Production support device and production support method

Abstract

A production support device applied to a component mounting machine that performs mounting processing using a bulk feeder, the production support device including a state detection section that detects whether the shutter is in a closed state or an open state when the mounting processing is interrupted, the open state being a state in which at least a portion of an opening of the supply area is open, and a shutter control section that causes the shutter to switch to the closed state when it is detected that the shutter is in the open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to production support devices and production support methods. Background Technology

[0002] The production support device supports the production process of the product substrate using a component mounting machine that employs a bulk feeder. The bulk feeder supplies components in a bulk state in the supply area (see Patent Document 1). In the mounting process, which is part of the production process, the component mounting machine moves the mounting head to pick up the components supplied by the bulk feeder or similar feeder and mounts the components at a predetermined position on the substrate. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 162919. Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] If foreign objects (including components of a different type than those supplied) are mixed into the supply area of ​​the bulk feeder, they may affect the component picking operation of the component mounting machine. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent foreign objects from being mixed into the supply area of ​​the bulk feeder during the installation process of the component mounting machine that uses the bulk feeder.

[0005] The purpose of this manual is to provide a production support device and method for preventing foreign matter from entering the component mounting machine's bulk feeder during installation. Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0006] This specification discloses a production support device applied to a component mounting machine that performs mounting processes using a bulk feeder. The bulk feeder includes an opener / closer configured to open and close relative to a supply area, and to close the supply area in a closed state. The supply area supplies multiple components in a pick-up manner. The production support device includes: a status detection unit that detects whether the opener / closer is in a closed state or an open state when the mounting process is interrupted, wherein the open state is a state in which at least a portion of the opening of the supply area is open; and an opener / closer control unit that, when the opener / closer is detected to be in the open state, switches the opener / closer to the closed state.

[0007] This specification discloses a production support method applied to a component mounting machine that performs mounting processes using a bulk feeder. The bulk feeder includes an opener / closer configured to open and close relative to a supply area, and to close the supply area in a closed state. The supply area supplies multiple components in a pick-up manner. The production support method includes the following steps: a state detection step, detecting whether the opener / closer is in a closed state or an open state when the mounting process is interrupted, wherein the open state is a state in which at least a portion of the opening of the supply area is open; and an opener / closer control step, which, when the opener / closer is detected to be in the open state, switches the opener / closer to the closed state.

[0008] This specification also discloses the technical concept of changing "the production support device according to claim 2" to "the production support device according to any one of claims 2 to 5" in the original claim 6, and the technical concept of changing "the production support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8" to "the production support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9" in the original claim 10. Invention Effects

[0009] With this structure, when the installation process is interrupted, the switch is appropriately switched to the closed state, thus shortening the period during which the switch remains open and preventing foreign matter from entering. As a result, errors in the picking action caused by foreign matter can be prevented, and production efficiency in the component mounting machine can be maintained. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing the component mounting machine. Figure 2 This is a schematic top view showing the mounting head. Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the mounting head. Figure 4 This is a schematic side view showing a portion of a bulk feeder including the supply area. Figure 5 From Figure 4 A plan view observed in the V direction. Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the opening and closing action of the switch. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the installation process of the component mounting machine. Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the production support equipment. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the production support process. Figure 10This is a side view showing the nozzle located within the supply area. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating variations of production support processing. Detailed Implementation

[0011] 1. Overview of Production Support Device 70 The production support device 70 supports the production process of the product substrate of the component mounting machine 10 using the bulk feeder 30. In this embodiment, the production support device 70 is incorporated into the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10. The production support device 70 can prevent foreign matter from entering the bulk feeder 30 and maintain production efficiency during the mounting process performed by the component mounting machine 10 as a production process.

[0012] The component mounting machine 10 performs a predefined substrate mounting operation by mounting components onto the substrate 91. The component mounting machine 10, along with other substrate mounting machines, is arranged along the transport direction of the substrate 91 to form a production line. Each of the multiple substrate mounting machines is communicatively connected to a host computer 60 that centrally controls the production line. The production line may include, for example, a printer, the component mounting machine 10, a reflow oven, and an inspection machine, all of which serve as substrate mounting machines.

[0013] 2. Structure of the component mounting machine 10 2-1. Substrate handling device 11, component supply device 12

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, the component mounting machine 10 includes a substrate transport device 11. The substrate transport device 11 transports substrates 91 sequentially along the transport direction and positions the substrates 91 at predetermined positions within the machine. The component mounting machine 10 includes a component supply device 12. The component supply device 12 supplies components to be mounted on the substrates 91. The component supply device 12 has feeders 122 respectively provided in a plurality of slots 121. The feeders 122 are, for example, belt feeders that feed components in a pick-up manner by moving a carrier tape containing a large number of components. Alternatively, the feeders 122 may be bulk feeders 30 that supply components contained in a bulk state in a pick-up manner. Details of the bulk feeder 30 will be described later.

[0015] 2-2. Component Transfer Device 13 The component mounting machine 10 includes a component transfer device 13. The component transfer device 13 transfers components supplied by the component supply device 12 to predetermined mounting positions on the substrate 91. The component transfer device 13 includes a head drive device 131, a moving stage 132, and a mounting head 20. The head drive device 131 moves the moving stage 132 horizontally (in the X and Y directions) via a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 20 is detachably fixed to the moving stage 132 by a clamping member (not shown) and is configured to move horizontally within the machine.

[0016] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the mounting head 20 has a rotating head 21 configured to rotate about an R-axis parallel to the vertical axis (Z-axis). The rotating head 21 supports a plurality of retainers 22, which are liftable and each of the retainers 22 is rotatable about a rotation axis (Q-axis). Each of the retainers 22 is fitted with a retaining member for holding the element 92. In this embodiment, the retaining member is a suction nozzle 23 that holds the element 92 by suction using supplied negative pressure air. Alternatively, a chuck or the like that holds the element by gripping can also be used as the retaining member.

[0017] The mounting head 20 includes an R-axis rotation device 24 for rotating the rotating head 21 about the R-axis. The R-axis rotation device 24 positions the rotating head 21 at a predetermined angle about the R-axis, thereby rotating one retainer 22 to a lifting position for raising and lowering via the lifting device 26 (described later). The mounting head 20 also includes a Q-axis rotation device 25 for rotating the retainer 22 about the Q-axis. In this embodiment, the Q-axis rotation device 25 has a mechanism for rotating multiple retainers 22 in conjunction, allowing multiple retainers 22 to share the same rotational position. According to this structure, when one retainer 22 is positioned at a predetermined angle on the Q-axis, the other multiple retainers 22 are simultaneously positioned at the predetermined angle.

[0018] The mounting head 20 has a lifting device 26 that raises and lowers one of the multiple retainers 22 that has been rotated to a lifting position by rotating the rotating head 21. The lifting device 26 lowers and raises the retainer 22, thereby causing the suction nozzle 23 mounted on the retainer 22 to lower and raise. Alternatively, the mounting head 20 may also have a structure with two or more lifting positions and multiple lifting devices that can be driven independently, so that the retainers 22 positioned in each position can be raised and lowered.

[0019] The number of retainers 22 supported by the mounting head 20 with the above-described structure can vary depending on the type of mounting head 20. Besides supporting multiple retainers 22 in a ring-like, equally spaced manner as in this embodiment, the mounting head 20 can also be arranged in various other ways. For example, the mounting head 20 can also support multiple retainers 22 arranged in a straight line or a matrix.

[0020] 2-3. Component camera 14, substrate camera 15 The component mounting machine 10 includes a component camera 14 and a substrate camera 15, which are digital imaging devices equipped with imaging elements such as CMOS. The component camera 14 and substrate camera 15 capture images based on control commands and transmit the image data acquired through the capture. The component camera 14 is configured to capture images of the components held by the suction nozzle 23 from below. The substrate camera 15 is mounted on the moving stage 132 in a manner that allows it to move horizontally along the same direction as the mounting head 20. The substrate camera 15 is configured to capture images of the substrate 91 from above.

[0021] Furthermore, in addition to photographing the surface of the substrate 91, the substrate camera 15 can also photograph various devices as long as it is within the movable range of the moving stage 132. For example, in this embodiment, the substrate camera 15 can... Figure 5 As shown, the supply area As of the component supplied by the bulk feeder 30 and the reference mark 49 provided on the upper part of the bulk feeder 30 can be included in the camera's field of view for imaging. In this way, the substrate camera 15 can be used to capture images of different subjects in order to obtain image data for various image processing.

[0022] 2-4. Control device 16 The component mounting machine 10 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, control circuits, and a storage device. The storage device of the control device 16 stores various data, such as the control program used for controlling the mounting process and component data. The control program, according to a predetermined mounting sequence, indicates the mounting position, mounting angle, and component type of the components mounted onto the substrate 91 during the mounting process. The component data indicates the shape data, allowable movement speed, and pick-up position for each type of component.

[0023] Here, the installation process includes repeatedly performing a PP cycle (pick-and-place cycle) that includes a pick-up cycle and an installation cycle. The aforementioned "pick-up cycle" refers to the process of repeatedly performing a pick-up operation using the nozzle 23 to pick up components supplied by the component supply device 12. Components picked up during the pick-up cycle are sometimes supplied by the bulk feeder 30. Furthermore, a separate chamber 45 for receiving components is formed in the supply area As of the bulk feeder 30 (see reference). Figure 5 When the pickup cycle is in progress, the mounting head 20 moves to pick up components housed in multiple chambers 45 in sequence.

[0024] Furthermore, the aforementioned "installation cycle" refers to the process of sequentially installing the picked-up components onto the substrate 91. More specifically, it is a process of repeatedly performing the installation action of installing the picked-up components onto the substrate 91 at a specified installation position and angle. Thus, the control program pre-sets the execution sequence of the PP cycle, which consists of multiple pick-up and installation actions grouped by considering factors such as the number of nozzles 23 supported by the mounting head 20 and the travel distance of the mounting head 20.

[0025] The control device 16 performs recognition processing on the holding state of each element held by the multiple holding members (nozzles 23). Specifically, the control device 16 performs image processing on image data acquired by the element camera 14 and identifies the position and angle of each element relative to the reference position of the mounting head 20. In addition to the element camera 14, the control device 16 can also perform image processing on image data acquired from the side, below, or above of the element, for example, by a head camera unit integrally provided with the mounting head 20.

[0026] During the mounting process, the control device 16 controls the mounting action of the mounting head 20 to mount the component onto the substrate 91 in a predetermined posture. At this time, the control device 16 controls the mounting action based on the identified holding state of the component. That is, the control device 16 corrects the position of the mounting head 20 and the angle of the nozzle 23 about the Q-axis (the rotation axis of the nozzle 23) to correct for deviations in the position and angle of the component held by the nozzle 23 relative to the Q-axis. As a result, the component held by the nozzle 23 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position and angle indicated by the control program.

[0027] 3. Structure of the bulk feeder 30 Bulk feeder 30 is installed on component mounting machine 10 and functions as part of component supply device 12. Bulk feeder 30 supplies components that are contained in component bins in a bulk state (irregular and scattered) unlike those packaged on carrier tape. Therefore, unlike belt feeders, bulk feeder 30 does not use carrier tape, thus offering advantages in eliminating the need for carrier tape filling and used tape recycling.

[0028] Bulk feeders 30 may be of a type that supplies components in an irregular orientation to a planar supply area. However, if components are close to each other in the supply area, stacked (overlapping in the vertical direction), or in a horizontal orientation where the width of the components is vertical, the component mounting machine 10 cannot pick them up. Therefore, to improve the proportion of components that can be picked up, bulk feeders 30 include types that supply components in an orderly arrangement in the supply area As. In this embodiment, a bulk feeder 30 of the type that arranges components in an orderly arrangement will be described.

[0029] 3-1. Feeder body 31 The bulk feeder 30 is equipped with a track unit 40 that is vibratory and detachable relative to the feeder body 31, which is formed in a flat, box-like shape. At the front of the feeder body 31 ( Figure 4 The right end of the component feeder 30 is provided with a connector 311 and two positioning pins 312. When the bulk feeder 30 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 two pins 312 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot for positioning the feeder body 31 when it is placed in the slot.

[0030] 3-2. Track Unit 40 The track unit 40 includes a track component 41 detachably mounted on the feeder body 31. The track component 41 is vibrated by a vibration device 34. The track component 41 forms a conveying path R for conveying multiple components and a supply area As that communicates with the conveying path R and opens upwards in a manner capable of picking up multiple components. Here, "supply area As" refers to the area where components are supplied in a bulk state and can be picked up by the component mounting machine 10. Furthermore, "conveying path R" refers to the channel through which components flowing from the component box side to the track component 41 are conveyed to the supply area As.

[0031] The track component 41 is formed as a whole along the front-rear direction of the feeder body 31. Figure 4 Extending in the left and right directions. In this embodiment, the track component 41, as shown in the example... Figure 5 The aligning components 42 are shown to be replaceably mounted. The aligning components 42 are, for example, one or more plate-shaped components. Thus, the track unit 40 is unitized by mounting one of a variety of aligning components 42, corresponding to the shapes of various elements, onto a common track component 41.

[0032] 42 components in a row Figure 5As shown, a plurality of chambers 45 are arranged in a prescribed pattern (an alternating pattern in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of chambers 45 is a rectangle slightly larger than the shape of the component supplied by the bulk feeder 30. Thus, the bulk feeder 30 has a plurality of chambers 45 in the supply area As where components are supplied in a pick-up manner, which accommodate components in an orientation where the thickness direction of the components is vertical.

[0033] In the width direction of track unit 40 ( Figure 5 The two edges of the track unit 41 (in the vertical direction) have a pair of upwardly projecting sidewalls 46. These sidewalls 46, together with the front end portion 47 of the track unit 40, surround the outer edge of the transport path R, preventing components transported on the transport path R from leaking out. A cover 48 is fixed above the track component 41 to cover the top of the transport path R. The cover 48 is configured to prevent components from flying out of the transport path R. On the upper surface of the front end portion 47, circular reference marks 49 indicating the reference position of the supply area As are attached in pairs, on the left and right sides.

[0034] An opener / closer 50 is provided at the front end of the track component 41. The opener / closer 50 is provided on the track component 41 in an openable / closable manner, and closes the opening of the supply area As in the closed state. If the track unit 40 is installed on the feeder body 31, the opener / closer 50 is connected to the opener / closer drive device 35. The opening and closing action of the opener / closer 50 is controlled by the opener / closer drive device 35. By opening and closing the opener / closer 50, the bulk feeder 30 can prevent components from flying out and foreign objects from entering the supply area As. The aforementioned "foreign objects" include dissimilar components that are different from the components supplied by the bulk feeder 30.

[0035] The opener / closer drive device 35 is a drive device that opens and closes the opener / closer 50 when the track unit 40 is installed on the feeder body 31. The opener / closer drive device 35 switches the opener / closer 50 between closed and open states based on commands from the feeder control device 36. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown by the dashed line, the closed state of the opener 50 refers to the state in which the opener 50 is in contact with the track component 41 and the opening of the supply area As is completely closed.

[0036] Furthermore, the open state of the open / close device 50 refers to the state in which the opening of the supply area As is not closed and the main area of ​​the supply area As (the area in this embodiment where multiple chambers 45 are provided) is exposed (see reference). Figure 6 (The solid line in the middle). In this embodiment, the state in which at least a portion of the opening of the supply area As is open, and the suction nozzle 23, which serves as a holding member, can perform a picking-up action on any chamber 45, is included in the open state of the open / close device 50.

[0037] Furthermore, the state of the opener / closer 50 includes an intermediate state between the closed state and the open state. The intermediate state of the opener / closer 50 refers to the state in which the opener / closer 50 is slightly separated from the track component 41 (separated to a degree that does not hinder the vibration of the track component 41 and the component does not leak out from the gap). In this embodiment, the intermediate state is set to a state in which the suction nozzle 23 cannot enter the supply area As, and a state that can prevent foreign matter from mixing in; therefore, the intermediate state is included in the closed state.

[0038] 3-3. Feeder Control Device 36 The bulk feeder 30 includes a feeder control device 36. The feeder control device 36 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. When the bulk feeder 30 is installed in the slot of the component mounting machine 10, the feeder control device 36 is powered via connector 311 and is able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 10.

[0039] The feeder control device 36 controls the operation of the vibration device 34 and the opening / closing drive device 35. For example, based on preset parameters, the feeder control device 36 controls the operation of the vibration device 34 to perform component feeding. As a result, the track component 41 is vibrated, and the components on the conveying path R are conveyed by external force in a manner that moves along the conveying direction. In addition, the feeder control device 36 controls the operation of the opening / closing drive device 35 to switch the opening / closing device 50 to a predetermined state.

[0040] 4. Installation procedures for component mounting machine 10 Reference Figure 7 The installation process of the component mounting machine 10 will be described. Here, it is assumed that a bulk feeder 30 is provided in the component supply device 12. In the installation process, firstly as follows... Figure 7 As shown, the substrate transport device 11 of the component mounting machine 10 performs a substrate 91 loading process (S11). This loads the substrate 91 into the machine and positions it at a predetermined location within the machine.

[0041] Next, the control device 16 executes the PP cycle. In the PP cycle, the control device 16 executes a picking cycle (S12) that repeatedly performs the picking action of picking up components using multiple suction nozzles 23. At this time, the control device 16 controls the movement of the mounting head 20 during the picking action to position the mounting head 20 sequentially according to the position of the component that can be picked up. In addition, when the bulk feeder 30 supplies a component that is to be picked up, the control device 16 appropriately switches the coordinate value of the center of the chamber 45 or the coordinate value of the reference position of the component as the position of the component that can be picked up, and positions the suction nozzle 23 accordingly.

[0042] Next, the control device 16 performs recognition processing (S13) on the holding state of the components held by each of the multiple suction nozzles 23. Specifically, the control device 16 moves the mounting head 20 above the component camera 14 and sends a shooting command to the component camera 14. The control device 16 performs image processing on the image data acquired by the component camera 14 to recognize the orientation (position and angle) of the components held by each of the multiple suction nozzles 23.

[0043] Subsequently, the control device 16 executes an installation cycle (S14) that repeatedly performs the installation action of mounting components using multiple nozzles 23. Furthermore, during the installation action of this installation cycle (S14), the control device 16 controls the movement of the mounting head 20 to install components at the installation positions specified by the control program. Moreover, the control device 16 controls the movement of the mounting head 20 to position and angle the nozzles 23 relative to the installation positions based on the results of the recognition processing (S13).

[0044] Based on the control program, the control device 16 determines whether all PP cycles have ended (S15). If all PP cycles have not ended (S15: No), the PP cycle is executed (S12 to S14). If all PP cycles have ended (S15: Yes), the control device 16 executes the substrate 91 removal process (S16). In the substrate removal process, the substrate transport device 11 releases the positioned substrate 91 and moves the substrate 91 out of the component mounting machine 10.

[0045] 5. Production support equipment 70 Reference Figures 8 to 10 The structure of the production support device 70 will be explained below. The production support device 70 supports the production processing of product substrates using the component mounting machine 10, which utilizes the bulk feeder 30. Here, the aforementioned bulk feeder 30 supplies components in a bulk state to the supply area As. Furthermore, the component mounting machine 10 performs a pick-up cycle during the mounting process (…). Figure 7 In step S12), the component supplied by the feeder 122, such as the bulk feeder 30, is picked up by moving the mounting head 20, and the component is mounted at a predetermined position on the substrate 91.

[0046] Here, the bulk feeder 30 is equipped with an opener / closer 50, for example, to prevent foreign matter from entering by setting the opener / closer 50 to a closed state, except during the period when the feeder 30 is used to pick up the feed element supplied by the bulk feeder 30. However, during the component mounting machine 10's mounting process, the mounting process may sometimes be interrupted for various reasons. Interruptions to the mounting process can include measures taken upon receiving a stop instruction from the operator, or measures triggered by an anomaly detected in the component mounting machine.

[0047] Specifically, the component mounting machine 10 is equipped with an emergency stop button (not shown). For example, if an operator discovers a problem during production, they may press the emergency stop button. In this case, the component mounting machine 10 will consider that a stop instruction has been received and will interrupt the ongoing mounting process. Additionally, during the ongoing mounting process, if the component mounting machine 10 detects an abnormality in the operation of the equipment, or if a certain number of prescribed operational errors (e.g., component picking errors) occur consecutively, it will consider an abnormality detected and will interrupt the ongoing mounting process.

[0048] In the event of an interruption in the installation process as described above, all constituent equipment should, in principle, remain in their current state and cease operation, or be switched to a safe state and cease operation as a fault protection function. Furthermore, the operator, control device 16, etc., should perform maintenance on the machine (including identifying the cause and removing any malfunctions), after which the installation process should resume. In this situation, if foreign matter enters the bulk feeder 30, it may affect subsequent component pickup operations.

[0049] In particular, if a foreign component accidentally gets mixed into the supply area As of the bulk feeder 30, a component different from the supplied component will be supplied, thus requiring maintenance of the bulk feeder 30. Furthermore, even if the foreign component can be detected through inspection of the substrate products, it will still become a factor reducing production efficiency. In response to this, the production support device 70 of this embodiment adopts the following structure: during the production process of product substrates using the bulk feeder 30, it prevents foreign components from getting mixed into the supply area As of the bulk feeder 30.

[0050] In this implementation, when the installation process is interrupted, the production support device 70 prevents foreign objects (including foreign components) from entering the supply area As by appropriately controlling the operation of the opener 50 of the bulk feeder 30. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, the production support device 70 includes a status detection unit 71 and a switch control unit 72. Furthermore, the production support device 70 can also be configured to include an interference determination unit 73, a retreat command unit 74, and a restriction unit 75. When the installation process, which is part of the production process, is interrupted, the production support device 70 executes a process using production support methods. Figure 9 Production support processing.

[0051] 5-2. Condition Detection Unit 71 The status detection unit 71 performs a status detection step (S21). In this step, the status detection unit 71 detects whether the opener / closer 50 is in a closed state or an open state, opening at least a portion of the opening in the supply area As, when the installation process is interrupted. Here, the feeder control device 36 of the bulk feeder 30 identifies the operating state of the opener / closer 50. Specifically, the feeder control device 36 identifies the operating state of the opener / closer 50 based on the instruction history sent to the opener / closer drive device 35. Alternatively, the feeder control device 36 may also identify the operating state of the opener / closer 50 based on the detection results of sensors capable of detecting whether the opener / closer 50 is in a closed or open state.

[0052] In the status detection step, the status detection unit 71 queries the feeder control device 36 of the bulk feeder 30 for the operating status of the opener / closer 50, and detects whether the opener / closer 50 is in the open state based on the response of the feeder control device 36. Alternatively, for example, when the component mounting machine 10 is equipped with a camera capable of capturing images of the supply area As, the status detection unit 71 can also detect the operating status of the opener / closer 50 based on image data obtained through the camera.

[0053] 5-3. Opening / closing device 72 The switch control device 72 executes the switch control step (S28). When the status detection unit 71 detects that the switch 50 is in the open state (S22: Yes), the switch 50 is switched to the closed state (S28). Here, the switch control device 72 can employ various control schemes other than selectively switching the switch 50 to the closed state when it is in the open state. The details of the various control schemes will be explained together with the interference determination unit 73 and the retreat command unit 74.

[0054] 5-4. Interference Detection Unit 73 The interference determination unit 73 performs the interference determination step (S24). When the switch 50 is switched to the closed state while the installation process is interrupted and the installation head 20 stops, the interference determination unit 73 determines whether interference will occur between the nozzle 23 and the switch 50. Here, when the installation process is interrupted and the switch 50 is not in the closed state (S22: Yes), it is possible that a pick-up operation has been performed to lower the nozzle 23 and pick up an element from the supply area As.

[0055] Therefore, if the opener / closer 50 is simply switched to the closed state, the descending suction nozzle 23 may interfere with the opener / closer 50, potentially causing malfunctions in the suction nozzle 23, mounting head 20, opener / closer 50, and opener / closer drive device 35. Therefore, in this control scheme, interference is determined before switching the opener / closer 50 to the closed state (S28), and the operation of the opener / closer 50 is controlled based on the determination result.

[0056] Here, the interference determination unit 73 is based on the position of the supply area As inside the component mounting machine 10, the current position Pc of the mounting head 20, and the current height Hc of the nozzle 23 (refer to...). Figure 10 Interference determination is performed using the following method: Specifically, when the lower suction nozzle 23 is located outside the supply area As in the vertical direction, the interference determination unit 73 determines that the suction nozzle 23 and the opening / closing device 50 will not interfere. In other words, when the suction nozzle 23 is sufficiently away from the supply area As in the XY direction, the interference determination unit 73 determines that there will be no interference due to the operation of the opening / closing device 50, regardless of the height of the suction nozzle 23.

[0057] Furthermore, when the current height Hc of the suction nozzle 23 is higher than the reference height Hs of the bulk feeder 30, the interference determination unit 73 determines that the suction nozzle 23 and the opening / closing device 50 will not interfere. The aforementioned reference height Hs is, for example, set to the height of the upper surface of the opening / closing device 50. When the suction nozzle 23 rises to a sufficient height, regardless of the position of the suction nozzle 23 in the XY direction, the interference determination unit 73 determines that there will be no interference due to the operation of the opening / closing device 50.

[0058] Furthermore, the interference determination unit 73 can also determine interference based on the detection results of the detection device 55. For example, the bulk feeder 30... Figure 10 As shown, a detection device 55 may also be included, capable of detecting the suction nozzle 23 that descends to a reference height Hs of the bulk feeder 30 in order to pick up components supplied to the supply area As. The detection device 55 may, for example, consist of a projector that projects detection light in a horizontal direction and a receiver capable of detecting the detector. When the receiver of the detection device 55 does not detect the detection light, the interference determination unit 73 determines that the detection light is blocked by the suction nozzle 23. If the switch 50 is switched to the closed state, interference will occur between the suction nozzle 23 in the supply area As and the switch 50.

[0059] The interference determination unit 73 performs interference determination by one or a combination of the various methods exemplified above. When it is detected that the open / close device 50 is in the open state (S22: Yes) and it is determined that the nozzle 23 and the open / close device 50 will not interfere with each other (S25: No), the open / close device control unit 72 switches the open / close device 50 to the closed state (S28).

[0060] 5-5. Retreat Instruction Section 74 When interference detection determines that the nozzle 23 and the opening / closing device 50 will interfere (S25: Yes), the retraction command unit 74 executes the retraction command step (S26). Specifically, the retraction command unit 74 issues a command to the control device 16 to retract the nozzle 23 upward. As a result, the mounting head 20 drives the lifting device 26 to raise the nozzle 23, which has decreased from its initial height (the height of the rising end of the holder 22).

[0061] However, it is conceivable that the lifting device 26 may be unable to operate or its operation may be restricted due to an interruption in the installation process. In such a case, if the opener / closer 50 is switched to the closed state after the suction nozzle 23 has been instructed to retract, interference may occur between the suction nozzle 23, which has not yet retracted, and the opener / closer 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, considering the above situation, the opener / closer control unit 72 repeatedly performs a completion determination until the retraction of the suction nozzle 23 is completed (S27: No). After the retraction of the suction nozzle 23 is completed (S27: Yes), the opener / closer control unit 72 switches the opener / closer 50 to the closed state (S28).

[0062] 5-6. Restriction section 75 The restriction unit 75 performs the action restriction steps (S23) and the action restriction release steps (S30). Here, while the series of processes described above for setting the switch 50 to the closed state (S25 to S28) are being executed, the switch has not yet completed its transition to the closed state. If internal maintenance is performed in parallel, the possibility of foreign matter entering the machine is high. Therefore, the restriction unit 75 restricts the prescribed actions during the execution of the series of processes for setting the switch 50 to the closed state.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the installation process is interrupted and the opener 50 is detected to be in the open state (S22: Yes), the restrictor 75 restricts at least one of the following: horizontal movement of the suction nozzle 23, installation or removal of the feeder 122 including the bulk feeder 30, and operator entry into the machine (S23). The horizontal movement of the suction nozzle 23 is restricted because if it moves horizontally while holding a component, the component may fall off and potentially get mixed into the supply area As.

[0064] Furthermore, the installation or removal of the feeder 122 is restricted because this could cause the supply element to scatter from the target feeder 122, potentially contaminating the supply area As of the bulk feeder 30, which is adjacent to the target feeder 122. Moreover, operator access to the machine is restricted because foreign objects attached to the operator's clothing could fall and, furthermore, could scatter during operator maintenance and contaminate the supply area As.

[0065] The restriction unit 75 repeatedly performs completion determination until the switch 50 completes its transition to the closed state (S29: No). After the transition to the closed state is completed (S29: Yes), the restriction unit 75 releases the restriction on the actions, etc., that are restricted (S30). In this way, the restriction unit 75 restricts the prescribed actions, etc., until the switch 50 is switched to the closed state by the switch control unit 72. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering.

[0066] 6. Effects of the structure of this embodiment According to the structure of the embodiment, when the installation process is interrupted, the opener 50 can be appropriately switched to the closed state, thus shortening the period during which the opener 50 remains in the open state and preventing foreign matter from entering. As a result, errors in the picking operation caused by foreign matter can be prevented, and the production efficiency in the component mounting machine 10 can be maintained.

[0067] 7. Modification Scheme 7-1. Production Support Processing In this implementation, the production support device 70 determines whether changing the switch 50 to the closed state will interfere with the suction nozzle 23 (S24, S25). Alternatively, other methods can be used to prevent malfunctions of the suction nozzle 23, etc. Specifically, the production support device 70 performs... Figure 11 The production support process is shown. However, steps that are substantially the same as those illustrated in the implementation are given the same step numbers (S21-S23, S26-S27, S30), and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0068] When the open / closer 50 is detected to be in the open state (S22: Yes), the open / closer control unit 72 causes the open / closer 50 to switch to the closed state at a speed lower than the moving speed of the open / closer 50 during the installation process (S41). As a result, the open / closer drive device 35 moves the open / closer 50 to the closed state side at a speed lower than normally. Furthermore, the aforementioned "moving speed" is set to a safe speed such that even if the open / closer 50 comes into contact with the suction nozzle 23, no adverse conditions due to impact will occur.

[0069] The switch control device 72 determines whether the switch 50 will stop due to interference from other components during the low-speed transition of the switch 50 (S42). The switch control device 72 repeatedly determines whether the switch 50 will stop due to the aforementioned interference (S42) until the transition to the closed state is completed (S43: No). When the switch 50 does not stop due to interference and the transition to the closed state is completed (S43: Yes), the restrictions on the specified object actions, etc., are released (S30), and the production support process ends.

[0070] On the other hand, when the opener 50 stops due to interference from other components during the transition from low speed to the closed state (S42: Yes), the retraction command unit 74 causes the suction nozzle 23 to retract upwards (S26). The retraction command step (S26) and the completion determination step (S27) are the same as those illustrated in the embodiment, so detailed descriptions are omitted. After the suction nozzle 23 has retracted (S27: Yes), the opener control unit 72 converts the opener 50 to the closed state. At this time, the moving speed of the opener 50 returns to its normal speed.

[0071] The opening / closing device 72 repeatedly performs completion checks until the transition to the closed state is complete (S46: No). When the transition to the closed state is complete (S46: Yes), the restrictions on the specified object's actions are released (S30), and the production support process ends. With this structure, the opening / closing device 50 can be safely transitioned to the closed state without relying on the position and height of the suction nozzle 23 or the detection results of the detection device 55. However, when it is necessary to avoid interference between the suction nozzle 23 and the opening / closing device 50 even at low speeds, the embodiment shown is preferred.

[0072] 7-2. Other In this embodiment, the production support device 70 is installed inside the component mounting machine 10. Conversely, as long as the operating state of the switch 50 can be obtained and the switch 50 can be switched to a closed state, part or all of the production support device 70 can also be installed in an external device of the component mounting machine 10. For example, the production support device 70 can be installed in the bulk feeder 30, the main computer 60, or it can be a dedicated device installed on the production line.

[0073] Symbol Explanation 10: Component mounting machine, 12: Component supply device, 122: Feeder, 13: Component transfer device, 20: Mounting head, 23: Nozzle (holding component), 16: Control device, 30: Bulk feeder, 50: Opener / closer, 55: Detection device, 60: Main computer, 70: Production support device, 71: Status detection unit, 72: Opener / closer control unit, 73: Interference determination unit, 74: Retreat command unit, 75: Restriction unit, 91: Substrate, 92: Component, As: Supply area, R: Conveyor path, Pc: (Holding component) Current position, Hc: (Holding component) Current height, Hs: (Bulk feeder) Reference height.

Claims

1. A production support device applied to a component mounting machine, said component mounting machine performing mounting processes using a bulk feeder, The bulk feeder includes an opener / closer configured to open and close relative to a supply area, and to close the supply area in a closed state. The supply area supplies multiple components in a pick-up manner. The production support device includes: The status detection unit detects whether the switch is in a closed state or an open state when the installation process is interrupted, wherein the open state is a state in which at least a portion of the opening in the supply area is open; and The opening / closing control unit, when detecting that the opening / closing device is in the open state, causes the opening / closing device to switch to the closed state.

2. The production support device according to claim 1, wherein, The component mounting machine includes a mounting head configured to move horizontally and support a holding member in a liftable manner, the holding member holding the component picked up from the bulk feeder. The production support device also includes an interference determination unit that, when the installation process is interrupted and the installation head stops, and the switch is switched to the closed state, determines whether interference will occur between the holding member and the switch. When the open / close device is detected to be in the open state and it is determined that the retaining member will not interfere with the open / close device, the open / close device control unit switches the open / close device to the closed state.

3. The production support device according to claim 2, wherein, The interference determination unit performs the interference determination based on the position of the supply area inside the component mounting machine, the current position of the mounting head, and the current height of the holding component.

4. The production support device according to claim 2, wherein, When the holding component is located outside the supply area when viewed from above or below, or when the current height of the holding component is higher than the reference height of the bulk feeder, the interference determination unit determines that the holding component and the opening / closing device will not interfere with each other.

5. The production support device according to claim 2, wherein, The bulk feeder includes a detection device capable of detecting the holding member that has descended to a reference height of the bulk feeder in order to pick up the element being supplied to the supply area. The interference determination unit makes the interference determination based on the detection results of the detection device.

6. The production support device according to claim 2, wherein, The production support device also includes a retraction command unit. When the interference determination determines that the holding member and the opening / closing device will interfere, the retraction command unit causes the holding member to retract upwards. The opening / closing control unit switches the opening / closing device to the closed state after the holding member has retracted.

7. The production support device according to claim 1, wherein, When the open / closed switch is detected to be in the open state, the open / closed switch control unit causes the open / closed switch to switch to the closed state at a speed lower than the moving speed of the open / closed switch during the installation process.

8. The production support device according to claim 7, wherein, The production support device also includes a retraction command unit. When the opener / closer stops due to interference with other components during its low-speed transition to the closed state, the retraction command unit causes the holding member to retract upwards. The holding member holds the element picked up from the bulk feeder. The opening / closing control unit switches the opening / closing device to the closed state after the holding member has retracted.

9. The production support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The production support device also includes a restriction unit that, when the installation process is interrupted and the open state of the switch is detected, restricts at least one of the following until the switch control unit converts the switch to the closed state: maintaining horizontal movement of the holding member of the element picked up from the bulk feeder, assembling or disassembling the feeder including the bulk feeder, and operator entry into the machine.

10. The production support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The interruption of the installation process is a measure taken upon receiving a stop instruction from the operator or a measure triggered by an anomaly detected in the component installation machine.

11. A production support method applied to a component mounting machine, said component mounting machine performing mounting processes using a bulk feeder, The bulk feeder includes an opener / closer configured to open and close relative to a supply area, and to close the supply area in a closed state. The supply area supplies multiple components in a pick-up manner. The production support method includes the following steps: A status detection step detects whether the opener is in a closed state or an open state when the installation process is interrupted, wherein the open state is a state in which at least a portion of the opening in the supply area is open; and The opening / closing device control step involves switching the opening / closing device to the closed state when it is detected that the opening / closing device is in the open state.

12. The production support method according to claim 11, wherein, The component mounting machine includes a mounting head configured to move horizontally and support a holding member in a liftable manner, the holding member holding the component picked up from the bulk feeder. The production support method further includes an interference determination step, which determines whether interference will occur between the retaining component and the opening / closing device when the opening / closing device is switched to the closed state while the installation process is interrupted and the installation head stops. In the opening / closing device control step, when it is detected that the opening / closing device is in the open state and it is determined that the holding component and the opening / closing device will not interfere with each other, the opening / closing device is switched to the closed state.

13. The production support method according to claim 12, wherein, The production support method also includes a retraction command step, wherein when the interference determination determines that the holding component and the opening / closing device will interfere, the holding component is retracted upwards. In the opening / closing control step, after the retaining component has retracted, the opening / closing device is switched to the closed state.

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