Patent Description:
A component mounting line disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> includes a component mounter, a feeder storage, and an exchanging robot. The component mounter mounts a component supplied from a feeder on a board. The feeder storage stores the feeder detachable from the component mounter. The exchanging robot conveys the feeder, and exchanges the feeder between the feeder storage and the component mounter. As a result, in the component mounting line disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, it attempts to automate a supply operation of the feeder for supplying the feeder stored in the feeder storage to the component mounter.

<CIT> relates to production of printed boards. A production plan includes information like the number of units to be produced and used components. Component shortages are predicted and a worker is notified in time to replenish necessary components.

<CIT> further shows predicting the time until replenishment is necessary such that the worker already knows when replenishment will become necessary.

<CIT> relates to component replenishment support in a component mounting line. Component shortages are predicted and a worker is notified that replenishment will become necessary. If it is judged that the replenishment takes longer than the remaining time until component depletion, replenishment is started right away. The time the replenishment takes is judged based on proficiency data of the worker.

In the component mounting line disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, the component mounter produces a board product while receiving the supply of the feeder by the exchanging robot. However, there is a possibility that the component mounter stops the production of the board product in order to receive the supply of the feeder by the exchanging robot. Therefore, it is demanded to grasp a production stop time of the component mounter caused by a wait time from when the production of the board product by the component mounter is stopped to when the feeder is supplied by the exchanging robot.

In view of such a circumstance, the present description discloses a simulation device and a simulation method that can calculate a production stop time of a board work machine caused by a wait time from when production of a board product by the board work machine is stopped to when an article is supplied by an article moving device.

A simulation device includes a simulation section and a calculation section. Accordingly, the simulation device can calculate a production stop time of a board work machine caused by a wait time from when production of a board product by the board work machine is stopped to when an article is supplied by an article moving device. It is possible to similarly apply the above description of the simulation device to the simulation method.

As shown in <FIG>, board production line <NUM> includes at least one (four in <FIG>) component mounter <NUM>, exchange system <NUM>, article moving device <NUM>, storage device <NUM>, and line control computer <NUM>. Four component mounters <NUM> are installed along a conveyance direction of board <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Component mounter <NUM> is included in board work machine WM that performs predetermined board work on board <NUM>. The board work by component mounter <NUM> includes a carrying-in operation and a carrying-out operation of board <NUM>, a pick-up operation and a mounting operation of a component, and the like. Component mounter <NUM> is detachably provided with, for example, cassette-type feeder <NUM>.

Storage device <NUM> used, for example, for storing feeder <NUM> is installed on a board carrying-in side (on a paper left side of <FIG>) of board production line <NUM>. In addition, board production line <NUM> is provided with exchange system <NUM> and article moving device <NUM>, and performs a replenishment operation, an exchange operation, and a collection operation of feeder <NUM>. It should be noted that a configuration of board production line <NUM> can be appropriately added or changed depending on, for example, a type of a board product to be produced. Specifically, for example, board work machine WM, such as a solder printing machine, an inspection machine, or a reflow furnace, can be appropriately installed in board production line <NUM>.

Each device constituting board production line <NUM> is configured to be able to input and output various data to and from line control computer <NUM> via a network. For example, storage device <NUM> includes multiple slots. Storage device <NUM> stores feeder <NUM> equipped in multiple slots. Feeder <NUM> equipped in the slot of storage device <NUM> is placed in a state capable of communicating with line control computer <NUM>. As a result, the slot of storage device <NUM> and an identification code of feeder <NUM> equipped in the slot are recorded in line control computer <NUM> in association with each other.

In addition, line control computer <NUM> monitors an operation status of board production line <NUM>, and integrally controls board work machine WM, such as component mounter <NUM>, exchange system <NUM>, article moving device <NUM>, and storage device <NUM>. Various data for controlling board work machine WM, exchange system <NUM>, article moving device <NUM>, and storage device <NUM> are stored in line control computer <NUM>. Line control computer <NUM> transmits various data, such as a control program, when, for example, component mounter <NUM> executes a mounting process of the component.

As shown in <FIG>, each of four component mounters <NUM> includes board conveyance device <NUM>, component supply device <NUM>, and head driving device <NUM>. In the following description, it is assumed that a horizontal width direction of component mounter <NUM>, which is the conveyance direction of board <NUM>, is an X-direction, a horizontal depth direction of component mounter <NUM> is a Y-direction, and a vertical direction (paper up-down direction of <FIG>) perpendicular to the X-direction and the Y-direction is a Z-direction.

Board conveyance device <NUM> is configured by, for example, a belt conveyor and a positioning device. Board conveyance device <NUM> sequentially conveys board <NUM> in the conveyance direction, and positions board <NUM> at a predetermined position in the device. Board conveyance device <NUM> carries board <NUM> out of component mounter <NUM> after the mounting process by component mounter <NUM> is terminated.

Component supply device <NUM> supplies the component to be mounted on board <NUM>. Component supply device <NUM> includes first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM> that can be equipped with multiple feeders <NUM>. In the present embodiment, first slot <NUM> is disposed in an upper part of a front side of component mounter <NUM> to hold equipped feeder <NUM> in an operable manner. An operation of feeder <NUM> equipped in first slot <NUM> is controlled in the mounting process by component mounter <NUM> to supply the component in an extraction section provided at a defined position on an upper part of feeder <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, second slot <NUM> is disposed below first slot <NUM> to store equipped feeder <NUM>. That is, second slot <NUM> preliminarily holds feeder <NUM> used for production, or temporarily holds used feeder <NUM> used for production. It should be noted that the exchange operation of feeder <NUM> between first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM> is performed by article moving device <NUM>.

In addition, when feeder <NUM> is equipped in first slot <NUM> or second slot <NUM> of component supply device <NUM>, electric power is supplied from component mounter <NUM> via a connector. Moreover, feeder <NUM> is placed in a state capable of communicating with component mounter <NUM>. Feeder <NUM> equipped in first slot <NUM> controls a feeding operation of a carrier tape accommodating the component based on a control instruction or the like by component mounter <NUM>. As a result, feeder <NUM> supplies the component in the extraction section provided in the upper part of feeder <NUM> so as to be able to be picked up by a holding member of mounting head <NUM>.

Head driving device <NUM> moves moving body <NUM> in the horizontal direction (X-direction and Y-direction) by a linear motion mechanism. Mounting head <NUM> is fixed to moving body <NUM> by a clamp member in an exchangeable (detachable) manner. Mounting head <NUM> is moved in the XY-directions integrally with moving body <NUM> by the linear motion mechanism of head driving device <NUM>. Mounting head <NUM> picks the component supplied by component supply device <NUM> up by the holding member. As the holding member, for example, a suction nozzle that picks the component up by supplied negative pressure air, a chuck that grips the component, or the like can be used.

Mounting head <NUM> holds the holding member so as to be movable in the Z-direction and to be rotatable around a Q-axis parallel to the Z-axis. Mounting head <NUM> adjusts a position and an angle of the holding member depending on a posture of the picked up component. Moreover, mounting head <NUM> mounts the component to a mounting position of board <NUM> as instructed by the control program. A total time of a time required for a predetermined number of cycles of a pick-and-place cycle of the component and a time required for carrying board <NUM> in and out is a cycle time per board <NUM>.

It should be noted that the holding member provided in mounting head <NUM> can be appropriately changed depending on a type of component in the mounting process of mounting the component on board <NUM>. Component mounter <NUM> attaches the suction nozzle accommodated in a nozzle station to mounting head <NUM>, for example, in a case in which the suction nozzle used in the mounting process to be executed is not attached to mounting head <NUM>. The nozzle station is detachably equipped in a predetermined position in component mounter <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, feeder <NUM> includes feeder main body <NUM> and driving device <NUM>. Feeder main body <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed in a flat box shape. Feeder main body <NUM> holds a reel on which the carrier tape accommodating a large number of components is wound in a detachable (exchangeable) manner. Driving device <NUM> includes a sprocket that engages a feeding hole provided in the carrier tape. Driving device <NUM> rotates the sprocket to feed and move the carrier tape.

An operation of driving device <NUM> of feeder <NUM> is controlled by a control device (not shown). When feeder <NUM> is equipped in first slot <NUM> of component mounter <NUM>, feeder <NUM> receives the electric power supplied from component mounter <NUM> via the connector. As a result, the control device of feeder <NUM> is placed in a state capable of communicating with component mounter <NUM>. It is also possible to similarly apply the above description of first slot <NUM> to second slot <NUM>. As a result, component mounter <NUM> can detect the replenishment and the collection of feeder <NUM> in first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, exchange system <NUM> includes first rail <NUM> and second rail <NUM>. First rail <NUM> and second rail <NUM> form a traveling path of article moving device <NUM>. First rail <NUM> is provided along an arrangement direction of four component mounters <NUM>, and is provided between first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM> in the up-down direction (Z-direction). Second rail <NUM> is provided along the arrangement direction of four component mounters <NUM>, and is provided below second slot <NUM> in the up-down direction (Z-direction). First rail <NUM> and second rail <NUM> extend over substantially the entire area in the conveyance direction of board <NUM> in board production line <NUM>.

Article moving device <NUM> is provided so as to be able to travel along the traveling path formed by first rail <NUM> and second rail <NUM>. Article moving device <NUM> receives the electric power supplied from a power transmission section by non-contact power supply, for example, via a power receiving section provided to face the power transmission section provided in first rail <NUM>. The electric power received by the power receiving section is used for traveling of article moving device <NUM>, a predetermined operation, or the like via a power receiving circuit. It should be noted that article moving device <NUM> detects, for example, a position (current position) on the traveling path by a position detection device. As the position detection device, for example, an optical detection method, a detection method using electromagnetic induction, or the like can be applied.

The "predetermined operation" includes an exchange operation for exchanging device DD0 detachably provided in board work machine WM, such as component mounter <NUM>, with board work machine WM. In the present embodiment, article moving device <NUM> uses feeder <NUM> that supplies the component to be mounted on board <NUM> as device DD0, and performs the exchange operation of feeder <NUM> with component mounter <NUM>, which is board work machine WM, and storage device <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, article moving device <NUM> conveys feeder <NUM> from storage device <NUM> to first slot <NUM> or second slot <NUM> of component mounter <NUM>, and performs the replenishment operation of feeder <NUM>. In addition, article moving device <NUM> performs the exchange operation of feeder <NUM> between first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM> of component mounter <NUM>. Further, article moving device <NUM> conveys feeder <NUM>, which is no longer needed, from component mounter <NUM> to storage device <NUM>, and performs the collection operation of feeder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, article moving device <NUM> includes at least one (two in <FIG>) holding section <NUM> and control device <NUM>. In the present embodiment, each of two holding sections <NUM> can simultaneously clamp multiple (two in <FIG>) feeders <NUM>, and can simultaneously hold multiple (two) feeders <NUM>. In addition, each of two holding sections <NUM> is independently movable along an attachment/detachment direction (Y-direction in the present embodiment) of feeder <NUM> by, for example, the linear motion mechanism or the like, and can simultaneously move multiple (two) feeders <NUM> along the Y-direction.

Further, two holding sections <NUM> are integrally movable in the up-down direction (Z-direction) by, for example, the linear motion mechanism or the like, and can simultaneously move multiple (four) feeders <NUM> in the Z-direction. It should be noted that article moving device <NUM> can include, for example, multiple (four) holding sections <NUM>. In this case, each of multiple (four) holding sections <NUM> clamps one feeder <NUM>, so that multiple (four) feeders <NUM> can be moved independently in the Y-direction and the Z-direction. In addition, a form of holding section <NUM> is not limited to the clamp mechanism and the linear motion mechanism, and can have various forms. For example, holding section <NUM> can include a protruding portion that can be fitted into a hole portion provided in feeder <NUM>. In this case, feeder <NUM> is held by fitting the protruding portion of holding section <NUM> into the hole portion of feeder <NUM>.

Control device <NUM> includes a well-known computing device and a memory device, in which a control circuit is configured (all not shown). Control device <NUM> is connected to four component mounters <NUM>, exchange system <NUM>, storage device <NUM>, and line control computer <NUM> in a communicable manner. Control device <NUM> controls the traveling of article moving device <NUM>, the operations of two holding sections <NUM>, and the like. With the configuration described above, article moving device <NUM> can be moved to a predetermined position along first rail <NUM> and second rail <NUM>, and can perform the exchange operation of feeder <NUM> at a stopping position.

In board production line <NUM>, component mounter <NUM> produces the board product while receiving the supply of feeder <NUM> by article moving device <NUM>. However, there is a possibility that component mounter <NUM> stops the production of the board product in order to receive the supply of feeder <NUM> by article moving device <NUM>. Accordingly, there is a demand to grasp production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> caused by the wait time from when the production of the board product by component mounter <NUM> is stopped to when feeder <NUM> is supplied by article moving device <NUM>. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, simulation device <NUM> is provided.

Simulation device <NUM> can be provided in various electronic computers, control devices, and the like. As shown in <FIG>, simulation device <NUM> according to the present embodiment is provided in electronic computer <NUM>. Electronic computer <NUM> includes a well-known computing device, a memory device, an input device, and an output device. Simulation device <NUM> can be formed, for example, on line control computer <NUM>, a host computer that manages multiple board production lines <NUM>, a cloud, or the like.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, simulation device <NUM> includes simulation section <NUM> and calculation section <NUM> when viewed as a control block. Simulation device <NUM> executes computing processing according to the flowchart shown in <FIG>. Simulation section <NUM> performs the processing and determination shown in steps S11 to S16. Calculation section <NUM> performs the processing shown in step S17.

Simulation section <NUM> simulates an operating status of board work machine WM that performs predetermined board work on board <NUM> to produce the board product, and an operating status of article moving device <NUM> that supplies article AR0 needed for the production of the board product to board work machine WM, based on the production plan of the board product (steps S11 to S16 shown in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, board production line <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes board work machine WM including component mounter <NUM>, article moving device <NUM>, and storage device <NUM>. Storage device <NUM> can store, in addition to feeder <NUM>, article AR0 needed for the production of the board product by board work machine WM. For example, device DD0 detachably provided in board work machine WM is included in article AR0.

In a case in which board work machine WM is component mounter <NUM>, for example, feeder <NUM>, the reel or a component tray that accommodates multiple components, mounting head <NUM>, the holding member (suction nozzle, chuck, or the like), the nozzle station, and the like are included in device DD0. In a case in which board work machine WM is a solder printing machine that prints solder on board <NUM>, for example, a solder cup, a mask, a squeegee, a dispense head, and the like are included in device DD0. In a case in which board work machine WM is an inspection machine, for example, an inspection head and the like are included in device DD0. The inspection machine includes a solder inspection machine that inspects solder printed on board <NUM>, an appearance inspection machine that inspects a component mounted on board <NUM>, and the like.

Similarly, article moving device <NUM> can supply, in addition to feeder <NUM>, article AR0 stored in storage device <NUM> to board work machine WM, and collect article AR0, which is no longer needed in board work machine WM, in storage device <NUM>. In addition, in the present embodiment, component mounter <NUM> that is board work machine WM includes first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>. Another board work machine WM can also include first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>, and article AR0 to be held is not limited to feeder <NUM>.

That is, board work machine WM can include first slot <NUM> that holds article AR0 needed for the production of the board product in an exchangeable manner, and second slot <NUM> that can preliminarily hold article AR0 or can temporarily hold article AR0 to be collected. Article moving device <NUM> can perform the exchange operation of article AR0 between first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, line control computer <NUM> includes memory device 6DS. As memory device 6DS, for example, a magnetic memory device such as a hard disk device, a memory device using a semiconductor element, such as a flash memory, or the like can be used. Memory device 6DS stores a production plan of the board product.

Simulation section <NUM> can acquire the production plan from management device LC0 that manages the production plan, and can perform the simulation based on the acquired production plan. In the present embodiment, line control computer <NUM> corresponds to management device LC0. As a result, simulation section <NUM> can easily set the production plan included in a simulation condition.

In addition, simulation section <NUM> can also cause an operator to input the production plan, and perform the simulation based on the production plan input by the operator. In this case, the operator can individually set the production plan included in the simulation condition, and also can easily change the simulation condition. It should be noted that simulation section <NUM> may acquire the production plan from management device LC0, cause the operator to change a part of the acquired production plan, and may set the simulation condition including the production plan.

In any case, the production plan of the board product includes at least a type and a production scheduled number of the board products, and a type and a needed number of articles AR0. Board work machine WM produces the board product while receiving the supply of article AR0 by article moving device <NUM>. Accordingly, in order for simulation section <NUM> to simulate the operating status of board work machine WM and the operating status of article moving device <NUM>, at least the information described above is needed as the simulation condition.

In addition, for example, board production line <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes four component mounters <NUM>. Since board <NUM> is sequentially conveyed to four component mounters <NUM>, the production time of the board product by component mounter <NUM> is affected by component mounter <NUM> having the longest production time among four component mounters <NUM>. Similarly, the production time of the board product is affected by a solder printing machine, a solder inspection machine, or the like on the upstream side. In addition, the production time of the board product is affected by a reflow furnace, an appearance inspection machine, or the like on the downstream side. Accordingly, the simulation condition may include the production required time of board work machine WM that becomes a bottleneck. For example, in a case in which board work machine WM is component mounter <NUM>, the production required time can be represented by using a cycle time.

Further, for example, production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> occurring by the changeover differs between a case in which the changeover is started after the production of all four component mounters <NUM> is stopped and a case in which the changeover is started from component mounter <NUM> on which the changeover is enabled. Accordingly, the simulation condition may include a method of changeover of board work machine WM. It should be noted that the changeover is performed, for example, when the production plan of the board product is switched, a configuration of each device of board work machine WM (including article AR0) is changed as needed, and a control program for driving and controlling board work machine WM is changed as needed.

In addition, for example, there is a case in which the notice of the supply of article AR0 is given before article AR0 is needed for the production of the board product, and article AR0 can be preliminarily held in second slot <NUM> of board work machine WM. In this case, there is a possibility that the type and the number of article AR0 that can be prepared in second slot <NUM> in advance are changed and the operating status of board work machine WM and the operating status of article moving device <NUM> are changed due to a time difference between the scheduled time during which article AR0 is needed for the production of the board product and the notice time during which the notice of the supply of article AR0 is given. Accordingly, the simulation condition may include the notice time during which the notice of the supply of article AR0 is given.

It is also possible to similarly apply the above description to the shortage of the supply supplied from article AR0. For example, in a case in which article AR0 is feeder <NUM>, a component accommodated in a carrier tape wound on a reel corresponds to the supply. In this case, the simulation condition may include the notice time during which the notice of the shortage of the component supplied from feeder <NUM> is given. It is also possible to similarly apply the above description to a case in which article AR0 is a component tray, a nozzle station, a solder cup, or the like, for example.

In addition, the scheduled time needed for the production of the board product by article AR0 to be supplied is changed depending on an initial value of the remaining number of the supplies supplied from article AR0. Accordingly, the simulation condition may include the initial value of the remaining number of the supplies supplied from article AR0. It should be noted that in a case in which article AR0 is feeder <NUM> and the supply is the component, the initial value of the remaining number of the supplies can be set, for example, for each tape width of the carrier tape. As the tape width is increased, the size of the accommodated component is increased, so that the number of accommodated components tends to be decreased.

In addition, for example, there is a possibility that an order of use, the frequency of use, and the like of device DD0 are changed depending on the initial disposition of device DD0 detachably provided in board work machine WM in first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the simulation condition may include the initial disposition of device DD0 detachably provided in board work machine WM in first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>. By including at least one of the matters described above in the simulation condition, simulation section <NUM> can perform the simulation close to the actual operating status of board work machine WM and the operating status of article moving device <NUM>.

Simulation section <NUM> simulates the operating status of board work machine WM and the operating status of article moving device <NUM> based on the simulation condition including the production plan of the board product. First, simulation section <NUM> performs initial setting of the simulation (step S11 shown in <FIG>). The initial setting includes the setting of the simulation condition described above, the supply plan of article AR0 and the supply plan of the supplies supplied from article AR0, the creation of the collection plan of article AR0, which is no longer needed, and the like.

In the present embodiment, simulation section <NUM> creates the supply plan of feeder <NUM> that is article AR0, the supply plan of the component supplied from feeder <NUM>, and the collection plan of feeder <NUM>, which is no longer needed. The supply plan of the component includes feeder <NUM> that supplies the component, a holding member that picks the component up, a mounting position on board <NUM> on which the component is mounted, an order of supplying the component (order of mounting the component on board <NUM>), the supply number of the component, and the like. The supply plan of the component is optimized such that the cycle time is optimized based on the production plan of the board product. A method of optimization is not limited, and a well-known method can be used.

The supply plan or the collection plan of feeder <NUM> includes component mounter <NUM> that performs the supply or the collection, a position in first slot <NUM> or second slot <NUM>, the timing and the order of supplying or collecting feeder <NUM>, the number of feeders <NUM>, and the like. The supply plan or the collection plan of feeder <NUM> is optimized such that, for example, the number of feeders <NUM> to be supplied or collected at once, the movement amount of article moving device <NUM>, the number of movements, and the like are optimized. A method of optimization is not limited, and a well-known method can be used.

Next, simulation section <NUM> sequentially executes the supply plan of article AR0, the supply plan of the supply, and the collection plan of article AR0, and stores the execution time needed to execute these plans in the memory device of electronic computer <NUM> (step S12). In addition, simulation section <NUM> calculates the remaining number of the supplies supplied from article AR0, and stores the remaining number of supplies in the memory device (step S13). In the present embodiment, simulation section <NUM> calculates the required time (operating time of component mounter <NUM>) each time the component is supplied by component mounter <NUM> and the component is mounted on board <NUM>, and stores the calculated required time in the memory device. Simulation section <NUM> calculates the required time (operating time of article moving device <NUM>) each time the supply operation, the exchange operation, the collection operation, or the like of feeder <NUM> is performed, and stores the calculated required time in the memory device. In addition, each time the component is supplied from feeder <NUM>, the remaining number of the components is reduced and stored in the memory device. When the remaining number of the components is zero, the shortage of the component to be supplied occurs.

In addition, simulation section <NUM> determines whether the production stop of the board product caused by the wait time (described below) has occurred (step S14). In the present embodiment, simulation section <NUM> can determine that the production stop of the board product by component mounter <NUM> has occurred in a case in which feeder <NUM> needed for the production of the board product is not equipped in first slot <NUM> (occurrence of the changeover). In addition, simulation section <NUM> can determine that the production stop of the board product by component mounter <NUM> has occurred in a case in which the remaining number of the components supplied from feeder <NUM> equipped in first slot <NUM> is zero (shortage of the component or shortage of feeder <NUM>).

In a case in which the production stop of the board product has occurred (Yes in step S14), simulation section <NUM> calculates production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM, and stores production stop time TW0 in the memory device (step S15). In a case in which the production of the board product continues (No in step S14), simulation section <NUM> does not execute the processing shown in step S15. Next, simulation section <NUM> determines whether all the supplies (components) included in the supply plan have been supplied (step S16).

In a case in which all the supplies (components) included in the supply plan are supplied (Yes in step S16), calculation section <NUM> totals production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM (step S17). In a case in which all the supplies (components) included in the supply plan have not been supplied (No in step S16), the control returns to the processing shown in step S12, and the processing and determination shown in steps S12 to S16 are repeated until all the supplies (components) included in the supply plan are supplied.

Based on a result of simulation by simulation section <NUM>, calculation section <NUM> calculates production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM caused by the wait time from when the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped to when article AR0 is supplied by article moving device <NUM> (step S17 shown in <FIG>).

As described above, board work machine WM includes first slot <NUM> that holds article AR0 used for production of the board product in an exchangeable manner, and second slot <NUM> that can preliminarily hold article AR0 or can temporarily hold article AR0 to be collected. In addition, article moving device <NUM> performs the exchange operation of article AR0 between first slot <NUM> and second slot <NUM>. In such board production line <NUM>, production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM caused by the wait time differs depending on whether second slot <NUM> holds article AR0 before the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped.

In a case in which second slot <NUM> holds article AR0 before the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped, calculation section <NUM> can calculate production stop time TW0 based on carrying-out time TC0 and first supply time TF0. Carrying-out time TC0 means a time needed from when the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped to when article moving device <NUM> carries article AR0, which is no longer needed in board work machine WM, out of first slot <NUM>. In addition, first supply time TF0 means a time from when article moving device <NUM> starts carrying-out of article AR0 held in second slot <NUM> to when article moving device <NUM> carries article AR0 into first slot <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a relationship among carrying-out time TC0, first supply time TF0, second supply time TS0, operating time TM0, and production stop time TW0. Polygonal line L11 shows an example of the result of simulation of the operating status of board work machine WM. The horizontal axis represents a time, and the vertical axis represents an "operating" state in which board work machine WM is operated, or a "stopping" state in which board work machine WM stops the production of the board product. It should be noted that operating time TM0 is an operating time of board work machine WM, and is a time during which board work machine WM produces the board product.

Polygonal line L12 shows an example of the result of simulation of the operating status of article moving device <NUM>. The horizontal axis represents a time, and the vertical axis represents an "operating" state in which article moving device <NUM> is operated, or a "stopping" state in which article moving device <NUM> is stopped. Article moving device <NUM> has a time of being operated for preliminarily holding article AR0 in second slot <NUM> during operating time TM0 of board work machine WM. Specifically, before the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped, article moving device <NUM> starts the acquisition operation of article AR0 stored in storage device <NUM>, conveys acquired article AR0 to board work machine WM to which article is to be supplied, and carries article AR0 into second slot <NUM> of board work machine WM.

Then, when the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped, article moving device <NUM> carries article AR0, which is no longer needed in board work machine WM, out of first slot <NUM>. In addition, article moving device <NUM> carries article AR0 held in second slot <NUM> out, and carries article AR0 into first slot <NUM>. In this case, production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM corresponds to a time obtained by adding carrying-out time TC0, first supply time TF0, and the required time from when article AR0 is carried into first slot <NUM> to when board work machine WM actually starts the production of the board product.

For example, since there is no space in second slot <NUM>, second slot <NUM> may not be able to hold article AR0 before the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped. In this case, calculation section <NUM> can calculate production stop time TW0 based on carrying-out time TC0 and second supply time TS0. Second supply time TS0 means a time from when article moving device <NUM> starts the acquisition operation of article AR0 stored in storage device <NUM> to when acquired article AR0 is conveyed to board work machine WM to which the article is to be supplied and article AR0 is carried into first slot <NUM> of board work machine WM.

In this case, article moving device <NUM> acquires article AR0 stored in storage device <NUM> after the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped. Specifically, when the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped, article moving device <NUM> carries article AR0, which is no longer needed in board work machine WM, out of first slot <NUM>. In addition, article moving device <NUM> acquires article AR0 stored in storage device <NUM>, conveys acquired article AR0 to board work machine WM to which the article is to be supplied, and carries article AR0 into first slot <NUM> of board work machine WM. In this case, production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM corresponds to a time obtained by adding carrying-out time TC0, second supply time TS0, and the required time from when article AR0 is carried into first slot <NUM> to when board work machine WM actually starts the production of the board product.

It should be noted that, in any case, article AR0 carried out of first slot <NUM> can be conveyed from board work machine WM to storage device <NUM> by article moving device <NUM> to perform the collection operation. In addition, in a case in which article moving device <NUM> cannot perform the collection operation, article AR0 carried out of first slot <NUM> is carried into second slot <NUM>. Second slot <NUM> can temporarily hold article AR0 carried out of first slot <NUM>.

The factor of the stop the production of the board product by board work machine WM is not limited. For example, the stop of the production of the board product by board work machine WM occurs due to the shortage of article AR0 or the changeover in board work machine WM. In the present embodiment, the stop of the production of the board product by component mounter <NUM> occurs due to the shortage of feeder <NUM> in component mounter <NUM> (shortage of the component supplied from feeder <NUM>) or the changeover.

<FIG> shows an example of a result of calculation by calculation section <NUM>. In <FIG>, operating time TM0 of component mounter <NUM>, production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> due to the changeover, production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> due to the shortage of component, the operating time of article moving device <NUM>, the first operating ratio and the second operating ratio, and other data are schematically shown for each production plan.

In the present embodiment, calculation section <NUM> totals operating time TM0 of component mounter <NUM> based on the result of simulation by simulation section <NUM>. Operating time TM0 of component mounter <NUM> in production plan JB1 is indicated by operating time TM1. Operating time TM0 of component mounter <NUM> of production plan JB2 is indicated by operating time TM2.

In addition, calculation section <NUM> totals production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> due to the changeover based on the result of simulation by simulation section <NUM>. Production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> of production plan JB1 is indicated by stop time TW11. Production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> of production plan JB2 is indicated by stop time TW12. In addition, calculation section <NUM> totals production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> due to the shortage of the component (shortage of feeder <NUM>) based on the result of simulation by simulation section <NUM>. Production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> in production plan JB1 is indicated by stop time TW21. Production stop time TW0 of component mounter <NUM> of production plan JB2 is indicated by stop time TW22.

Calculation section <NUM> can also calculate the operating time of article moving device <NUM>. In the present embodiment, calculation section <NUM> totals the operating time of article moving device <NUM> based on the result of simulation by simulation section <NUM>. The operating time of article moving device <NUM> of production plan JB1 is indicated by operating time TL1. The operating time of article moving device <NUM> of production plan JB2 is indicated by operating time TL2.

It should be noted that the operating time of article moving device <NUM> includes an operating time due to the shortage of the component (shortage of feeder <NUM>). The operating time of article moving device <NUM> includes an operating time due to the changeover. The operating time of article moving device <NUM> includes an operating time for causing second slot <NUM> to preliminarily hold feeder <NUM>. The operating time of article moving device <NUM> includes an operating time for collecting only feeder <NUM>, which is no longer needed. The operating time of article moving device <NUM> includes an operating time of a retraction operation for avoiding interference with other devices. Calculation section <NUM> can calculate the operating time of article moving device <NUM> for each operating time described above.

Calculation section <NUM> can also calculate the first operating ratio of board work machine WM when production stop time TW0 is zero and the second operating ratio of board work machine WM at calculated production stop time TW0. The first operating ratio and the second operating ratio refer to the capability with which board work machine WM can continue to operate, and indicate the availability. That is, the first operating ratio and the second operating ratio are indicated by a ratio of a time during which the board product can be produced to a total time of a time during which board work machine WM can produce the board product and a time during which the board product cannot be produced. By calculating the first operating ratio and the second operating ratio by calculation section <NUM>, the availability can be quantified, so that a user of simulation device <NUM> can easily grasp the influence of production stop time TW0.

In the present embodiment, calculation section <NUM> calculates the first operating ratio and the second operating ratio of component mounter <NUM> based on the result of simulation by simulation section <NUM>. The first operating ratio of component mounter <NUM> in production plan JB1 is indicated by operating ratio R11, and the second operating ratio of component mounter <NUM> in production plan JB1 is indicated by operating ratio R21. The first operating ratio of component mounter <NUM> in production plan JB2 is indicated by operating ratio R12, and the second operating ratio of component mounter <NUM> in production plan JB2 is indicated by operating ratio R22.

Calculation section <NUM> can acquire comparative data for a case in which the worker supplies article AR0 needed for the production of the board product to board work machine WM in the board production line in which article moving device <NUM> is not provided. Specifically, calculation section <NUM> acquires, as the comparative data, the production stop time of board work machine WM caused by the wait time from when the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped to when article AR0 is supplied by the worker. As a result, the user of simulation device <NUM> can easily compare production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM, and can easily grasp the effect of article moving device <NUM>.

It should be noted that the required time needed for the supply operation of article AR0 by the worker can be acquired, for example, based on an actual measurement value when the worker actually performs the supply operation of article AR0. In addition, normally, the required time needed for the supply operation of article AR0 by the worker varies. Therefore, calculation section <NUM> can also calculate an average value, a mode value, or the like of the actual measurement value when multiple workers actually perform the supply operation of article AR0.

In addition, calculation section <NUM> can calculate the performance of board work machine WM, the overall equipment effectiveness, and the like. The performance of board work machine WM indicates the actual capability of board work machine WM with respect to the specification. In addition, the overall equipment effectiveness is calculated by multiplying the operating ratio (the first operating ratio and the second operating ratio) described above, the performance, and the quality of board work machine WM. By comparing the overall equipment effectiveness (ideal effectiveness) of <NUM>% with the actual overall equipment effectiveness, it is possible to extract a generation source of loss, a type of loss, and the like in a production process of the board product. Other data shown in <FIG> include the information described above. The data of production plan JB1 is indicated by data D11. The data of production plan JB2 is indicated by data D12.

Simulation device <NUM> can output the result of calculation calculated by calculation section <NUM> by various methods. Simulation device <NUM> can output (for example, display on display device 7DP) production stop time TW0 calculated by calculation section <NUM> by, for example, using an output device of electronic computer <NUM> (for example, display device 7DP shown in <FIG>). It is also possible to similarly apply the above description of production stop time TW0 to the first operating ratio, the second operating ratio, the operating time of article moving device <NUM>, the production stop time of the comparative data, and other data.

As shown in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, storage device <NUM> is provided in board production line <NUM>, and article moving device <NUM> can travel along a traveling path formed by first rail <NUM> and second rail <NUM> of exchange system <NUM>. However, storage device <NUM> and article moving device <NUM> are not limited to the forms described above, and can take various forms. For example, storage device <NUM> can be provided at a position separated from board production line <NUM>, and can supply article AR0 to multiple board production lines <NUM> and collect article AR0 from multiple board production lines <NUM>.

In addition, for example, article moving device <NUM> can use an unmanned conveyance vehicle. The unmanned conveyance vehicle is an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) that can perform self-traveling without requiring a driving manipulation by the worker. The unmanned conveyance vehicle, which is article moving device <NUM>, can travel, for example, between the storage device provided at a position separated from board production line <NUM> and board work machine WM (for example, component mounter <NUM>). It should be noted that in the unmanned conveyance vehicle, multiple traveling routes may be assumed.

In addition, in a case in which multiple unmanned conveyance vehicles travel, the priority may be set in multiple unmanned conveyance vehicles. For example, the priority of the unmanned conveyance vehicle that conveys article AR0 due to the occurrence of the shortage of article AR0 is set higher than the priority of the unmanned conveyance vehicle that conveys article AR0 for the changeover. In addition, in a case in which the storage device supplies article AR0 to multiple board production lines <NUM>, the priority of the unmanned conveyance vehicle may be set depending on the production priority in board production line <NUM> which is a conveyance destination. Further, the priority of the unmanned conveyance vehicle that supplies article AR0 is set higher than the priority of the unmanned conveyance vehicle that collects article AR0. As described above, in a case in which article moving device <NUM> is the unmanned conveyance vehicle, simulation section <NUM> can simulate the operating status of board work machine WM and the operating status of article moving device <NUM>, including the traveling route and the priority of the unmanned conveyance vehicle, the operating statuses of other unmanned conveyance vehicles, the operating statuses of other board production lines <NUM>, and the like.

It is also possible to similarly apply the above description of simulation device <NUM> to the simulation method. Specifically, the simulation method includes a simulation step and a calculation step. The simulation step corresponds to the control performed by simulation section <NUM>. The calculation step corresponds to the control performed by calculation section <NUM>.

Simulation device <NUM> includes simulation section <NUM> and calculation section <NUM>. Accordingly, simulation device <NUM> can calculate production stop time TW0 of board work machine WM caused by the wait time from when the production of the board product by board work machine WM is stopped to when article AR0 is supplied by article moving device <NUM>. It is also possible to similarly apply the above description of simulation device <NUM> to the simulation method.

Claim 1:
A simulation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a simulation section (<NUM>) configured to simulate an operating status of a board work machine (WM) configured to perform predetermined board work on a board (<NUM>) and produce a board product, and an operating status of an article moving device (<NUM>) configured to supply an article needed for production of the board product to the board work machine (WM) based on a production plan of the board product;
characterized by
the simulation device (<NUM>) further comprising
a calculation section (<NUM>) configured to calculate a production stop time of the board work machine (WM) caused by a wait time from when production of the board product by the board work machine (WM) is stopped to when the article is supplied by the article moving device (<NUM>) based on a result of simulation by the simulation section (<NUM>), wherein a stop of production of the board product by the board work machine (WM) occurs due to a shortage of the article or a changeover in the board work machine (WM).