Feeder management system

Abstract

A feeder management system includes a storage unit that stores component information and cleaning information in association with a bulk feeder, the component information including a type of component loaded in the bulk feeder, the cleaning information indicating a history of implementation of cleaning of at least a conveyance path in which the component is conveyed in the bulk feeder, and a determination unit that, in a case where an update request for the component information is received, determines whether the cleaning was implemented before the update request for the component information based on the cleaning information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder management system. Background Art

[0002] The feeder management system manages bulk feeders that supply components in bulk. Bulk feeders are used in component mounters that attach components to substrates. Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism that applies vibration to a transport path to transport multiple components. This transport action allows the bulk feeder to supply components into an upward-opening supply area, allowing the suction nozzle to pick up the components.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-114084 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Components supplied by such bulk feeders are not packaged, unlike components stored on carrier tape. Therefore, if the type of components to be loaded into the bulk feeder changes, they must be reliably removed from the transport path. Feeder management systems are required to manage the loading status of components in bulk feeders.

[0008] Technical solutions to problems

[0009] This specification discloses a feeder management system comprising: a storage unit that stores component information and cleaning information in association with a bulk feeder, the component information including the type of components loaded in the bulk feeder, the cleaning information indicating an implementation history of cleaning of at least a transport path for transporting the components in the bulk feeder; and a determination unit that, upon accepting a request to update the component information, determines, based on the cleaning information, whether the cleaning was implemented before the request to update the component information.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] With this configuration, when a component information update request is received, it is possible to obtain a determination result indicating whether cleaning has been performed on at least the transport path. This determination result can be used as information useful for bulk feeder management, such as an indicator for determining whether new component loading is permitted. This allows the feeder management system to manage the loading status of bulk feeders, including the removal status of components from the transport path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1This is a top view schematically showing functional blocks of a feeder management system and a component mounting machine applied to a production system.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a bulk feeder.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a side view schematically showing the main parts of the bulk feeder.

[0015] Figure 4 It is from Figure 2 Top view observed from the IV direction.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing component information and cleaning information.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the feeder management process.

[0018] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 Flowchart of the response process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A feeder management system 70 for managing bulk feeders 30 will be described with reference to the drawings. Bulk feeders 30 are provided in component mounting machines 10 for mounting components on substrates, for example, and supply components in a bulk state (scattered with their positions irregular).

[0020] 1. Structure of component mounting machine 10

[0021] The component mounting machine 10 constitutes a production line for producing substrate products together with various substrate processing machines including other component mounting machines 10. The substrate processing machines constituting the production line may include a printer, an inspection device, a reflow oven, and the like.

[0022] 1-1. Substrate transport device

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the component mounting machine 10 includes a substrate conveying device 11. The substrate conveying device 11 sequentially conveys substrates 91 in a conveying direction and positions the substrates 91 at predetermined positions within the machine.

[0024] 1-2. Component supply device 12

[0025] The component mounting machine 10 includes a component supply device 12. The component supply device 12 supplies components to be mounted on the substrate 91. The component supply device 12 is equipped with a feeder 122 in each of a plurality of slots 121. The feeders 122 are, for example, tape feeders that feed and move a carrier tape containing a large number of components, supplying the components in a manner that allows them to be picked up. Furthermore, the feeder 122 is a bulk feeder 30 that supplies components stored in bulk so that they can be picked up. Details of the bulk feeder 30 will be described later.

[0026] 1-3. Component transfer device 13

[0027] The component mounting machine 10 includes a component transfer device 13. The component transfer device 13 transfers the components supplied by the component supply device 12 to a predetermined mounting position on the substrate 91. The component transfer device 13 includes a head drive device 131, a movable table 132, a mounting head 133, and a suction nozzle 134. The head drive device 131 moves the movable table 132 in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) via a direct-acting mechanism. The mounting head 133 is fixed to the movable table 132 in a removable manner by a clamping member (not shown) and is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction within the machine.

[0028] The mounting head 133 supports a plurality of suction nozzles 134 in a rotatable and elevatable manner. The suction nozzles 134 are holding members that pick up and hold the components 92 supplied from the feeder 122. The suction nozzles 134 use the supplied negative pressure air to suck the components supplied from the feeder 122. As the holding member attached to the mounting head 133, a chuck that grips and holds the components can be used.

[0029] 1-4. Component Camera 14, Board Camera 15

[0030] The component mounting machine 10 includes a component camera 14 and a substrate camera 15. These cameras are digital imaging devices equipped with imaging elements such as CMOS sensors. These cameras capture images based on control signals and emit image data acquired through the capture. The component camera 14 is configured to capture images of components held by the suction nozzle 134 from below. The substrate camera 15 is mounted on the movable stage 132 so as to be horizontally movable integrally with the mounting head 133. The substrate camera 15 is configured to capture images of the substrate 91 from above.

[0031] In addition, the substrate camera 15 can take various devices as the subject of the photograph, as long as it is within the movable range of the moving stage 132. For example, in this embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the board camera 15 can capture the supply area As of the bulk feeder 30 supplying components 92 and the reference mark 344 provided on the upper portion of the bulk feeder 30 within the camera's field of view. In this way, the board camera 15 can be used to capture different objects in order to obtain image data for various image processing.

[0032] 1-5. Control device 16

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the component mounting machine 10 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 is primarily composed of a CPU, various memories, a control circuit, and a storage device. The control device 16 stores various data, such as control programs for controlling the mounting process. The control program specifies the mounting position, mounting angle, and mounting sequence of components to be mounted on the substrate 91 during the mounting process.

[0034] The control device 16 performs image processing to identify the holding status of the components held by each of the multiple holding members (suction nozzles 134). Specifically, the control device 16 performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging with the component camera 14 to identify the position and angle of each component relative to the reference position of the mounting head 133. In addition to the component camera 14, the control device 16 may also perform image processing on image data obtained by imaging the components from the side, below, or above, for example, using a head camera unit integrally provided with the mounting head 133.

[0035] The control device 16 controls the component mounting operation performed by the mounting head 133 based on a control program, thereby executing the mounting process. The mounting process involves repeatedly performing a PP cycle (pick and place cycle) consisting of a pickup operation and a mounting operation. The "pick operation" described above involves using the suction nozzle 134 to pick up components supplied by the component supply device 12.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control device 16 controls the operation of the component supply device 12, including the bulk feeder 30, during the aforementioned pickup operation. Furthermore, the control device 16 identifies the supply status of the plurality of components 92 in the supply area As of the bulk feeder 30 based on image data acquired by the substrate camera 15. This supply status recognition process includes identifying whether there are components 92 that can be picked up in the supply area As and, if so, identifying the position and angle of the components 92. Furthermore, based on the results of this supply status recognition process, the control device 16 controls the operation of the mounting head 133 during the pickup operation.

[0037] 2. Structure of the production system

[0038] The production line including the component mounting machine 10 constitutes a production system for producing substrate products. Figure 1 As shown, the production system includes a host computer 20, a kitting station 60, a feeder warehouse 81, a component warehouse 82, and a terminal device 85. The structure of the kitting station 60 will be described later.

[0039] 2-1. Host computer 20

[0040] The host computer 20 comprehensively controls the production line, including the component mounters 10. Furthermore, the host computer 20 is communicatively connected to the management device 65 of the assembly station 60, the feeder warehouse 81, and the component warehouse 82. The host computer 20 monitors the operational status of the production line and, based on the progress of the mounting process by the component mounters 10 and the remaining number of predetermined components in the component mounters 10, issues a component depletion warning to the corresponding component mounters 10 or to a terminal device 85 carried by an operator H. This prompts the operator H to replenish components, preventing interruptions in the mounting process due to component depletion.

[0041] 2-2. Feeder Warehouse 81, Component Warehouse 82

[0042] The feeder warehouse 81 stores feeders 122, such as bulk feeders 30. The component warehouse 82 also stores components 92 for mounting. The component warehouse 82 stores components 92, for example, in a state where carrier tapes are wound around reels, or in bulk in component cassettes 50. The feeder warehouse 81 and component warehouse 82 acquire identification information (ID) of feeders 122, reels, and component cassettes 50 that are brought in and out, thereby identifying the types of components 92 being stored.

[0043] 2-3. Terminal device 85

[0044] The terminal device 85 is, for example, a tablet computer carried by the operator H. The terminal device 85 is communicatively connected to the host computer 20 and the management device 65 of the supporting station 60. The terminal device 85 displays various information input from the host computer 20. Furthermore, the terminal device 85 can receive various operations performed by the operator H and request the host computer 20 to output predetermined information.

[0045] 3. Structure of bulk feeder 30

[0046] The bulk feeder 30 is equipped with the component mounting machine 10 and functions as part of the component supply device 12. The bulk feeder 30 supplies components 92 that are stored in a bulk state, not neatly arranged on a carrier tape. Therefore, unlike a tape feeder, the bulk feeder 30 does not use a carrier tape, which has the advantage of eliminating the need for reloading carrier tape and collecting used tape.

[0047] The bulk feeder 30 is of a type that supplies components 92 in an irregular position to a planar supply area As. However, if the components 92 are close to each other or piled up (overlapping vertically) in the supply area As, or if they are in a horizontal position with their widths oriented vertically, the component mounting machine 10 cannot pick up these components 92. Therefore, to increase the proportion of components 92 that can be picked up, the bulk feeder 30 is of a type that supplies components 92 in an aligned state in the supply area As. In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 30 of a type that aligns components 92 is used as an example for description.

[0048] 3-1. Feeder body 31

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the bulk feeder 30 includes a feeder body 31 formed into a flat, box-like shape. A connector 311 and two pins 312 are provided on the front of the feeder body 31. When the feeder body 31 is placed in the slot 121 of the component supply device 12, power is supplied via the connector 311, and communication with the control device 16 is possible. The two pins 312 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot 121 and are used to position the feeder body 31 when placed in the slot 121.

[0050] 3-2. Accommodating member 32

[0051] A component cassette 50, which contains a plurality of components 92 in bulk, is detachably mounted on the feeder body 31 via the receiving member 32. The component cassette 50 is an external device of the bulk feeder 30. A component cassette 50 suitable for the mounting process is selected from various types and mounted on the feeder body 31. A discharge port 51 for discharging the components 92 to the outside is formed at the front of the component cassette 50.

[0052] The receiving member 32 is configured to vibrate relative to the feeder body 31 and supports the mounted component cassette 50. The receiving member 32 defines a receiving area Ar for accommodating the components 92 discharged from the component cassette 50. In this embodiment, the receiving member 32 includes an inclined portion 321 within the receiving area Ar, which is tilted forward relative to the horizontal plane. This inclined portion 321 is located below the discharge port 51 of the component cassette 50 and is flat. The receiving member 32 defines a flow path for the components 92 that extends above the receiving area Ar, and this flow path includes a delivery portion 322 that opens upward.

[0053] 3-3. Bracket 33, Rail Member 34, Locking Unit 35

[0054] The bulk feeder 30 includes a bracket 33 and a rail member 34. The bracket 33 is configured to vibrate relative to the feeder body 31. The bracket 33 is formed in a block shape extending in the front-to-back direction of the feeder body 31, and the rail member 34 is mounted on the upper surface. The bracket 33 is supported by a support member 41 of the vibration excitation device 40 described later. The rail member 34 forms a transport path R for transporting multiple components 92, and a supply area As that is connected to the transport path R and is open upward so that multiple components 92 can be picked up.

[0055] The bulk feeder 30 includes a locking unit 35. The locking unit 35 locks the rail member 34 while the rail member 34 is attached to the bracket 33. When locked by the locking unit 35, the rail member 34 vibrates integrally with the bracket 33 relative to the feeder body 31. Unlocking the locking unit 35 allows the rail member 34 to be removed from the bracket 33.

[0056] 3-4. Detailed Structure of the Rail Member 34, Cover 36, Gate 37, and Connecting Member 38

[0057] The rail member 34 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction ( Figure 4 In the width direction ( Figure 4 A pair of side walls 341 projecting upward are formed on both edges (in the vertical direction) of the rail member 34. The pair of side walls 341, together with the front end portion 342 of the rail member 34, surround the periphery of the transport path R, preventing leakage of components 92 being transported along the transport path R. A pair of circular reference marks 344 are added to the upper surface of the front end portion 342, indicating the reference position of the supply area As.

[0058] In this embodiment, an arrangement member 345 is replaceably attached to the rail member 34. The arrangement member 345 includes a plurality of chambers 346 for individually accommodating the plurality of components 92. Specifically, the plurality of chambers 346 are arranged in a matrix in the supply area As. For example, the arrangement member 345 includes 80 chambers 346 arranged regularly in the conveying direction and 10 chambers arranged in the width direction of the conveying path R. Each of the plurality of chambers 346 opens upward and accommodates the component 92 in a position such that the thickness direction of the component 92 is in the vertical direction.

[0059] The opening of the cavity 346 is set to a size slightly larger than the outer shape of the component 92 in a plan view. The depth of the cavity 346 is set according to the type (shape, mass, etc.) of the component 92. The rail member 34 is mounted with one of various types of rail members 34 selected based on the type of component 92, the required number of cavities 346, and functionality.

[0060] Here, the "supply area As" of the track member 34 is an area where components 92 are supplied in a bulk state and is an area where components 92 can be picked up by the suction nozzle 134 supported by the mounting head 133. In addition, the "transport path R" of the track member 34 is a passage for transporting components 92 that flow from the storage area Ar to the track member 34 to the supply area As.

[0061] The bulk feeder 30 includes a cover 36. The cover 36 is fixed to the rail member 34 and covers the upper portion of the transport path R. A plurality of exhaust ports 361 are formed on the upper surface of the cover 36. A mesh having seams smaller than the outer dimensions of the components 92 is laid across the exhaust ports 361. This structure prevents the components 92 from flying out of the transport path R while allowing air to be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust ports 361.

[0062] The bulk feeder 30 is provided with a gate 37 which is provided on the upper part of the track member 34 and is capable of closing the opening of the supply area As. The bulk feeder 30 can prevent the components 92 from flying out and foreign matter from mixing into the supply area As by opening and closing the gate 37. In the present embodiment, the gate 37 switches between an open state and a closed state by an opening and closing action. The so-called closed state of the gate 37 is a state in which the gate 37 is in contact with the track member 34 and the opening of the supply area As is completely closed. At this time, as Figure 4 As shown by the dotted line, the gate 37 is located on the rear side of the feeder body 31 relative to the pair of reference marks 344 of the rail member 34, and the pair of reference marks 344 can be visually confirmed and photographed in a plan view.

[0063] The open state of the gate 37 refers to a state in which the opening of the supply area As is not sealed and the main area of ​​the supply area As (in this embodiment, the area where the multiple chambers 346 are located) is exposed. In this state, the suction nozzle 134 can perform the pickup operation of the component 92 in any chamber 346. The gate 37 is opened and closed by a drive device (not shown), and is in the closed or open state depending on the driving state of the drive device.

[0064] The track member 34 has a downwardly extending flow path for the element 92 formed at its rear portion. This flow path has an inlet portion 343 that opens downward. The inlet portion 343 and the delivery portion 322 of the storage member 32 are vertically opposed. The bulk feeder 30 includes a tubular connecting member 38. The connecting member 38 connects the delivery portion 322 of the storage member 32 to the inlet portion 343 of the track member 34. In this embodiment, the connecting member 38 is a close-contact coil spring and is generally flexible.

[0065] With the above-described structure, the connecting member 38 connects the plurality of components 92 so that they can flow between the storage area Ar and the transport path R. Furthermore, the connecting member 38 absorbs vibration by deforming in accordance with the vibration of the storage member 32 relative to the feeder body 31 and the vibration of the track member 34 relative to the feeder body 31. The connecting member 38 reduces or blocks vibrations that are transmitted between the storage member 32 and the track member 34, which vibrate independently of each other.

[0066] 3-5. Air supply device 39

[0067] The bulk feeder 30 includes an air supply device 39. The air supply device 39 supplies positive-pressure air from below the storage area Ar, causing the plurality of components 92 to flow from the storage member 32 to the rail member 34 via the connecting member 38. In this embodiment, the air supply device 39 supplies or cuts off the positive-pressure air supplied from outside from below the storage area Ar based on commands from a feeder control device (not shown).

[0068] When the air supply device 39 supplies positive-pressure air, the components 92 trapped in the storage area Ar are blown upward by the positive-pressure air. The positive-pressure air and the components 92 flow through the delivery portion 322 of the storage member 32, the connecting member 38, and the inlet portion 343 in this order, reaching the transport path R of the track member 34. Here, the positive-pressure air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port 361 of the cover 36. The components 92 then fall down onto the transport path R of the track member 34 due to their own weight.

[0069] 3-6. Vibration Excitation Device 40

[0070] The bulk feeder 30 includes a vibration excitation device 40 provided on the feeder body 31. The vibration excitation device 40 applies vibration to the rail member 34 to convey the plurality of components 92 along the conveyance path R. Specifically, the vibration excitation device 40 includes a plurality of support members 41, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 42, a vibration sensor 43, and a power supply device 44. The plurality of support members 41 directly or indirectly connect the feeder body 31 to the bracket 33, thereby supporting the bracket 33.

[0071] The plurality of piezoelectric elements 42 are vibrators that vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the power supplied from the power supply device 44. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 42 are respectively attached to each of the plurality of support members 41. When at least a portion of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 42 vibrates, the vibration is applied to the track member 34 via the bracket 33. In addition, the amplitude of the track member 34 varies depending on the voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements 42. The vibration sensor 43 detects a vibration value indicating the vibration state of the track member 34 vibrating due to the excitation of the excitation device 40. As the vibration value indicating the vibration state, amplitude, frequency, etc. can be applied.

[0072] Here, when the vibration excitation device 40 applies vibration to the rail member 34, the rail member 34 performs an elliptical motion when viewed from the side. Consequently, the plurality of components 92 in the transport path R are subjected to an external force applied forward and upward, or backward and upward, depending on the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the rail member 34. Consequently, the plurality of components 92 are transported to the front side or to the rear side of the rail member 34.

[0073] The power supply device 44 varies the frequency and applied voltage of the power supplied to the piezoelectric element 42 based on commands from a feeder control device (not shown). This adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the vibration applied to the track member 34, and the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 34 is determined. When the frequency and amplitude of the vibration of the track member 34, as well as the rotational direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibration, vary, the conveying speed of the conveyed components 92, the degree of dispersion of the components 92, and the conveying direction vary.

[0074] When the bulk feeder 30, having the above-described structure, is placed in the slot 121 of the component supply device 12, it is powered via the connector 311 and becomes capable of communicating with the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10. The feeder control device of the bulk feeder 30 stores various data, such as programs used to control the component supply process and transport parameters. The feeder control device also stores identification information (ID) for the currently mounted rail member 34 and component cassette 50.

[0075] The identification information of the rail member 34 and the component cassette 50 is, for example, information that is read during the operation of installing the component cassette 50 and inputted from an external device through communication. Alternatively, each piece of identification information may be information that is read by a reader built into the bulk feeder 30 that reads a code attached to a predetermined position of the rail member 34 or the component cassette 50 when the rail member 34 or the component cassette 50 is installed in the bulk feeder 30.

[0076] 4. Supporting Station 60

[0077] 4-1. Overview of Supporting Station 60

[0078] The assembly station 60 is an operation area where various operations such as production changeover and maintenance are performed. Operations at the assembly station 60 include loading and unloading components 92 from the feeder 122. When components 92 are loaded as described above, component information D1 including the type of components 92 loaded into the feeder 122 is stored in association with the feeder 122 in the storage unit 71 (described later).

[0079] Furthermore, the operation of loading the feeder 122 with components 92 refers to placing the feeder 122 in a position where the carrier tape can be fed and moved, if the feeder 122 is a tape feeder. Alternatively, if the feeder 122 is a bulk feeder 30, new components 92 are loaded by attaching a component cassette 50 containing a plurality of components 92 in bulk to the bulk feeder 30. Alternatively, new components 92 are loaded by replenishing an empty component cassette 50 attached to the bulk feeder 30 with a plurality of components 92.

[0080] Figure 5 The component information D1 of the component 92 loaded for each identification information (ID) of the bulk feeder 30 is shown. Figure 5 In the example, a bulk feeder 30 whose component information D1 is "None" is in a state where no component 92 is loaded. In other words, the component information D1 associated with the bulk feeder 30 is updated according to the loading of the component 92 into the bulk feeder 30. Furthermore, even if the component 92 is removed from the bulk feeder 30 (including unloading of the component cassette 50), the component information D1 is not discarded as it represents the component 92 loaded immediately before.

[0081] 4-2. Structure of the Supporting Station 60 and the Support 61

[0082] The supporting station 60 includes a bracket 61, a cleaner 62, a command barcode 63, a reader 64, and a management device 65. In this embodiment, a feeder management system 70 is incorporated into the management device 65. The bracket 61 supports the mounted feeder 122, supplies power to the feeder 122, and is communicatively connected to the management device 65 and the control device of the feeder 122.

[0083] Here, the operator H may clean the bulk feeder 30, which is not loaded with components 92, at the loading station 60 as part of a production changeover or maintenance task. This cleaning targets the transport path R, which transports the components 92 in the bulk feeder 30. By performing the cleaning, components 92, foreign matter, and the like are removed from target areas such as the transport path R. Furthermore, the objects that may be cleaned include the rail member 34 forming the transport path R, the alignment member 345 attached to the rail member 34, the receiving member 32, the connecting member 38, and the component box 50.

[0084] In the bulk feeder 30 of this embodiment, the container member 32, rail member 34, cover 36, and connecting member 38 are handled as a vibration unit that can be removed from the feeder body 31 and bracket 33. The vibration unit is replaced with the components assembled and assigned identification information. The operator H cleans the vibration unit and component box 50 by blowing air or brushing.

[0085] 4-3. Cleaner 62, Command Barcode 63, Reader 64

[0086] The cleaner 62 is configured to automatically clean an already-equipped bulk feeder 30. For example, the cleaner 62 is configured by an operator H to equip the bulk feeder 30 with components 92 unloaded, and then cleans the transport path R of the bulk feeder 30 (vibrating unit, component box 50). In addition to being configured by the operator H as described above, the cleaner 62 can also be configured as an integral part of the bracket 61 to perform fully automatic cleaning.

[0087] When the cleaning described above is performed, cleaning information D2 indicating the history of the cleaning is stored in a storage unit 71 described later while being associated with the bulk feeder 30 . Figure 5 The cleaning information D2 indicates the cleaning execution history for each identification information (ID) of the bulk feeder 30. In this embodiment, since the component cassette 50 and the rail member 34 are detachable from the feeder body 31 of the bulk feeder 30, the execution history of these components is recorded as separate parts.

[0088] Specifically, if Figure 5As shown, the cleaning information D2 indicates the implementation history of cleaning for each identification information (ID) for respectively identifying the component box 50 and the rail member 34. In addition, when the rail member 34 constitutes a vibration unit, the identification information of the rail member 34 is substantially equivalent to the identification information of the vibration unit. Figure 5 In the bulk feeder 30 in which a part of the cleaning information D2 becomes "None", the component cassette 50 or the vibration unit is removed from the bulk feeder 30, or the components 92 are loaded after cleaning and the cleaning information D2 is discarded.

[0089] For example, when the operator H cleans the vibration unit including the rail member 34 at the supporting station 60, the operator H reads the message ( ) by the reader 64 and notifies the management device 65 of the completion of the cleaning. Figure 5 The cleaning information D2 is sent to the management device 65 together with the identification information (ID) of the vibration unit. In addition, when the cleaner 62 is used to clean the bulk feeder 30, the management device 65 records the implementation history of the cleaning.

[0090] Furthermore, when the vibration unit is removed from the feeder main body 31 and cleaned, the operator H reads the identification code and command barcode 63 attached to the vibration unit and indicating the vibration unit's identification information (ID). This records the completion of cleaning for the vibration unit, and when the vibration unit is installed in any feeder main body 31, the cleaning information D2 associated with the identification information of the bulk feeder 30 is updated. The cleaning of the vibration unit and the updating of the cleaning information D2, as described above, are also similar when the target is a component cassette 50.

[0091] 4-4. Management Device 65

[0092] The management device 65 primarily consists of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. It is communicatively connected to the stand 61, the cleaner 62, the host computer 20, and the terminal device 85, and receives information read by the reader 64. The management device 65 monitors various operations at the supporting station 60 and controls operations such as cleaning performed by the cleaner 62.

[0093] 5. Feeder management system 70

[0094] The feeder management system 70 manages the bulk feeders 30 in the production system. As described above, the components 92 supplied by the bulk feeders 30 are not packaged, unlike components stored on carrier tapes. While tape feeders can reliably remove loaded components 92 by unloading the carrier tape, bulk feeders 30 require cleaning to remove components 92 from the transport path R.

[0095] The feeder management system 70 is required to manage the loading status of the components 92 in the bulk feeder 30. Specifically, when the type of components 92 to be loaded into the bulk feeder 30 is changed, the feeder management system 70 preferably manages the status to prevent the previous components 92 from remaining in the transport path R and mixing with the subsequent components 92. The feeder management system 70 of this embodiment takes this into consideration and adopts a configuration that also manages whether the bulk feeder 30 has been cleaned.

[0096] 5-1. Storage Unit 71

[0097] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the feeder management system 70 includes a storage unit 71. The storage unit 71 stores the component information D1 and the cleaning information D2 in association with the bulk feeder 30. In this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, component information D1 includes, in addition to the type of component 92, information identifying the supplier and batch of component 92, and the remaining quantity of component 92. The supplier of component 92 is the supplier who manufactures component 92. The batch of component 92 is a unit of measurement used to distinguish components 92 of the same type based on, for example, the date of manufacture. The remaining quantity of component 92 is an approximate number, recorded by, for example, subtracting the amount used for supply from the initial value.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning information D2 includes a cleaning history for each identification information (ID) for specifying the rail member 34 and component cassette 50. The storage unit 71 stores the component information D1 and cleaning information D2 in association with the identification information (ID) unique to each bulk feeder 30. The component information D1 is updated when components 92 are loaded into the bulk feeder 30. The cleaning information D2 is attached to the rail member 34 and component cassette 50 and is updated when they are cleaned or attached to the feeder body 31. It is discarded when they are removed from the feeder body 31 or when components 92 are loaded into the bulk feeder 30.

[0099] 5-2. Determination Unit 72

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, the feeder management system 70 includes a determination unit 72. When the feeder management system 70 receives a request to update component information D1, the determination unit 72 determines, based on the cleaning information D2, whether cleaning was performed before the request to update component information D1 was received. In this embodiment, when a new component 92 is to be loaded into a bulk feeder 30, the feeder management system 70 receives a request to update component information D1 for the component 92 associated with the bulk feeder 30.

[0101] Specifically, at the loading station 60, when a component cassette 50 containing a new component 92 is loaded onto a bulk feeder 30, the operator H uses the reader 64 to read the identification code of the component cassette 50. As a result, the feeder management system 70 obtains the component information D1 of the component 92 contained in the component cassette 50. The feeder management system 70 then deems that the component 92 is to be loaded into the bulk feeder 30 and accepts the request as an update request for the component information D1 of the component 92.

[0102] In addition to the installation of the component cassette 50 as described above, the same process also applies when new components 92 are supplied from a component pack containing a large number of components 92 to an empty component cassette 50. Specifically, when the identification code attached to the component pack is read, the feeder management system 70 recognizes that the component 92 is to be loaded and accepts the request as an update of the component information D1 of the component 92.

[0103] Furthermore, upon receiving a request to update component information D1, the determination unit 72 performs a determination based on the cleaning information D2. This determination determines whether cleaning was performed before the component information D1 update request was issued. As will be described later, this determination result serves as information useful for managing the bulk feeder 30, such as an indicator of whether loading of new components 92 is permitted. In this way, the feeder management system 70 can manage the loading status of the bulk feeder 30, including the removal status of components 92 from the transport path R of the bulk feeder 30.

[0104] 5-3. Processing Unit 73

[0105] like Figure 1 As shown, the feeder management system 70 includes a processing unit 73. If the determination unit 72 determines that cleaning has not been performed, the processing unit 73 restricts the updating of the component information D1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the updating of the component information D1 is restricted, the processing unit 73 notifies the outside world that cleaning has not been performed. Specifically, the processing unit 73 notifies the display device of the management device 65 or the terminal device 85 that cleaning has not been performed on the bulk feeder 30 to be loaded with the component 92.

[0106] This prompts the operator H to clean. Furthermore, after cleaning is completed, when the command barcode 63 is read, the cleaning information D2 is updated. Furthermore, in the supporting station 60, if the cleaner 62 is configured to automatically clean, the processing unit 73 can also instruct the cleaner 62 to clean. In this way, cleaning is automatically performed, and then, upon receiving a notification from the cleaner 62, the processing unit 73 updates the cleaning information D2.

[0107] The feeder management system 70 then treats the request to update component information D1 as having been re-accepted, and causes the determination unit 72 to perform determination processing based on the updated cleaning information D2. When this determination process determines that cleaning has been completed, the processing unit 73 updates the component information D1. This new component information D1 is thus associated with the bulk feeder 30, recording that the component 92 corresponding to component information D1 has been loaded. The processing unit 73 discards the cleaning information D2 upon loading of the component 92.

[0108] 6. Feeder management and processing

[0109] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The feeder management process performed by the feeder management system 70 will be described. As part of a production changeover for substrate products, the operator H loads the bulk feeder 30 with components 92. First, when the operator H attaches the bulk feeder 30 to the rack 61, the management device 65 communicates with the bulk feeder 30 to obtain identification information for the bulk feeder 30 (S11).

[0110] Next, when the identification code of the component cassette 50 to be mounted on the bulk feeder 30 is read by the reader 64, the feeder management system 70 accepts a request to update the component information D1 (S12). The determination unit 72 determines whether to permit the update of the component information D1 (S13). Specifically, the determination unit 72 compares the new component information D1 with the immediately previous component information D1. If the component 92 is of a different type, the determination unit 72 refers to the cleaning information D2 and performs a determination. If the cleaning is complete (S13: Yes), the determination unit 72 permits the update of the component information D1.

[0111] On the other hand, if cleaning has not been performed (S13: No), processing unit 73 restricts updating of component information D1 (S14). Furthermore, during the determination process (S13), determination unit 72 may refer to cleaning information D2 when components 92 are of different types, while allowing updating of component information D1 when components 92 are of the same type. Alternatively, during the determination process (S13), determination unit 72 may refer to cleaning information D2 when components 92 are of the same type but from different suppliers or batches, and make a determination based on the history of whether cleaning has been performed.

[0112] Even if components 92 are of the same type, if they come from different suppliers or batches, their properties may change, potentially affecting the installation process. Therefore, to prevent the mixing of components 92 from different suppliers or batches, these characteristics can be reflected in the determination process. The type, supplier, or batch of component 92 can be arbitrarily determined to be reflected in the determination process. Furthermore, regardless of the type of component 92, cleaning information D2 can be constantly referenced to determine whether cleaning has been performed based on the cleaning history.

[0113] The processing unit 73 limits the update of the component information D1 (S14) and performs the corresponding processing (S15). Figure 7 As shown, the processing unit 73 first notifies the outside world that cleaning has not been performed (S21). This prompts the operator H to perform cleaning and attach the bulk feeder 30 to the cleaner 62 (S22). The processing unit 73 instructs the cleaner 62 to perform cleaning (S23). After the cleaner 62 completes cleaning the bulk feeder 30, the processing unit 73 updates the cleaning information D2 (S24). If the bulk feeder 30 is cleaned manually by the operator H, only the notification process (S21) is performed. After cleaning is completed, the command barcode 63 is read to update the cleaning information D2.

[0114] If the above-mentioned handling process (S15) is not properly executed, or if it has not ended normally (S16: No), the update request for the component information D1 is not permitted, and the feeder management process ends. On the other hand, if the handling process (S15) ends normally (S16: Yes), the feeder management system 70 regards the update request for the component information D1 as having been re-accepted and executes the determination process (S13) again. If the determination unit 72 determines that the cleaning has been completed (S13: Yes), the update of the component information D1 is permitted.

[0115] To update the component information D1, the processing unit 73 associates the new component information D1 with the bulk feeder 30 (S18). Furthermore, the processing unit 73 deems that the component 92 is about to be loaded into the bulk feeder 30, and accordingly discards the purge information D2. The processing unit 73 notifies the operator H that preparations for loading the component 92 associated with the component information D1 requested for update are complete (S19). The operator H then proceeds to mount the component cassette 50 on the bulk feeder 30. The operator H removes the bulk feeder 30 from the rack 61 and places the bulk feeder 30 in the designated slot 121 of the component mounting machine 10.

[0116] According to the configuration of the feeder management system 70, when an update request for the component information D1 is received, it is possible to obtain a determination result of whether cleaning has been performed on at least the target transport path R. This determination result serves as an indicator for determining whether loading of new components 92 is permitted, thereby preventing foreign components from being mixed into the bulk feeder 30 and improving the manageability of the loading status.

[0117] 7. Variations of the Implementation Methods

[0118] 7-1. About the Feeder Management System 70

[0119] In the embodiment, the description is given of a configuration in which the components 71-73 (storage unit 71, determination unit 72, and processing unit 73) of the feeder management system 70 are incorporated into the management device 65 of the supporting station 60. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which some or all of the components 71-73 are incorporated into a device external to the management device 65. For example, the components 71-73 may be incorporated into a host computer 20, a terminal device 85, or other dedicated equipment that is communicatively connected to the management device 65. In either embodiment, the same effects as those of the embodiment are achieved.

[0120] Furthermore, the operation of loading the bulk feeder 30 with components 92 may also be performed outside the mounting station 60. For example, components 92 may be loaded onto a cart that transports the bulk feeder 30 between the feeder warehouse 81, the component warehouse 82, and the production line. Furthermore, components 92 may be loaded by replacing the component cassette 50 while the bulk feeder 30 is mounted in the slot 121 of the component mounting machine 10, or by replenishing the component cassette 50 mounted in the feeder body 31 with components 92. In these various loading operations, by executing a determination process based on the cleaning information D2 to determine whether an update is possible when a request to update the component information D1 is received, the same effects as those of the embodiment are achieved.

[0121] Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 10: Component mounting machine 12: Component supply device 121: Slot 122: Feeder 20: Main computer 30: Bulk feeder 31: Feeder body 32: Accommodating part 33: Bracket 34: Rail part 35: Locking unit 36: Cover 37: Gate 38: Connecting part 39: Air supply device 40: Vibration device 50: Component box 60: Matching station 61: Bracket 62: Cleaner 63: Command barcode 64: Reader 65: Management device 70: Feeder management system 71: Storage unit 72: Judgment unit 73: Processing unit D1: Component information D2: Cleaning information

Claims

1. A feeder management system comprising: a storage unit storing component information and cleaning information in association with a bulk feeder, the component information including types of components loaded in the bulk feeder, the cleaning information indicating a history of cleaning of at least a transport path for transporting the components in the bulk feeder; and The determination unit, when accepting the component information update request, determines based on the cleaning information whether the cleaning has been performed before the component information update request.

2. The feeder management system according to claim 1, wherein: The feeder management system further includes a processing unit that restricts updating of the component information when the determination unit determines that the cleaning has not been performed.

3. The feeder management system according to claim 2, wherein: The processing unit notifies externally that the cleaning is not performed when updating of the component information is restricted.

4. The feeder management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The processing unit instructs a cleaner capable of performing the cleaning on the already equipped bulk feeder to perform the cleaning.

5. The feeder management system according to claim 4, wherein: The processing unit updates the component information and the cleaning information when the cleaning is performed by the cleaner.

6. The feeder management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: When the bulk feeder is to be newly loaded with the component, the feeder management system accepts a request to update the component information related to the component associated with the bulk feeder.

7. The feeder management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The bulk feeder is loaded with new components by attaching a component cassette containing a plurality of the components in a bulk state to the bulk feeder or by replenishing a plurality of the components to the component cassette.

8. The feeder management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The component information includes information for identifying a supplier or a batch of the component.

9. The feeder management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: A component box for accommodating a plurality of the components in bulk and a rail member forming the transport path are detachably mounted on the bulk feeder. The cleaning information includes a history of cleaning performed for respectively identifying each piece of identification information of the component cassette and the rail member.

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