Production management device

Abstract

This production management device comprises: a storage unit that stores carriage information in which a carriage ID, which is identification information of a transport carriage, and a tray ID, which is identification information of each of a plurality of trays loaded on the transport carriage in a stacked state, are associated with each other; and a command unit that transmits a departure command for moving the transport carriage to a predetermined tray feeder on the basis of the carriage information and a predetermined transport condition.

Description

Production Management Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a production management device.

[0002] The production management device is applied to a production system including a tray feeder, a component mounting machine, and a transport carriage for transporting trays. The tray feeder supplies components accommodated in predetermined trays to the component mounting machine. Patent Document 1 discloses a tray feeder that holds a plurality of trays in a stacked state and uses components from the lowermost tray for component supply. The tray feeder of Patent Document 1 supplies components accommodated in a tray by transporting the lowermost tray to a supply position. Used trays are held in a stacked state in a collection unit.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 146093

[0004] Supply and collection of trays to and from the tray feeder are performed manually by workers. Specifically, for example, an operation of stacking a plurality of trays according to the order of use in a setup area is performed, and the plurality of trays are placed on a transport carriage and transported to the tray feeder. The plurality of trays are loaded into the tray feeder by a worker while maintaining the stacked state. In addition, used trays are collected by a worker while maintaining the stacked state.

[0005] An object of the present specification is to provide a production management device capable of managing a plurality of stacked trays and a transport carriage in a production system that supports tray supply or collection work to and from the tray feeder by the transport carriage, and improving the operational efficiency related to the transport carriage.

[0006] This specification discloses a production management device applicable to a production system including a tray feeder for supplying components contained in trays, a component mounting machine for mounting the components supplied by the tray feeder onto a substrate, and a transport trolley for transporting a plurality of trays between a setup area where the trays are stacked and the tray feeder. The device comprises a storage unit for storing trolley information that associates a trolley ID, which is identification information of the transport trolley, with tray IDs, which are individual identification information of the plurality of trays stacked on the transport trolley, and a command unit for sending a departure command to move the transport trolley to a predetermined tray feeder based on the trolley information and predetermined transport conditions.

[0007] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the production control device described in claim 4" to "the production control device described in claim 4 or 5" in the original claim 6, the technical idea of ​​changing "the production control device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the production control device described in any one of claims 1 to 6" in the original claim 7, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the production control device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the production control device described in any one of claims 1 to 7" in the original claim 8. This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the production control device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the production control device described in any one of claims 1 to 8" in the original claim 9, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the production control device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the production control device described in any one of claims 1 to 9" in the original claim 10.

[0008] With this configuration, multiple stacked trays and transport carts are managed, and departure commands for the transport carts are sent out at appropriate times, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the transport carts.

[0009] This is a schematic diagram showing a production system to which the production control device of the embodiment is applied. This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of the tray feeder. This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of the transport cart. This is a schematic perspective view showing tray replenishment work using the transport cart. This is a schematic perspective view showing tray retrieval work using the transport cart. This is a schematic partial perspective view showing stacked trays. This is a perspective view showing the transport cart parked in the parking area. This is a block diagram of the production control device. This is a diagram showing various information including cart information. This is a flowchart showing the production control process.

[0010] 1. Overview of the Production Management Device 60 The production management device 60 is applied to a production system Sy, which includes a tray feeder 10, a component mounting machine 90, and a transport trolley 20 for transporting trays 80, as shown in Figure 1. The component mounting machine 90 performs the mounting process of attaching components to a circuit board as a predetermined circuit board operation.

[0011] The production system Sy includes a production line Ln that produces a predetermined product substrate in a series. The production line Ln is configured by arranging multiple substrate handling machines in the direction of substrate transport. Each of the multiple substrate handling machines is connected to a line management device 53 and a host computer 51 that comprehensively control the production line Ln. The line management device 53 manages the production line Ln on which it is installed.

[0012] The production line Ln is comprised of multiple solder printing machines, multiple component mounting machines 90, a reflow oven, and an inspection machine, among other things, as substrate-facing work machines. The configuration of the production line Ln can be appropriately added to or changed depending on, for example, the type of product substrate to be produced. Specifically, multiple production lines Ln may be appropriately equipped with substrate-facing work machines such as substrate supply devices, substrate inversion devices, various inspection devices, shield mounting devices, adhesive application devices, and ultraviolet irradiation devices.

[0013] The production system Sy includes multiple parking areas Rk to serve as waiting areas for multiple transport carts 20. The transport carts 20 are connected to an automatic driving device 52 (AMR) and move between the parking areas Rk and the tray feeders 10 to be transported. In addition to the production area Rp on which the production line Ln is constructed and the aforementioned parking areas Rk, the production system Sy also includes a setup area Rt for performing various external setup tasks and a storage area Rs for storing various equipment and parts.

[0014] 2. Configuration of the tray feeder 10 The configuration of the tray feeder 10 in the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The tray feeder 10 uses a plurality of stacked trays 80 in order from the bottom to supply components to the component mounting machine 90. The component mounting machine 90 picks up components from the trays 80 at the component supply position 91 and performs a mounting process to mount those components onto the substrate. As shown by the arrow in the upper left of Figure 2, the front, back, left, and right directions common to the tray feeder 10 and the component mounting machine 90 are defined.

[0015] The tray feeder 10 is mounted on the front side of the component mounting machine 90 such that the transport unit 14 is located inside the component mounting machine 90. The tray feeder 10 may be configured to be mobile and detachable from the component mounting machine 90, equipped with casters for movement. The tray feeder 10 and the tray 80 are configured to be generally symmetrical. The tray feeder 10 comprises a feeder body 11, a holding unit 12, a transfer unit 13, a transport unit 14, a collection unit 15, a reading unit 16, and a feeder control device 17.

[0016] 2-1. Feeder body 11, holding part 12 The feeder body 11 is a case to which the holding part 12 and other components are assembled. The holding part 12 is located on the upper part of the feeder body 11. The holding part 12 holds multiple trays 80 in a stacked state. The holding part 12 is configured to be able to detach the bottommost tray 80 in the stacking direction. The holding part 12 supports the trays 80 other than the bottommost one using a claw member (not shown) that engages between the bottommost tray 80 and the second-to-last tray 80. This allows the holding part 12 to detach the bottommost tray 80.

[0017] 2-2. Transfer Unit 13 The transfer unit 13 is located below the holding unit 12. The transfer unit 13 transfers the tray 80 between the holding unit 12 and the transport unit 14, and further transfers the tray 80 between the transport unit 14 and the collection unit 15. The transfer unit 13 supports the tray 80 that has been detached by the holding unit 12. The transport unit 14 receives the tray 80 from the transfer unit 13 and transports it to the rear. The transfer unit 13 also receives and supports the used tray 80U from the transport unit 14. Furthermore, the transfer unit 13 releases the used tray 80U for collection by the collection unit 15.

[0018] 2-3. Conveying Unit 14, Recovery Unit 15 The conveying unit 14 is located behind the transfer unit 13. The conveying unit 14 receives the tray 80 from the transfer unit 13 and conveys it to a predetermined parts supply position 91 in the parts mounting machine 90. The conveying unit 14 is composed of, for example, a pair of left and right guide rails, a locking member, and a reciprocating drive unit, and reciprocates the tray 80. The recovery unit 15 is located below the transfer unit 13. The recovery unit 15 receives and recovers the used tray 80U from the transfer unit 13. The recovery unit 15 is configured to hold multiple trays 80 in a stacked state.

[0019] 2-4. Reading Unit 16 The reading unit 16 is positioned in front of the holding unit 12 of the feeder body 11. The reading unit 16 reads the identification code 83 (see Figure 6) attached to the bottom tray 80 before it is transported by the transport unit 14. The identification code 83 contains a tray ID as unique identification information for each of the multiple trays 80.

[0020] 2-5. Feeder Control Device 17 The feeder control device 17 is configured using a computer that includes a CPU, an input / output unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit. The feeder control device 17 receives a parts supply command from the parts mounting machine 90, which is connected via communication, according to the progress of the mounting process. This parts supply command specifies the type of parts required for the mounting process, or the individual tray 80. Based on the received parts supply command, the feeder control device 17 controls the holding unit 12, the transfer unit 13, the transport unit 14, and the recovery unit 15 to advance the parts supply operation. Furthermore, the feeder control device 17 performs control based on the tray ID read by the reading unit 16.

[0021] 2-6. Tray 80 As shown in Figure 6, the tray 80 is formed according to the shape of the parts 85 and has a plurality of cavities 81 arranged in a matrix. The plurality of cavities 81 accommodate the parts 85. The tray 80 has an overhang portion 82 formed to protrude outward from the side of the tray 80. An identification code 83, on which the tray ID as identification information is recorded, is attached horizontally to the upper surface of the overhang portion 82. For example, a barcode, 2D code, RFID, etc., can be applied to the identification code 83.

[0022] 3. Operation of the Tray Feeder 10 As shown in Figure 4, multiple trays 80 are loaded into the holding section 12 of the tray feeder 10 from the transport cart 20. Specifically, the worker arranges the stacking order of multiple trays 80 containing different types of parts in the setup area and loads them onto the transport cart 20 parked in the parking area. When a departure command is sent to move the transport cart 20 to the designated tray feeder 10 at a predetermined timing, the automatic driving device 52 connects to the transport cart 20 and moves the transport cart 20.

[0023] When the transport cart 20 arrives at a designated tray feeder 10, it loads the stacked trays 80 into the holding section 12 of the tray feeder 10 all at once. At this time, the work support function of the transport cart 20 stabilizes the stacked state of the multiple trays 80 and prevents parts from scattering from the top tray 80. Details of the work support function of the transport cart 20 will be described later. After the work of replenishing the multiple trays 80 as described above is completed, the transport cart 20 detaches from the tray feeder 10 by the operation of the automatic travel device 52.

[0024] The feeder control device 17 receives a parts supply command from the parts mounting machine 90. The reading unit 16 reads the identification code 83 of the bottom tray 80 and outputs the acquired tray ID to the feeder control device 17. The feeder control device 17 compares the parts supply command with the tray ID to determine whether the bottom tray 80 is suitable. The feeder control device 17 controls the holding unit 12 and the transfer unit 13 to detach the bottom tray 80.

[0025] The bottom tray 80 is separated from the other trays 80 and supported by the upper engaging portion of the transfer section 13, becoming the tray 80S for use. As shown in Figure 2, the feeder control device 17 controls the transport section 14 to transport the tray 80S for use to the parts supply position 91. In the holding section 12, all remaining trays 80 descend. As a result, the tray 80 that was initially the second from the bottom descends and becomes the bottom tray 80.

[0026] The component mounting machine 90 picks up components at the component supply position 91 and performs the mounting process. In other words, the tray feeder 10 supplies components from the tray 80S in use at the component supply position 91. When the tray 80S in use runs out of components, or when the current mounting process is completed and production of the next product board is started, even if there are still components remaining in the tray 80S, the tray 80S in use becomes a used tray 80U.

[0027] The feeder control device 17 controls the transport unit 14 and the transfer unit 13 to support the used tray 80U on the lower engaging part of the transfer unit 13. Furthermore, the feeder control device 17 controls the recovery unit 15 to move the used tray 80U from the transfer unit 13 and recover it. After this, the recovery unit 15 holds the used tray 80U in preparation for the next recovery operation.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple used trays 80U held in a stacked state in the collection unit 15 are pulled out from the tray feeder 10 onto the transport trolley 20 for collection. The transport trolley 20 is moved to a predetermined parking area by an automatic driving device 52, and the multiple used trays 80U that it contained are removed by an operator. The above-described operation of collecting multiple trays 80 may be performed in conjunction with the operation of replenishing the tray feeder 10 with multiple trays 80 to be used, or it may be performed at different times.

[0029] 4. In order to continue the assembly process by the component mounting machine 90 on the transport trolley 20, it is necessary to periodically replenish the trays 80 to the tray feeder 10 and to collect the trays 80 from the tray feeder 10. Efficiently performing the replenishment and collection of multiple stacked trays 80 is useful from the standpoint of maintaining production efficiency. Therefore, the transport trolley 20 of this embodiment is configured to have work support functions for the replenishment and collection of multiple trays 80.

[0030] 4-1. Mounting section 21, holding device 30 As shown in Figure 3, the transport trolley 20 comprises a mounting section 21, a holding device 30, and a moving device 22. The mounting section 21 is on which a plurality of trays 80 are placed in a stacked state. In detail, the mounting section 21 is a plate-shaped member with an outer diameter dimension approximately the same as that of the trays 80 when viewed from above. The holding device 30 targets the plurality of trays 80 placed on the mounting section 21 and holds the plurality of trays 80 in a stacked state by lifting the plurality of trays 80. The holding device 30 includes a clamper 37 that holds the plurality of trays 80 by clamping them in the stacking direction between itself and a plate 31. The clamper 37 engages with both side edges of the tray 80 located in the lowest layer of the plurality of trays 80 placed on the mounting section 21.

[0031] 4-2. Moving device 22 The moving device 22 moves the multiple trays 80 held by the holding device 30 up and down and in the forward and backward directions relative to the mounting section 21. The moving device 22 is housed in the case 25 of the transport trolley 20 and has a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the holding device 30, and a linear motion mechanism (not shown) for moving in the forward and backward directions. As a result, the transport trolley 20 can lift the multiple trays 80 placed on the mounting section 21 while they are held by the holding device 30, and further move the holding device 30 toward the holding section 12 side of the tray feeder 10.

[0032] 4-3. Recovery Base 23 The transport trolley 20 comprises a recovery base 23, a case 25, an input door 26, and a recovery door 27. The recovery base 23 has an upper surface at the same height as the upper surface of the recovery section 15 of the tray feeder 10, and as shown in Figure 5, it holds a plurality of stacked trays 80 so that they can slide in the front-rear direction. The case 25 is formed in a rectangular shape overall and houses the mounting section 21, the holding device 30, the moving device 22, the recovery base 23, and the drawer device 40 (described later).

[0033] 4-4. Case 25, Input Door 26, and Collection Door 27 The case 25 has an opening on one side in the front-to-back direction (the front side in this embodiment) into which multiple trays 80 are inserted. The case 25 is provided with an input door 26 that closes the input opening when closed. The case 25 also has an opening on one side in the front-to-back direction (the front side in this embodiment) into which used trays 80U are removed. The case 25 is provided with a collection door 27 that closes the removal opening when closed.

[0034] 4-5. Pull-out device 40 As shown in Figure 5, the pull-out device 40 is positioned so that the collection base 23 is aligned in the front-to-back direction with respect to the collection section 15 of the tray feeder 10, and pulls out and moves the multiple trays 80 held in the collection section 15 toward the collection base 23. The pull-out device 40 is configured to pull out the multiple trays 80 by engaging a pull-out claw (not shown) with the bottom surface of the tray 80 located at the bottom of the multiple trays 80 held in the collection section 15 and moving the pull-out claw in the front-to-back direction.

[0035] The locking and unlocking states of the pull-out claws relative to the tray 80 are controlled by a switching device (not shown). The switching device includes, for example, an operating mechanism driven based on an external command and an operating mechanism linked to the opening and closing operation of the recovery door 27, and these operating mechanisms switch the locking and unlocking states of the pull-out claws. The pull-out claws are also configured to be movable in the front-rear direction by a linear motion mechanism that can employ a belt drive or a shuttle transport mechanism using a linear motor, or a ball screw mechanism, etc.

[0036] 4-6. Identification Code 28, Trolley Control Device 29 An identification code 28, which indicates a trolley ID that is unique to each of the multiple transport trolleys 20, is attached to a predetermined position on the transport trolley 20. For example, a barcode, 2D code, RFID, etc., can be applied to the identification code 28.

[0037] The trolley control device 29 is configured using a computer that includes a CPU, an input / output unit, a communication unit, and a memory unit. The trolley control device 29 is configured to communicate with the connected automatic traction device 52 and sends out its own trolley ID. The trolley control device 29 may also be configured to communicate with a host computer 51, which is a higher-level device. Based on the detection results from various sensors, the trolley control device 29 operates the moving device 22, the pulling device 40, and the like.

[0038] 5. Work support using the transport trolley 20 5-1. Replenishing trays 80 This section describes the case in which the transport trolley 20 supports the work of replenishing trays 80 to the tray feeder 10 located on the production line. As shown in Figure 7, multiple stacked trays 80 are loaded onto the transport trolley 20 while it is parked in the parking area. In detail, the worker opens the input door 26 and pushes the multiple trays 80 into the case 25. As a result, the multiple stacked trays 80 are placed on the mounting section 21.

[0039] Next, the worker holds the multiple trays 80 in a stacking direction by clamping them between the plate 31 and the clamper 37 of the holding device 30. The worker closes the input door 26, completing the work in the setup area and parking area. After that, when a departure command is sent to move the transport trolley 20 to the predetermined tray feeder 10 at a predetermined timing, the automatic travel device 52 connects to the transport trolley 20 and moves the transport trolley 20. Details of the operation of the transport trolley 20, including the sending of the departure command, will be described later.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, after arriving at a predetermined tray feeder 10, the transport trolley 20 performs a batch loading process (movement process, transfer process) of stacked trays 80. The transport trolley 20 is first positioned so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction with respect to the holding section 12, and then performs a movement process in which the multiple trays 80 held by the holding device 30 are moved from the mounting section 21 to the holding section 12 by the moving device 22.

[0041] Next, the transport cart 20 performs a transfer process in which it transfers multiple trays 80 by releasing the holding device 30. Through this series of operations, multiple trays 80 are replenished to the tray feeder 10. After that, the transport cart 20 detaches from the tray feeder 10 by the operation of the automatic driving device 52 and moves to a designated parking area.

[0042] 5-2. Tray 80 Recovery Operation This section describes a case where the transport cart 20 assists in the recovery of trays 80 from tray feeders 10 located on the production line. The recovery operation may be performed in conjunction with the replenishment operation described above, or it may be performed at a different time from the replenishment operation, such as when a certain amount of used trays 80U have accumulated. In either case, the transport cart 20 is moved to the designated tray feeder 10 by the automatic travel device 52 and positioned in front of the tray feeder 10, similar to the replenishment operation.

[0043] In a state where the collection base 23 is positioned on the front side of the collection section 15 of the tray feeder 10, the pull-out device 40 moves the pull-out claws to the front side in a state where the pull-out claws are locked to the lower surfaces of the plurality of used trays 80U. Accordingly, the plurality of stacked used trays 80U slide on the upper surface of the collection base 23 and are pulled out from the collection door 27 to a position where they can be taken out. Thereafter, the transport carriage 20 is separated from the tray feeder 10 by the operation of the automatic traveling device 52 and moved to a predetermined parking area.

[0044] An operator opens the collection door 27 provided on the case 25 of the transport carriage 20 parked in the predetermined parking area. Then, in conjunction with the opening operation of the collection door 27, the pull-out claws of the pull-out device 40 are released, and the operator takes out the plurality of stacked trays 80 from the transport carriage 20. The operator moves the plurality of trays 80 to, for example, a setup area. Each of the plurality of trays 80 can be reused by accommodating components in the plurality of cavities 81 thereof.

[0045] 6. Configuration of Production Management Device 60 According to the production system Sy exemplified above, by using the transport carriage 20, at least a part of the supply work and collection work of the trays 80 to and from the tray feeder 10 can be automated. In such a production system Sy, it is desirable that the supply work and collection work are executed at more appropriate timings in accordance with the progress of production in the production area Rp, the progress of setup work in the setup area Rt, and the like. Therefore, the production management device 60 of the present embodiment is based on the premise that it is applied to the production system Sy as described above, and adopts a configuration that can improve the operation efficiency related to transport carriages.

[0046] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the production system Sy includes a plurality of tray feeders 10, a plurality of transport carriages 20, and a plurality of parking areas Rk serving as standby locations for the plurality of transport carriages 20. As shown in FIG. 7 for example, the parking areas Rk include a first parking area Rk1, a second parking area Rk2, and a third parking area Rk3. An identification label 95 is attached to each parking area Rk. The identification label 95 indicates a parking ID, which is unique identification information for each of the plurality of parking areas Rk. For example, a barcode, two-dimensional code, RFID or the like can be applied to the identification label 95.

[0047] The plurality of parking areas Rk are arrival and departure places for the transport carriages 20, and are areas where coupling and uncoupling between the transport carriages 20 and automatic traveling devices 52 are performed. The automatic traveling device 52 can acquire the carriage ID of the transport carriage 20 when coupled to the transport carriage 20. The automatic traveling device 52 may acquire the carriage ID through communication with a carriage control device 29, or may acquire the carriage ID by reading an identification code 28 attached to the transport carriage 20. The automatic traveling device 52 is configured to be capable of communicating various types of information such as the carriage ID with a host computer 51, which is a host device.

[0048] When a departure command is transmitted, the transport carriage 20 is moved from the parking area Rk to a predetermined tray feeder 10 that is a transport target of trays 80, driven by a coupled automatic traveling device 52 or pushed manually by an operator. After the transport carriage 20 completes the supply work or collection work of trays 80 at the predetermined tray feeder 10, it is moved to the predetermined parking area Rk and placed in a state of waiting for work support from the next time onward. As shown in FIG. 8, the production management device 60 includes a storage unit 61 and a command unit 62. In the present embodiment, the production management device 60 is incorporated in the host computer 51.

[0049] 6-1. Storage Unit 61 The storage unit 61 stores various types of information. In this embodiment, the various types of information include production plan M1, product information M2, mounting information M3, and trolley information M4. As shown in Figure 9, the production plan M1 indicates the types of product substrates to be produced by the production line Ln, which is composed of multiple component mounting machines 90 and produces product substrates (product types: U1, U2, U3, ...), the target production quantity (T1, T2, T3, ...), and the production order. Product information M2 indicates the types of components (Pa, Pb, Pc, ...) required for each type of product substrate (product types: U1, U2, U3, ...). Product information M2 indicates the number of components (required number) consumed when producing one predetermined type of product substrate for each component type.

[0050] The mounting information M3 indicates the required time (RT1, RT2, RT3, ...) for the mounting process (job name: Job1, Job2, Job3, ...) performed by the component mounting machine 90. More specifically, when producing a predetermined type of product substrate on a predetermined production line Ln, the sum of the required time for the mounting process handled by each of the multiple component mounting machines 90 constituting the production line Ln is taken as the required time for the mounting process to produce the predetermined type of product substrate.

[0051] The trolley information M4 is information that associates the trolley ID, which is the identification information of the transport trolley 20, with the tray ID, which is the individual identification information of the multiple trays 80 stacked on the transport trolley 20. The storage unit 61 updates the trolley information M4 at various timings as follows. In the tray replenishment operation, the operation of loading multiple trays 80 in a stacked state onto the transport trolley 20 is included. At this time, the worker reads the identification code 28 attached to the transport trolley 20 and the identification codes 83 attached to the multiple trays 80 during the operation of loading the trays 80. The storage unit 61 associates the read trolley ID with the multiple tray IDs and updates the trolley information M4.

[0052] Furthermore, the storage unit 61 updates the trolley information M4 when the transport trolley 20 assists in replenishment work. Specifically, when the transport trolley 20 moves to the tray feeder 10 and then replenishes multiple stacked trays 80 to the holding unit 12 all at once, the storage unit 61 disassociates the trolley ID of the transport trolley 20 from the tray IDs of the multiple trays 80 and updates the trolley information M4. This indicates that the mounting unit 21 of the transport trolley 20 does not hold any trays 80.

[0053] Furthermore, the storage unit 61 updates the trolley information M4 when the transport trolley 20 assists in the retrieval operation. Specifically, when the transport trolley 20 has replenished multiple trays 80 and then retrieves a used tray 80U from the retrieval unit 15, the storage unit 61 associates the trolley ID of the transport trolley 20 with the tray ID of the used tray 80U and updates the trolley information M4. This indicates that a used tray 80 is being held in the retrieval base 23 of the transport trolley 20.

[0054] Furthermore, when the transport cart 20 is moved to the parking area Rk and a used tray 80U is removed from the collection base 23 by an operator, the storage unit 61 resolves the association between the cart ID of the transport cart 20 and the tray ID of the used tray 80U, and updates the cart information M4. This indicates that the collection base 23 of the transport cart 20 does not hold a tray 80.

[0055] Furthermore, the trolley information M4 includes whether or not the transport trolley 20 corresponding to the trolley ID is waiting in the parking area Rk, and if it is waiting, the parking ID, which is the identification information of the parking area Rk. In other words, if the parking ID is recorded, it is assumed that the transport trolley 20 is waiting in the designated parking area Rk, and if the parking ID is not recorded, it is assumed that it is assisting with replenishment or retrieval work, or is in motion.

[0056] For example, when the automatic driving device 52 moves the transport cart 20 to a predetermined parking area Rk and then departs from the transport cart 20, the storage unit 61 associates the cart ID of the transport cart 20 with the parking ID of the parking area Rk and updates the cart information M4. Also, when the automatic driving device 52 starts the transport cart 20 to move away from the predetermined parking area Rk, the storage unit 61 disassociates the cart ID of the transport cart 20 with the parking ID of the parking area Rk and updates the cart information M4.

[0057] 6-2. Command Unit 62 The command unit 62 sends a departure command to move the transport trolley 20 to a predetermined tray feeder 10 based on the trolley information M4 and predetermined transport conditions 70. In this embodiment, the command unit 62 sends a departure command that includes the trolley ID. The automatic driving device 52 then identifies a parking area Rk where the transport trolley 20 corresponding to the trolley ID is waiting, based on the trolley information M4, and connects to the transport trolley 20 by moving to the parking area Rk.

[0058] When a transport trolley 20 is connected to a transport trolley 20 that is the target of a departure command, the trolley ID of the transport trolley 20 is acquired by communication with the trolley control device 29 or by reading the identification code 28, and sent to the production management device 60. The command unit 62 determines whether the transport trolley 20 is correct by comparing the trolley ID included in the departure command with the trolley ID acquired by the automatic driving device 52. This prevents the transport trolley 20 from being departed if a transport trolley 20 different from the trolley information M4 is waiting in the predetermined parking area Rk.

[0059] Here, the above transport condition 70 includes an estimated time 71 until a parts shortage occurs, which is calculated for each of the multiple tray feeders 10. This estimated time 71 is calculated based on the production plan M1, product information M2, mounting information M3, and the progress of production by the parts mounting machine 90. For example, the number of product boards that can be produced (production capacity) is calculated based on the number of parts that the tray feeder 10 can supply, based on the production plan M1 and product information M2. Then, the time required to perform mounting processing for the production capacity is calculated based on the mounting information M3 and the progress of production. This time required corresponds to the estimated time 71 until a parts shortage occurs.

[0060] Furthermore, in the production of product substrates, production may be delayed due to unforeseen errors as initially planned. Also, considering the frequency of component replenishment at the production facility, the timing of replenishment requests, and the differences in the travel distance of the transport cart 20 between areas, the appropriate timing for departing the transport cart 20 will vary. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transport condition 70 includes at least one of the following: whether or not an error occurs in the component mounting machine 90 72, the time required for the transport cart 20 to move 73, and the time required for the operation of supplying multiple stacked trays 80 from the transport cart 20 to the tray feeder 10 74.

[0061] For example, if multiple transport carts 20 are scheduled to depart sequentially, an error may occur in the parts mounting machine 90 on which the tray feeder 10 to be transported is installed, causing a temporary interruption in production. In such cases, priority is given to the departure of the transport carts 20 that are transporting tray feeders 10 installed in the parts mounting machine 90 that has not experienced an error. This enables efficient support for replenishment work. Furthermore, by taking into account the travel time 73 corresponding to the distance traveled by the transport cart 20, it is possible to prevent parts from running out. This travel time 73 may include a buffer, for example, time to move away from obstacles during movement.

[0062] Furthermore, even if the transport cart 20 arrives at the tray feeder 10, there is a time required before the tray feeder 10 is actually ready to supply parts. By taking into account the time required for replenishment work 74, it is possible to prevent parts from running out. This time required for replenishment work 74 may include not only the time it takes for the transport cart 20 to transfer the stacked trays 80 from the mounting section 21 to the holding section 12 of the tray feeder 10, but also the time it takes for the tray feeder 10 to read the identification code 83 of the tray 80 and transport the tray 80S to the parts supply position 91. In this way, the command unit 62 can dispatch a predetermined transport cart 20 at an appropriate timing based on the transport conditions 70, which include the current production status and production schedule.

[0063] 7. Production Management Processing by Production Management Device 60 The production management device 60 performs production management processing as shown in Figure 10 during the production of product substrates in the production system Sy. Specifically, the production management device 60 generates a transport schedule (S11) based on various information M1-M4 and the number of remaining parts in the multiple tray feeders 10. This determines, if the production of product substrates proceeds as planned, which transport trolley 20 to load the multiple trays 80 onto and when to depart the prepared transport trolley 20.

[0064] When the setup work is performed at a predetermined timing and multiple trays 80 are loaded onto the transport trolley 20, the storage unit 61 updates the trolley information M4 by associating the tray ID for each of the multiple trays 80 with the trolley ID. Based on the trolley information M4 and the transport conditions 70, the command unit 62 sends a departure command including the trolley ID when the transport trolley 20 has reached the departure timing (S12: Yes) (S13). Based on the trolley information M4, the automatic driving device 52 identifies the parking area Rk where the target transport trolley 20 is waiting, moves to the target transport trolley 20, and connects to it (S14). The command unit 62 compares the trolley ID included in the sent departure command with the trolley ID acquired by the automatic driving device 52 connected to the transport trolley 20, and determines whether the transport trolley 20 is correct (S15).

[0065] The command unit 62 executes error processing (S16) if the verified trolley ID does not match and the transport trolley 20 is unsuitable for transporting the tray 80 (S15: No). Error processing includes, for example, notifying the operator that the transport trolley 20 recorded in the trolley information M4 as waiting in a predetermined parking area Rk is different from the transport trolley 20 that is actually waiting. As a result, the operator takes appropriate action according to the situation, the trolley information M4 is corrected, and the production management process is resumed.

[0066] If the verified trolley ID matches and it is appropriate for the transport trolley 20 to transport the tray 80 (S15: Yes), the command unit 62 authorizes the automatic travel device 52 to move the transport trolley 20. As a result, the automatic travel device 52 moves the transport trolley 20 from the parking area Rk to the tray feeder 10 which is the object to be transported (S17). When the production management device 60 is notified that the transport trolley 20 has departed from the parking area Rk, the storage unit 61 resolves the association between the trolley ID and the parking ID and updates the trolley information M4.

[0067] The transport cart 20 replenishes the tray feeder 10 with stacked trays 80 (S18), and also collects used trays 80U as needed. When the production management device 60 is notified that the replenishment and collection operations have been performed, the storage unit 61 resolves the association between the cart ID and the tray ID of the replenishment tray 80, and associates the tray ID of the used tray 80U with the cart ID, updating the cart information M4. After that, the transport cart 20 is moved to an empty parking area Rk by the automatic driving device 52 and put into a standby state (S19). The automatic driving device 52 detaches from the transport cart 20.

[0068] When the production management device 60 is notified that the transport cart 20 has been parked in a designated parking area Rk, the storage unit 61 associates the parking ID with the cart ID and updates the cart information M4. Subsequently, when the production management device 60 is notified that a used tray 80U has been removed from the transport cart 20 by an operator, the storage unit 61 disassociates the cart ID from the tray ID of the used tray 80U and updates the cart information M4.

[0069] 8. Effects of the Embodiment Configuration According to the embodiment configuration, multiple stacked trays 80 and the transport trolley 20 are managed, and a departure command for the transport trolley 20 is sent at an appropriate timing, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the transport trolley 20.

[0070] 9. Modified Embodiment In this embodiment, the transport condition 70 includes an estimated time 71 until a parts shortage occurs, which is calculated for each tray feeder 10. Here, the parts mounting machine 90 may be equipped with multiple tray feeders 10 capable of supplying the same type of parts. In this production configuration, even if a parts shortage occurs in the first tray feeder 10, production can continue by supplying parts from the second tray feeder 10.

[0071] Therefore, in the production configuration described above, the time when trays 80 must be replenished to the first tray feeder 10 is until a parts shortage occurs in the second tray feeder 10. Accordingly, the command unit 62 may take into account the number of tray feeders 10 installed in the parts mounting machine 90 and control the timing of sending the departure command by taking into account the estimated time 71 until an actual parts shortage occurs (in the above example, this corresponds to the time until both the first and second tray feeders 10 run out of parts). This further improves the operational efficiency of the transport trolley 20.

[0072] In this embodiment, the production management device 60 is integrated into the host computer 51. However, in this embodiment, part or all of the production management device 60 may be integrated into an external device of the host computer 51 (for example, a line management device 53, a parts mounting machine 90, a dedicated server, etc.). The same effects as in this embodiment can be achieved with this configuration as well.

[0073] 10: Tray feeder, 20: Transport cart, 28: Identification code (of the transport cart), 51: Host computer, 52: Automatic driving device, 53: Line management device, 55: Identification code (of the parking area), 60: Production management device, 61: Memory unit, 62: Command unit, 70: Transport conditions, 71: Estimated time, 72: Whether or not an error occurred, 73: Time required (for the movement of the transport cart), 74: Time required (for replenishment work), 80: Tray, 80S: Used tray, 80U: Used tray, 81: Cavity, 82: Protruding part, 83: Identification code (of the tray), 85: Parts, 90: Parts mounting machine, 91: Parts supply location, 95: Identification label, Sy: Production system, Rt: Setup area, Rk: Parking area, Rp: Production area, Rs: Storage area, M1: Production plan, M2: Product information, M3: Installation information, M4: Trolley information

Claims

1. A production management device applicable to a production system including a tray feeder for supplying parts contained in trays, a parts mounting machine for mounting the parts supplied by the tray feeder onto a circuit board, and a transport trolley for transporting a plurality of trays between a setup area where the trays are stacked and the tray feeder, comprising: a storage unit for storing trolley information that associates a trolley ID, which is the identification information of the transport trolley, with tray IDs, which are the individual identification information of the plurality of trays stacked on the transport trolley; and a command unit for sending a departure command to move the transport trolley to a predetermined tray feeder based on the trolley information and predetermined transport conditions.

2. The production management device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of loading a plurality of trays in a stacked state onto the transport trolley includes the operation of reading an identification code attached to the transport trolley indicating the trolley ID and an identification code attached to the plurality of trays indicating each tray ID, and the storage unit updates the trolley information by associating the read trolley ID with the plurality of tray IDs.

3. The production system includes a plurality of tray feeders, a plurality of transport carts, and a plurality of parking areas as waiting areas for the plurality of transport carts, wherein the cart information includes whether or not the transport cart corresponding to the cart ID is waiting in the parking area, and if it is waiting, the parking ID is the identification information of the parking area.

4. The production management device according to claim 3, wherein the transport trolley is connected to an automatic driving device and moves between the parking area and the tray feeder to be transported, the command unit sends out a departure command including the trolley ID, and the automatic driving device identifies the parking area where the transport trolley corresponding to the trolley ID is waiting based on the trolley information, and moves to the parking area and connects to the transport trolley.

5. The production management device according to claim 4, wherein the automatic driving device acquires the cart ID of the transport cart when it is connected to the transport cart, and the command unit determines whether the transport cart is correct by comparing the cart ID included in the departure command with the cart ID acquired by the automatic driving device.

6. The production management device according to claim 4, wherein when the automatic driving device moves the transport trolley to a predetermined parking area and detaches from the transport trolley, the storage unit updates the trolley information by associating the trolley ID of the transport trolley with the parking ID of the parking area.

7. The production management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit stores a production plan indicating the target production number and production order of multiple types of product substrates, product information indicating the type and number of components required for production for each of the multiple types of product substrates, and mounting information indicating the time required for the mounting process in which the component mounting machine mounts the components onto one substrate, and the transport conditions include an estimated time until a component shortage occurs in the tray feeder, calculated based on the production plan, the product information, the mounting information, and the progress of production by the component mounting machine.

8. The production control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport conditions include at least one of the presence or absence of an error in the parts mounting machine, the time required for the transport trolley to move, and the time required for the operation of supplying the stacked trays from the transport trolley to the tray feeder.

9. The production management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tray feeder includes a holding section for holding a plurality of trays in a stacked state, and the storage section, when the transport trolley moves to the tray feeder and the plurality of stacked trays are supplied to the holding section all at once, resolves the association between the trolley ID of the transport trolley and the tray IDs of the plurality of trays and updates the trolley information.

10. The production management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tray feeder comprises a transport unit that transports one of a plurality of trays to a predetermined parts supply position in the parts mounting machine, and a recovery unit that collects used trays and holds them in a stacked state, and the storage unit updates the trolley information by associating the trolley ID of the transport trolley with the tray ID of the used tray when the transport trolley has replenished a plurality of trays and has collected used trays from the recovery unit.

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