Feeder management device and setting device

Abstract

A feeder management device is provided with: a determination unit that determines whether or not to allow discharge of a component from a component cassette to a bulk feeder, on the basis of feeder information relating to the bulk feeder and cassette information relating to the component cassette that is provided in the bulk feeder and accommodates a predetermined type of component; and a response processing unit that executes predetermined response processing on the basis of the determination result of the determination unit on whether or not the discharge is permitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a feeder management device and a setting device. Background Art

[0002] The feeder management device manages feeders that supply components to a component mounting machine. Among the above-mentioned feeders, there is a type that supplies components in a dispersed bulk state in a supply area where a suction nozzle can pick up components, as shown in Patent Document 1. A component box containing a plurality of components is provided in the bulk feeder. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 162916. Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned bulk feeder, a component box containing components of a different type from the intended one may be mistakenly placed. As a result, components discharged from the component box enter the feeder, requiring maintenance such as component removal. In addition, components removed from the bulk feeder become waste.

[0005] The purpose of this specification is to provide a feeder management device and an installation device that prevent components of a different type from those specified from being discharged from a component cassette to a bulk feeder. Means for solving problems

[0006] The present specification discloses a feeder management device, comprising: a determination unit, which determines whether discharge of components from a component box to the bulk feeder is permitted based on feeder information associated with the bulk feeder and box information associated with a component box provided in the bulk feeder and accommodating components of a specified type; and a response processing unit, which executes a specified response processing based on the determination result of the determination unit on whether discharge is permitted.

[0007] The bulk feeder is provided with a conveying unit, which is detachably mounted on the feeder body and is composed of a box support component and a track component, wherein the box support component supports the component box to be set, and the track component forms a conveying path for conveying the component and a supply area for supplying the component in a manner that allows the component to be picked up. This specification discloses a setting device, comprising: a support table that supports the conveying unit removed from the feeder body; and the above-mentioned feeder management device.

[0008] In this specification, the technical idea of ​​changing the "feeder management device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the feeder management device described in any one of claims 1 to 3" in the original claim 4 of this application, and the technical idea of ​​changing the "feeder management device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the feeder management device described in any one of claims 1 to 4" in the original claim 5 of this application is also disclosed. In addition, in this specification, the technical idea of ​​changing the "feeder management device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the feeder management device described in any one of claims 1 to 4" in the original claim 6 of this application is also disclosed, and the technical idea of ​​changing the "feeder management device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the feeder management device described in any one of claims 1 to 6" in the original claim 7 of this application is also disclosed. In addition, in this specification, the technical idea of ​​changing the "feeder management device described in claim 1 or 2" to "the feeder management device described in any one of claims 1 to 7" in the original claim 8 of this application is also disclosed. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the structure of such a feeder management device, whether discharge is allowed is determined based on feeder information and box information, and a response process is performed based on the determination result. Therefore, even if a component box containing components of a different type from the predetermined type is set in the feeder, the components can be prevented from being discharged through the response process. Thus, maintenance due to erroneous operations can be prevented, a decrease in production efficiency can be prevented, and unnecessary discarding of components can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a production system to which a feeder management device and a setting device are applied. Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing a portion of a bulk feeder including a feed area. Figure 3 is from Figure 2 Top view observed from direction III. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the conveying unit and the installation device constituting the bulk feeder. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a setting device. Figure 6 It is a figure which shows the feeder information and the cassette information. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the feeder management process. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a gate opening and closing device in an installation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] 1. Overview of the Feeder Management Device 60 and the Installation Device 50 The feeder management device 60 manages feeders that supply components to the component mounting machine 2. In the present embodiment, the feeder management device 60 incorporates the installation device 50 for installing feeders, and manages bulk feeders 10, which are one type of feeders.

[0012] The component mounting machine 2 described above performs a mounting process of mounting components on a substrate as a predetermined substrate operation. Figure 1 As shown, the production line Ln is formed by arranging a plurality of substrate operation machines along the conveying direction of the substrate. The plurality of substrate operation machines are respectively connected to a host computer 70 for controlling the production line Ln in a communicable manner. The production line Ln includes a plurality of printers 1 as substrate operation machines, a plurality of component mounting machines 2, a reflow furnace 3, and an inspection machine 4.

[0013] The printer 1 prints solder paste on the mounting position of the component on the substrate that is transported in. The plurality of component mounting machines 2 mount components on the substrate transported from the upstream side of the production line Ln, respectively. The structure of the component mounting machine 2 will be described later. The reflow furnace 3 heats the substrate transported from the upstream side of the production line Ln to melt the solder on the substrate and perform soldering. The inspection machine 4 inspects whether the appearance or function of the substrate product produced by the production line Ln is normal.

[0014] In this embodiment, a plurality of production lines Ln (Ln1, Ln2, ...) may be formed in a factory for substrate products. In addition, the structures of the plurality of production lines Ln may be appropriately added or changed, for example, according to the types of substrate products produced. Specifically, a buffer device for temporarily holding the transported substrate, a substrate supply device, a substrate turning device, various inspection devices, a shielding installation device, an adhesive coating device, an ultraviolet irradiation device, and other substrate operation machines may be appropriately provided on the plurality of production lines Ln.

[0015] The installation device 50 is used for operations such as loading components into a feeder used for a scheduled installation process and removing components from a feeder used for an installation process. The installation device 50 includes a support table 51 for supporting a feeder or a part of a unit removed from a feeder. The installation device 50 is connected to a host computer 70 so as to be communicable, and various information related to installation is input and output. The detailed structure of the installation device 50 will be described later.

[0016] 2. Structure of bulk feeder 10 The bulk feeder 10 to which the installation device 50 and the feeder management device 60 are directed will be described. The bulk feeder 10 is equipped in the component mounting machine 2 and functions as a part of the component supply device. The bulk feeder 10 supplies components stored in a bulk state (a scattered state in which each is in an irregular posture) that is not neatly arranged like a carrier tape. Therefore, the bulk feeder 10 does not use a carrier tape, unlike a tape feeder, and thus has advantages in that the loading of the carrier tape can be omitted and the used tape can be collected.

[0017] For example, there is a type of bulk feeder 10 that supplies components in an irregular posture to a planar supply area As. However, in the supply area As, when components are close to each other or piled up (overlapped in the vertical direction) or in a horizontal posture such that the width direction of the components is in the vertical direction, the component mounting machine 2 cannot pick up these components. Therefore, in order to increase the proportion of components that can be picked up, there is a type of bulk feeder 10 that supplies components in a state where the components are neatly arranged in the supply area As. In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 of the type that arranges components neatly is used as an example for description.

[0018] 2-1. Feeder body 11 like Figure 2 As shown, the bulk feeder 10 includes a feeder body 11. The feeder body 11 is formed in a flat box shape. Figure 2 A connector 111 and two pins 112 are provided at the right end of the feeder body 11. When the feeder body 11 is set in the slot of the component supply device, it is powered via the connector 111 and becomes able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine. The two pins 112 are inserted into the guide holes provided in the slot and are used for positioning the feeder body 11 when it is set in the slot.

[0019] 2-2. Transport unit 20 like Figure 2 As shown, the bulk feeder 10 includes a conveying unit 20. The conveying unit 20 is detachably mounted on the feeder body 11. The conveying unit 20 supports a component cassette 40 to be described later. The conveying unit 20 is a unit for conveying components discharged from the component cassette 40 from the storage area to the supply area As.

[0020] After the bulk feeder 10 is used for a predetermined installation process, a removal operation of removing all components in the feeder is performed as a kind of maintenance in preparation for the next use. The conveying unit 20 is assumed to be a unit that functions as a flow path for the components and can be removed from the feeder body 11 in order to improve the workability in anticipation of the above-mentioned removal operation. In this embodiment, the conveying unit 20 includes a box support member 21, a rail unit 22, and a connecting member 23.

[0021] The box support member 21 is provided so as to be vibrated relative to the feeder body 11. The box support member 21 is vibrated by the first vibration device 15 described later. The box support member 21 supports the component box 40 provided. The box support member 21 stores the components discharged from the component box 40. In the present embodiment, the part for storing the components in the box support member 21 has an inclined surface inclined toward the front side relative to the horizontal plane. The box support member 21 forms a flow path for the components extending upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0022] The track unit 22 is configured to be able to vibrate relative to the feeder body 11. The track unit 22 is given vibration by the second vibration device 16 described later. The track unit 22 is formed with a conveying path R for conveying a plurality of components, and a supply area As connected to the conveying path R and opened upward in a manner that a plurality of components can be picked up. Here, the "supply area As" is an area where components are supplied in a bulk state, and is an area where components can be picked up by the component mounting machine 2. In addition, the "conveying path R" is a passage for conveying components that flow from the box support part 21 side to the track unit 22 to the supply area As.

[0023] The overall shape of the rail unit 22 is formed in the front-to-back direction ( Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the arranging member 32 is mounted on the rail body 31 of the rail unit 22 in a replaceable manner. The arranging member 32 is, for example, one or more plate-shaped members. The rail unit 22 is a unitized rail member by mounting one arranging member 32 selected from a plurality of arranging members 32 corresponding to the shapes of a plurality of elements on a common rail body 31.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the arrangement member 32 is composed of a plurality of cavities 35 arranged in a predetermined pattern (in a staggered pattern in this embodiment). The plurality of cavities 35 are each rectangular in shape slightly larger than the outer shape of the component supplied by the bulk feeder 10. In this way, the bulk feeder 10 has a plurality of cavities 35 for accommodating components in a posture in which the thickness direction of the components is in the vertical direction in the supply area As where the components can be picked up. Figure 3 A pair of side walls 36 protruding upward are formed at both edges of the rail unit 22 (in the vertical direction). The pair of side walls 36 surround the periphery of the conveying path R together with the front end 37 of the rail unit 22 to prevent the components conveyed in the conveying path R from leaking out.

[0025] A feeder gate 38 capable of closing the opening of the supply area As is provided on the upper portion of the track unit 22. When the track unit 22 is mounted on the feeder body 11, the feeder gate 38 is in a state where the opening and closing action is controlled by a gate driving device (not shown). The bulk feeder 10 can prevent components from flying out and foreign matter from mixing into the supply area As by opening and closing the feeder gate 38.

[0026] The connecting member 23 connects the box support member 21 and the track unit 22 so that multiple components can flow. The connecting member 23 is in the shape of a tube through which multiple components can flow. The connecting member 23 is flexible and deforms according to the vibration of the box support member 21 and the vibration of the track unit 22 to absorb the respective vibrations. Thus, the connecting member 23 reduces or blocks the vibration transmitted between the box support member 21 and the track unit 22, which vibrate independently of each other.

[0027] When the conveying unit 20 is mounted on the feeder body 11, positive pressure air is supplied by the air supply device 17, so that the plurality of components flow from the box support member 21 to the rail unit 22 via the connecting member 23. In the present embodiment, the air supply device 17 supplies or cuts off the positive pressure air supplied from the outside from the bottom of the box support member 21 based on the command of the feeder control device 18 described later.

[0028] 2-3. First Vibrating Device 15 and Second Vibrating Device 16 The bulk feeder 10 includes a first vibrating device 15 and a second vibrating device 16 provided on the feeder body 11. The first vibrating device 15 applies vibration to the box support member 21 to promote the discharge of components from the installed component box 40. The second vibrating device 16 applies vibration to the rail unit 22 to transport a plurality of components along the transport path R. When the second vibrating device 16 applies vibration to the rail unit 22, the rail unit 22 performs an elliptical motion when viewed from the side.

[0029] Thus, a plurality of components located on the conveying path R are subjected to an external force in the front and upward direction, or an external force in the rear and upward direction, depending on the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track unit 22. As a result, a plurality of components are conveyed to the front side or the rear side of the track unit 22. The bulk feeder 10 can change the conveying speed of the conveyed components, the dispersion degree of the components, the conveying direction, etc. by controlling the frequency and amplitude of the vibration applied to the track unit 22, and the rotation direction of the elliptical motion based on the vibration.

[0030] 2-4. Feeder control device 18 The bulk feeder 10 is provided with a feeder control device 18. The feeder control device 18 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and a control circuit. When the bulk feeder 10 is set in the slot of the component mounting machine 2, the feeder control device 18 is powered via the connector 111 and becomes a state in which it can communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 2.

[0031] Various data such as programs for controlling the component supply process and conveying parameters are stored in the feeder control device 18. The above-mentioned "conveying parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the second vibrating device 16 so that appropriate vibration is imparted to the track unit 22 when conveying components in the component supply process, and are pre-set in association with each type of component, for example.

[0032] The feeder control device 18 controls the operation of the first vibrating device 15, the second vibrating device 16, the air supply device 17, the gate drive device, etc. The feeder control device 18 controls the operation of the second vibrating device 16 based on a preset parameter to perform the component supply process. As a result, vibration is applied to the rail unit 22, and the components on the conveying path R are conveyed by receiving an external force in a manner that they move in the conveying direction.

[0033] 3. Component box 40 The component box 40 accommodates a plurality of components in a bulk state. The component box 40 is an external device that is replaceably provided to the box support member 21 in the conveying unit 20 of the bulk feeder 10. The component box 40 has a box body 41 that is formed into a flat box shape like the feeder body 11. The component box 40 has a box body 41 at the lower front part ( Figure 2 The lower right side portion of the device is provided with an outlet 42 for discharging the contained components to the outside.

[0034] The component box 40 includes a shutter 43 for opening and closing the opening of the discharge port 42. Figure 8 As shown, the shutter 43 includes: an operation plate 431 extending along the bottom surface of the box body 41; a shutter plate 432 extending along the front surface of the box body 41; and a curved portion 433 connecting the operation plate 431 and the shutter plate 432. An operation hole 434 is formed in the operation plate 431 and penetrates in the up-down direction. An opening 435 is formed in the shutter plate 432 and communicates with the discharge port 42 when the shutter plate 432 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the box body 41. The curved portion 433 is formed so as to be able to be bent in accordance with the curved shape of the corner of the box body 41.

[0035] With such a structure, the component box 40 is arranged on the operation plate 431 along the front-to-back direction ( Figure 2 The left and right directions Figure 8 When the shutter plate 432 connected by the curved portion 433 slides in the up-down direction ( Figure 2 and Figure 8 When the shutter plate 432 slides downward and the opening 435 is connected to the discharge port 42, the shutter 43 is in an open state, and the components can be discharged to the outside. On the other hand, when the shutter plate 432 slides upward and the opening 435 is offset relative to the discharge port 42, the shutter 43 is in a closed state, and the components cannot be discharged to the outside.

[0036] The opening and closing operation of the gate 43 is performed by, for example, an operator inserting a special jig into the operation hole 434 and sliding the operation plate 431 while the component box 40 is set in the conveying unit 20. Figure 8 As shown, in a state where the conveying unit 20 with the component cassette 40 is supported by a setting device 50 described later, the shutter 43 is automatically opened and closed by a shutter opening and closing device 53 of the setting device 50. The detailed structure of the setting device 50 will be described later.

[0037] 4. Component supply processing of bulk feeder 10 The component supply process of the bulk feeder 10 having the above-mentioned structure is described. First, the feeder control device 18 discharges the components from the component box 40 based on a supply instruction from the outside, for example. Specifically, the feeder control device 18 controls the operation of the first vibration device 15 to apply vibration to the box support member 21 on which the component box 40 is mounted. When the component box 40 vibrates, the components are discharged from the discharge port 42. The discharged components fall to the inclined portion of the box support member 21 located below the discharge port 42, and slide and move forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion. As a result, the components are retained at the lower end portion in front of the inclined portion.

[0038] In this state, the feeder control device 18 instructs the air supply device 17 to supply positive pressure air. The positive pressure air supplied by the air supply device 17 blows up the plurality of trapped components, and flows together with the components in the flow path formed in the box support member 21. Thus, the positive pressure air and the plurality of components flow from the box support member 21 to the track unit 22 via the connecting member 23, and reach the conveying path R of the track unit 22. Here, the positive pressure air is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port formed in the cover of the track unit 22.

[0039] Thereafter, when the second vibrating device 16 for conveying components applies vibration to the track unit 22, a plurality of components are conveyed to the supply area As side. In addition, depending on the supply amount of components in the supply area As, etc., the track unit 22 is given vibration to move the components forward or vibration to move the components backward. A portion of the plurality of components conveyed to the supply area As is accommodated in the chamber 35. The components not accommodated in the chamber 35 are retreated to the conveying path R by the vibration applied by the second vibrating device 16 and are removed from the supply area As. Through such a component supply process, the components accommodated in the plurality of chambers 35 are supplied in a manner that allows them to be picked up by the component mounting machine 2.

[0040] 5. Setting device 50 5-1. Overview of Installation Device 50 The setting device 50 is set, for example, in an external production adjustment area between a warehouse storing components (not shown) and the production line Ln in a production facility for product substrates. In the external production adjustment area, the operation of loading components in various feeders in a manner that enables the components to be supplied can be performed automatically by the setting device 50 or manually by an operator. In addition, the setting device 50 assists in a part of the operation of loading components. Between the external production adjustment area and the warehouse, and between the external production adjustment area and the production line Ln, the feeders and components can be transported by an unmanned transport vehicle or an operator.

[0041] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the setting device 50 assists the following operations: setting the component box 40 to the conveying unit 20 removed from the bulk feeder 10, switching the gate 43 to the open state so that the conveying unit 20 is in a state where the components can flow. In addition, the setting device 50 performs the operation of associating the set component box 40 with the conveying unit 20 and registering their combination in the host computer 70.

[0042] Here, the conveying unit 20 supplies different types of components corresponding to the type of the arrangement member 32 of the rail unit 22, specifically, the shape of the chamber 35 (hereinafter referred to as "corresponding component type"). This is because, depending on the shape of the component and the shape of the chamber 35, the component cannot be accommodated in the chamber 35, or even if accommodated, it cannot be properly arranged. That is, as an example, the conveying unit 20 is distinguished for each corresponding component type ( Figure 4 20A, 20B, ···), are selected according to the type of components supplied.

[0043] The component boxes 40 are divided into different types according to the types of components to be accommodated (hereinafter referred to as "accommodated component types"). That is, the component boxes 40 are divided into different types according to the types of accommodated components ( Figure 440A, 40B, . . . ) are selected according to the type of components supplied. In addition, the conveying unit 20 and the component box 40 can also be distinguished according to their respective functions and characteristics based on or instead of the corresponding component types and the types of accommodated components.

[0044] In the present embodiment, identification codes indicating the respective identification information are attached to the bulk feeder 10 and the component box 40. In the present embodiment, since the structure in which the conveying unit 20 can be replaced with respect to the feeder main body 11 is adopted, the unit code 25 as the identification code is attached to the conveying unit 20. In addition, the box code 45 as the identification code is attached to the component box 40. The unit code 25 and the box code 45 may be a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or a code to which RFID is applied.

[0045] 5-2. Configuration of the installation device 50 like Figure 4 As shown, the installation device 50 includes a support table 51. The support table 51 supports the conveying unit 20 removed from the feeder body 11 of the bulk feeder 10. The support table 51 has the same support structure as the feeder body 11, and supports the cassette support member 21 and the rail unit 22 of the conveying unit 20.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the installation device 50 is provided with a code reader 52. The code reader 52 reads the unit code 25 of the conveying unit 20 and the box code 45 of the component box 40 to obtain identification information. The code reader 52 may be, for example, a handheld scanner, or a structure that reads when the conveying unit 20 and the component box 40 are positioned at a predetermined position relative to the support table 51.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , the installation device 50 includes a gate opening and closing device 53. The gate opening and closing device 53 includes an operating pin 531 and a driving device 532. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating pin 531 is disposed below the gate 43 of the component box 40 provided in the conveying unit 20. The operating pin 531 is configured to be able to be raised and lowered in the up-down direction and to be able to slide in the front-back direction. The driving device 532 raises and lowers the operating pin 531 between a height at which the operating pin 531 is inserted into the operating hole 434 of the gate 43 and a height at which the operating pin 531 is separated. In addition, the driving device 532 slides the operating pin 531 in the front-back direction in a state where the operating pin 531 is inserted into the operating hole 434.

[0048] Thus, the drive device 532 of the shutter opening and closing device 53 drives the operating pin 531, thereby the operating plate 431 of the shutter 43 moves in the front-rear direction, and the shutter plate 432 moves in the up-down direction accordingly. As a result, the shutter opening and closing device 53 switches the shutter 43 between the open state and the closed state.

[0049] 6. Feeder management device 60 6-1. Overview of the Feeder Management Device 60 Here, in the installation of the bulk feeder 10, the component box 40 containing components of a different type from the intended type may be mistakenly installed in the conveying unit 20. Therefore, if the components discharged from the component box 40 enter the interior of the bulk feeder 10, maintenance such as the removal of the components is required. In addition, the components removed from the bulk feeder may affect the production cost of the product substrates that are to be discarded.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the feeder management device 60 assembled in the installation device 50 adopts a structure that prevents components of a different type from the predetermined type from being discharged from the component box 40 to the bulk feeder 10. Specifically, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 6 , the feeder management device 60 includes a determination unit 62 and a processing unit 63. In the present embodiment, the feeder management device 60 further includes an information acquisition unit 61.

[0051] In addition, the feeder management device 60 executes Figure 7 The feeder management process shown. Hereinafter, each step in the feeder management process will be described in correspondence with the detailed description of each structure of the feeder management device 60. The feeder management process is executed, for example, when the identification codes of the conveyor unit 20 and the component box 40 are read in a state where a predetermined conveyor unit 20 is set in the setting device 50 and a predetermined component box 40 is supported by the conveyor unit 20.

[0052] 6-2. Information Acquisition Unit 61 The information acquisition unit 61 acquires the identification information by reading each identification code (unit code 25, box code 45) through the code reader 52. In addition, the information acquisition unit 61 acquires the feeder information D1 and the box information D2 associated with each identification information (S11). Here, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 71 of the host computer 70 stores the feeder information D1 associated with each unit code 25 of the plurality of bulk feeders 10 and the box information D2 associated with each box code 45 of the plurality of component boxes 40.

[0053] Specifically, the feeder information D1 is information related to the bulk feeder 10, such as Figure 6As shown in the upper section of , for each identification code (ID) of the conveying unit 20, the chamber type, the corresponding component type (Cp1, Cp2, ..), the usage history, and the maintenance history are recorded. The chamber type is equivalent to the type of the arrangement component 32 installed on the track unit 22. The corresponding component type Cp indicates the type of component that the bulk feeder 10 to which the conveying unit 20 is installed can properly supply according to the chamber type. The corresponding component type Cp can indicate the component type itself, or it can indicate the component type in general according to the shape and size of the component.

[0054] The usage history indicates the type of components supplied by the bulk feeder 10 in the last use. The maintenance history indicates whether the component removal operation was performed after the last use of the bulk feeder 10. Since the usage history and maintenance history are additional information, the feeder management can be performed even if these information are insufficient. However, including the usage history and maintenance history in the feeder information D1 can further improve the manageability.

[0055] In addition, the box information D2 is information related to the component box 40 containing the specified type of components, such as Figure 6 As shown in the lower part of the figure, the type of contained component Hp, the usage history, and the maintenance history are recorded for each identification code (ID) of the component box 40. When the component box 40 is a type that can replenish components, the type of the contained component Hp is associated with the ID of the component box 40 when the component is replenished to the component box 40. The usage history and maintenance history of the component box 40 are the same as the usage history and maintenance history in the feeder information D1, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 61 acquires the feeder information D1 and the cassette information D2 associated with the identification code read by the code reader 52 from the host computer 70. In addition, when the unit code 25 and the cassette code 45 record the corresponding component type Cp, the storage component type Hp, and various history information in addition to the ID, the inquiry to the host computer 70 may be omitted.

[0057] 6-3. Determination Unit 62 The determination unit 62 determines whether to allow the discharge of components from the component cassette 40 to the bulk feeder 10 based on the feeder information D1 and the cassette information D2. In the present embodiment, the determination process of whether to allow the discharge is to allow or not allow the components contained in the component cassette 40 to be discharged in a manner that invades the inside of the conveying unit 20.

[0058] The above-mentioned determination process is based on the processing of the feeder information D1 and the box information D2, and various methods can be used. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 62 determines that the discharge of the component is not allowed when the corresponding component type Cp in the feeder information D1 does not include the storage component type Hp in the box information D2 (S12: No). In addition, the determination unit 62 can also perform determination processing based on the usage history and maintenance history when the storage component type Hp in the box information D2 is included (S12: Yes). Specifically, the determination unit 62 does not allow the discharge of the component when the type of component represented by the usage history is different from the storage component type Hp and the removal operation is not performed according to the maintenance history (S13: No).

[0059] That is, the determination unit 62 permits the discharge of components when the type of components supplied by the bulk feeder 10 in the last use (hereinafter referred to as "last component type") is consistent with the storage component type Hp (S13: Yes). In addition, the determination unit 62 permits the discharge of components when the last component type is inconsistent with the storage component type Hp and the removal operation is performed according to the maintenance history (S13: Yes). As in the above two examples, the discharge of components is permitted because, if the device is used to supply components of the same type, mixing of different components can be prevented regardless of whether the removal operation is performed after the last use.

[0060] On the other hand, if the last component type does not match the received component type Hp and the removal operation is not performed (S13: No), the determination unit 62 does not allow the discharge of the component. By such a determination, for example, even if a predetermined component box 40 is provided in the conveying unit 20 and the received component type Hp is included in the corresponding component type Cp, it is possible to prevent the components of different types from being mixed with the components that may remain inside the conveying unit 20 due to insufficient maintenance.

[0061] It should be noted that, in addition to the above-mentioned determination, the determination unit 62 may also adopt a method of not allowing the discharge of components regardless of the usage history when the removal operation is not performed according to the maintenance history. In addition, in the determination process, it is also possible to stop at the comparison between the corresponding component type Cp and the storage component type Hp, and omit the determination based on the usage history and maintenance history.

[0062] 6-4. Response Processing Unit 63 Based on the determination result of whether the discharge is permitted by the determination unit 62, a predetermined response process is performed (S21-S23). Specifically, when the discharge of the component is permitted (S13: Yes), the response processing unit 63 permits the operation of the driving device 532 in the gate opening and closing device 53 to open the gate 43 during the response process (S21). On the other hand, when the discharge of the component is not permitted (S12: No, S13: No), the response processing unit 63 restricts the operation of the driving device 532 that opens and closes the gate 43 of the component box 40 supported by the box support member 21 during the response process (S22).

[0063] Furthermore, when the result of the judgment is that the discharge of the component is not permitted (S12: No, S13: No), the handling processing unit 63 reports the judgment result to the operator who sets the component box 40 in the bulk feeder 10 (S23). Thus, the operator can recognize that the installed component box 40 does not match the conveying unit 20 set in the setting device 50. Thus, it is possible to prevent the discharge of components different from the intended ones from the unsuitable component box 40 to the conveying unit 20.

[0064] As described above, when the installation device 50 is equipped with the gate opening and closing device 53, the handling section 63 can handle the situation by restricting the operation of the gate opening and closing device 53. In addition, the handling section 63 can also operate a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the opening and closing of the gate 43 of the component box 40 during the handling process. In addition, in the above-mentioned method, the handling is carried out by restricting the transition of the gate 43 of the component box 40 to the open state. On the other hand, for example, a shielding plate that is a member different from the gate 43 can be inserted between the component box 40 and the box support member 21, and the handling can be carried out by removing the shielding plate.

[0065] 7. Effects of the structure of the implementation method According to the structure of the feeder management device 60 illustrated in the embodiment, a determination is made as to whether discharge is permitted based on the feeder information D1 and the box information D. Furthermore, since a response process based on the determination result is performed, for example, even if a component box 40 containing components of a different type from the predetermined type is set in the bulk feeder 10, the components can be prevented from being discharged by the response process. Thus, maintenance due to erroneous operations can be prevented, a decrease in production efficiency can be prevented, and unnecessary waste of components can be suppressed. In addition, applying such a feeder management device 60 to the setting device 50 can improve the efficiency of setting, which is particularly useful.

[0066] 8. Variations of the Implementation Methods In the embodiment, the feeder management device 60 is configured to be assembled in the installation device 50. In contrast, part or all of the feeder management device 60 may be an external device different from the installation device 50. For example, part or all of the feeder management device 60 may be incorporated into the component mounting machine 2, the host computer 70, or the bulk feeder 10, or may be a dedicated device installed in an external production changeover adjustment area or the like.

[0067] In the embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 supplies components to be mounted on a substrate by the component mounting machine 2. In contrast, the components are used in a substrate operation machine that performs a predetermined operation on a substrate, such as the component mounting machine 2, and various items can be applied as long as they can be supplied in a state of being accommodated in the chamber 35 in the bulk feeder. For example, the bulk feeder 10 can also supply solder balls formed into spherical shapes. Even in such a mode, the same effect as the embodiment is achieved. Description of Reference Numerals

[0068] 2: Component mounting machine, 10: Bulk feeder, 11: Feeder body, 20, 20A, 20B: Conveying unit, 21: Box support member, 22: Track unit (track member), 31: Track body, 32, 32A, 32B: Alignment member, 35: Chamber, 36: Side wall, 37: Front end 38: Feeder gate, 23: Connecting member, 25: Unit code (identification code), 40, 40A, 40B: Component box, 41: Box body, 42: Discharge port, 43: Gate, 45: Box code (identification code), 50: setting device, 51: support table, 52: code reader, 53: gate opening and closing device, 531: operating pin, 532: driving device, 60: feeder management device, 61: information acquisition unit, 62: judgment unit, 63: response processing unit, 70: main computer, D1: feeder information, D2: box information, Cp: corresponding component type, Hp: storage component type, As: supply area, R: conveying path, Sy: production system, Ln, Ln1, Ln2: production line.

Claims

1. A feeder management device, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether discharge of the components from the component box to the bulk feeder is permitted based on feeder information related to the bulk feeder and box information related to a component box provided in the bulk feeder and accommodating components of a predetermined type; and The processing unit executes a predetermined processing based on the determination result of the determination unit on whether the discharge is permitted.

2. The feeder management device according to claim 1, wherein: The feeder information includes a corresponding component type indicating a type of the component corresponding to supply from the bulk feeder, The box information includes a contained component type indicating a type of the component contained in the component box. The determination unit determines that discharge of the component is not permitted when the accommodated component type is not included in the corresponding component types.

3. The feeder management device according to claim 2, wherein: The bulk feeder includes a plurality of chambers for accommodating the components in a supply area for supplying the components in a pickup manner. The corresponding component type is preset according to the shape of the cavity.

4. The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The feeder information includes a usage history and a maintenance history, wherein the usage history indicates the type of the component supplied by the bulk feeder during the last use, and the maintenance history indicates whether the component was removed after the last use. The box information includes a contained component type indicating a type of the component contained in the component box. The determination unit does not permit discharge of the component when the type of the component indicated by the use history is different from the type of the stored component and the removal operation has not been performed based on the maintenance history.

5. The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The bulk feeder includes a box support member for supporting the installed component box. The component box includes a discharge port for discharging the contained components to the outside and a shutter for opening and closing the opening of the discharge port. The processing section restricts the operation of a driving device that opens and closes the shutter of the component cassette supported by the cassette supporting member during the processing.

6. The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The component box includes a discharge port for discharging the contained components to the outside and a shutter for opening and closing the opening of the discharge port. The countermeasure processing section activates a locking mechanism that locks the opening and closing of the shutter of the component cassette during the countermeasure processing.

7. The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The countermeasure processing unit reports the judgment result to an operator who sets the component box in the bulk feeder when the judgment result is that discharge of the component is not permitted in the countermeasure processing.

8. The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The bulk feeder and the component box are provided with identification codes indicating their respective identification information. The feeder management device further includes an information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information by reading the respective identification codes, and acquires the feeder information and the cassette information associated with the respective identification information.

9. A setting device, comprising: a support table that supports the conveying unit removed from the feeder body; and The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, The bulk feeder includes the conveying unit, which is detachably mounted on the feeder body and is composed of a box support component and a track component, wherein the box support component supports the component box, and the track component forms a conveying path for conveying the components and a supply area for supplying the components in a manner that allows them to be picked up.

Images