage information and information included in the treatment instruction signal.

[0036] This allows the operator or manager to be notified of unit usage information and measures to be taken for the unit.

[0037] A management system according to Example 12 is the management system according to Example 11, wherein the display unit may display the time until scheduled maintenance of the unit on a screen of the display unit in a sortable manner.

[0038] This allows the time until scheduled maintenance of the unit to be displayed in an easy-to-read manner.

[0039] The management system described in Example 13 is the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 12, and the control unit may output a transport instruction signal to cause a transport robot to transport the unit requiring maintenance.

[0040] This allows the transport robot to transport the unit and perform maintenance on the unit appropriately, thereby enabling management of the usage status of the unit.

[0041] The management system described in Example 14 is the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the production device includes a mounting device that mounts components on a board, and the unit may be at least one of a feeder that supplies the components to the mounting device and a mounting head that mounts the components on the board.

[0042] This makes it possible to manage the usage status of the feeders and mounting heads used in the mounting device.

[0043] The management system according to Example 15 is the management system according to Example 14, wherein the production device may include a peripheral device in which the unit to be used in production is set in advance.

[0044] This makes it possible to manage the usage status of the unit set in the peripheral device.

[0045] The management method described in Example 16 includes a step of acquiring usage information of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a production device, and a step of outputting a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit based on the usage information.

[0046] In this way, by issuing instructions for processing a unit based on the unit's usage information, it is possible to prevent the unit from being left unused, thereby enabling management of the unit's usage status.

[0047] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0049] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0050] (Embodiment) [Configuration of Management System] The configuration of a management system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0051] 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management system 1.

[0052] 1 and 2, the management system 1 includes a management device 10, a production device 20, an information terminal 30, and a transport robot 40. The management device 10 and the production device 20 are installed, for example, on the premises of a factory, which is a production site. The management device 10, the production device 20, the information terminal 30, and the transport robot 40 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network.

[0053] The production apparatus 20 is an apparatus that produces a product. For example, if the product is a mounted board, the production apparatus 20 includes a printing apparatus 21 that prints conductive paste on the board, a mounting apparatus 22 that mounts components on the board, and an inspection apparatus 23 that inspects the mounted board. The production apparatus 20 may also include peripheral equipment 25 on which units 50 to be used in production are set in advance. The peripheral equipment 25 is, for example, a cart on which the units 50 are set.

[0054] The units 50 are parts or composite parts (modules) that can be attached to and detached from the production equipment 20. Various units 50 are attached to the production equipment 20 depending on the type of product. Furthermore, units 50 that are used for long periods of time or frequently used in the production equipment 20 are replaced with units 50 that have undergone maintenance. Maintenance of the units 50 includes, for example, repair, adjustment, cleaning, etc. of the units 50, and also includes replacement of consumable parts that deteriorate due to wear and the like.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a unit 50 attached to the production device 20 in the management system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0056] The unit 50 is, for example, a feeder 51 that supplies components to the mounting device 22, and a mounting head 55 that mounts components on the board. The unit 50 may be a suction nozzle 56 included in the mounting head 55.

[0057] Feeder 51 is a unit that supplies components to be mounted on a board to production device 20. For example, if feeder 51 is a tape feeder, feeder 51 supplies multiple components stored on component supply tape (carrier tape) 52 by conveying (pitch feeding) the multiple components together with component supply tape 52. If feeder 51 is a bulk feeder, feeder 51 supplies multiple components stored in a case by aligning and conveying them.

[0058] The mounting head 55 is a unit that picks up components supplied from the feeder 51 and places the picked-up components on the board. A suction nozzle 56 is attached to the mounting head 55 so that it can move up and down and in a rotational direction. The mounting head 55 holds the components by suction with the suction nozzle 56 and releases the components when the suction is released.

[0059] Each unit 50 has an ID (identification) to identify each unit 50. The ID of the unit 50 is stored in the storage unit 16 of the management device 10. The management device 10 of this embodiment acquires usage information of each unit 50 based on the ID assigned to the unit 50, and manages the usage status of each unit 50.

[0060] The management device 10 is a device for managing the production of products, and is configured with a processor and a memory. The management device 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a creation unit 12, a control unit 15, a storage unit 16, etc.

[0061] The creation unit 12 creates a production plan for the product to be produced by the production device 20. For example, the production plan includes information such as the type of product, the number of products to be produced, the parts that make up the product, the scheduled start time of production, and the scheduled end time of production. Furthermore, the creation unit 12 creates a production program for operating the production device 20 based on the production plan.

[0062] Furthermore, based on information related to the production plan, the creation unit 12 generates work information to be performed by workers at the production site and the transport robot 40. The work information includes, for example, information related to the type of unit 50, the quantity of units 50, the details of maintenance for the units 50, the scheduled start and end times of the maintenance, the storage location of the units 50, and the installation location of the units 50. The work information may also include information related to the supply of parts for the units 50 and the replacement of the units 50.

[0063] The production plan and production program created by the creation unit 12, as well as the work information of the workers and the transport robot 40, are stored in the memory unit 16. Note that the production plan may be created by a device different from the management device 10 and stored in the memory unit 16 of the management device 10.

[0064] The management device 10 transmits the production plan, production program, and work information of the worker and the transport robot 40 stored in the storage unit 16 to the production device 20 .

[0065] Furthermore, the management device 10 transmits work information, which is work to be performed by the transfer robot 40, to the transfer robot 40. Here, the transfer robot 40 may be a system including a self-propelled guided vehicle and a control device capable of communicating with a communication device provided in the self-propelled guided vehicle. In this case, the management device 10 transmits the work information to the control device of the self-propelled guided vehicle. For example, the control device of the self-propelled guided vehicle controls the self-propelled guided vehicle to move to the installation location of the unit included in the work information, and to perform a separation work in which the unit 50 installed on the production equipment 20 is separated from the production equipment 20 by the self-propelled guided vehicle.

[0066] 1, a storage area A1 for storing the units 50 and a maintenance area A2 for maintaining the units 50 are provided on the same floor as the production device 20 or on a nearby floor. The transfer robot 40 is capable of moving between the production device 20, the storage area A1, and the maintenance area A2.

[0067] For example, the transfer robot 40 transfers the unit 50 requiring maintenance to the maintenance area A2 based on a transfer instruction signal output from the management device 10. Furthermore, the transfer robot 40 holds the unit 50 stored in the storage area A1 and transfers it to the production device 20 based on a transfer instruction signal output from the management device 10. Alternatively, the transfer robot 40 loads the unit 50 onto a peripheral device 25 such as a cart, and transports the peripheral device 25 with the unit 50 loaded to the production device 20. Note that the unit 50 may be loaded onto the peripheral device 25 or the transfer robot 40 by a worker working in the production process. The unit 50 is not limited to being attached to the transfer robot 40, and may also be attached to the production device 20 by a worker.

[0068] Furthermore, the management device 10 transmits information about the production plan and information about the work performed by the worker to the information terminal 30 .

[0069] The information terminal 30 is a terminal device carried by a worker at the production site. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The information terminal 30 has a display unit 38 that displays images. The display unit 38 is a touch panel, and various information can also be input. The information terminal 30 notifies the worker of information output from the management device 10. The worker performs work on the production device 20 and the unit 50 based on the information notified to the information terminal 30.

[0070] Furthermore, the information terminal 30 transmits various pieces of information input by the worker to the management device 10. For example, the information terminal 30 transmits to the management device 10, as information input by the worker, information regarding the start time, end time, and work content of the work performed on the unit 50.

[0071] Note that information regarding the work performed by the worker is not limited to being output from the information terminal 30, but may also be output from the production device 20 to the management device 10. For example, the worker may use an input unit of the production device 20 to input work information for the unit 50 to the production device 20. If the display unit 28 of the production device 20 is a touch panel, the worker may input work information using the display unit 28. The information input to the production device 20 is transmitted to the management device 10 via a communication network.

[0072] The management device 10 of this embodiment has the following configuration to manage the usage status of the unit 50.

[0073] 2 acquires usage information i of the unit 50 transmitted from the information terminal 30 or the production device 20. The usage information i includes information regarding the usage time when the unit 50 is in use and information regarding the non-use time when the unit 50 is not being used for production.

[0074] The usage information i may include information as to whether the unit 50 is scheduled for use and reserved in a production plan using the production device 20. The usage information i may also include information as to whether the collation of the unit 50 has been completed in the pre-production setup that is performed before production. For example, when the unit 50 is released from the storage area A1, it is considered that the collation of the unit 50 has been completed in the pre-production setup.

[0075] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires the usage information i of each unit 50 based on the ID assigned to each unit 50. The usage information i acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 16 as needed.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the usage information i of the unit 50 acquired by the management device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0077] The figure shows "the time elapsed since the last use or the time elapsed since the last on-site inspection," which is an example of the non-use time of the unit 50. The figure also shows, as other examples of the usage information i of the unit 50, information on "the time until scheduled maintenance" of the unit 50 and information on the "usage rate" of the unit 50. Note that the usage information i of the unit 50 does not necessarily need to include information on the non-use time of the unit 50, and the usage information i may be only information on "the time until scheduled maintenance" of the unit 50 or only information on the "usage rate" of the unit 50.

[0078] For example, if a long time has passed since the use of the unit 50 in the production device 20 was completed, or since the current state of the unit 50 was confirmed, or since maintenance on the unit 50 was completed, the unit 50 may have been left unused. Therefore, the control unit 15 determines whether the unit 50 has been left unused by counting the amount of time the unit 50 has been unused. The control unit 15 counts the amount of time the unit 50 has been unused as follows.

[0079] The control unit 15 starts counting the non-use time at least one of the following times: when use of the unit 50 in the production device 20 has ended, when confirmation of the current state of the unit 50 has ended, and when maintenance on the unit 50 has ended. For example, even when use of the unit 50 in the production device 20 has ended but the unit 50 remains attached to the production device 20, the non-use time is counted.

[0080] On the other hand, the non-use time is reset to 0 when the unit 50 is being used normally and when the unit 50 is being treated normally. Specifically, the control unit 15 maintains the count of the non-use time at 0 when the unit is being used in the production device 20 and when maintenance is being performed on the unit 50.

[0081] The control unit 15 may maintain the count of non-use time at 0 when the unit 50 is reserved in the production plan. The control unit 15 may also maintain the count of non-use time at 0 when collation of the unit 50 is completed in the pre-production setup that is performed before production. In these cases, the count of non-use time is maintained at 0 until the timing to start counting the non-use time arrives.

[0082] Based on this usage information i, the control unit 15 determines whether or not treatment is necessary for the unit 50. For example, if the non-use time is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 15 outputs a treatment instruction signal to the information terminal 30 and the production device 20 to perform a predetermined treatment for the unit 50. Note that the predetermined time is determined in advance depending on the type of unit 50.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of setting the time for managing the usage status of the unit.

[0084] 5, the predetermined time, which is a threshold value for non-use time, is displayed on the display unit 38 of the information terminal 30. In this example, the predetermined time for a specific unit 50 is set to 800 hours. In this example, examples of actions to be taken when the predetermined time is exceeded are set to at least one of checking the current status of the unit 50 and performing maintenance on the unit 50. Checking the current status of the unit 50 means checking the location of the unit 50 and checking whether or not there is an abnormality in the unit 50.

[0085] For example, if the non-use time of the unit 50 exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit 15 outputs a treatment instruction signal to the information terminal 30 instructing the information terminal 30 to check the current state of the unit 50. Based on the treatment instruction signal, the information terminal 30 displays instructions to check the current state of the unit 50. The worker checks the current state of the unit 50 based on the instructions and inputs the check results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 transmits the check results input by the worker to the management device 10.

[0086] If the confirmation result sent from the information terminal 30 indicates that the location of the unit 50 is clear and there is no abnormality in the unit 50, the control unit 15 determines that a check has been made on the unit 50, resets the count of the non-use time, and restarts the count.

[0087] Furthermore, if the above confirmation result indicates that the location of unit 50 is clear but that there is an abnormality in unit 50, control unit 15 also determines that verification for unit 50 has been performed, resets the count of non-use time, and restarts the count. In this case, control unit 15 outputs a treatment instruction signal to information terminal 30 to instruct maintenance on unit 50 to resolve the abnormality in unit 50. Information terminal 30 displays the maintenance details based on the treatment instruction signal. The worker performs maintenance on unit 50 based on the maintenance details and inputs the maintenance results into information terminal 30. Information terminal 30 transmits the maintenance results input by the worker to management device 10. While maintenance is being performed on unit 50, control unit 15 maintains the count of non-use time at 0, and restarts the count of non-use time when maintenance on unit 50 is completed.

[0088] If the location of the unit 50 is unknown, information that the location is unknown is transmitted from the information terminal 30 to the management device 10. The information that the location of the unit 50 is unknown is shared within the management system 1 and is used as a reference when the management device 10 creates work information, etc.

[0089] Although the above example shows a case where it is determined whether the unit 50 is left unused based on the amount of time the unit 50 is not in use, this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 15 may determine whether the unit 50 is left unused using information regarding the amount of time until scheduled maintenance of the unit 50 and information regarding the usage rate of the unit 50.

[0090] The time until regular maintenance of the unit 50 is information to prompt the worker to perform maintenance, but is also used to determine whether the unit 50 has been left unattended. If the time until regular maintenance of the unit 50 reaches 0, the control unit 15 determines that the unit 50 may have been left unattended. The time until regular maintenance is predetermined depending on the type of unit 50.

[0091] The usage rate of the unit 50 is a value calculated by using the operating time of the production equipment 20 as the denominator and the time that the unit 50 was attached to the production equipment 20 as the numerator. If the usage rate of the unit 50 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 15 determines that the unit 50 may have been left unattended. The predetermined threshold is determined in advance depending on the type of unit 50.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting values ​​related to the utilization rate of the unit 50. In FIG.

[0093] FIG. 6A shows a predetermined threshold value for the utilization rate of the unit 50. In this example, the predetermined threshold value for determining whether the unit 50 is left unused is set to 5%. FIG. 6B also shows a method for aggregating the operating time for calculating the utilization rate. In this example, the aggregation time, which is the aggregation of the operating time, is set to the most recent 168 hours. In this manner, in the management system 1, various settings are made using the information terminal 30. The operating time is, for example, the time excluding non-operating time, such as holidays, in the factory production schedule. The operating time may also include time when the production equipment 20 is stopped for setup work or model changeover.

[0094] The management device 10 displays the usage information i of the unit 50 and the information included in the treatment instruction signal on the display unit 38 of the information terminal 30. The display unit 38 displays the usage information i and the information included in the treatment instruction signal.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the management system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0096] 7, the display unit 38 displays the name of the unit 50, the ID of the unit 50, and location information of the unit 50. The display unit 38 also displays information on the usage i of the unit 50, such as "time elapsed since last use or last on-site inspection," "time until scheduled maintenance," and "usage rate." The display unit 38 displays "time until scheduled maintenance" on the screen in a manner that allows sorting operations.

[0097] The display unit 38 also displays the progress of the treatment for the unit 50. Specifically, the display unit 38 displays information indicating whether the unit 50 is currently being checked or whether the unit 50 is being transported. Based on the information displayed on the display unit 38, the worker can understand the usage status of the unit 50.

[0098] Although the above example shows the case where the usage information i, etc. is displayed on the information terminal 30, this is not limiting. For example, the management device 10 may output the usage information i, etc. to the production device 20 and display it on the display unit 28 of the production device 20. For example, the management device 10 may display the usage information i, etc. on the display unit 18 of its own (the management device 10).

[0099] The management system 1 of this embodiment includes an information acquisition unit 11 that acquires usage information i of a unit 50 that can be attached to and detached from the production device 20, and a control unit 15 that outputs a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit 50 based on the usage information i.

[0100] In this way, by instructing a process for the unit 50 based on the usage information i of the unit 50, it is possible to prevent the unit 50 from being left unused. This makes it possible to manage the usage status of the unit 50.

[0101] [Management Method] A management method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10B.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a management method according to an embodiment.

[0103] First, the management device 10 acquires usage information i of the unit 50 (step S10). The usage information i includes information on the usage time when the unit 50 is in use and information on the non-use time when the unit 50 is not being used for production. Note that the usage information i may also include information on whether the unit 50 is scheduled for use and reserved in a production plan using the production device 20. The usage information i may also include information on whether collation of the unit 50 has been completed in advance setup performed before production.

[0104] Next, the management device 10 determines whether or not a treatment is required for the unit 50 based on the usage information i (step S20).

[0105] For example, if the non-use time of the unit 50 exceeds a predetermined time, if the time until regular maintenance of the unit 50 is 0, or if the usage rate of the unit 50 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the management device 10 determines that action is necessary for the unit 50. For example, if the non-use time of the unit 50 is equal to or less than a predetermined time, if the time until regular maintenance of the unit 50 is not 0, or if the usage rate of the unit 50 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the management device 10 determines that action is not necessary for the unit 50.

[0106] If no action is required for the unit 50 (No in S20), the process returns to step S10, and the management device 10 continues to acquire the usage information i.

[0107] If an action is required for the unit 50 (Yes in S20), the management device 10 determines whether the action preset in advance is set to check the current state of the unit 50 or to perform maintenance on the unit 50 (step S30). The determination item in step S30 is provided because the preset action differs for each unit 50.

[0108] If the preset treatment is maintenance of the unit 50, the management device 10 outputs a treatment instruction signal to perform maintenance on the unit 50 (step S40). Specifically, the management device 10 transmits this treatment instruction signal to the information terminal 30 and the transport robot 40.

[0109] If the preset action is to check the current status of the unit 50, the management device 10 outputs an action instruction signal to check the status of the unit 50 (step S50). Specifically, the management device 10 transmits this action instruction signal to the information terminal 30. The worker checks the current status of the unit 50 based on the instructions displayed on the information terminal 30. Checking the current status of the unit 50 means checking the location of the unit 50 and whether or not there is an abnormality in the unit 50.

[0110] If the location of the unit 50 is unknown or if the unit 50 is malfunctioning, this information is output to the management device 10 via the information terminal 30. By these steps, the usage status of the unit 50 can be managed.

[0111] The management method of this embodiment includes a step of acquiring usage information i of a unit 50 that can be attached to and detached from the production device 20, and a step of outputting a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit 50 based on the usage information i.

[0112] In this way, by instructing a process for the unit 50 based on the usage information i of the unit 50, it is possible to prevent the unit 50 from being left unused. This makes it possible to manage the usage status of the unit 50.

[0113] Next, an example of the operation of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0114] 9A and 9B are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of the management system 1. FIG.

[0115] FIG. 9A illustrates an example in which the management device 10 makes a confirmation request to a worker carrying the information terminal 30 to confirm the current state of the unit 50.

[0116] First, the management device 10 transmits a confirmation request signal to the information terminal 30 to confirm the current state of the unit 50 (step S111). The worker checks the unit 50 based on this confirmation request and inputs the confirmation result into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 transmits the confirmation result received from the worker to the management device 10 (step S112).

[0117] The management device 10 acquires the usage information i of the unit 50 based on the confirmation result transmitted from the information terminal 30 (step S113). The usage information i includes information on the location or non-location of the unit 50 and the presence or non-existence of an abnormality in the unit 50.

[0118] The management device 10 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the unit 50 (step S114). If there is no abnormality in the unit 50, the management device 10 resets and restarts the count of the non-use time of the unit 50 (step S115). If there is an abnormality in the unit 50, the management device 10 outputs a maintenance request signal to the information terminal 30 to perform maintenance (step S116). The worker performs maintenance on the unit 50 based on the maintenance details included in the maintenance request signal and inputs the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 transmits the maintenance results received from the worker to the management device 10 (step S117).

[0119] Upon receiving the maintenance result, the management device 10 resets the count of the non-use time of the unit 50 and then restarts it (step S118).

[0120] FIG. 9B illustrates an example in which the management device 10 requests a worker carrying the information terminal 30 to perform maintenance on the unit 50.

[0121] The management device 10 transmits a maintenance request signal for the unit 50 to the information terminal 30 (step S121). The worker performs maintenance on the unit 50 based on the maintenance request signal and inputs the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 transmits the maintenance results received from the worker to the management device 10 (step S122).

[0122] Upon receiving the information regarding the maintenance result, the management device 10 resets and restarts the count of the non-use time of the unit 50 (step S123).

[0123] Although the operations of the management device 10 and the information terminal 30 have been described above as an example of the operation of the management system 1, the operation is not limited thereto. For example, the operation of the management system 1 may be the operation of the management device 10 and the production device 20, with the information terminal 30 in Figures 9A and 9B replaced with the production device 20.

[0124] Next, another example of the operation of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0125] 10A and 10B are sequence diagrams showing another example of the operation of the management system 1. In FIG.

[0126] 10A illustrates an example in which the management device 10 requests a worker to check the current state of the unit 50, and if maintenance is required for the unit 50, instructs the transport robot 40 to transport the unit 50. Steps S111 to S115 are the same as those in FIG. 9A.

[0127] If an abnormality is detected in the unit 50, the management device 10 outputs a transport instruction signal to the information terminal 30 and the transport robot 40 to perform maintenance (step S116A). The transport robot 40 transports the unit 50 to the maintenance area A2 based on the transport instruction content included in the transport instruction signal (step S116B). A maintenance worker in the maintenance area A2 performs maintenance based on the maintenance content and inputs the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 transmits the maintenance results received from the maintenance worker to the management device 10 (step S117).

[0128] Upon receiving the maintenance result, the management device 10 resets and restarts the count of the non-use time of the unit 50 (step S118). The management device 10 also outputs a transport instruction signal to the transport robot 40 to transport the maintained unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S118A). The transport robot 40 transports the unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S119) and stores it in the storage area A1.

[0129] FIG. 10B illustrates an example in which the management device 10 instructs the transport robot 40 to transport the unit 50.

[0130] The management device 10 outputs a transport instruction signal for performing maintenance to the transport robot 40 (step S126A). The transport robot 40 transports the unit 50 to the maintenance area A2 based on the transport instruction content included in the transport instruction signal (step S126B). A maintenance worker in the maintenance area A2 performs maintenance based on the maintenance content and inputs the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 transmits the maintenance results received from the maintenance worker to the management device 10 (step S127).

[0131] Upon receiving the maintenance result, the management device 10 resets and restarts the count of the non-use time of the unit 50 (step S128). The management device 10 also outputs a transport instruction signal to the transport robot 40 to transport the maintained unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S128A). The transport robot 40 transports the unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S129) and stores it in the storage area A1.

[0132] Although the operations of the management device 10, the information terminal 30, and the transport robot 40 have been described above as an example of the operation of the management system 1, the operation is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the management system 1 may be the operations of the management device 10, the production device 20, and the transport robot 40, with the information terminal 30 in Figures 10A and 10B replaced with the production device 20.

[0133] (Other Embodiments) While the management system according to one or more aspects has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] In this embodiment, the management device 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a creation unit 12, and a control unit 15. However, the information acquisition unit 11, the creation unit 12, and the control unit 15 may each be realized by a plurality of computers. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the creation unit 12 and the control unit 15 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0135] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the devices, etc. of the above-described embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowchart.

[0136] The present disclosure can be used as a management system for managing the usage status of units used in production equipment.

[0137] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Management system 10 Management device 11 Information acquisition unit 12 Creation unit 15 Control unit 16 Memory unit 18 Display unit 20 Production device 21 Printing device 22 Mounting device 23 Inspection device 25 Peripheral device 28 Display unit 30 Information terminal 38 Display unit 40 Transport robot 50 Unit 51 Feeder 52 Component supply tape 55 Mounting head 56 Suction nozzle A1 Storage area A2 Maintenance area i Usage information

Claims

1. A management system comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a production device; and a control unit that outputs a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit based on the usage information.

2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the action taken on the unit is at least one of checking the current state of the unit and performing maintenance on the unit.

3. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the usage information includes information regarding non-use time when the unit is not being used for production, and the control unit outputs the treatment instruction signal based on the information regarding the non-use time.

4. The management system described in claim 3, wherein the control unit starts counting the non-use time at least one of the following times: when use of the unit in the production equipment has ended, when confirmation of the current status of the unit has ended, and when maintenance on the unit has ended.

5. The management system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0 when the unit is in use in the production device and / or when maintenance is being performed on the unit.

6. The management system described in claim 4, wherein the usage information further includes information as to whether the unit is scheduled for use and reserved in a production plan using the production equipment, and the control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0 when the unit is reserved.

7. The management system of claim 4, wherein the usage information further includes information as to whether or not matching of the unit has been completed in advance setup performed before production, and the control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0 when matching of the unit has been completed.

8. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the usage information includes at least one of information regarding the utilization rate of the unit and information regarding the time until scheduled maintenance of the unit.

9. The management system according to claim 8, wherein the utilization rate of the unit is a value calculated by using the operating time of the production equipment as the denominator and the time that the unit was attached to the production equipment as the numerator.

10. A management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the unit has an ID (identification), and the information acquisition unit acquires the usage information based on the ID.

11. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a display unit for displaying the usage information and the information contained in the treatment instruction signal.

12. The management system according to claim 11, wherein the display unit displays the time until scheduled maintenance of the unit on the screen of the display unit in a sortable manner.

13. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit outputs a transport instruction signal to cause a transport robot to transport the unit requiring maintenance.

14. A management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the production equipment includes a mounting device that mounts components on a board, and the unit is at least one of a feeder that supplies the components to the mounting device and a mounting head that mounts the components on the board.

15. The management system according to claim 14, wherein the production equipment includes peripheral equipment to which the units to be used in production are pre-set.

16. A management method comprising: a step of acquiring usage information of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a production device; and a step of outputting a treatment instruction signal that instructs treatment for the unit based on the usage information.

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