JP7758638B2 - Splicing work allocation device, component mounting system, splicing work allocation method, and splicing work allocation program - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a splicing task allocation device, a component mounting system, a splicing task allocation method, and a splicing task allocation program that allocate component tape splicing tasks to operators of a surface mounter that mounts components supplied by component tapes holding components onto a board.

Conventionally, in surface mount machines that mount components supplied by component tapes onto a board, when the number of components remaining on a component tape becomes low, a splicing operation is performed in which the rear end of the component tape is joined to the front end of another component tape holding the same type of components as the component tape.

Conventionally, a work schedule is created for operators who perform splicing work (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the work management device described in Patent Document 1 predicts work to be performed in a predetermined period based on board production information and determines the scheduled start time for the predicted work based on the work proficiency. The document describes component supply (splicing) as an example of work.
The document also describes that for each task, work instructions are sent to the mobile terminal of the worker assigned to that task 10 minutes (an example of a predetermined time) before the scheduled start time of that task.

JP 2020-35808 A (paragraph 0063)

If parts run out frequently or other tasks are concentrated, the splicing work may not be completed in time, which may cause the mounting operation of the surface mounter to stop. This issue was not fully considered in the work management device described in Patent Document 1.
This specification discloses a technique for preventing splicing work from being delayed in a situation where parts are frequently out of stock or other work is concentrated.

An allocation device that assigns component tape splicing work to operators of a surface mount machine that mounts components supplied by component tapes holding components onto a board includes a memory unit that stores information for predicting when a component tape will run out, and a control unit. The control unit performs a prediction process based on the information to predict which multiple component tapes will run out of components within a certain period of time, and an allocation process that assigns splicing work for each component tape predicted by the prediction process to one operator so that multiple tasks do not overlap at the same time. In the allocation process, splicing work is assigned in order of component tapes with the latest predicted component run-out times, so that splicing work begins first for component tapes with earlier predicted component run-out times.

The above configuration can prevent splicing work from being completed in time in situations where parts frequently run out or other work is concentrated.

Schematic diagram of a component mounting system according to the first embodiment. Top view of surface mounter Perspective view of component tape Block diagram of the electrical configuration of the production management PC Schematic diagram to explain allocation of splicing work Schematic diagram to explain allocation of splicing work Flowchart of splicing job allocation process FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of board data according to a second embodiment; Schematic diagram showing an example of board data Flowchart of splicing job allocation process Flowchart of splicing job allocation process Flowchart of splicing job allocation process Schematic diagram showing a production plan according to a third embodiment. Schematic diagram showing production plans FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the issuance of an alert for out-of-parts according to a comparative example.

(Outline of this embodiment)
(1) A splicing task allocation device according to an embodiment allocates component tape splicing tasks to operators of a surface mount machine that mounts components supplied by component tapes holding components onto a board. The device includes a memory unit that stores information for predicting when a component tape will run out of components, and a control unit. The control unit performs a prediction process that predicts, based on the information, which of multiple component tapes will run out of components within a certain period of time, and an allocation process that allocates splicing tasks for each component tape predicted by the prediction process to one operator so that multiple tasks do not overlap at the same time. In the allocation process, the splicing tasks are allocated in order of the component tapes with the latest predicted component out-of-time, so that the component tapes with the earlier predicted component out-of-time will have their splicing tasks started first.

A conventional method for issuing a component shortage alert will be described with reference to a comparative example shown in Figure 14. In Figure 14, time T3 is the predicted time of component shortage for the component tape of component Ea (hereinafter simply referred to as component Ea), and time T4 is the predicted time of component shortage for the component tape of component Eb (hereinafter simply referred to as component Eb). In Figure 14, "other task time" refers to time allocated to tasks other than splicing. In the example shown in Figure 14, component shortages occur for components Ea and Eb during "other task time."
In the comparative example, an out-of-stock alert is simply issued for each part a predetermined time before the predicted out-of-stock time for that part. In other words, in the comparative example, when issuing an out-of-stock alert for a certain part, the work time for splicing work for other parts is not taken into consideration.

Specifically, in the comparative example, an alert for part Ea being out of stock is issued at time T1, a predetermined time before the predicted time of part Ea being out of stock. Time T1 is determined without considering the splicing work time for part Eb. Then, an alert for part Eb being out of stock is issued at time T2, a predetermined time before the predicted time of part Eb being out of stock. The alert for part Eb being out of stock is also issued without considering the splicing work time for part Ea. For this reason, after the alert for part Ea being out of stock is issued, another alert for part Eb being out of stock is issued at a relatively short time interval.
When an alert for component Ea is issued at time T1, the operator performs the splicing work for component Ea. In the example shown in Figure 14, another task is assigned immediately after the splicing work for component Ea, so the operator cannot perform the splicing work for component Eb before the other task. As a result, the splicing work for component Eb cannot be completed in time, and the mounting operation of the surface mounter is halted.

The allocation device described in (1) above assigns splicing work for component tapes predicted by the prediction process to a single operator so that multiple splicing work does not overlap at the same time. In this case, the allocation device described in (1) above assigns splicing work in the order of component tapes with the latest predicted component run-out times, so that the component tapes with the earliest predicted component run-out times are spliced first. This increases the likelihood that splicing work can be completed before any component tape runs out. This prevents splicing work from being completed in time in situations where component run-outs occur frequently or other work is concentrated. This prevents mounting operations from being stopped due to component run-outs.

(2) The control unit may execute an issuance process to issue an alert for a component shortage a predetermined time before the scheduled start time of the assigned splicing work.

The allocation device described in (2) above allocates splicing work so that multiple work tasks do not overlap at the same time. Therefore, the work time for each splicing work is taken into consideration when allocating work. Therefore, by issuing an alert a predetermined time before the scheduled start time of the splicing work, the alert can be issued taking into account the work time for each splicing work.

(3) If a splicing task that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs during the assignment process, the control unit may assign the splicing task that cannot be assigned to another operator.

In situations where component shortages occur frequently or other tasks are concentrated, it may not be possible to assign the splicing work for all component tapes that are predicted to run out to a single operator.
According to the allocation device described in (3) above, if a splicing job that cannot be assigned to one operator occurs, the unassigned splicing job is assigned to another operator, thereby preventing the splicing job from being completed in time in situations where parts are frequently out of stock or other jobs are concentrated.

(4) The surface mounter mounts components on a board based on board data indicating the components to be mounted on the board and the component tape that supplies the components. When a splicing job that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs in the allocation process, the control unit executes a first creation process to create board data for at least one of the component tapes for which a splicing job cannot be assigned, in which at least one component tape is replaced with components supplied by another component tape that holds the same type of components as the component tape. If the remaining number of components on the at least one component tape falls below a predetermined number, the control unit re-executes the allocation process assuming that the board data created in the first creation process will be temporarily switched to and components will be mounted on the board. If, as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it is possible to assign splicing jobs for all component tapes, the production plan of the surface mounter may be changed to a production plan that temporarily switches to the board data created in the first creation process when the remaining number of components on the at least one component tape falls below a predetermined number.

If the number of remaining components on a component tape to which a splicing job cannot be assigned falls below a predetermined number, switching to board data created in the first creation process will allow the supply of components to continue using another component tape holding the same type of components, thereby delaying the deadline for the splicing job on the component tape to which a splicing job cannot be assigned. The deadline is the time at which the mounting operation of the surface mounter will stop if the splicing job is not completed by that time. Delaying the deadline allows multiple splicing jobs to be distributed, making it possible to assign all splicing jobs in more situations. This can prevent splicing jobs from being completed in time in situations where components frequently run out or other jobs are concentrated.

(5) If a splicing job that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs in the allocation process, the control unit may execute a second creation process to create a production plan by staggering the production start times of multiple production lines each having the surface mount machine, and re-execute the allocation process assuming that boards will be produced according to the production plan created in the second creation process. If, as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it is possible to assign splicing jobs for all component tapes, the production plan for the surface mount machine may be changed to the production plan created in the second creation process.

The allocation device described in (5) above allows multiple splicing operations to be distributed by staggering the production start times of multiple production lines, making it possible to allocate all splicing operations in a wider range of situations. This prevents splicing operations from being delayed in times of frequent parts shortages or when other operations are concentrated.

(6) If a splicing job that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs in the allocation process, the control unit may execute a third creation process to create a production plan that rearranges the production order of the boards, and re-execute the allocation process assuming that the boards will be produced according to the production plan created in the third creation process. If, as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it is possible to assign splicing jobs for all component tapes, the production plan of the surface mount machine may be changed to the production plan created in the third creation process.

The allocation device described in (6) above allows multiple splicing operations to be distributed by rearranging the production order of boards, making it possible to allocate all splicing operations in a wider range of situations. This prevents splicing operations from being delayed in times of frequent component shortages or when other operations are concentrated.

(7) A memory unit may be provided, and the control unit may store the actual work time of the splicing work for each operator in the memory unit, and determine the predicted work time of the splicing work based on the actual work time stored for each operator.

The allocation device described in (7) above determines the predicted work time for splicing work based on the actual work time for each operator, thereby responding to changes in operator proficiency and individual differences.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
The present disclosure will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.
The embodiments of the present disclosure can be realized in various forms, such as an apparatus, a method, a computer program for realizing the functions of these apparatuses or methods, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

<Embodiment 1>
The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the following description, the reference numerals of the drawings may be omitted for the same components, with some exceptions.

(1) Component Mounting System A component mounting system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The component mounting system 1 is a system that mounts components such as electronic components on a board on which a circuit pattern is printed.
The component mounting system 1 includes one or more production lines L (L1, L2, L3), a production management PC (personal computer) 2, and one or more operator terminals 3. The production management PC 2 is an example of an allocation device and a computer. These devices are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 4. The operator terminal 3 is connected to the communication network 4 wirelessly.

Operators 5 (5A, 5B) are workers who perform tasks that occur on production line L (such as splicing and error handling). Operators 5 carry operator terminals 3. In embodiment 1, operator 5A (an example of one operator) is in charge of tasks on production line L1, and operator 5B (another example of an operator) is in charge of tasks on production line L2.

(1-1) Production Line Each production line L is equipped with one or more surface mounters 6. In addition to the surface mounters 6, the production line L is also equipped with other devices that perform work on the substrates P (loaders, screen printers, print inspection machines, dispensers, post-mounting appearance inspection machines, reflow machines, post-curing appearance inspection machines, unloaders, etc.), but these other devices are omitted from Figure 1.

The surface mounter 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The surface mounter 6 is a device that mounts components E on a substrate P. The surface mounter 6 includes a stand 10, a transport conveyor 11, four component supply devices 12, a head unit 13, a head moving unit 14, a control unit, and an operation unit.
The stand 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view and a flat top surface. The area A indicated by the two-dot dashed line in Fig. 2 is a work position (hereinafter referred to as work position A) where the board P is fixed when components E are mounted on the board P. Below the work position A, a backup device (not shown) is disposed to fix the board P transported to the work position A. The backup device has a plurality of backup pins that support the board P from below.

The transport conveyor 11 is a device that transports the board P. The transport conveyor 11 is equipped with a pair of transport belts 15 (front transport belt 15A and rear transport belt 15B) that move in a circular motion in the X direction, multiple rollers around which the transport belts 15 are wrapped, and a conveyor drive motor that drives the transport belts 15. The transport conveyor 11 transports the board P that has been transported from the upstream side to work position A, and transports the board P with components E mounted at work position A downstream.

The component supply devices 12 are arranged in four locations, two on each side in the X direction on both sides of the surface mounter 6 in the Y direction. A number of tape feeders 16 are attached to the component supply devices 12 and aligned horizontally in the X direction. Each tape feeder 16 is equipped with a reel around which component tape 17 (see Figure 3) holding components E is wound, and an electric feeding device that unwinds the component tape 17 from the reel, and supplies components E one by one from a component supply position located at the end of the transport conveyor 11. Component tape 17 will be described later.

The head unit 13 is equipped with multiple mounting heads 18 that pick up and release components E, a Z-axis servo motor that raises and lowers these mounting heads 18 individually, and an R-axis servo motor that rotates these mounting heads 18 all at once around their axes. The head unit 13 in embodiment 1 is a so-called inline type, with multiple mounting heads 18 lined up in the X direction. The head unit 13 may also be a so-called rotary head in which multiple mounting heads 18 are arranged on a circumference.

The head movement unit 14 is a mechanism that moves the head unit 13 in the X and Y directions within a predetermined movable range. The head movement unit 14 includes a beam 19 that supports the head unit 13 so that it can move back and forth in the X direction, a pair of Y-axis guide rails 20 that support the beam 19 so that it can move back and forth in the Y direction, an X-axis servo motor that moves the head unit 13 back and forth in the X direction, and a Y-axis servo motor that moves the beam 19 back and forth in the Y direction.

Referring to Figure 3, the component tape 17 will be described. The component tape 17 is a tape that holds components E to be mounted on the board P. The component tape 17 has a carrier tape 17B with multiple accommodating recesses 17A spaced equally apart along its length, components E accommodated in each accommodating recess 17A, and a release tape 17C attached to the top surface of the carrier tape 17B. On one side of the width of the component tape 17, feed holes 17D are spaced equally apart along its length, into which sprocket teeth of a feed device of the component supply device 12 are inserted. There are multiple types of components E, and each component tape 17 accommodates components E of the same type.

(1-2) Production management PC
The production management PC 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The production management PC 2 is a computer that controls and manages the production of boards P. The production management PC 2 executes processes such as planning and monitoring the production of boards P, and planning and monitoring work plans for the operator 5.
The production management PC 2 includes a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit 34. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 30A and a RAM 30B. The control unit 30 controls each unit of the production management PC 2 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 31.

The storage unit 31 is a storage device having a rewritable nonvolatile storage medium such as a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 31 stores various programs and data executed by the control unit 30.
The various data include a production plan for each production line L, board data (described later), estimated production time per board, information about the component tape 17 (such as the number of remaining components), and predicted work time for splicing. The production plan includes information such as the model of board P to be produced, board data to be used in production, the production sequence for each model, and the production start time. The predicted work time for splicing is stored for each operator 5. Instead of the predicted work time for each operator 5, a common predicted work time for all operators 5 may be stored.

The communication unit 32 is a communication circuit for connecting the production management PC 2 to the communication network 4. The display unit 33 is composed of a display device such as an LCD display, a drive circuit for driving the display device, etc. The operation unit 34 is composed of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.

(1-3) Operator Terminal The operator terminal 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The operator terminal 3 is a computer equipped with a display unit that displays information, and specifically, is a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like. The operator terminal 3 may be a portable PC or a terminal designed specifically for it.

The production management PC 2 creates work plans for splicing work and other work for each operator 5 and sends the created work plans to the operator terminal 3. A predetermined time before the scheduled start time of the splicing work, the production management PC 2 issues an out-of-parts alert to the operator 5 via the operator terminal 3. The method for issuing the alert can be determined as appropriate. For example, the alert may be issued by displaying a message on the operator terminal 3 indicating that a part is about to run out, or by audio. The alert may also be issued by issuing a predetermined alert sound along with the message.

(2) Splicing Work Allocation Processing The splicing work allocation processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. The splicing work allocation processing is executed as a simulation on a computer (production management PC 2) before production of the substrate P begins. The control unit 30 virtually changes the current time on the production management PC 2 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes), and executes the splicing work allocation processing each time the current time is changed. This will be described in detail below.

The control unit 30 predicts which component tapes 17 will run out of components within a certain time (e.g., 30 minutes) starting from the current time (the virtual current time on the computer) based on information for predicting when each component tape 17 attached to the surface mount machine 6 will run out of components (an example of a prediction process). Information for predicting when components will run out includes, for example, the production plan for the board P, board data (described below), the estimated production time per board, and information about the component tapes 17.

The control unit 30 then assigns the splicing work for component tapes 17 that are predicted to run out of components within a certain time period to one operator 5A, so that multiple tasks do not overlap at the same time. In this assignment, the control unit 30 assigns the splicing work in order of component tapes 17 with the latest predicted component shortage times, so that the splicing work begins first for component tapes 17 with earlier predicted component shortage times (an example of a predicted component shortage time).

Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 5, parts Ea and Eb will run out of stock within a certain period of time. Of these parts E, part Eb has the latest predicted time of stockout. Therefore, the control unit 30 first assigns the splicing work for part Eb. When assigning the splicing work, the control unit 30 reads from the memory unit 31 the predicted work time of the operator 5A to whom the splicing work is to be assigned, and reserves the read predicted work time as the work time for the splicing work.

When allocating splicing work, the control unit 30 allocates the work so that the work is completed before the predicted time of component shortage. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the predicted time of component shortage for component Eb falls during other work hours. Therefore, the control unit 30 allocates the work so that the splicing work for component Eb is completed before the other work hours.
The control unit 30 then assigns the splicing work for component Ea, which is the component E with the next latest predicted shortage time after component Eb, before the splicing work for component Eb. This causes the component tapes 17 with earlier predicted shortage times to be assigned to start splicing work first.

6 is another example of embodiment 1. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the predicted out-of-stock times are latest for parts Ec, Eb, and Ea in that order. Therefore, the splicing work for part Ec is assigned first, followed by the splicing work for part Eb, which is then assigned by the splicing work for part Ea.
In the example shown in Figure 6, as a result of assigning splicing work to part E in order of predicted out-of-stock time, the scheduled start time of the splicing work for part Ea is earlier than the current time (the virtual current time on the computer). If the scheduled start time is earlier than the current time, the splicing work would have to be started retroactively, which is impossible. Therefore, if there is a splicing work whose scheduled start time is earlier than the current time, there will be a splicing work that cannot be assigned to a single operator 5A.

When a splicing job that cannot be assigned to one operator 5A (here, the splicing job for part Ea) occurs, the control unit 30 determines whether the unassignable splicing job can be assigned to another operator 5B. If it can be assigned, the control unit 30 assigns the splicing job that cannot be assigned to one operator 5A to another operator 5B. In the example shown in Figure 6, the splicing job for part Ea is assigned to another operator 5B.

The splicing work assigned to the other operator 5B is not limited to splicing work for part Ea, but may also be splicing work for part Eb or part Ec.

(3) Splicing Work Allocation Processing The flow of the splicing work allocation processing will be described with reference to FIG.
In S101, the control unit 30 predicts which component tapes 17 will run out of components within a certain time period based on information for predicting when each component tape 17 attached to the surface mounter 6 will run out of components.
In S102, the control unit 30 assigns the splicing work for the component tape 17 predicted in S101 to one operator 5A.

In S103, the control unit 30 determines whether the splicing work has been assigned to one operator 5A (in other words, whether there is any splicing work whose scheduled start time is earlier than the current time). If the control unit 30 is unable to assign the work, it proceeds to S104, and if the control unit 30 is able to assign the work, it ends the process.
In S104, the control unit 30 determines whether the splicing work that cannot be assigned to one operator 5A can be assigned to another operator 5B by referring to the work plan of the other operator 5B. If the splicing work can be assigned, the control unit 30 proceeds to S105, and if the splicing work cannot be assigned, the control unit 30 ends the process.
In S105, the control unit 30 assigns the splicing work that cannot be assigned to one operator 5A to another operator 5B.

(4) Effects of the Embodiment The production management PC 2 according to the first embodiment assigns splicing tasks for component tapes 17 predicted by the prediction process to a single operator 5A so that multiple splicing tasks do not overlap at the same time. In this case, the production management PC 2 assigns splicing tasks in the order of component tapes 17 with the latest predicted component shortage times, so that the component tapes 17 with the earliest predicted component shortage times are spliced first. This increases the likelihood that splicing tasks can be completed before each component tape 17 runs out. This prevents splicing tasks from being completed in time in situations where component shortages occur frequently or other tasks are concentrated. This also reduces the need for mounting operations to be stopped due to component shortages.

Production management PC2 can issue alerts taking into account the work time required for splicing work.

When a splicing job that cannot be assigned to one operator 5A occurs, the production management PC 2 assigns the unassigned splicing job to another operator 5B, thereby preventing splicing jobs from being completed in time in situations where parts frequently run out or other work is concentrated.

<Embodiment 2>
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment described above, if it is determined in S104 that the splicing work cannot be assigned to another operator 5B (in other words, if a splicing work that cannot be assigned to another operator 5B occurs), the process ends.
In contrast, if the control unit 30 of the second embodiment determines in S104 that the component tape 17 cannot be assigned to another operator 5B, it creates board data for at least one of the component tapes 17 to which the splicing work cannot be assigned, in place of the component tape 17, to mount a component E supplied by another component tape 17 that holds the same type of component E as the component tape 17 (an example of a first creation process).

The board data will be explained with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. The board data is data that indicates the components E to be mounted on the board P and the component tape 17 that supplies those components E. The board data is created for each model of board P to be produced. The surface mounter 6 mounts the components E on the board P based on the board data that corresponds to the model to be produced.

The board data shown in Fig. 8A includes the component names of the components to be mounted on the board P, mounting coordinates, the head number of the mounting head 18 used to mount the components E, and the feeder number of the tape feeder 16 that supplies the components E. Because the component tape 17 is set in the tape feeder 16, the component tape 17 is identified by the feeder number. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 8A, the component tape 17 that supplies the components E is identified by the feeder number.
8A, three components Eb are mounted on one board P. Since the three components Eb each have a different feeder number, they are supplied by a different component tape 17. For this reason, at least three component tapes 17 for supplying the components Eb are set in the surface mounter 6.

Figure 8B is an example of board data created by the first creation process. For example, suppose that the splicing work for component tape 17 for component Eb in the second row could not be assigned. In this case, the control unit 30 sets the feeder number for component Eb in the second row to the same number as the feeder number of the tape feeder 16 that supplies component Eb in the fourth row (or fifth row). This allows the supply of component Eb in the second row to continue using the component tape 17 (hereinafter referred to as the alternative component tape 17) that supplies component Eb in the fourth row. In this way, the splicing work for component tape 17 for component Eb in the second row can be performed before the alternative component tape 17 runs out, allowing the deadline for the splicing work to be delayed.

When the control unit 30 creates the board data shown in FIG. 8B, if the remaining number of components on the component tape 17 for component Eb in the second row falls below a predetermined number (for example, if it falls to 0), it temporarily switches to the board data shown in FIG. 8B and re-executes the allocation process, assuming that components E will be mounted on the board P. If the control unit 30 has been able to allocate splicing work for all component tapes 17 as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it changes the production plan of the surface mounter 6 to a production plan that temporarily switches to the board data shown in FIG. 8B if the remaining number of components on the component tape 17 for component Eb in the second row falls below a predetermined number, and begins production of the board P.

After switching to the board data shown in Figure 8B, the control unit 30 reverts to the original board data shown in Figure 8A once the splicing operation for the component tape 17 of the component Eb in the second row is performed. In other words, the board data shown in Figure 8B is temporarily used until the splicing operation for the component tape 17 of the component Eb in the second row is performed.

9 to 11, a flow of the splicing work allocation process according to the second embodiment will be described. If the control unit 30 according to the second embodiment determines in S104 that allocation is not possible, the process proceeds to S106.

In S106, the control unit 30 selects one of the component tapes 17 that were determined in S104 to be unallocable to another operator 5B (in other words, component tapes 17 to which no splicing work can be assigned).
In S107, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a replacement component tape 17 for the selected component tape 17 is attached to the surface mounter 6. If not, the control unit 30 proceeds to S108, and if attached, the control unit 30 proceeds to S109.

In S108, the control unit 30 determines whether or not it is possible to attach the alternative component tape 17. If it is possible, the control unit 30 proceeds to S109, and if it is not possible, the control unit 30 proceeds to S116.
In S109, the control unit 30 assumes that the replacement component tape 17 has been attached. At this point, this is just an assumption, and the replacement component tape 17 has not actually been attached yet.

In S110, the control unit 30 selects one replacement component tape 17 for the component tape 17 selected in S106.
In S111, the control unit 30 creates board data for mounting the component E supplied by the alternative component tape 17 selected in S110.
In S112, if the number of remaining components on the component tape 17 selected in S106 falls below a predetermined number, the control unit 30 temporarily switches to the board data created in S111 and re-executes the allocation process, assuming that component E will be mounted on board P.

In S113, the control unit 30 re-executes the allocation process in S112. If the control unit 30 is able to allocate splicing work for all component tapes 17, it proceeds to S114; if it is unable to allocate work, it proceeds to S115.
In S114, if the remaining number of components on the component tape 17 selected in S106 falls below a predetermined number, the control unit 30 changes the production plan to temporarily switch to the board data created in S111. If the alternative component tape 17 selected in S106 is the alternative component tape 17 assumed to have been attached in S109, it has not actually been attached yet, so the control unit 30 assigns the attachment of the new alternative component tape 17 to operator 5.

In S115, the control unit 30 determines whether or not all the alternative component tapes 17 have been selected. If there are any alternative component tapes 17 that have not been selected, the process returns to S110, and if all the alternative component tapes 17 have been selected, the process proceeds to S116.
In S116, the control unit 30 determines whether or not all component tapes 17 that were determined to be unallocable to other operator 5B have been selected. If there are any component tapes 17 that have not been selected, the process returns to S106; if all component tapes 17 have been selected, the process ends.

(2) Effects of the Embodiment The production management PC 2 according to the second embodiment temporarily switches to board data using an alternative component tape 17 when a splicing job that cannot be assigned to an operator 5 occurs, thereby delaying the deadline for the splicing job for the component tape 17 to which the splicing job cannot be assigned. Delaying the deadline allows multiple splicing jobs to be distributed, making it possible to assign all splicing jobs in more situations. This prevents splicing jobs from being completed in time in situations where components frequently run out or other jobs are concentrated.

<Embodiment 3>
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The component mounting system 1 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a plurality of (here, three) production lines L. Each production line L has one or more surface mounters 6. In the third embodiment, one operator 5A is in charge of work on the three production lines L.

The production plan for board P will be explained with reference to Figure 12. In the example shown in Figure 12, models A and B are produced on production line L1. The setup change between the production time of model A and the production time of model B involves changing the arrangement of backup pins on the backup device (not shown) according to the model B after the changeover. In the example shown in Figure 12, models C and D are produced on production line L2, and models E, F, and G are produced on production line L3. Setup is also performed on production lines L2 and L3 between model changes. Figure 12 shows a case where, while production line L1 is producing board P of model A and production line L2 is producing board P of model C, a splicing operation occurs that cannot be assigned to another operator 5B.

In the first embodiment described above, if it is determined in S104 that the splicing work cannot be assigned to another operator 5B (in other words, if a splicing work that cannot be assigned to another operator 5B occurs), the process ends.
In contrast, as shown in Figure 13, when a splicing operation that cannot be assigned to another operator 5B occurs, the control unit 30 according to the third embodiment creates a production plan in which the production start times of multiple production lines L are shifted (an example of a second creation process). Specifically, the control unit 30 selects one of the production lines L and creates a production plan in which the production start time of the selected production line L is delayed to the extent that the delivery date is not missed. Figure 13 shows a case in which the production start time of production line L2 is delayed.

The control unit 30 re-executes the allocation process assuming that the board P will be produced according to the created production plan, and if all splicing work can be allocated as a result, the production plan is changed to the newly created production plan and production of the board P is started.
If the control unit 30 is unable to allocate all of the splicing work, it selects another production line L and creates a production plan that delays the production start time of the selected production line L. The processing after creating the production plan is the same, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The production management PC 2 according to the third embodiment can distribute multiple splicing operations by staggering the production start times of multiple production lines L, making it possible to allocate all splicing operations in more situations. This prevents splicing operations from being delayed in times of frequent shortages of parts or when other operations are concentrated.

<Fourth Embodiment>
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The component mounting system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is equipped with a plurality of (here, three) production lines L. Each production line L has one or more surface mounters 6. In the fourth embodiment, one operator 5A is also in charge of work on the three production lines L.

In the first embodiment described above, if it is determined in S104 that the splicing work cannot be assigned to another operator 5B (in other words, if a splicing work that cannot be assigned to another operator 5B occurs), the process ends.
In contrast, as shown in Figure 13, when a splicing operation that cannot be assigned to another operator 5B occurs, the control unit 30 according to the fourth embodiment creates a production plan in which the production order of the boards P is swapped on one of the production lines L (an example of a third creation process). Specifically, the control unit 30 selects one of the production lines L and creates a production plan in which the production order of the selected production line L is swapped. Figure 13 shows a case in which the production order of model E and model F is swapped on production line L3.

The control unit 30 re-executes the allocation process assuming that the board P will be produced according to the created production plan, and if all splicing work can be allocated as a result, the production plan is changed to the newly created production plan and production of the board P is started.
If the control unit 30 is unable to allocate all of the splicing operations, it selects another production line L and creates a production plan that changes the production order of the selected production line L. The processing after creating the production plan is the same, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The production management PC 2 according to the fourth embodiment allows multiple splicing operations to be distributed by rearranging the production order of the boards P, making it possible to allocate all splicing operations in more situations. This prevents splicing operations from being delayed in times of frequent shortages of parts or when other operations are concentrated.

<Embodiment 5>
The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the memory unit 31 stores the predicted work time of the splicing work for each operator 5. In the fifth embodiment, the predicted work time stored in the memory unit 31 is automatically updated in accordance with the actual work time of the operator 5.

Referring to Figure 1, the update of the estimated work time will be explained. When starting splicing work, the operator 5 operates the operator terminal 3 to notify the operator terminal 3 that the splicing work will begin. Then, when the splicing work is completed, the operator 5 notifies the operator terminal 3 that the splicing work has been completed.

The operator terminal 3 determines the actual working time of the splicing work as the time from when the start of the splicing work is notified to when the end is notified, and transmits the operator ID (Identification) and the actual working time to the production management PC 2.
The control unit 30 of the production management PC 2 associates the operator ID received from the operator terminal 3 with the actual work time and stores them in the storage unit 31. This accumulates the actual work time for each operator 5. The control unit 30 sets the average value of all actual work times associated with the same operator ID as the predicted work time for the operator 5 identified by that operator ID.

The above-mentioned average value does not have to be the average value of all actual work times of Operator 5. For example, it may be the average value of the actual work times of a specified number of recent times (e.g., three recent times). Alternatively, the last stored actual work time (in other words, the most recent actual work time) may be used as the predicted work time of Operator 5.

The production management PC 2 according to the fifth embodiment determines the predicted work time for splicing work based on the actual work time for each operator 5, thereby responding to changes in the proficiency level of the operators 5 and individual differences. This allows for more accurate timing for issuing alerts.

<Other Embodiments>
The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope disclosed in this specification.

(1) In the above-described second embodiment, if it is determined in S104 that the board data cannot be assigned to another operator 5B, the board data is created. In contrast, if it is determined in S103 that the board data cannot be assigned to one operator 5A, the board data may be created without executing S104. In other words, if it is determined in S103 that the board data cannot be assigned to one operator 5A, the board data may be created without determining whether it can be assigned to another operator 5B.

(2) In the above-described third embodiment, if it is determined in S104 that a production line cannot be assigned to another operator 5B, a production plan is created in which the production start times of multiple production lines L are shifted. In contrast, if it is determined in S103 that a production line cannot be assigned to a single operator 5A, a production plan in which the production start times of multiple production lines L are shifted may be created without executing S104. In other words, if it is determined in S103 that a production line cannot be assigned to a single operator 5A, a production plan in which the production start times of multiple production lines L are shifted may be created without determining whether it can be assigned to another operator 5B.

(3) In the above-described fourth embodiment, if it is determined in S104 that the boards P cannot be assigned to another operator 5B, a production plan is created in which the production order of the boards P is rearranged. In contrast, if it is determined in S103 that the boards P cannot be assigned to one operator 5A, a production plan in which the production order of the boards P is rearranged may be created without executing S104. In other words, if it is determined in S103 that the boards P cannot be assigned to one operator 5A, a production plan in which the production order of the boards P is rearranged may be created without determining whether the boards P can be assigned to another operator 5B.

(4) The above-described second and third embodiments may be combined. For example, if it is not possible to assign all splicing work even after creating board data, a production plan may be created in which the production start times of multiple production lines L are staggered. Alternatively, if it is not possible to assign all splicing work even after creating a production plan in which the production start times of multiple production lines L are staggered, board data may be created.

(5) The above-mentioned embodiment 4 may be combined with embodiment 2 or 3, or with both embodiments 2 and 3.

(6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the operator 5 operated the operator terminal 3 to notify the production management PC 2 of the start and end of the splicing work. Alternatively, the operator 5 may operate the operation unit 34 of the surface mount machine 6 to notify the control unit of the surface mount machine 6 of the start and end of the splicing work, and the control unit of the surface mount machine 6 may notify the production management PC 2 of the actual work time for the splicing work.

1: Component mounting system 2: Production management PC (an example of an allocation device and computer)
5A: Operator (an example of one operator)
5B: Operator (an example of another operator)
6: Surface mounter 17: Component tape 30: Control unit 31: Memory unit E: Component L: Production line P: Board

Claims (10)

1. An allocation device that allocates component tape splicing work to operators of a surface mount machine that mounts components supplied by a component tape holding components onto a board, the device comprising:
a storage unit that stores information for predicting when a component tape will run out;
A control unit;
Equipped with
The control unit
a prediction process for predicting, based on the information, which of a plurality of component tapes will run out of components within a certain time period;
an allocation process for allocating the splicing tasks for each component tape predicted in the prediction process to one operator so that multiple tasks do not overlap at the same time;
Run
In the allocation process, the splicing work allocation device allocates the splicing work in the order of component tapes with the latest predicted component run-out times so that the splicing work is started earlier for component tapes with earlier predicted component run-out times. 2. The splicing operation allocation device according to claim 1,
The control unit executes an issuing process to issue an alert for a component shortage a predetermined time before the scheduled start time of the assigned splicing work. 3. The splicing operation allocation device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit is a splicing work allocation device that, if a splicing work that cannot be allocated to the operator occurs during the allocation process, allocates the splicing work that cannot be allocated to another operator. 3. The splicing operation allocation device according to claim 1 or 2,
the surface mounter mounts components on a board based on board data indicating the components to be mounted on the board and the component tape that supplies the components;
The control unit
If a splicing job that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs in the assignment process, a first creation process is executed to create board data for at least one of the component tapes for which a splicing job cannot be assigned, in place of the component tape, to mount components supplied by another component tape that holds the same types of components as the component tape on which the component tape was assigned;
if the number of remaining components on the at least one component tape falls below a predetermined number, temporarily switching to the board data created in the first creation process and re-executing the allocation process on the assumption that components will be mounted on the board;
If, as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it is possible to allocate splicing work for all component tapes, the splicing work allocation device changes the production plan of the surface mount machine to a production plan that temporarily switches to the board data created in the first creation process when the number of remaining components on at least one component tape falls below a predetermined number. 3. The splicing operation allocation device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit
When a splicing job that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs in the assignment process, a second creation process is executed to create a production plan in which the production start times of a plurality of production lines each having the surface mount machine are staggered;
re-executing the allocation process on the assumption that the boards will be produced according to the production plan created in the second creation process;
If, as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it is possible to allocate splicing work for all component tapes, the splicing work allocation device changes the production plan for the surface mount machine to the production plan created in the second creation process. 3. The splicing operation allocation device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit
When a splicing job that cannot be assigned to the operator occurs in the assignment process, a third creation process is executed to create a production plan in which the production order of the boards is changed;
re-executing the allocation process on the assumption that the boards will be produced according to the production plan created in the third creation process;
If, as a result of re-executing the allocation process, it is possible to allocate splicing work for all component tapes, the splicing work allocation device changes the production plan for the surface mount machine to the production plan created in the third creation process. 3. The splicing operation allocation device according to claim 1 or 2,
A storage unit is provided,
The control unit stores the actual work time of the splicing work for each operator in the memory unit, and determines the predicted work time of the splicing work based on the actual work time stored for each operator. a surface mounter that mounts components supplied from a component tape holding the components onto a substrate;
a splicing task allocation device according to claim 1 or 2, which allocates component tape splicing tasks to operators of the surface mounting machine;
A component mounting system comprising: 1. A method for allocating component tape splicing work to operators of a surface mount machine that mounts components supplied by a component tape holding components onto a board, the method comprising:
a prediction step of predicting which of a plurality of component tapes will run out within a certain time period based on information for predicting when the component tapes will run out;
an allocation step of allocating the splicing work for each component tape predicted in the prediction step to one operator so that multiple splicing work operations do not overlap at the same time;
Including,
In the allocation step, the splicing work is allocated in the order of component tapes with the latest predicted component run-out times, so that the splicing work is started first for component tapes with earlier predicted component run-out times. an allocation program that allocates component tape splicing tasks to operators of a surface mount machine that mounts components supplied by a component tape holding components onto a board,
a prediction process for predicting when a component tape will run out within a certain time period based on information for predicting when the component tape will run out;
an allocation process for allocating the splicing work for each component tape predicted in the prediction process to one operator so that multiple splicing work operations do not overlap at the same time;
on the computer,
In the allocation process, the splicing work is allocated in the order of component tapes with the latest predicted component run-out times so that the splicing work is started earlier for component tapes with earlier predicted component run-out times.