Guidance device and guidance method

Abstract

When a component shortage in a component supply unit for supplying components to a component mounting machine or a setup change for equipping the component mounting machine with the component supply unit is expected to occur, this guidance device sends an advance notice to an operator at an advance notice time, which is a prescribed period of time before an occurrence time at which the component shortage or the setup change actually occurs, to thereby provide guidance for a replenishment operation of the component supply unit. The guidance device comprises an acquisition part and a guidance part. The acquisition part acquires advance notice times for respective target units that are a plurality of component supply units in which component shortages or setup changes are expected to occur. The guidance part sends, at an advance notice time at which an advance notice regarding a first unit corresponding to one of the target units is sent, an advance notice regarding a second unit corresponding to at least one target unit that has an advance notice time which is acquired by the acquisition unit and which falls between the advance notice time and the occurrence time for the first unit.

Description

Guidance device and guidance method

[0001] The present specification discloses techniques relating to a guiding device and a guiding method.

[0002] The setup time estimation unit described in Patent Document 1 estimates the setup time required for setup work corresponding to each board type. For example, the setup time estimation unit estimates the off-site setup time based on the type and quantity of components required for the off-site setup work. The setup start time determination unit described in Patent Document 1 then determines the setup start time based on the production start time and the setup time.

[0003] In the parts supply management system described in Patent Document 2, adjustments are made to address overcrowding, followed by adjustments to address prohibited work time periods. Specifically, break times are set for supply preparation work, and these break times are set as prohibited work time periods. The adjustments to address prohibited work time periods are made by moving all work on circuit components that fall within the prohibited work time periods to an earlier time period.

[0004] International Publication No. 2018 / 109856 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-134691

[0005] When a component supply unit that supplies components to a component mounting machine is expected to run out of components, the guidance device sends a warning notice to the worker at a predicted time a predetermined time before the actual time of the component shortage, guiding the worker to replenish the component supply unit. This allows the worker to replenish the component supply unit before the actual component shortage occurs. The above-mentioned description of component shortages also applies to, for example, a changeover to install a component supply unit in a component mounting machine based on a production plan for product boards.

[0006] However, while a worker is replenishing a component supply unit for one component, he or she may receive a notice for another component. In this case, the worker must replenishing the component supply unit for the one component after completing the replenishing operation for the component supply unit for the other component, which reduces work efficiency.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, this specification discloses a guidance device and a guidance method that can improve the work efficiency of the component supply unit replenishment work that is carried out when a component shortage or a changeover is expected.

[0008] This specification discloses a guidance device that, when a component supply unit that supplies components to a component mounting machine is expected to run out of components or a changeover to install the component supply unit in the component mounting machine is expected, transmits a warning notice to an operator at a warning time that is a predetermined time before the actual time of the component shortage or changeover to guide the operator to replenish the component supply unit. The guidance device includes an acquisition unit and a guidance unit. The acquisition unit acquires the warning time for each of multiple target units that are the component supply units where the component shortage or changeover is expected to occur. The guidance unit transmits the warning notice for at least one target unit, a second unit, whose warning time is acquired by the acquisition unit between the warning time for a first unit that is one of the target units and the actual time of the occurrence, at the warning time for transmitting the warning notice for the first unit.

[0009] This specification also discloses a guidance method for, when a component supply unit that supplies components to a component mounting machine is expected to run out of components or a changeover to install the component supply unit in the component mounting machine is expected, transmitting a warning notice to an operator at a warning time that is a predetermined time before the actual time of the component shortage or changeover to guide the operator to replenish the component supply unit. The guidance method includes an acquisition step and a guidance step. The acquisition step acquires the warning time for each of multiple target units that are the component supply units where the component shortage or changeover is expected to occur. The guidance step transmits the warning notice for at least one target unit, a second unit, whose warning time acquired by the acquisition step falls between the warning time for a first unit that is one of the target units and the actual time of the occurrence, at the warning time for transmitting the warning notice for the first unit.

[0010] This specification discloses a technical idea in claim 5 of the claims originally attached to the application (hereinafter referred to as the "original claims"), where "the guiding device according to claim 1" is changed to "the guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4." This specification also discloses a technical idea in claim 8 of the original claims, where "the guiding device according to claim 5" is changed to "the guiding device according to any one of claims 5 to 7." This specification also discloses a technical idea in claim 11 of the original claims, where "the guiding device according to claim 5" is changed to "the guiding device according to any one of claims 5 to 10."

[0011] According to the above guidance device, the advance notice for the second unit can be transmitted at the same time as the advance notice for the first unit. This allows the worker to receive the advance notice for the second unit along with the advance notice for the first unit. This allows the worker to perform the replenishment work for the first unit and the second unit together, improving the work efficiency of the replenishment work for the part supply unit. What has been described above about the guidance device also applies to the guidance method.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of production equipment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a component mounting machine. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sequence of a supplying operation. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sequence of a supplying operation according to conventional technology. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control block of a guiding device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure by the guiding device. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sequence of a supplying operation by the guiding device. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sequence of a supplying operation by the guiding device. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of guidance by the guiding device. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sequence of a supplying operation by the guiding device.

[0013] 1. Embodiment 1-1. Configuration Example of Substrate-Related Work Line WL0 The production facility includes at least one substrate-related work line WL0. In the substrate-related work line WL0, substrate-related work machines WM0 perform predetermined substrate-related work on substrates 90 to produce product substrates 900. The types and number of substrate-related work machines WM0 that make up the substrate-related work line WL0 are not limited. As shown in FIG. 1 , the substrate-related work line WL0 of the embodiment includes multiple substrate-related work machines WM0, including a printer WM1, a print inspection machine WM2, a component placement machine WM3, a reflow oven WM4, and a visual inspection machine WM5, and the substrates 90 are transported in the above order by a board transport device.

[0014] The printer WM1 prints solder at the mounting positions of the components 91 on the board 90. The print inspection machine WM2 inspects the printing condition of the solder printed by the printer WM1. As shown in FIG. 2, the component mounting machine WM3 mounts the components 91 on the board 90 on which the solder has been printed by the printer WM1. There may be one or more component mounting machines WM3. As shown in FIG. 1, when multiple component mounting machines WM3 (three in the figure) are provided, the multiple component mounting machines WM3 can share the mounting work of the components 91.

[0015] The reflow furnace WM4 heats the board 90 on which components 91 have been mounted by the component mounting machine WM3, melting the solder and performing soldering. The visual inspection machine WM5 inspects the mounting state of the components 91 mounted by the component mounting machine WM3. In this way, the board-related work line WL0 uses multiple board-related work machines WM0 to sequentially transport the boards 90 and perform production processes including inspection processes to produce the product board 900. Note that the board-related work line WL0 can also be equipped with other board-related work machines WM0 as needed, such as a function inspection machine, a buffer device, a board supply device, a board inverting device, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0016] The plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0 and the line management device LC0 that make up the substrate-related performing line WL0 are communicatively connected by a communication unit. The line management device LC0 and the management device HC0 are communicatively connected by the communication unit. The management device HC0 and the production management system MS0 are communicatively connected by the communication unit. The communication unit can communicatively connect them by wire or wirelessly, and various communication methods can be used.

[0017] In the embodiment, a wireless local area network (LAN) is configured by the plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0, the line management device LC0, the management device HC0, and the production management system MS0. Therefore, the plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0 can wirelessly communicate with each other via a communication unit. The plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0 can also wirelessly communicate with the line management device LC0 via the communication unit. Furthermore, the line management device LC0, the management device HC0, and the production management system MS0 can also wirelessly communicate with each other via the communication unit.

[0018] The line management device LC0 controls the plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0 that make up the substrate-related performing line WL0 and monitors the operating status of the substrate-related performing line WL0. The line management device LC0 stores various control data for controlling the plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0. The line management device LC0 transmits the control data to each of the plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0. Furthermore, each of the plurality of substrate-related performing machines WM0 transmits its operating status and production status to the line management device LC0.

[0019] The management device HC0 manages at least one line management device LC0. For example, the operating status and production status of the substrate-related performing machine WM0 acquired by the line management device LC0 are transmitted to the management device HC0 as needed. The management device HC0 is provided with a storage device (e.g., a database). The storage device can store various acquired data acquired by the substrate-related performing machine WM0. For example, various image data captured by the substrate-related performing machine WM0 is included in the acquired data. Records of operating status (log data) acquired by the substrate-related performing machine WM0 are also included in the acquired data. The storage device can collect and store various production information related to the production of such product substrates 900.

[0020] The production management system MS0 can manage various production information related to the production of the product substrates 900. The production management system MS0 manages, for example, the production plan for the product substrates 900, the production progress, items required for production (including the component supply unit 80 described below), items no longer required for production, and the like. For example, the production plan for the product substrates 900 defines 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. The production management system MS0 can manage the progress status for each of the multiple unit productions.

[0021] The production management system MS0 can also manage items needed for each of multiple unit productions, and can also manage items no longer needed for each of multiple unit productions. Furthermore, the production management system MS0 can guide workers to items needed for each of multiple unit productions, and can also guide workers to items no longer needed for each of multiple unit productions. For example, the production management system MS0 generates a list of items to be prepared by workers (such as the required time, type and number of items) based on the required number of items needed for each unit production and the remaining number of items. The production management system MS0 can then guide the workers to prepare items in the order they are to be prepared, along with information related to the items, on the operation screen MD1 of the device MD0 operated by the worker. The production management system MS0 can also similarly guide workers to collect items.

[0022] 1-2. Example of the configuration of component mounting machine WM3 The component mounting machine WM3 mounts components 91 on a board 90. As shown in Figure 2, the component mounting machine WM3 includes a board transport device 11, a component supply device 12, a component transfer device 13, a component camera 14, a board camera 15, a control device 16, and a display device 17.

[0023] The board transport device 11 is configured, for example, by a belt conveyor or the like, and transports the board 90 in a transport direction (X-axis direction). The board 90 is a circuit board on which various circuits such as electronic circuits, electric circuits, and magnetic circuits are formed. The board transport device 11 transports the board 90 into the component mounting machine WM3 and positions the board 90 at a predetermined position within the machine. After the component mounting machine WM3 has completed the mounting process of the components 91, the board transport device 11 transports the board 90 out of the component mounting machine WM3.

[0024] The component supply device 12 supplies components 91 to be mounted on the board 90. The component supply device 12 includes a plurality of feeders 12a arranged along the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the board 90. As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the plurality of feeders 12a is equipped with a reel 12b. A carrier tape CT0 containing components 91 is wound around the reel 12b. The feeder 12a pitch-feeds the carrier tape CT0 to supply the components 91 so that they can be picked up at a component supply position PP0 located at the tip end of the feeder 12a. The component supply device 12 can also supply electronic components (e.g., lead components) that are relatively large compared to chip components, arranged on a tray.

[0025] The component transfer device 13 includes a head driver 13a and a movable table 13b. The head driver 13a is configured to move the movable table 13b in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in a horizontal plane) using a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 20 is detachably (replaceably) attached to the movable table 13b using a clamping member. The mounting head 20 uses at least one holding member 30 to pick up and hold components 91 supplied by the component supply device 12 and mount the components 91 on the board 90 positioned by the board transport device 11. The holding member 30 may be, for example, a suction nozzle or a chuck.

[0026] The component camera 14 and the board camera 15 may be known imaging devices. The component camera 14 is fixed to the base of the component mounting machine WM3 so that its optical axis faces upward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions). The component camera 14 can capture images of the components 91 held by the holding members 30 from below. The board camera 15 is mounted on the movable stage 13b of the component transfer device 13 so that its optical axis faces downward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The board camera 15 can capture images of the board 90 and the like from above. The component camera 14 and the board camera 15 capture images based on control signals sent from the control device 16. Image data of the images captured by the component camera 14 and the board camera 15 is sent to the control device 16.

[0027] The control device 16 includes a known arithmetic unit and a storage device, and functions as a control circuit. The control device 16 receives information, image data, and the like output from various sensors provided in the component mounting machine WM3. The control device 16 sends control signals to each device based on a control program and predetermined mounting conditions that have been set in advance.

[0028] For example, the control device 16 causes the board camera 15 to capture an image of the board 90 positioned by the board transport device 11. The control device 16 processes the image captured by the board camera 15 to recognize the positioning state of the board 90. The control device 16 also causes the holding member 30 to pick up and hold the component 91 supplied by the component supply device 12, and causes the component camera 14 to capture an image of the component 91 held by the holding member 30. The control device 16 processes the image captured by the component camera 14 to recognize the holding posture of the component 91.

[0029] The control device 16 moves the holding member 30 above the intended placement position that is set in advance by a control program or the like. The control device 16 also corrects the intended placement position based on the positioning state of the board 90, the holding posture of the component 91, and the like, and sets the placement position where the component 91 will actually be placed. The intended placement position and the placement position include a rotation angle in addition to the position (X-axis coordinate and Y-axis coordinate).

[0030] Control device 16 corrects the target position (X-axis coordinate and Y-axis coordinate) and rotation angle of holding member 30 to match the mounting position. Control device 16 lowers holding member 30 at the corrected rotation angle in the corrected target position to mount components 91 on board 90. Control device 16 repeats the above pick-and-place cycle to perform the mounting process of mounting multiple components 91 on board 90. The time it takes for board-related operation machine WM0 to perform the operation is referred to as cycle time.

[0031] The display device 17 can display various types of information. Any known display device can be used as the display device 17 as long as it can display various types of information. Specifically, the display device 17 has a display unit that displays various types of data so that the worker can visually recognize them. In addition, for example, the display unit is configured with a touch panel, and also functions as an input device that accepts various operations by the worker.

[0032] 1-3. Configuration Example of Work Area 60 and Storage Warehouse AS0 As shown in FIG. 1 , the production facility is provided with a work area 60. In the work area 60, workers can perform various tasks, for example, related to component supply units 80 supplied to component mounting machines WM3 and component supply units 80 retrieved from component mounting machines WM3. The component supply units 80 supply components 91. For example, the component supply units 80 include the feeders 12a and trays described above. For example, the work area 60 of this embodiment includes a workbench 61, a feeder stand 62, a reel rack 63, and a mobile terminal 64. In the work area 60, workers perform tasks such as kitting and tidying up the component supply units 80.

[0033] For example, if the component supply unit 80 is the feeder 12a, the worker sets the desired reel 12b in the feeder 12a and supplies it to the component mounting machine WM3. Specifically, the worker sets the desired reel 12b in the feeder 12a on the workbench 61 and can place the feeder 12a, for example, in a feeder stand 62 that can temporarily store the feeder 12a. Of the reel 12b and the feeder 12a, at least the reel 12b can be obtained by the worker from the storage facility AS0, for example. In this case, the worker can place the obtained reel 12b in a reel rack 63 that can temporarily store the reel 12b. Similarly, the worker can place the obtained feeder 12a in the feeder stand 62.

[0034] The worker can then perform kitting work by removing feeder 12a from feeder stand 62, removing reel 12b from reel rack 63, and setting reel 12b in feeder 12a. At this time, the worker reads the identification code attached to reel 12b using, for example, a reader 64a of portable terminal 64. Similarly, the worker reads the identification code attached to feeder 12a using, for example, a reader 64a of portable terminal 64. As a result, identification information identifying reel 12b and identification information identifying feeder 12a are transmitted to production management system MS0.

[0035] For example, when the production management system MS0 acquires the above-mentioned identification information, it associates the identification information of the reel 12b with the identification information of the feeder 12a and stores them in a storage device. The production management system MS0 can also update the location information of the feeder 12a, for example, when the feeder 12a is moved. For example, when the feeder 12a is installed in a slot of the feeder stand 62 and power is supplied via a connector, the feeder stand 62 can communicate with the feeder 12a to acquire location information of the feeder 12a and transmit the acquired location information of the feeder 12a to the production management system MS0. The production management system MS0 can update the location information of the feeder 12a using the received location information of the feeder 12a. The location information includes the storage area (such as the upper, middle, or lower level) of the feeder stand 62, the slot number, etc.

[0036] The reel 12b and the feeder 12a can also be acquired from the storage facility AS0 by a transport device such as an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). For example, the storage facility AS0 that stores the reel 12b automates the loading and unloading of the reel 12b, and the reel 12b can be handed over to and from the transport device. Similarly, the storage facility AS0 that stores the feeder 12a automates the loading and unloading of the feeder 12a, and the feeder 12a can be handed over to and from the transport device.

[0037] The feeder 12a with the reel 12b set therein can be supplied to the component mounting machine WM3 by an operator or a transport device. Furthermore, the feeder 12a that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 can be collected from the component mounting machine WM3 to the work area 60 by an operator or a transport device. Furthermore, the operator can also put away the feeder 12a that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 in the work area 60 as needed.

[0038] Specifically, the worker removes the reel 12b from the feeder 12a. The removed reel 12b can be returned to the storage facility AS0 and stored there, for example. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reel 12b and the identification information of the feeder 12a stored in the storage device is deleted. Furthermore, if tidying up is not required, the reel 12b and the feeder 12a can be stored in the set state, for example, in the feeder stand 62. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reel 12b and the identification information of the feeder 12a stored in the storage device is maintained.

[0039] 1-4. Configuration Example of Guiding Device 50 For example, if a component supply unit 80 that supplies components 91 to a component mounting machine WM3 runs out of components and then the component supply unit 80 is replenished, production of the product board 900 may be halted, potentially reducing production efficiency. The above description of component outages also applies to, for example, a changeover to install a component supply unit 80 in a component mounting machine WM3 based on a production plan for the product board 900. For this reason, a guiding device 50 is provided in the production facility. When a component outage or changeover is expected to occur, the guiding device 50 issues a notice AN0 to the worker at a notice time TN0, which is a predetermined time TP0 before the actual occurrence time T0 of the component outage or changeover, to guide the worker in the replenishment of the component supply unit 80.

[0040] This allows the worker to replenish the component supply unit 80 before a component shortage or changeover actually occurs. Figure 3 shows an example of a replenishment sequence. Specifically, a predetermined time TP0 from the advance notice time TN0 at which the advance notice AN0 is sent to the worker for the component supply unit 80 that supplies the component P1 to the occurrence time T0 at which the component shortage or changeover actually occurs is shown by a rectangle on the time axis for the component P1. Also, the preparation time for the component P1 from the time at which the worker receives the advance notice AN0 and starts preparing the component P1 to the time at which the preparation of the component P1 is completed is shown by a rectangle on the time axis for the storage facility AS0.

[0041] When the component supply unit 80 is the feeder 12a, the preparation time for the component P1 includes, for example, the time required for the worker to pick the specified reel 12b from the storage warehouse AS0 and transport it to the work area 60. The same is true when picking the feeder 12a, and the preparation time for the component P1 includes, for example, the time required for the worker to pick the specified feeder 12a from the storage warehouse AS0 and transport it to the work area 60. Furthermore, the replenishment time for the component P1 from the completion of preparation of the component P1 to the completion of replenishment of the component P1 is indicated by a rectangle on the worker's time axis.

[0042] When the component supply unit 80 is the feeder 12a, the replenishment time for the component P1 includes the time required for an operator to load the reel 12b into the feeder 12a and then load the feeder 12a with the loaded reel 12b into a predetermined slot 12s of the component mounting machine WM3. As shown in Figure 3, by completing the replenishment of the component P1 before the occurrence time T0 when the component runs out or a changeover actually occurs, the stoppage of production of the product board 900 is suppressed, and production efficiency is improved. Note that the above description of the method illustrated in Figure 3 also applies to Figures 4, 7, 8, and 10, which will be described later.

[0043] 4 shows an example of a replenishment sequence according to the prior art. This figure illustrates a case in which an advance notice AN0 is sent for a component P2 at a predetermined time TP0 while a worker is performing replenishment work on a component supply unit 80 that supplies a component P1. In this case, the worker performs replenishment work on the component supply unit 80 for a component P2 after completing the replenishment work on the component supply unit 80 for a component P1. Specifically, the worker performs the work in the following order: preparation work for the component P1, replenishment work for the component P1, preparation work for the component P2, and replenishment work for the component P2.

[0044] In this way, while a worker is performing the replenishment work of the component supply unit 80 for one component 91, there is a possibility that the worker will receive a preliminary notification AN0 for another component 91. In this case, the worker must perform the replenishment work of the component supply unit 80 for the other component 91 after completing the replenishment work of the component supply unit 80 for the one component 91, which reduces work efficiency. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the guidance device 50 of the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 51 and a guidance unit 52.

[0045] The acquisition unit 51 and the guidance unit 52 can be provided in various control devices and management devices. For example, at least one of the acquisition unit 51 and the guidance unit 52 can be provided in the line management device LC0, the management device HC0, the production management system MS0, etc. At least one of the acquisition unit 51 and the guidance unit 52 can also be formed on the cloud. The acquisition unit 51 and the guidance unit 52 can also be distributed and arranged in various control devices, management devices, on the cloud, etc.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 5, in the guidance device 50 of the embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 and the guidance unit 52 are provided in the management device HC0. Moreover, the guidance device 50 of the embodiment executes control in accordance with the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The acquisition unit 51 performs the process shown in step S11. The guidance unit 52 performs the process shown in step S12. Note that the matters described in this specification can be selected and applied as appropriate. Also, the matters described in this specification can be combined as appropriate.

[0047] 1-4-1. Acquisition Unit 51 The acquisition unit 51 acquires the advance notice time TN0 for each of the target units 80u, which are multiple component supply units 80 that are expected to run out of components or require a changeover (step S11 shown in FIG. 6). The acquisition unit 51 may take various forms as long as it is able to acquire the advance notice time TN0. As described above, the production management system MS0 manages, for example, the production plan for the product boards 900, the progress of production, items required for production, items no longer needed for production, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the production management system MS0 generates a list of items (including the required time, type and number of items, etc.) that workers should prepare based on the required number of items and the remaining number of items required for each unit production. The items include the component supply units 80. Therefore, the acquisition unit 51 can recognize the target units 80u from the list and acquire the occurrence time T0 at which a component shortage or changeover actually occurs for each target unit 80u. The acquisition unit 51 can then acquire the predicted time TN0, which is a predetermined time TP0 before the occurrence time T0.

[0049] 7 shows an example of a sequence of a supply operation performed by the guidance device 50. The figure shows a situation in which a preliminary notice AN0 for a component P2 may be sent during a predetermined time TP0 when a worker is performing a supply operation on the component supply unit 80 that supplies the component P1. The figure also shows a situation in which a preliminary notice AN0 for a component P3 may be sent during a predetermined time TP0 when a worker is performing a supply operation on the component supply unit 80 that supplies the component P2.

[0050] 7 , a component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1, a component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2, and a component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 are expected to run out of components or require a changeover. In this case, the acquisition unit 51 can acquire from the production management system MS0 that the three component supply units 80 are target units 80u. The acquisition unit 51 can then acquire the advance notice time TN0 from the production management system MS0 for each of the three component supply units 80.

[0051] 1-4-2. Announcement Unit 52 One of the target units 80u is designated as the first unit 81. Furthermore, at least one target unit 80u that includes the advance notice time TN0 acquired by the acquisition unit 51 between the advance notice time TN0 and the occurrence time T0 for the first unit 81 is designated as the second unit 82. In this case, the announcement unit 52 transmits the advance notice AN0 for the second unit 82 at the advance notice time TN0 at which the advance notice AN0 for the first unit 81 is transmitted (step S12 shown in FIG. 6 ).

[0052] The guidance unit 52 can designate any target unit 80u among the multiple target units 80u as the first unit 81. For example, the guidance unit 52 can designate the target unit 80u for which a preliminary notification AN0 is transmitted first among the multiple preliminary notification times TN0 acquired by the acquisition unit 51 as the first unit 81. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the preliminary notification time TN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1 is closest to the current time and therefore transmits the preliminary notification AN0 first. Therefore, the guidance unit 52 can designate the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1 as the first unit 81.

[0053] Furthermore, if the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1 is defined as the first unit 81, the predicted time TN0 of the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 is included in the period from the predicted time TN0 to the occurrence time T0 for the first unit 81. However, the predicted time TN0 of the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 is not included in the period from the predicted time TN0 to the occurrence time T0 for the first unit 81. The predicted time TN0 of the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 arrives after the occurrence time T0 for the first unit 81.

[0054] Therefore, the guidance unit 52 designates the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 as the second unit 82. In this case, the guidance unit 52 transmits the advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 (second unit 82) at the advance notice time TN0 for transmitting the advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1 (first unit 81). This allows the worker to receive the advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 (second unit 82) together with the advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1 (first unit 81).

[0055] Therefore, the worker can perform the supplying work of the first unit 81 and the second unit 82 at the same time, improving the work efficiency of the supplying work of the component supply unit 80. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the worker can perform the preparation work of the components P1 and P2 at the same time. Then, after the preparation work of the components P1 and P2 is completed, the worker can perform the supplying work of the components P1 and P2 at the same time. Therefore, the configuration shown in FIG. 7 improves the work efficiency of the supplying work of the component supply unit 80 compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 .

[0056] The advance notice time TN0 of the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 arrives after the occurrence time T0 of the first unit 81. Therefore, the guidance unit 52 transmits an advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 at the advance notice time TN0 of the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3. As a result, after the supply work of components P1 and P2 is completed, the worker can receive the advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 and perform the preparation work and supply work for component P3. This prevents an increase in work in progress.

[0057] However, even for a target unit 80u whose advance notice time TN0 arrives after the occurrence time T0 for the first unit 81, there are cases where work efficiency can be improved for certain target units 80u by performing the supply work in conjunction with the first unit 81 and the second unit 82. For example, a target unit 80u other than the first unit 81 and the second unit 82, which transmits an advance notice AN0 within a certain time period from the earliest advance notice time TN1, which is the earliest advance notice time TN0 among the multiple advance notice times TN0 acquired by the acquisition unit 51, is defined as a third unit 83.

[0058] When the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 is the third unit 83, it may be possible to perform the preparation work and supply work for component P3 in accordance with the first unit 81 and the second unit 82, which may improve work efficiency. Also, a target unit 80u other than the first unit 81 and the second unit 82, which transmits a prior notice AN0 within a certain number of times from the earliest prior notice time TN1, may be set as the third unit 83. In this case as well, it may be possible to perform the preparation work and supply work for component P3 in accordance with the first unit 81 and the second unit 82, which may improve work efficiency.

[0059] Therefore, the guidance unit 52 can transmit the advance notice AN0 for the third unit 83 at the advance notice time TN0 at which advance notices AN0 for the first unit 81 and the second unit 82 are transmitted. FIG. 8 shows another example of a sequence of replenishment work by the guidance device 50. This figure illustrates a case in which the component supply unit 80 supplying the component P3 shown in FIG. 7 is the third unit 83. Specifically, it is assumed that the component supply unit 80 supplying the component P3 can transmit the advance notice AN0 within a certain time from the earliest advance notice time TN1. It is also assumed that the component supply unit 80 supplying the component P3 can transmit the advance notice AN0 three times from the earliest advance notice time TN1, with the first transmission being the earliest advance notice time TN1, and that three times is within a certain number of times. In this case, the guidance unit 52 sends a preliminary notification AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3, which is the third unit 83, at the preliminary time TN0 at which preliminary notifications AN0 are sent for the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1, which is the first unit 81, and the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2, which is the second unit 82.

[0060] As a result, the worker can receive advance notice AN0 for component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1, which is first unit 81, as well as advance notice AN0 for component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2, which is second unit 82, and advance notice AN0 for component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3, which is third unit 83. Therefore, the worker can perform the supply work of first unit 81, second unit 82, and third unit 83 all at once, improving the work efficiency of the supply work of component supply units 80.

[0061] 8, the worker can simultaneously perform the preparation work for parts P1, P2, and P3. After the preparation work for parts P1, P2, and P3 is completed, the worker can simultaneously perform the supply work for parts P1, P2, and P3. The fixed time and the fixed number of times can be set arbitrarily, taking into consideration, for example, the allowable number of work-in-progress items, the required work efficiency, and the like.

[0062] In advance notice AN0, guidance unit 52 can guide the worker to perform the replenishment work of at least first unit 81 and second unit 82. FIG. 9 shows an example of guidance provided by guidance device 50. This figure shows an example of guidance provided when a component shortage is expected in the example shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, guidance unit 52 notifies the worker that component P1, which is the first unit 81, will run out of component P1 within T1 minutes. Similarly, guidance unit 52 notifies the worker that component P2, which is the second unit 82, will run out of component P2 within T2 minutes.

[0063] The guidance unit 52 also guides the worker to replenish parts P1 and P2. This allows the worker to replenish the first unit 81, which is the component supply unit 80 that supplies part P1, and the second unit 82, which is the component supply unit 80 that supplies part P2. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first unit 81 receives the advance notice AN0 first, and the first unit 81 reaches the occurrence time T0 at which a component shortage or changeover actually occurs. Therefore, the guidance unit 52 may guide the worker to perform the replenishment work for the first unit 81 first, followed by the replenishment work for the second unit 82. In the guidance example shown in FIG. 9 , the guidance unit 52 guides the worker to replenish parts P1 and P2 in this order.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the guidance unit 52 can guide the worker in advance notice AN0 to replenish first unit 81, second unit 82, and third unit 83. In this case, in the guidance example shown in FIG. 9 , the guidance unit 52 further guides the worker that component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3, which is third unit 83, will run out of component P3 within a predetermined time. The guidance unit 52 also guides the worker to replenish components P1, P2, and P3. The guidance unit 52 can also guide the worker to replenish components P1, P2, and P3 in this order.

[0065] In any of the above-described embodiments, the predetermined time TP0 can be set based on the time required for the replenishment work. The replenishment work may be any work related to the replenishment of component supply units 80, and is not limited to this. For example, the replenishment work may include picking a component container 70 containing components 91 from a storage warehouse AS0 where the component containers 70 are stored, setting the picked component container 70 in the component supply unit 80, and installing the component supply unit 80 with the component container 70 set in a predetermined slot 12s of the component mounting machine WM3. Similarly, the component container 70 may be any work that can accommodate components 91, and is not limited to this.

[0066] For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the component container 70 may be a reel 12b around which a carrier tape CT0 containing components 91 is wound. In this case, the component supply unit 80 is a feeder 12a that pitch-feeds the carrier tape CT0 and supplies the components 91 at a component supply position PP0 so that the components 91 can be picked up. As described above, for example, a worker can perform kitting work by picking a specific reel 12b from the storage warehouse AS0 where the reels 12b are stored and setting the picked reel 12b in the feeder 12a. The kitting work can be performed in the work area 60, for example. Then, for example, the worker loads the feeder 12a with the reel 12b set in a specific slot 12s of the component mounting machine WM3.

[0067] The guidance unit 52 can also provide the slot number of the slot 12s to which the feeder 12a with the reel 12b should be attached. In the guidance example shown in FIG. 9 , the guidance unit 52 provides guidance that component P1 is used in slot number ST1 on line L1, and component P2 is used in slot number ST2 on line L1. This allows the operator to load the component supply unit 80 (feeder 12a with reel 12b attached) that supplies component P1 into slot 12s with slot number ST1 of the component mounting machine WM3 on line L1 for replenishment. Similarly, the operator can load the component supply unit 80 (feeder 12a with reel 12b attached) that supplies component P2 into slot 12s with slot number ST2 of the component mounting machine WM3 on line L1 for replenishment. The substrate-related work line WL0 shown in FIG. 1 includes multiple (three in this example) component mounting machines WM3. In this case, the guide section 52 may guide the component mounting machine WM3 to which the operator should replenish the component supply unit 80.

[0068] The guidance unit 52 may provide guidance for the replenishment work in various ways. For example, the guidance unit 52 may provide guidance for the replenishment work by at least one of a guidance display on the operation screen MD1 of the device MD0 operated by the worker, a voice guidance by the device MD0, and a guidance by vibration of the device MD0 carried by the worker. For example, the portable terminal 64 described above is included in the device MD0, and the operation screen 64b of the portable terminal 64 is included in the operation screen MD1 of the device MD0.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 9, the guidance unit 52 can display guidance on the operation screen MD1 of the device MD0. The guidance unit 52 can also provide guidance on the items shown in Fig. 9 by voice. Furthermore, the guidance unit 52 can vibrate the device MD0 carried by the worker to notify him that replenishment work is to be performed. The guidance unit 52 can also use the above guidance methods in combination. In either case, the worker can recognize that replenishment work is to be performed and can carry out the replenishment work.

[0070] 1-4-3. Other Forms The guidance unit 52 can designate any target unit 80u among the multiple target units 80u as the first unit 81. For example, the guidance unit 52 can designate as the first unit 81 a target unit 80u for which a preliminary notification AN0 is transmitted within a certain time from the earliest prediction time TN1, which is the earliest prediction time TN0 among the multiple prediction times TN0 acquired by the acquisition unit 51. The guidance unit 52 can also designate as the first unit 81 a target unit 80u for which a preliminary notification AN0 is transmitted within a certain number of times from the earliest prediction time TN1. Similar to the previously described certain time and certain number of times, the above-mentioned certain time and certain number of times can be set arbitrarily, taking into consideration, for example, the allowable number of work-in-progress items, the required work efficiency, and the like.

[0071] 10 shows another example of a sequence of a replenishment operation performed by the guidance device 50. For example, it is assumed that the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 is capable of transmitting a preliminary notice AN0 within a certain time from the earliest advance notice time TN1. It is also assumed that the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 is capable of transmitting a preliminary notice AN0 a second time from the earliest advance notice time TN1, with the first time being the earliest advance notice time TN1, and that the two times are within a certain number of times. This figure shows a case in which the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2 is the first unit 81, the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3 is the second unit 82, and the component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1 is the third unit 83. In this case, the guidance unit 52 sends out advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies part P3, which is the second unit 82, and advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies part P1, which is the third unit 83, at the advance notice time TN0 when it sends out advance notice AN0 for the component supply unit 80 that supplies part P2, which is the first unit 81.

[0072] This allows the worker to receive advance notice AN0 for component supply unit 80 that supplies component P2, which is first unit 81, as well as advance notice AN0 for component supply unit 80 that supplies component P3, which is second unit 82, and advance notice AN0 for component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1, which is third unit 83. Therefore, the worker can perform the supply work of first unit 81, second unit 82, and third unit 83 all at once, improving the work efficiency of the supply work of component supply units 80.

[0073] 10, the worker can perform the preparation work for parts P1, P2, and P3 all at once. Then, after the preparation work for parts P1, P2, and P3 is completed, the worker can perform the supply work for parts P1, P2, and P3 all at once. In this embodiment, the target unit 80u for which the advance notice AN0 is transmitted at the advance notice time TN0 that is later than the earliest advance notice time TN1 is set as the first unit 81. Therefore, compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the time at which the advance notice AN0 is transmitted is more likely to be delayed.

[0074] Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that target unit 80u (component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1) that was able to issue advance notice AN0 at the earliest advance notice time TN1 is replenished by occurrence time T0 when the component runs out or changeover actually occurs. Specifically, it is advisable to adjust the above-mentioned fixed time and fixed number of times (shorten the time and reduce the number of times) so that the replenishment work of target unit 80u (component supply unit 80 that supplies component P1) that was able to issue advance notice AN0 at the earliest advance notice time TN1 is completed by occurrence time T0.

[0075] 2. Guidance Method What has already been described about the guidance device 50 also applies to the guidance method. Specifically, the guidance method includes an acquisition step and a guidance step. The acquisition step corresponds to control performed by the acquisition unit 51. The guidance step corresponds to control performed by the guidance unit 52. Note that duplicated explanations will be omitted in this specification.

[0076] 3. Example of Effect of the Embodiment According to the guidance device 50, the advance notice AN0 for the second unit 82 can be transmitted at the same advance notice time TN0 as the advance notice AN0 for the first unit 81. This allows the worker to receive the advance notice AN0 for the second unit 82 along with the advance notice AN0 for the first unit 81. This allows the worker to perform the replenishment work for the first unit 81 and the second unit 82 together, improving the work efficiency of the replenishment work for the component supply unit 80. What has been described above about the guidance device 50 also applies to the guidance method.

[0077] 12a: Feeder, 12b: Reel, 12s: Slot, 50: Guiding device, 51: Acquisition unit, 52: Guiding unit, 70: Component container, 80: Component supply unit, 80u: Target unit, 81: First unit, 82: Second unit, 83: Third unit, 91: Component, AN0: Advance notice, T0: Occurrence time, TP0: Predetermined time, TN0: Advance notice time, TN1: Earliest advance notice time, MD0: Equipment, MD1: Operation screen, AS0: Storage, CT0: Carrier tape, PP0: Component supply position, WM3: Component mounting machine.

Claims

1. A guidance device that, when a component supply unit that supplies components to a component mounting machine is expected to run out of components or a changeover to install the component supply unit in the component mounting machine is expected, sends a warning notice to a worker at a warning time that is a predetermined time before the actual time when the component supply unit or the changeover will occur, to guide the worker in replenishing the component supply unit, the guidance device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the warning time for each of multiple target units that are multiple component supply units where the component supply unit or the changeover is expected to occur; and a guidance unit that transmits the warning notice for at least one second unit that is a target unit whose warning time is acquired by the acquisition unit between the warning time for a first unit that is one of the target units and the occurrence time, at the warning time for transmitting the warning notice for the first unit.

2. The guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit designates the target unit to which the advance notification is sent earliest among the plurality of advance notification times acquired by the acquisition unit as the first unit.

3. The guidance device described in claim 1, wherein the guidance unit defines as the first unit the target unit to which the advance notification is sent within a certain time from the earliest advance time, which is the earliest of the multiple advance times acquired by the acquisition unit, or the target unit to which the advance notification is sent within a certain number of times from the earliest advance time.

4. A guidance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guidance unit transmits the advance notification for the target unit other than the first unit and the second unit, and for which the advance notification will be transmitted within a certain time from the earliest advance notification time, which is the earliest of the multiple advance notification times acquired by the acquisition unit, or for the target unit, which is a third unit, for which the advance notification will be transmitted within a certain number of times from the earliest advance notification time, at the advance notification time for transmitting the advance notification for the first unit and the second unit.

5. The guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit guides the worker in the advance notice regarding the supply work of at least the first unit and the second unit.

6. A guidance device according to claim 5, wherein the guidance section guides the worker to perform the supply work of the first unit first, and then the supply work of the second unit in that order.

7. A guidance device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is set based on the time required for the supply work.

8. A guiding device as described in claim 5, wherein the supplying work includes picking a specified component container from a storage facility where component containers for accommodating the components are kept, setting the picked component container in the component supply unit, and installing the component supply unit with the component container set in a specified slot of the component mounting machine.

9. A guiding device as described in claim 8, wherein the component container is a reel on which a carrier tape containing the components is wound, and the component supply unit is a feeder that pitch-feeds the carrier tape and supplies the components so that they can be picked up at the component supply position.

10. A guiding device according to claim 9, wherein the guiding section provides the slot number of the slot to which the feeder in which the reel is set should be equipped.

11. The guidance device described in claim 5, wherein the guidance unit guides the worker through the supply work by at least one of a guidance display on an operation screen of the equipment operated by the worker, a voice guidance by the equipment, and guidance by vibration of the equipment carried by the worker.

12. A guidance method for guiding a worker to replenish the component supply unit when it is expected that a component supply unit that supplies components to a component mounting machine will run out of components or that a changeover will be required to install the component supply unit in the component mounting machine, by issuing a warning notice to the worker at a warning time that is a predetermined time before the actual time when the component supply unit or the changeover will occur, the guidance method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring the warning time for each of multiple target units that are multiple component supply units where the component supply unit or the changeover is expected to occur; and a guidance step of issuing the warning notice for at least one second unit that is a target unit whose warning time acquired by the acquisition step falls between the warning time for a first unit that is one of the target units and the actual time of occurrence, at the warning time for issuing the warning notice for the first unit.

Images