Component management device and component management procedure

Abstract

A component management procedure comprises a reference section and a memory section. The reference section is configured to obtain component identification information for at least one of the following components from an identification element containing component identification information for identifying components to be mounted on a plate: a first component that is part of the multiple components fed by a component feeder configured to feed the components after the component feeder is mounted on a component assembly device; a second component that is part of the multiple components fed by the same component feeder to plates of the same type; and a third component that is selected each time a predetermined number of components are fed by the same component feeder and that is part of the predetermined number of components.The memory section is configured to store the component identification information obtained from the reference section for the components and the plate identification information for identifying the plate on which the components are mounted in a memory device in association with each other.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present description discloses a technique related to a component management device and a component management method. State of the art

[0002] A component management device described in patent literature 1 comprises a reference section and a storage section. When components are sequentially fed from a multi-cavity carrier belt to receive the components to be mounted on a plate, the reference section obtains position information for the cavity receiving the components. The storage section stores the position information for the cavity obtained by the reference section, along with identification information for identifying a reel around which the carrier belt is wound, in the storage device in a corresponding arrangement. List of opposition patent literature

[0003] Patent literature 1: WO 2021 / 106119 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] For example, by using component identification information to identify a component, it is possible to track and determine the component fed by a component feeder. However, if the component management device retrieves the component identification information for all components fed by the component feeder, retrieving this information takes time, which can negatively impact production efficiency.

[0005] Against this background, the present description discloses a component management device and a component management method that are capable of obtaining component identification information for a given component supplied by the component feeding device and storing it in a storage device. Problem solving

[0006] The present description discloses a component management device with a reference section and a storage section.The reference section is configured to obtain, from an identification element with component identification information for identifying components to be mounted on a plate, the component identification information for at least one of the following components: a first component that is part of the multiple components fed by a component feeder configured to feed the components after the component feeder is mounted on a component assembly device; a second component that is part of the multiple components fed by the same component feeder to plates of the same type; and a third component that is the component selected each time a predetermined number of components are fed by the same component feeder and that is part of the predetermined number of components.The memory section is configured to store the component identification information obtained by the reference section for the components and the plate identification information for identifying the plate on which the components are mounted in a memory device in association with each other.

[0007] The present description discloses a component management method with a reference step and a storage step.In the reference step, component identification information for at least one of the following components is obtained from an identification element with component identification information for identifying components to be mounted on a plate: a first component that is part of the multiple components fed by a component feeder configured to feed the components after the component feeder is mounted on a component assembly device; a second component that is part of the multiple components fed by the same component feeder to plates of the same type; and a third component that is the component selected each time a predetermined number of components are fed by the same component feeder and that is part of the predetermined number of components.In the storage step, the component identification information for the components and the plate identification information for identifying the plate on which the components are mounted, obtained in the reference step, are stored in a storage device in relation to each other.

[0008] It should be noted that the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the component management device according to claim 1" is amended in claim 4, which was described in the claims originally appended to the application (hereinafter referred to as the original claims), to "the component management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3". Furthermore, the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the component management device according to claim 1" is amended in claim 5, which was described in the original claims, to "the component management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4". Furthermore, the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the component management device according to claim 1" is amended in claim 6, which was described in the original claims, to "the component management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5".

[0009] Furthermore, the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the component management device according to claim 1" is amended in claim 7, which was described in the original claims, to "the component management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6". Furthermore, the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the component management device according to claim 1" is amended in claim 8, which was described in the original claims, to "the component management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6". Furthermore, the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the component management device according to claim 1" is amended in claim 9, which was described in the original claims, to "the component management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8". Advantageous effects of the invention

[0010] With the component management device described above, it is possible to obtain the component identification information of the specified component fed by the component feeder and to store this information in the storage device. The above description of the component management device can be applied analogously to the component management process. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a top view showing a configuration example of a component assembly facility. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram that shows an example of a control block of a component management device. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a control operation performed by the component management device. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view showing an example of a carrier belt. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support band of the Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram that shows an example of a first component in the carrier strip. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram that shows an example of a second component in the carrier strip. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram that shows an example of a third component in the carrier strip. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram that shows an example of a pick-up sequence in a case where components are picked up from a tray. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram that shows another example of a pickup sequence, in a case where components are picked up from the tray. Description of embodiments 1. Embodiment 1-1. Configuration example for the component assembly device 10

[0011] The component assembly device 10 mounts components 91 onto the plate 90. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the component assembly device 10 comprises a plate conveyor device 11, a component feed device 12, a component transfer device 13, a component camera 14, a plate camera 15 and a control device 16.

[0012] The plate conveyor 11 comprises, for example, a conveyor belt or the like and conveys the plate 90 in one conveying direction (X-axis direction). The plate 90 is a printed circuit board on which an electronic circuit, an electrical circuit, a magnetic circuit, and the like are formed. The plate conveyor 11 conveys the plate 90 into the component assembly device 10 and positions the plate 90 at a predetermined position in the component assembly device 10. After completion of the assembly process of the several components 91 using the component assembly device 10, the plate conveyor 11 conveys the plate 90 out of the component assembly device 10.

[0013] The component feeder 12 delivers the component 91 to be mounted on the plate 90. The component feeder 12 comprises several feed units 12a arranged along the conveying direction (X-axis direction) of the plate 90. Each of the multiple feed units 12a is equipped with a roller. The carrier belt 80, in which the components 91 are held, is wound around the roller. The feeder 12a advances the carrier belt 80 incrementally to feed components 91 in such a way that the component 91 can be picked up at the pickup position PP1 located at the distal end of the feeder 12a. The component feeder 12 can also feed an electronic component (e.g., a lead-containing component or the like), which is comparatively larger than chip components or the like, when placed on a tray 12b.

[0014] The component transfer device 13 comprises the head drive device 13a and the traversing table 13b. The head drive device 13a is configured to move the traversing table 13b by means of a linear motion mechanism in the X-axis direction and in the Y-axis direction (a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane). The mounting head 20 is removable (interchangeable) on the traversing table 13b by means of a clamping element. The mounting head 20 picks up the component 91 fed by the component feed device 12 using at least one holding element 30 and mounts the component 91 onto the plate 90 positioned by the plate conveyor device 11. A suction nozzle, a chuck, or similar device can be used as a holding element 30, for example.

[0015] A known imaging device can be used as the component camera 14 and plate camera 15. The component camera 14 is fixed to the base of the component assembly device 10 such that one optical axis is oriented upwards in the vertical direction (in a Z-axis direction orthogonal to the X- and Y-axis directions). The component camera 14 can image the component 91, held by the holding element 30, from below. The plate camera 15 is positioned on the traversing table 13b of the component transfer device 13 such that one optical axis of it is oriented downwards in the vertical direction (in the Z-axis direction). The plate camera 15 can image the plate 90 from above.

[0016] The plate camera 15 can also image component 91 from above at component 91's pick-up position PP1. The component camera 14 and the plate camera 15 perform the imaging based on a control signal transmitted by the control device 16. The image data acquired by the component camera 14 and the plate camera 15 are transmitted to the control device 16.

[0017] The control device 16 comprises a computing device and a storage device, both of which are known, and is equipped with a control circuit. Information, image data, and the like, output by various sensors provided in the component assembly device 10, are input into the control device 16. Based on a control program, a predefined assembly condition, and the like, the control device 16 transmits control signals to each device.

[0018] For example, the control device 16 instructs the plate camera 15 to image the plate 90 positioned by the plate conveyor device 11. The control device 16 performs image processing of the image captured by the plate camera 15 to determine the positioning status of the plate 90. Furthermore, the control device 16 instructs the holding element 30 to pick up and hold the component 91 fed by the component feeder device 12 and instructs the component camera 14 to image the component 91 held by the holding element 30. The control device 16 processes the image captured by the component camera 14 to determine the holding position of the component 91.

[0019] The control device 16 moves the holding element 30 to a position above a planned assembly position predefined by the control program or the like. Furthermore, the control device 15 corrects the planned assembly position based on the positioning state of the plate 90, the holding position of the component 19, etc., to determine the assembly position at which the component 91 is actually mounted. In addition to the position (an X-axis coordinate and a Y-axis coordinate), the planned assembly position and the assembly position also include a rotation angle.

[0020] The control device 16 corrects the target position (the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates) and the rotation angle of the holding element 30 according to the mounting position. The control device 16 lowers the holding element 30 at the corrected rotation angle at the corrected target position to mount the component 91 onto the board 90. The control device 16 repeats the placement cycle described above to perform the mounting process for multiple components 91 on the board 90. The total time, consisting of the time required for a predetermined number of placement cycles for the component 91 and the time required for loading and unloading the board 90, corresponds to one cycle time per board 90. 1-2. Configuration examples for the component management device 40

[0021] For example, by using component identification information to identify component 91, it is possible to track and determine the component fed by a component feeder 12. However, if the component management device 40 obtains the component identification information for all components fed by component feeder 91, obtaining the component identification information takes some time, which can impair production efficiency. Therefore, the component management device 40 includes the reference section 41 and the storage section 42. The component management device 40 may also include a supplementary section 43.

[0022] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the component management device 40 of the embodiment comprises the reference section 41, the storage section 42, and the supplementary section 43. At least one of the reference section 41, storage section 42, and supplementary section 43 can be provided in different control devices and management devices. At least one of the reference section 41, storage section 42, and supplementary section 43 can be provided in a cloud. As shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the reference section 41, the storage section 42 and the supplementary section 43 are provided in the control device 16 of the component assembly device 10.

[0023] Additionally, the component management device 40 performs the control according to the one described in the Fig. The process is illustrated in the flowchart shown in Figure 3. Reference section 41 performs the processing shown in step S11. Storage section 42 performs the processing shown in step S13. Supplement section 43 performs the processing shown in step S12. The items described in this description can be selected and applied accordingly. Furthermore, the items described in this description can be combined as appropriate. 1-2-1. Reference section 41

[0024] Reference section 41 obtains the component identification information from identification element 70, which contains the component identification information for identifying component 91 for at least one of the first component 91a, second component 91b and third component 91c (step S11, shown in the Fig. 3) Reference section 41 can take various forms, as long as the component identification information can be obtained from identification element 70 for component 91.

[0025] The identification element 70 contains various types of information about component 91. For example, the identification element 70 can contain information about at least one of the component identification details, a type, a supplier, and a batch of component 91. The reference section 41 can identify the component 91 fed by the component feeding device 12 by obtaining the component identification information of component 91 from the identification element 70. Likewise, the reference section 41 can obtain the information described above about the component 91 fed by the component feeding device 12.

[0026] Any known identification element can be used as the identification element 70. For example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or a wireless tag can be used as the identification element 70. If the identification element 70 is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, the reference section 41 can obtain various types of information, such as component identification information, using a known code reader (a barcode reader capable of reading a barcode, an imaging device capable of reading a two-dimensional code, or similar).In a case where the identification element 70 is a wireless tag, the reference section 41 can obtain various types of information, such as component identification information, using a known wireless device capable of wirelessly communicating with the wireless tag.

[0027] As described above, the component feed device 12 can include a feed unit 12a. The feed unit 12a incrementally feeds the carrier belt 80, in which the components 91 are held, and positions the component 91 so that it can be picked up at a pickup position PP1. As described in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows, for example, the carrier belt 80 according to the embodiment comprises, for example, a base belt 81, a cover belt 82 and a lower belt 83. The base belt 81 is a base section of the carrier belt 80 and is provided with several cavities 81a and several feed holes 81b.

[0028] Component 91 is received in each of the multiple cavities 81a. Several cavities 81a are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the carrier belt 80 on the central section of the base belt 81 and in a lateral direction. When the carrier belt 80 is conveyed in the conveying direction (Y-axis direction in the Fig. In the component assembly device 10 shown in Figure 1, several feed holes 81b are used. Several feed holes 81b are provided at a predetermined spacing interval in the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 80 on one end side of the base strip 81 in the lateral direction.

[0029] The cover strip 82 seals the cavity 81a of the base strip 81. The cover strip 82 is attached to the upper surfaces of both end sections of the base strip 81 in the width direction, for example with adhesive. The lower strip 83 is attached to the lower surface of the base strip 81, for example with adhesive, and prevents the component 91 received in the cavity 81a from falling out. The carrier strip 80 can be an embossed strip, a paper strip, or the like, in which the base strip 81 and the lower strip 83 are formed in one piece.

[0030] The identification element 70 can be attached at any point on the base belt 81. For example, the identification element 70 can be located between the feed holes 81b, which are capable of incrementally advancing the carrier belt 80, or between the cavities 81a in which the components 91 are received. In the case described in the Fig. In the carrier strip 80 shown in Figure 4, the identification element 70 is located between the feed holes 81b. In this case, the reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information from the identification element 70, from which the component identification information can in turn be obtained along with the stepwise feed of the carrier strip 80.

[0031] Specifically, in the case of the Fig. In the carrier belt 80 shown in Figure 4, the cavities 81a facing the feed holes 81b in the width direction and the cavities 81a facing the identification element 70 in the width direction are alternately provided in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, during the stepwise feed of the carrier belt 80, the two types of cavities 81a are alternately positioned at the pickup position PP1. When the cavity 81a facing the identification element 70 is positioned at the pickup position PP1, the reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information from the identification element 70. When the cavity 81a facing the feed hole 81b is positioned at the pickup position PP1, the reference section 41 cannot obtain the component identification information.In this way, the reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information from the identification element 70, from which the component identification information can in turn be obtained together with the stepwise advance of the carrier belt 80.

[0032] If the identification element 70 is provided between the cavities 81a, the reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information from the identification element 70 each time the cavity is positioned at the pick-up point PP1 along with the stepwise advance of the carrier belt 80. In each of the embodiments described above, the reference section 41 can obtain various types of information, such as component identification information, using the reading device described above. For example, the information described in the Fig. The identification element 70 shown in Figure 4 is a two-dimensional code. The reference section 41 can, for example, obtain various types of information, such as component identification information, by reading the two-dimensional code using the plate camera 15.

[0033] However, the more frequently reference section 41 retrieves the component identification information, the longer the acquisition of this information takes, which can lead to a reduction in production efficiency. Therefore, reference section 41 retrieves the component identification information for the specified component 91, which is fed by the component feeder 12. Specifically, reference section 41 retrieves the component identification information from the identification element 70 for at least one of the first component 91a, second component 91b, and third component 91c. For the sake of simplicity, in this description, at least one of the first component 91a, second component 91b, and third component 91c is referred to as the specified component 91.

[0034] The first component 91a designates some of several components 91 that are fed by the component feeder 12 after the component feeder 12 has been mounted on the component assembly device 10. Fig. Figure 6 schematically depicts the components 91 stored in the conveyor belt 80 in a top view. The number assigned to component 91 indicates the sequence in which the component 91 is stored in the conveyor belt 80, and the component 91 is retrieved in the sequence in which it was stored. The same applies to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, as above with reference to the Fig. 6 is described.

[0035] For example, component 91, which is initially fed by component feeder 12 after component feeder 12 has been mounted on component assembly 10, is component 90 numbered 1. Component 91, which is fed by component feeder 12 after component 90 numbered 1, is component 90 numbered 2. Similarly, components 91 are fed by component feeder 12 in the sequence of component 90 numbered 3, component 91 numbered 4, and component 90 numbered 5 (hereinafter abbreviated). The first component 91a can be any one of several components 91 that are fed by component feeder 12 after component feeder 12 has been mounted on component assembly 10 and can be freely named.

[0036] The first component 91a can be one of the components 91 described above, among the multiple components 91, or it can be multiple components 91. As in the Fig. As shown in section 6, the first component 91a can, for example, be component 91 (in the Fig. 6 the component 90 (numbered 1), which is originally fed by the component feeder 12 after the component feeder 12 has been mounted on the component assembly device 10. This allows the reference section 41 to minimize the time required to obtain the component identification information for the first component 91a.

[0037] The second component 91b refers to some of the several components 91 that are fed by the same component feeder 12 to each of the plates 90 of the same type. As in the Fig. As shown in section 7, for example, it is assumed that a given number (three in the Fig. 7) Components 91 are fed from the same component feeder 12 to the plates 90 of the same type. Specifically, components 91 numbered 1 to 3 are fed to the first plate 90 among the plates 90 of the same type. Components 91 numbered 4 to 6 are fed to the second plate 90 among the plates 90 of the same type.

[0038] The same applies thereafter, and the components 91 numbered 7 to 9 are fed to the third plate 90 among the plates 90 of the same type. For example, the component assembly device 10 can mount a predetermined number (three) of components 91 onto each plate 90 of the same type by performing the placement cycle described above for the same number of cycles (in this case, three cycles) as the predetermined number. The second component 91b can be one of several components 91 fed to the plates 90 of the same type by the same component feeder device 12 and can be freely designated.

[0039] Furthermore, the second component 91b can be one component 91 among several components 91, or it can be several components 91. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the second component 91b can, for example, be component 91, which was originally fed by the same component feed device 12 to each of the plates 90 of the same type (in Fig. 7 the components numbered 1, 4, 7 and 10 (91). Accordingly, reference section 41 can minimize the time required to obtain the component identification information for the second component 91b.

[0040] The third component 91c is the component 91 that is selected each time a predetermined number of components 91 are fed from the same component feeder 12, and which is part of the predetermined number of components 91. As in the Fig. As shown in section 8, it is assumed, for example, that the given number (24 in the Fig. 8) of components 91 are fed from the same component feeder 2. In particular, after the components 91 numbered 1 to 24 have been fed, the components 91 numbered 25 to 48 are fed. Then the same applies, and the feeding of the specified number (24) of components 91 is repeated.

[0041] As described above, the component assembly device 10 comprises an assembly head 20 with a holding element 30 that picks up and holds the component 91 in order to mount the component 91 onto the plate 90. The assembly head 20 can include at least one holding element 30 or it can include several holding elements 30. In this case, the specified number can be the same as the number of holding elements 30 provided in the assembly head 20. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the assembly head 20 includes several (24) retaining elements 30, and the specified number (24) of components 91 are fed repeatedly. As described above, the reference section 41 can also obtain the component identification information for some of the specified number (24) of components 91 that are fed using the assembly head 20.

[0042] The third component 91c can be any one of the specified number of components 91 and can be freely designated. Furthermore, the third component 91c can be one component 91 among the specified number of components 91, or it can be multiple components 91. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the third component 91c can, for example, replace the first component 91 in the sequence (shown in the Fig. 8 components numbered 1 and 25 (91) are among the specified number of components (91). Accordingly, reference section 41 can minimize the time required to obtain the component identification information for the third component (91c).

[0043] Reference section 41 can also modify the specified component 91 (at least one of the first component 91a, second component 91b, and third component 91c) for which the component identification information is obtained for each type of component 91. Reference section 41 can also modify the specified component 91 for which the component identification information is obtained for each type of plate 90. Furthermore, reference section 41 can also modify the specified component 91 for which the component identification information is obtained for each type of device (e.g., component assembly device 10, production line, etc.).

[0044] In the Fig. In the case where the cavity 81a facing the identification element 70 is positioned at pickup point PP1, the reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information from the identification element 70 on the carrier strip 80 shown in Figure 4. However, if the cavity 81a facing the feed hole 81b is positioned at pickup position PP1, the reference section 41 cannot obtain the component identification information. As described above, depending on the shape of the identification element 70, it is possible that the component identification information for the specified component 91, for which the component identification information is to be obtained, cannot be retrieved.

[0045] If reference section 41 cannot obtain the component identification information, reference section 41 may attempt to obtain the component identification information for at least one of the components 91 supplied after the first component 91a, a component 91 supplied after the second component 91b, or another component 91 of the specified number of components 91. For example, it is assumed that reference section 41 attempts to obtain the component identification information of the first component 91a, and that the first component 91a is the component 91 (which is in the Fig. 6 with 1 numbered component 90) is involved, which was originally fed by the component feed device 12 after the component feed device 12 was mounted on the component assembly device 10.

[0046] In a case where the component identification information for component 91 cannot be obtained, reference section 41 can attempt to obtain the component identification information for component 91 (which is located in the Fig. The reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information for the second component 91b (numbered 6 with 2), which was fed after the first component 91a. The same applies if the reference section 41 cannot obtain the component identification information for the third component 91c. The reference section 41 can repeat the attempt described above until the component identification information is obtained. The above description of the feeder 12a can be applied analogously to the tray 12b on which the components 91 are arranged.

[0047] Reference section 41 can obtain the component identification information in various situations. In particular, reference section 41 can include at least one of the first reference section 41a, second reference section 41b, third reference section 41c, and fourth reference section 41d. In a case where component 91 is picked up by the component feeder 12, the first reference section 41a obtains the component identification information from the identification element 70 mentioned above. The first reference section 41a has the shape described above, and the identification element 70 can, for example, be located on a feeder medium for feeding component 91.

[0048] As described above, the identification element 70 can be located on the base belt 81 of the carrier belt 80 if the component feeder 12 is the feeder 12a. In a case where the component feeder 12 is the tray 12b, the identification element 70 can, for example, be located in the tray 12b. The identification element 70 can also be located on a top surface of the component 91. In a case where the component 91 is picked up by the component feeder 12, the first reference section 41a obtains the component identification information from the aforementioned identification element 70. The first reference section 41a can, for example, obtain various types of information, such as the component identification information, by reading the identification element 70 using the plate camera 15 or the like.

[0049] In a case where component 91 is held by the retaining element 30, the second reference section 41b obtains the component identification information from the lower identification element 70 provided on the lower surface of component 91. In this embodiment, the identification element 70 can be provided on a lower surface of component 91. For example, the second reference section 41b can read the identification element 70 using the component camera 14 or the like and obtain various types of information, such as the component identification information.

[0050] In a case where component 91 is mounted onto plate 90 by the retaining element 30, the third reference section 41c obtains the component identification information from the upper identification element 70, which is provided on the upper surface of component 91. In this embodiment, the identification element 70 can be provided on an upper surface of component 91. For example, the third reference section 41c can obtain various types of information, such as the component identification information, by reading the identification element 70 using the plate camera 15 or the like. For example, a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional code can be used as the identification element 70 in the case where the first reference section 41a, the second reference section 41b, or the third reference section 41c obtains the component identification information.

[0051] In the case where the identification element 70 is a wireless tag, the fourth reference section 41d obtains the component identification information via wireless communication with the wireless tag. The wireless tag may be attached to the baseband 81 of the carrier band 80, the tray 12b, the component 91, or the like. The fourth reference section 41d can obtain various types of information, such as the component identification information, using a known wireless device capable of wirelessly communicating with the wireless tag.

[0052] Reference section 41 may also modify at least one of the first reference section 41a, second reference section 41b, third reference section 41c, and fourth reference section 41d for each type of component 91. Reference section 41 may also modify at least one of the first reference section 41a, second reference section 41b, third reference section 41c, and fourth reference section 41d for each type of plate 90. Reference section 41 may also modify at least one of the first reference section 41a, second reference section 41b, third reference section 41c, and fourth reference section 41d for each device (e.g., the component assembly device 10, the production line, etc.). 1-2-2. Memory section 42 and supplementary section 43

[0053] The memory section 42 stores the component identification information for component 91 obtained by the reference section 41 and the plate identification information for identifying the plate 90 on which component 91 is mounted in the memory device 60 in relation to each other (step S13, shown in the Fig. 3) The storage device 60 only needs to store the component identification information and the plate identification information in relation to each other, and a known storage device (database) can be used. The storage device 60 can also be located in a cloud. For example, according to the embodiment, the storage device 60 is located in a storage device (database) of a management device that manages the component assembly device 10. Thus, an employee or a production management device can track and identify the component 91 fed by the component feeder 12.

[0054] Memory section 42 also stores the component identification information for component 91 obtained from reference section 41, the plate identification information for identifying the plate 90 on which component 91 is mounted, and the mounting position information for specifying a mounting position at which component 91 is mounted onto plate 90, in memory device 60 in conjunction with each other. If component 91, supplied by component feeder device 12, is disposed of without being mounted on plate 90, memory section 42 can store the component identification information for component 91 obtained from reference section 41 and the disposal information indicating that component 91 has been disposed of in memory device 60 in association with each other.

[0055] The memory section 42 can also store information in the memory device 60 regarding the component feeder, specifying the component feeder 12 that fed component 91; information regarding the component assembly device, specifying the component assembly device 10 that is equipped with the component feeder 12 that fed component 91; and the like. Furthermore, the memory section 42 can also store date and time information, specifying the date and time of the component 91 feeding; worker information, specifying a worker who prepared the component feeder 12; environmental information, specifying the ambient temperature and humidity of a production facility when component 91 was fed; and the like in the memory device 60.

[0056] Reference section 41 obtains the component identification information from the identification element 70 for the specified component 91 fed by the component feeder 12 (at least one of the first component 91a, second component 91b, and third component 91c). Therefore, the components 91 fed by the component feeder 12 include the component 91 for which the component identification information was not obtained by reference section 41. Supplementary section 43 therefore supplements the component identification information of the component 91 for which the component identification information was not obtained by reference section 41, based on a relative sequence or position with respect to the component 91 for which the component identification information was obtained by reference section 41 (step S12, shown in the Fig. 3).

[0057] For example, it is possible to use the feeder 12a as a component feeder 12, which incrementally feeds the carrier belt 80, in which the components 91 are held, and feeds the component 91 in such a way that it can be picked up at the pickup position PP1. In this case, information specifying the pickup sequence of the components 91 in the carrier belt 80 can be used as component identification information. For example, it is assumed that the reference section 41 contains the component identification information for the component 91 in the Fig. The component 90, numbered 1 and shown in Figure 6, is referenced. It is assumed that the component identification information for component 91 is represented by the information AAA0001. The information AAA0001 comprises the symbolic part AAA and the numerical part 0001.

[0058] The numeric part 0001 specifies the insertion sequence in which component 90, numbered 1, is inserted into carrier tape 80. For example, supplementary section 43 can represent the component identification information for component 90, numbered 2, which is inserted after component 90, numbered 1, as indicated by information AAA00011. Information AAA00011 comprises the symbolic part AAA, the numeric part 0001, and part 1 for relative sequence. Part 1 for relative sequence specifies a relative sequence (in this case, the first) for component 91, for which component identification information is obtained through reference section 41 (in this case, component 91, for which component identification information is represented by information AAA0001).

[0059] For example, supplementary section 43 can represent the component identification information for component 90, numbered 3, which is included after component 90, numbered 2 by information AAA00012. In this case, the component identification information includes part 2 for relative order. Part 2 for relative order specifies a relative order (in this case, the second) for component 91, for which the component identification information is obtained by reference section 41 (in this case, component 91, for which component identification information is represented by information AAA0001).The same applies to components 91 numbered 4 and higher, and the relative order indicates the order in which components 91 are placed in the carrier strip 80, starting with component 91 for which the component identification information is obtained through reference section 41 in a case where the component feed device 12 is the feeder 12a. The symbol part AAA indicates different types of information for component 91.

[0060] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the component feeder 12 can use the tray 12b on which the components 91 are arranged. In this case, information on the picking sequence can be used as component identification information, in the case where the component 91 is picked up from the tray 12b by the holding element 30, or information on the position of the component 91 in the tray 12b. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows top views of the components 91 arranged on tray 12b. The number assigned to component 91 gives an example of a collection sequence in a case where component 91 is collected.

[0061] In which in the Fig. On tray 12b as shown, components 91 are picked up from component 90 numbered 2 to component 90 numbered 5 in the drawing, moving to the right. Then, components 91 from component 91 numbered 6 to component 91 numbered 10 in the drawing are picked up to the left. Finally, components 91 from component 91 numbered 11 to component 91 numbered 15 in the drawing are picked up to the right.

[0062] In tray 12b ( Fig. 10) The components 91 are picked up in a downward direction from component 90 numbered 1 to component 90 numbered 3 in the drawing. Then, the components 91 from component 91 numbered 4 to component 91 numbered 6 in the drawing are picked up in an upward direction. Next, the components 91 from component 91 numbered 7 to component 91 numbered 91 in the drawing are picked up in a downward direction. Then, the components 91 from component 91 numbered 10 to component 91 numbered 12 in the drawing are picked up in an upward direction. Finally, the components 91 from component 91 numbered 13 to component 91 numbered 15 in the drawing are picked up in a downward direction.

[0063] In any case, information on the picking sequence can be used as component identification information in a case where component 91 is picked up from tray 12b by the holding element 30. For example, it is assumed that the reference section 41 contains the component identification information for the one in the Fig. The component 90, numbered 1 and shown in section 9, is referenced. It is assumed that the component identification information for component 91 is represented by the information BBB0001. The information BBB0001 comprises the symbolic part BBB and the numerical part 0001.

[0064] The numeric part 0001 specifies the pickup sequence in a case where component 90, numbered 1, is picked. For example, supplementary section 43 can represent the component identification information for component 90, numbered 2, which is picked after component 90, numbered 1, as indicated by information BBB00011. Information BBB00011 comprises the symbolic part BBB, the numeric part 0001, and part 1 for relative sequence. Part 1 for relative sequence specifies a relative sequence (in this case, first) for component 91, for which component identification information is obtained through reference section 41 (in this case, component 41, for which component identification information is represented by information BBB0001).

[0065] Supplementary section 43 represents the component identification information for component 90 numbered 3, which is picked up after component 90 numbered 2 (as indicated by information BBB00012). In this case, the component identification information includes part 2 for the relative sequence, and part 2 for the relative sequence specifies the relative sequence (here: second) with respect to component 91, for which component identification information is obtained through reference section 41 (component 91 for which the component identification information is represented by information BBB0001). The same applies to components 91 numbered 4 and higher, and the relative sequence specifies the picking sequence of the components 91, starting with component 91 for which the component identification information is obtained through reference section 41 in a case where the component feeder 12 is tray 12b.The symbol section BBB displays various types of information about component 91.

[0066] Component identification information can also include information specifying the position of component 91 in tray 12b. For example, the position of component 91 in tray 12b can be represented by a matrix. For example, it is assumed that reference section 41 contains the component identification information for the component located in the Fig. The information refers to component 90, numbered 1 and depicted in figure 9. It is assumed that the component identification information for component 91 is represented by the information CCC0101. The information CCC0101 comprises the symbol part CCC and the matrix part 0101. The matrix part 0101 indicates the position of component 90, numbered 1, in tray 12b (in this case, row 1 and column 1).

[0067] For example, supplementary section 43 can represent the component identification information of component 91, numbered as 15, which is contained in the Fig.9 are represented by the information CCC01010305. The information CCC01010305 comprises the symbol part CCC, the matrix part 0101, and part 0305 for the relative position. Part 0305 for the relative position specifies a relative position (here, row 3, column 5) with respect to component 91, for which the component identification information is obtained through reference section 41 (in this case, component 91, for which the component identification information is represented by the information CCC0101). The same applies to other components 91, and the relative position specifies the position of component 91 in tray 12b, with component 91, for which the component identification information is obtained through reference section 41, serving as the reference position in a case where the component feed device 12 is tray 12b. The symbol section CCC displays various types of information about component 91.

[0068] In this way, the memory section 42 can store the component identification information for component 91 obtained from the reference section 41, or the component identification information for component 91 supplemented by the supplementary section 43, and the plate identification information for identifying the plate 90 on which component 91 is mounted, in the memory device 60 in a corresponding arrangement. The memory section 42 can also store the component identification information for component 91 obtained from the reference section 41, or the component identification information for component 91 supplemented by the supplementary section 43, the plate identification information for identifying the plate 90 on which component 91 is mounted, and the mounting position information for specifying the mounting position at which component 91 is mounted in the plate 90, in the memory device 60 in a corresponding arrangement.

[0069] If the component 91 supplied by the component feed device 12 is disposed of without being mounted on the plate 90, the storage section 42 can store the component identification information for component 91 obtained by the reference section 41 or the component identification information for component 91 supplemented by the supplementary section 43, as well as the disposal information indicating the disposal of component 91, in the storage device 60 in relation to each other. 2. Component Management Procedure

[0070] The above description of the component management device 40 can be applied analogously to the component management procedure. Specifically, the component management procedure comprises a reference step and a storage step. The acquisition step corresponds to the control performed by the reference section 41. The storage step corresponds to the control performed by the storage section 42. The component management procedure can further include a supplementation step. The supplementation step corresponds to the control performed by the supplementation section 43.

[0071] The acquisition step can further comprise at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth acquisition steps. The first acquisition step corresponds to the control carried out by the first reference section 41a. The second acquisition step corresponds to the control carried out by the second reference section 41b. The third acquisition step corresponds to the control carried out by the third reference section 41c. The fourth acquisition step corresponds to the control carried out by the fourth reference section 41d. 3. Example of the effects of the embodiment

[0072] With the component management device 40 described above, it is possible to obtain the component identification information of the specified component 91 supplied by the component feeder device 12 and to store the component identification information in the storage device 60. The above description of the component management device 40 can be applied analogously to the component management procedure. Reference symbol list 10 Component assembly equipment, 12 Component feeding device, 12a Feed, 12b tray, 20 Mounting head, 30 retaining elements, 40 Component management device, 41 Reference section, 41a first reference section, 41b second reference section, 41c third reference section, 41d fourth reference section, 42 storage section, 43 Supplementary section, 60 storage device, 70 Identification element, 80 carrier tape, 90 record, 91 component, 91a first component, 91b second component, 91c third component, PP1 Pickup position. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 106119

[0003]

Claims

[1] A component management device comprising: a reference section configured to obtain, from an identification element with component identification information for identifying components to be mounted on a plate, the component identification information for at least one of the following components: a first component that is part of the multiple components fed by a component feeder configured to feed the components after the component feeder is mounted on a component assembly device; a second component that is part of the multiple components fed by the same component feeder to plates of the same type; and a third component that is the component selected each time a predetermined number of components are fed by the same component feeder and that is part of the predetermined number of components; and a memory section configured to store the component identification information for the components obtained from the reference section and the plate identification information for identifying the plate on which the components are mounted in a memory device in association with each other. [2] The component management device according to claim 1, wherein the reference section is at least one of the following: a first reference section configured to obtain the component identification information from above the identification element in a case where the component is picked up from the component feeder; a second reference section to obtain the component identification information from below the identification element provided on the lower surface of the component in a case where the component is held by a holding element configured to receive and hold the component for mounting on the plate; a third reference section configured to obtain the component identification information from above the identification element provided on the upper surface of the component in a case where the component is mounted on the plate by the holding element;and a fourth reference section configured to obtain the component identification information via wireless communication with a wireless tag in a case where the identification element is the wireless tag. [3] The component management device according to claim 2, wherein the identification element in a case where the component identification information is referenced in the first reference section, the second reference section or the third reference section is a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional code. [4] The component management device according to claim 1, wherein the first component is the component that was originally fed by the component feeding device after the component feeding device is mounted on the component assembly device, the second component is the component that is originally fed by the same component feeding device to each of the plates of the same type, and the third component is the component that is first in the sequence of the predetermined number of components. [5] The component management device according to claim 1, wherein the component assembly device comprises an assembly head with a holding element configured to pick up and hold the component for assembly on the plate, and the specified number is the number of holding elements provided in the assembly head. [6] The component management device according to claim 1, wherein the reference section is configured to attempt, in a case where the component identification information is not obtained, to obtain the component identification information for at least one of the components that is fed after the first component, the component that is fed after the second component, and the component that is not the third component among the specified number of components, and to repeat this attempt until the component identification information is obtained. [7] The component management device according to claim 1, wherein the component feed device is a feeder configured to incrementally feed a carrier belt in which the components are held and to provide the components in a pick-up position so that the components can be picked up, and The component identification information is information that specifies the recording sequence in which the components are recorded in the carrier tape. [8] The component management device according to claim 1, wherein the component feed device is a tray on which the components are arranged, and The component identification information specifies the pick-up sequence in a case where the components are picked from the tray by a holding element configured to pick up and hold the components for assembly on the plate, or information specifying the positions of the components on the tray. [9] The component management device according to claim 1, further comprising: a supplementary section configured to supplement the component identification information of the component for which the component identification information was not obtained by the reference section, based on a relative sequence or a relative position with respect to the component for which the component identification information was obtained by the reference section. [10] The component management device according to claim 9, wherein the storage section is configured to store in the storage device the component identification information for the component referenced by the reference section or the component identification information for the component supplemented by the supplement section, the plate identification information for identifying the plate on which the component is mounted, and mounting position information for specifying a mounting position at which the component is mounted on the plate, in an association with each other. [11] A component management procedure, comprising: a reference step of the referencing process, from an identification element with component identification information for identifying components to be mounted on a plate, the component identification information for at least one of the following components: a first component that is part of the multiple components fed by a component feeder configured to feed the components after the component feeder is mounted on a component assembly device; a second component that is part of the multiple components fed by the same component feeder to plates of the same type; and a third component that is the component selected each time. when a predetermined number of components are fed from the same component feeder and that is part of the predetermined number of components; and a storage step of storing the component identification information related to the components by the reference step and the plate identification information for identifying the plate on which the components are mounted, in a storage device in relation to each other.

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