Operational administration apparatus and operational administration procedures for suppliers

Abstract

An operational management apparatus comprises: a determination section configured to determine a device type in which a feeder is set to feed a component; and a mode setting section configured to set an operating mode of the feeder, including a normal mode in which a component feeding operation can be performed, and an energy-saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode based on the detected device type.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operational administration apparatus and an operational management method for a feeder. State of the art

[0002] A feeder management apparatus controls the operation of a feeder installed in a component assembler and used to feed components. As shown in patent literature 1, the component assembler, together with other board processing machines, a management device, a storage unit, and an offline setup device, forms a production system for manufacturing printed circuit board products. For example, when the feeder is brought into an operational state by the offline setup device, it is transported by the offline setup device to a predetermined standby location and used at a specific component assembler. Citation list for patent literature

[0003] Patent literature 1: WO 2020 / 115915 Summary of the invention; Technical task

[0004] To determine the current position of each feeder, the production system's management device can communicate with the feeders, for example, when they are located in a component assembler or a buffer unit serving as a standby location. However, if the power supply is maintained in a state that allows the feeder to communicate, power is consumed regardless of the standby state, and there is a concern that the impact on production costs will increase with the number of feeders kept in standby mode.

[0005] The aim of this description is to provide an operational management apparatus and an operational control procedure for a feeder, with which the feeder's electricity consumption in a production system can be reduced and thus production costs lowered. Solution to the problem

[0006] The present description discloses an operational management apparatus for a feeder, wherein the operational management apparatus comprises: a determination section configured to determine a type of device in which a feeder is set to feed a component; and a mode setting section configured to set an operating mode of the feeder, which includes a normal mode in which a feeding operation of the component can be performed, and an energy-saving mode in which the power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode based on the detected device type.

[0007] The present description discloses an operational management method for a feeder, wherein the method comprises: a detection step for detecting a type of device in which a feeder is set to feed a component; and a mode setting step for setting an operating mode of the feeder, including a normal mode in which a feeding operation of the component can be performed, and an energy-saving mode in which the power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode based on the detected device type.

[0008] The present description discloses a technical idea in which “the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1 or 2” in claim 4 at the beginning of the application is amended to “the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 3”, and a technical idea in which “the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1 or 2” in claim 6 at the beginning of the application is amended to “the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 5”.Furthermore, the present description discloses a technical idea in which "the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 8 is amended at the beginning of the application to "the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 5", a technical idea in which "the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 9 is amended at the beginning of the application to "the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 8", and a technical idea in which "the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 10 is amended at the beginning of the application to "the operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 8". Advantageous effects of the invention

[0009] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the feeder's power consumption in the production system, as the feeder's operating mode is switched according to the type of device in which it is used. This allows for a reduction in production costs. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram representing a production system with a management apparatus. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a production line. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view that schematically shows a configuration of a loader and a component assembler. Fig. 1 represents. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a feeder in Fig. 3 illustrated. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the production system to which the operational management apparatus is applied. Fig. Figure 6 is a table illustrating the state and other details of each section according to an operating mode. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operational control process. Fig. 8A is a block diagram that shows a first modification accordingly Fig. 5 illustrates. Fig. 8B is a block diagram that undergoes a second modification accordingly Fig. 5 illustrates. Description of embodiments 1. Production system 10

[0010] An embodiment of a production management apparatus is described below with reference to the figures. The production management apparatus is arranged in a component assembler, which in this embodiment forms a production line, and controls the operation of a feeder used to feed a component. In the present embodiment, the production system 10 comprises, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, several production lines Ln, a main computer 11, an administration warehouse 12 and a work area 13. 1-1. Production line Ln

[0011] In the present embodiment, the production system 10 comprises several production lines Ln, including a first production line Ln1 and a second production line Ln2. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in 2, the production line Ln is configured such that several component assemblers 30 are positioned side by side in one conveying direction of the plate 91 (see Fig. 3) are installed. The production line Ln comprises a management device 21, a line buffer device 22 and a loader 23.

[0012] The management device 21 is configured to communicate via a network with several production devices (such as the component assembler 30) that make up production line Ln, the line buffer device 22, the loader 23, and a self-propelled work robot 70. The management device 21 monitors the operational status of production line Ln and controls several component assemblers 30 and similar devices in an integrated manner. The management device 21 records a control program used in the assembly operations by the component assembler 30, as well as the progress of each assembly operation, and similar data.

[0013] The line buffer device 22 serves to store a cassette-shaped feeder 50. The line buffer device 22 temporarily holds the feeder 50, which is loaded with the component to be used for the assembly process, during the production of the product plate and the feeder 50 used in the assembly process. If the feeder 50 is held by multiple slots (not shown), the line buffer device 22 supplies power to the feeder 50 and becomes capable of communication. Accordingly, the line buffer device 22 can read an identification code (ID) that is unique for the feeder 50 held in the slot. The line buffer device 22 is, for example, located on the plate feeder side (left side in Figure 1). Fig. 1) installed on production line Ln.

[0014] The loader 23 transports the feeder 50 between each of the multiple component assemblers 30 and the line buffer device 22. In particular, the loader 23 is designed to move along a path of movement formed by a rail that extends across the entire area in the transport direction of the plate 91 on the front of the multiple component assemblers 30. The configurations of the component assembler 30 and the loader 23 are described later.

[0015] Furthermore, the configuration of production line Ln can be appropriately supplemented or modified, for example, according to the type of board to be manufactured. In particular, a board processing machine such as a solder printer, an inspection machine, and a reflow oven can be appropriately installed in production line Ln. The first production line Ln1 and the second production line Ln2 can differ in their configuration, the feeder 50 to be set, and the like, depending on the type of product board to be manufactured. Production system 10 can be equipped with three or more production lines. 1-2. Main computer 11

[0016] The main computer 11 is a management device that monitors and integrally controls the operational status of each device comprising production system 10 and work robot 70. The main computer 11 stores various data for controlling production line Ln and the like. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the main computer 11 is configured to communicate via a network with the line management device 21 of the production line Ln, the administration warehouse 12, the automatic loading device 132 installed in the work area 13, and the like. 1-3. Administration Warehouse 12

[0017] The administrative warehouse 12 delivers the component based on an external delivery order. The administrative warehouse 12 is configured to store the spool 45, around which the carrier belt 46 is wound with multiple components, and the feeder 50 loaded with the carrier belt 46. The administrative warehouse 12 can store the feeder 50 loaded with the carrier belt 46.

[0018] The administrative warehouse 12 includes a conveyor device that transports feeders 50 and the like between a predetermined storage position in a storage rack that accommodates feeders 50 and the like, and a worktable on which feeders 50 and the like are temporarily placed during storage and delivery. Upon delivery of the component, the conveyor device picks up a spool or the like located at the predetermined storage position and reads, for example, an identification code (ID) attached to the spool or the like to verify that the component is correct. The conveyor device then places the held spool or the like onto the worktable. 1-4. Work area 13

[0019] Work area 13, where setup work for production is carried out, is located between several production lines Ln and the administration warehouse 12. The setup work described above in work area 13 includes loading a component into the feeder 50. Work area 13 is equipped with a worktable 131 for transporting the feeder 50 and the spool 45, as well as an automatic loading device 132. The automatic loading device 132 is a device that automatically loads the spool 45 into the set feeder 50.

[0020] The loading operations for loading the carrier belt 46 into the feeder 50 can be carried out using the automatic loading device 132 or manually by the worker 85. In work area 13, the worker 85 performs various types of work. The different types of work described above include, for example, work to remove the carrier belt 46 loaded into the feeder 50, which is used in the assembly process. The mapping information between the feeder 50 and the spool 45 is updated when the carrier belt 46 is loaded into the feeder 50, and the mapping information is discarded when the spool 45 is removed. 2. Component assembler 30

[0021] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows several component assemblers 30 forming the production line Ln, a plate conveyor 31, a component feeder 32, a main buffer device 34, and a head drive device 35. In the following description, it is assumed that the horizontal width direction of the component assembler 30, corresponding to the conveying direction of the plate 91, is the X-direction, the horizontal depth direction of the component assembler 30 is the Y-direction, and the vertical direction (up-down direction) is the Y-direction. Fig. 3), which is perpendicular to the X-direction and the Y-direction, is the Z-direction.

[0022] The plate conveyor 31 comprises a conveyor belt, a positioning device, and the like. The plate conveyor 31 then conveys the plate 91 in the conveying direction and positions the plate 91 at a predetermined position in the machine. The plate conveyor 31 transports the plate 91 out of the component assembler 30 after the assembly process performed by the component assembler 30 has been completed.

[0023] The component feeder 32 feeds components to be mounted on the plate 91. The component feeder 32 has a slot into which the feeder 50 can be inserted. The component feeder 32 is located in an upper part on the front of the component assembler 30 and holds the inserted feeder 50 in a ready-to-use state. That is, the operation of the feeder 50 inserted into the slot of the component feeder 32 is controlled by the component assembler 30 during the assembly process to feed the component into a removal section located at a defined position on the upper part of the feeder 50.

[0024] The main buffer device 34 is located in the component assembler 30 and is configured to accommodate a spare feeder 50. Specifically, the main buffer device 34 is located below the slot of the component feeder 32 and stores the inserted feeders 50. That is, the main buffer device 34 temporarily holds the feeder 50 to be used in production or temporarily holds the used feeder 50 currently in production. The exchange of the feeder 50 between the component feeder 32 and the main buffer device 34 is carried out either automatically by the loader 23 or manually by an operator.

[0025] When the feeder 50 is inserted into a slot of the component feeder 32 or a slot of the main buffer device 34, it is powered via a connector from the component assembler 30. The feeder 50 is in a state in which it can communicate with the component assembler 30. The feeder 50, inserted into the component feeder 32, controls a feeding operation of the carrier belt 46, which receives the component, based on a control command or the like from the component assembler 30. As a result, the feeder 50 conveys the component into the removal section, which is located in the upper part of the feeder 50, so that the component can be picked up by a holding element of the assembly head 37 described later.

[0026] The head drive device 35 transfers the component fed by the component feeder 32 to a predetermined mounting position on the plate 91, which is transported into the machine by the plate conveyor 31. The head drive device 35 moves a motion table 36 horizontally (X-direction and Y-direction) via a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 37 is interchangeably attached to the motion table 36 by a clamping element (not shown). The mounting head 37 picks up the component and mounts it on the plate 91 by adjusting its position in the up-down direction and its angle.

[0027] In particular, the holding element that holds the component fed by the feeder 50 is attached to the mounting head 37. For example, a suction nozzle that holds a component with supplied vacuum air or a chuck that grips and holds the component can be used as the holding element. The mounting head 37 holds the holding element so that it is movable in the Z-direction and rotatable about a θ-axis parallel to the Z-axis. The mounting head 37 is moved in the XY direction by the linear motion mechanism of the head drive device 35.

[0028] The component assembler 30, with the configuration described above, performs the assembly process in which the component is mounted on the plate 91. During the assembly process, the component assembler 30 transmits a control signal to the head drive device 35 based on a result of image processing, a recognition result from various sensors, a previously stored control program, or the like. This controls the positions and angles of several suction nozzles carried by the assembly head 37.

[0029] The suction nozzle held by the assembly head 37 is changed during the assembly process according to the type of component mounted on the plate 91. If the suction nozzle used in the assembly process is not held by the assembly head 37, the component assembler 30 causes the assembly head 37 to hold the suction nozzle housed in a nozzle station (not shown). The nozzle station is removably mounted at a predetermined position in the component assembler 30. 3. Line buffer device 22

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the line buffer device 22 in the present embodiment comprises a first storage section 221 and a second storage section 222. The magazine 41 for the feeder 50 is detachably mounted in the first storage section 221 and in the second storage section 222. The magazine 41 is provided with several slots and is configured to hold the feeder 50 in each slot. In this way, the line buffer device 22 holds the feeder 50 by means of the integrated magazine 41.

[0031] The first storage section 221 and the second storage section 222 are arranged side by side in sequence from the upstream side in the transport direction of the plate 91. In the present embodiment, each of the first storage sections 221 and second storage sections 222 is configured to be equipped with a magazine 41. The feeder 50 arranged in the magazine 41 of the line buffer device 22 is energized and is in a state in which it can communicate with the line management device 21 via a control device of the line buffer device 22. As a result, the slot of the line buffer device 22 and an identification code (ID) of the feeder 50 arranged in the slot are assigned to each other and stored in the line management device 21. 4. Configuration of the loader 23

[0032] The loader 23 is arranged such that it is movable along the conveying direction of the plate 91 with respect to several production devices (in the present embodiment, the component assembler 30 and the line buffer device 22). The loader 23 performs predetermined tasks on a predetermined production device. In the present embodiment, the predetermined task of the loader 23 is an exchange operation to replace the feeder 50 between several component assemblers 30 and the line buffer device 22.

[0033] In a case where the work area 13 is installed adjacent to the production line Ln, the loader 23 can perform the exchange operation described above between several component assemblers 30, the line buffer device 22, the worktable 131, and the automatic loading device 132. Furthermore, the loader 23 can be used to exchange a removable exchange element attached to the panel processing machine, such as the component assembler 30, with the panel processing machine.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the loader 23 moves along a path of movement comprising rails 238, which are arranged at the front of several component assemblers 30 and the line buffer device 22. The rail 238 extends essentially over the entire area in the transport direction of the plate 91 in the production line Ln. The loader 23 is supplied with power via the rail 238 without physical contact from an opposing production device, according to the position of the loader 23 itself.

[0035] The loader 23 comprises a main body 231. The main body 231 is designed to be movable along the travel path formed by the rail 238. In particular, the main body 231 includes a roller and a guide roller that are in rolling contact with the rail 238. This holds the main body 231 in its position, allows it to move in the X-direction, and prevents it from moving in the Y- and Z-directions. Furthermore, the main body 231 can be provided with a feeder holding section that can hold several feeders 50. The feeder holding section holds several feeders 50 in a state where they are aligned in the X-direction. The loader 23 is configured, for example, to supply power to the feeders 50 in the feeder holding section and can function as a device Vc in which the feeders 50 are installed.

[0036] The loader 23 comprises a feeder exchange device 232. The feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeder 50 with a device in which the feeder 50 is installed. In the present embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeder 50 with several component assemblers 30, which form the production line Ln, and with the line buffer device 22. The exchange of the feeder 50 includes retrieving and refilling the feeder 50. In the present embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeder 50 for various devices, including the component feeder 32 and the main buffer device 34 of the component assembler 30, as well as the line buffer device 22.

[0037] The feeder exchange device 232 is configured to move the held feeder 50 relative to the main body 231 in an attachment / removal direction (in the present embodiment, the Y-direction) and in the up-down direction (Z-direction) of the feeder 50. With this configuration, the feeder exchange device 232 raises and lowers the held feeder 50 to a height corresponding to the slot of the device. In the present embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 is used to exchange the feeder 50 between the component feeder 32 and the main buffer device 34 of the component assembler 30 and to convey the used feeder 50 from the component assembler 30 to the line buffer device 22.

[0038] The loader 23 comprises a loader motion device 233. The loader motion device 233 is driven by externally supplied energy to move the main body 231. In a case where a battery is attached to the main body 231, the loader motion device 233 can be driven by energy supplied by the battery. Furthermore, the loader motion device 233 is combined, for example, with a rail 238 to form a linear motor. In this case, the loader motion device 233 generates a driving force in the X-direction with respect to the rail 238 by energizing a movable coil (not shown) and moves the loader 23 in the X-direction.

[0039] The loader 23 includes a loader control unit (not shown). The loader control unit is a control unit that mainly comprises a CPU, various memory components, and a control circuit. The loader control unit is interconnected with several component assemblers 30, a line buffer device 22, and a management device 21. The loader control unit controls the operations of the loader movement device 233, the feeder exchange device, and the like.

[0040] The loader control device detects the current position of the main body 231 along its travel path based on a detection signal from a position detection sensor (not shown). Specifically, the position detection sensor described above is positioned, for example, facing a linear scale arranged on the rail 238, and detects a reading on the linear scale. Furthermore, an optical detection method or a detection method using electromagnetic induction can be applied to the position detection sensor to detect the position of the main body 231. In this way, the loader 23 is configured to move along the rail 238 to a predetermined position and exchange the feeder 50 at the stopped position. 5. Configuration of the feeder 50

[0041] A configuration of the feeder 50 is described with reference to Fig. 4 described. The left-right direction in Fig. 4 is the conveying direction of the carrier belt 46, the left side in Fig. 4 is the upstream side in the direction of conveyance and the right side in Fig. 4 is the downstream side in the conveying direction. In the present embodiment, the feeder 50 is a belt feeder that performs a feeding process for feeding components by feeding and moving the carrier belt 46. The feeder 50 comprises a feeder main body 51. The feeder body 51 is designed in the form of a flat box. The component feeding position 511 for feeding a component into an upper part on the downstream side in the transport direction of the carrier belt 46 is formed in the feeder main body 51.

[0042] A conveyor belt 512 is formed in the feeder main body 51, which guides the carrier belt 46, drawn from the spool 45, to the component feed position 511. The conveyor belt 512 is formed, for example, in a rectangular tube shape using a base plate, two side plates, and a top plate. The conveyor belt 512 may include a belt pressure device that presses the carrier belt 46 against the side of the base plate. Part of the cylindrical shape of the conveyor belt 512 may be omitted. The conveyor belt 512 extends obliquely upwards in a downstream direction, starting from a position near the spool 45, and extends substantially horizontally downstream from the center, with an upper part of the downstream end of the feeder main body 51 as its endpoint. The component feed position 511 is located near the endpoint of the conveyor belt 512.

[0043] A removable rail 513 is arranged on the underside of the feeder main body 51. The removable rail 513 holds the position of the feeder 50 by being inserted into a slot located in various devices such as the component feeder 32 and the magazine 41, and assists the movement of the feeder 50. A positioning pin 514 and a connector 515 are arranged on an end face of the feeder main body 51. The positioning pin 514 is inserted into a positioning hole of a device in which the feeder 50 is mounted and positions the feeder 50 relative to the device. In a case where the mating connector is located in the device, the connector 515 is inserted into the mating connector and connected to provide power and communication with the feeder 50.

[0044] The feeder 50 includes a belt guide 52. The belt guide 52 is detachably arranged on the upper part of the feeder main body 51. The belt guide 52 pulls one end of the cover belt 462 away from the base belt 461, which forms the carrier belt 46, in the width direction, thereby opening cavities for the individual placement of components. The base belt 461 with the opened cavities is conveyed to the component feed position 511 and feeds the components. The base belt 461, together with the cover belt 462, which has run over the belt guide 52, is then discharged below the feeder 50.

[0045] The feeder 50 includes a spool holding section 53. The spool holding section 53 holds the spool 45, onto which the carrier tape 46 is wound, in an interchangeable manner. The spool holding section 53 rotatably holds the outer circumferential edge or the center of the spool 45. The spool holding section 53 is provided with an opening and closing retaining cover to prevent the spool 45 from slipping.

[0046] The feeder 50 comprises a drive device 54, which feeds and moves a belt carrying multiple components in a component feeding operation. The drive device 54 includes a sprocket 541, which is rotatably held by the feeder main body 51. The teeth of the sprocket 541 protrude from a groove formed in the base plate of the belt conveyor 512 and engage in feed holes formed at predetermined intervals in the carrier belt 46. The drive device 54 includes an electric motor 542, which generates a drive force that is transmitted to the sprocket 541 via a speed reducer (not shown). The electric motor 542 is designed for intermittent and continuous operation and can be switched between forward and reverse rotation. The drive device 54 rotates the sprocket 541 with the electric motor 542 to feed and move the carrier belt 46.

[0047] The drive device 54 can transport the carrier belt 46 at a constant distance in the conveying direction and feed the components sequentially to the component feed position 511. Furthermore, the drive device 54 can continuously transport a newly inserted carrier belt 46 in the conveying direction. Additionally, the drive device 54 can continuously transport a partially used carrier belt 46 in the reverse direction to perform part of the removal process.

[0048] The feeder 50 includes a feeder control device 56. The feeder control device 56 controls the operation of the drive device 54. When the feeder 50 is installed in the component feeder 32 of the component assembler 30, current is supplied from the component assembler 30 via the connector 515. This puts the feeder control device 56 in a state where it can communicate with the component assembler 30. With this configuration, it is recognized that the feeder 50 is installed in the component feeder 32 or the main buffer device 34 of the component assembler 30.

[0049] Various types of control information are pre-stored in the feeder control device 56. The control information includes an identification code (ID) of the feeder 50, a program and a correction value used in controlling the drive device 54, as well as device information D1 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) to a device into which the feeder 50 can be inserted. Details of the operational control using the device information D1 are described later. 6. Operations management apparatus 60 of the feeder 50

[0050] When the feeder 50 is used for the production of a plate in production system 10 as described above, the feeder 50 is delivered from the administration warehouse 12 and loaded with a carrier belt 46 in the work area 13. After the offline setup has been carried out as described above, the feeder 50 is transported by a work robot 70 or a worker 85 to the line buffer device 22 of a predetermined production line Ln and moved at a predetermined time by a loader 23 to the component feeder 32 or to the main buffer device 34 of the component assembler 30.

[0051] In this way, the feeder 50 passes through the administration warehouse 12 and the component assembler 30 in a state where it is set in various devices Vc. When the feeder 50 is used on a trial basis by the component assembler 30 in a production operation, it is transported from the component assembler 30 to the administration warehouse 12 and stored there in a process that essentially runs in reverse order to the one described above. To determine the current position of each feeder 50, the main computer 11, which serves as the administration device of the production system 10, can communicate with the feeders 50 when they are, for example, used in the component assembler 30 or in the line buffer device 22, which serves as a standby location.

[0052] However, if the feeder 50 remains switched on in such a way that it can communicate, it consumes power even in standby mode. As the number of feeders 50 used in the production system 10 increases, so does the impact on production costs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an operations management apparatus 60 and an operations control procedure for the feeder 50 are used, which can reduce the power consumption of the feeder 50 in the production system 10 and thus lower production costs. In the present embodiment, as in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an aspect in which the operations management apparatus 60 is integrated into the feeder control device 56.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the operating management apparatus 60 comprises a determination section 61 and a mode setting section 62. The operating management apparatus 60 executes the operating management procedure of the feeder 50 in a Fig. The operational management apparatus shown in Figure 7 is used. Determination section 61 performs a determination step (S12). Mode setting section 62 performs a mode setting step (S13). 6-1. Determination section 61

[0054] The determination section 61 detects the device type Vc in which the feeder 50, which feeds the component, is set. Since, in the present embodiment, the determination section 61 is integrated into the feeder control device 56, the determination section 61 determines the device type Vc specified by the feeder control device 56. When the feeder 50 is set to one of the devices Vc, the feeder control device 56 executes a start operation (S11).

[0055] The start-up process includes initiating communication with device Vc, reading a control program, checking the function of various sensors, and the like, and may also include, if necessary, returning the sprocket 541 of the drive device 54 to its initial position. During the start-up process, the feeder control device 56 determines the type of the specified device Vc by communicating with device Vc. In particular, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when the feeder 50 is set as device Vc in the component feeder 32, the feeder control device 56 transmits its own identification code (ID) to the component feeder 32 and enters the device type Vc from the component feeder 32.

[0056] Subsequently, the determination section 61 determines the current device type Vc (S12). In the present embodiment, communication between the feeder control device 56 and the device Vc is also initiated and the device type Vc is detected by the determination section 61 in a case where the feeder 50 is set in the main buffer device 34 or the line buffer device 22, when the feeder 50 is supplied with power by the setting.

[0057] For example, if the feeder 50 is set in an administrative warehouse 12, a worktable 131, or a work robot 70 (including indirect setting via the magazine 41), and no power is supplied to the feeder 50 from these devices Vc, there is no scope for energy savings in the feeder 50, and the process for determining the type of these devices Vc is skipped. However, in the case of a work robot 70, a transport cart (not shown) of the feeder 50, or the like, the feeder 50 may be supplied with power in a case where, for example, a feeding operation of the carrier belt 46 by the feeder 50 is required. At this time, the determination section 61 determines the device type Vc in which the feeder 50 is set. 6-2. Mode setting section 62

[0058] Mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode of the feeder 50 based on the detected device type Vc (S13). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the aforementioned "operating mode" comprises a normal mode, in which a component feeding operation can be performed, and an energy-saving mode, in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode. Here, the "normal mode" is an operating mode in which the feeder 50 is ready to perform a component feeding operation in response to an operating command from a control device on the side of the device Vc, for example, a control device of the component assembler 30, and in which the feeder control device 56 and the electric motor 542 are supplied with power. In normal mode, the electric motor 542 is immediately ready for operation and consumes standby power.

[0059] The aforementioned "energy-saving mode" is an operating mode in which power consumption is reduced by suspending at least some functions of the feeder 50. In the present embodiment, in energy-saving mode, the power supply to the feeder control device 56 is maintained, and the power supply to the electric drive device 54, which is used in the component feeding operation, is interrupted, with the exception of the feeder control device 56. More precisely, in energy-saving mode, the power supply to the electric motor 542, which forms the drive device 54, is interrupted to stop the feeding and movement function. This eliminates the standby power consumption of the electric motor 542.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the energy-saving mode can include a standby state, in which the power supply to the feeder control device 56 is maintained as described above, and a pause state, in which the power supply to the feeder control device 56 is interrupted. In the energy-saving pause state, the power supply to the feeder control device 56 is interrupted, as is the power supply to the electric drive device 54, which is used for component supply with the exception of the feeder control device 56.

[0061] In the pause state, for example, an operating indicator (not shown) of the feeder 50 is switched on. The pause state can be canceled by a predetermined operation, such as pressing a button to accept a switch to the standby state, removing the feeder from the device Vc, or restoring power. The energy-saving mode can be a standby state in which the feeder control device 56 is continuously powered for the duration of the feeder 50's insertion into the device Vc and its power supply being activated.

[0062] The mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode based on the device type Vc detected by the determination section 61. In the present embodiment, the mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode based on the device information D1 stored in the feeder control device 56 and the device type Vc. As in Fig. Figure 6 shows “device information D1” as information specifying the device type Vc that can be put into energy-saving mode. In the present embodiment, the device information D1 indicates that the energy-saving mode can be set in a case where the device type Vc, in which the feeder 50 is set, is a line buffer device 22 or a main buffer device 34.

[0063] The device information D1 is appropriately adapted according to the production environment of production system 10 or the like, and even if the device type Vc is the same, it can be classified whether the energy-saving mode can be set depending on whether the feeder 50 is used before or after production. Accordingly, the device information D1 is adapted depending on whether energy-saving mode takes precedence in production system 10 overall, whether maintaining productivity takes precedence, or similar.

[0064] In the mode setting step (S13), the mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode of the feeder 50 to energy-saving mode if the device type Vc detected in the detection step (S12) is included in the device information D1. In a case where the device type Vc detected by the determination section 61 is a component feeder 32, the mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode of the feeder 50 to normal mode.

[0065] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the mode setting section 62 can set the operating mode to normal mode when the feeder 50 in the automatic loading device 132 is set as device Vc and feeding and moving the carrier belt 46 is required during the loading process. On the other hand, in the automatic loading device 132 and the worktable 131, feeding and moving the carrier belt 46 is carried out by an externally applied operating force, and in a case where the operation of the electric motor 542 is not required, the mode setting section 62 can set the operating mode to energy-saving mode. 6-3. Operation of the feeder 50

[0066] If the operating mode has been set by the mode setting step (S13) and the operating mode is normal mode (S14: Yes), the feeder control device 56 performs a standby operation (S15). Accordingly, the feeder 50 maintains the power supply to the feeder control device 56 and the drive device 54, can communicate with the outside world, and can respond to an operating command (for example, a component feeding command) from the outside.

[0067] If the operating mode is not normal mode (S14: No) and is set to standby mode in energy-saving mode (S16: Yes), the feeder control device 56 interrupts the power supply to the feeder drive device 54, while the power supply to the feeder control device 56 is maintained (S17). Accordingly, the feeder 50 maintains the power supply to the feeder control device 56 and can communicate with the outside world, and the electric motor 542 does not consume any standby power.

[0068] If the feeder control device 56 is not in standby state in energy-saving mode (S16: No), the feeder control device 56 assumes that it has been put into the pause state in energy-saving mode, interrupts the power supply to the drive device 54, and performs its own termination process to switch off the power supply (S18). As a result, the feeder 50 enters a state in which communication with the outside world is interrupted and the electric motor 542 consumes no standby current, for example, only by illuminating the operating indicator. In an aspect where the pause state is not included in energy-saving mode, the state determination regarding energy-saving mode (S16) can be omitted, and the process of interrupting the power supply to the drive device 54 (S17) can be executed. 7. Effects of the configuration of the embodiment

[0069] According to the configuration of the exemplary plant management apparatus 60 and the plant management procedure, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the feeder 50 in the production system 10, since the operating mode of the feeder 50 is switched according to the device type Vc in which the feeder 50 is set. This allows production costs to be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the determination section 61 and the mode setting section 62 are arranged in the feeder control device 56 as in the present embodiment, each feeder 50 can individually set its own operating mode when a large number of feeders 50 used for production in the production system 10 are set in the device Vc. Accordingly, it is possible to set the operating mode of the feeder 50 without communicating with a higher-level management device (main computer 11 or line management device 21) associated with the operational management process. 8. Modification of the embodiment 8-1. Operational management according to the feeder type 50

[0071] In the present embodiment, the operating control apparatus 60 suppresses unnecessary power consumption by interrupting the power supply to the drive device 54 in the feeder 50 according to device type Vc. Here, the feeder 50 feeds the carrier belt 46 through the drive device 54 and moves it, and detaches one end of the cover belt 462 in the width direction using a belt detachment mechanism arranged in the belt guide 52. Subsequently, the base belt 461 and the cover belt 462, which have passed the component feed position 511, are discharged below the feeder 50.

[0072] There are types of feeders 50 that differ from the configuration described above. For example, in contrast to the half-peel type shown in the embodiment, where only one end of the cover strip 462 is peeled off in the width direction, there is a full-peel type where the cover strip 462 is peeled off the base strip 461 across its entire width direction at the belt guide 52. In this full-peel feeder 50, the detached cover strip 462 runs above the belt conveyor path 512 in the direction of the upstream side and is either recovered by a recovery device arranged inside the feeder 50 or discharged from the feeder 50 to the outside.

[0073] Such a feeder 50 comprises an electric recovery motor that applies a voltage to the cover belt 462 to feed the cover belt 462 and move it to a recovery device or outside the feeder 50. If a recovery device uses an embodiment in which the cover belt 462 is wound around a predetermined recovery spool, the recovery motor is used to drive the recovery spool so that it rotates. The recovery motor is operated synchronously with the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54.

[0074] As described above, if the feeder 50 contains a different electric motor than the electric motor 542 of the drive unit 54 (e.g., a fully detachable recovery motor), the operations management unit 60 can designate these electric motors as operational targets. That is, if, for example, the operating mode of the feeder 50 is set to energy-saving mode, the operations management unit 60 performs a control action to interrupt the power supply to the electric motor 542 of the drive unit 54, which feeds and moves the carrier belt 46, and to the recovery motor, which feeds and moves the detached cover belt 462. In this way, standby power consumption can be further reduced. 8-2. Arrangement of the operational management apparatus 60

[0075] In this embodiment, the setting section 61 and the mode setting section 62 of the operating management apparatus 60 are configured to be located in the feeder control device 56. This allows each feeder 50 to have its own operating mode set when it is configured and powered on in the device Vc. Alternatively, the setting section 61 and the mode setting section 62 can be configured to be located in an external device of the feeder 50.

[0076] In particular, the operating management apparatus 60 can be configured to be provided in the device Vc, in which the feeder 50 can be set. According to such a configuration, the device type Vc can be easily detected, and the setting of the operating mode for the feeder 50 set in the device Vc can be managed jointly. For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 8A, the operations management apparatus 60 is arranged as device Vc in each of the line buffer devices 22, the component supply device 32 and the main buffer device 34.

[0077] According to this aspect, when the feeder 50 in each device Vc is set individually or together with another feeder 50 via the magazine 41, the mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode according to the device type Vc in which the mode setting section 62 is located. The same effects are achieved in this configuration as in the embodiment.

[0078] For example, the operations management apparatus 60 can be configured to be located in a main computer 11 or in a line management device 21 that can communicate with the device Vc. According to such a configuration, the operations management apparatus 60 can be integrated without being distributed. In particular, as shown in Fig. 8B shows the operations management apparatus 60 arranged in each line management device 21 for each production line Ln.

[0079] According to this aspect, when the feeder 50 is individually set in the device Vc, the line management device 21 detects the device type Vc and the feeder's identification code (ID). Then, the determination section 61 detects the device type Vc, and the mode setting section 62 sets the operating mode according to the device type Vc. With this configuration, the same effects are achieved as in the embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, the mode setting section 62 is configured to set the operating mode based on the device information D1. Alternatively, the mode setting section 62 can set the operating mode, for example, based on a request from the device Vc together with the type of device Vc detected by the determination section 61.

[0081] For example, the device Vc can use a request for an operating mode corresponding to a set state (before use, after use, need for communication, or the like) of the feeder 50, a switching point between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode, or the like. Accordingly, the mode setting section 62 can generally set the operating mode according to the device type Vc if no request is received, and set the operating mode taking the request into account if a request is received. List of reference symbols 10 Production system, 11 main computers, 12 Administration Warehouse, 13 Work area, Ln production line, 21 Line management device, 22 Line buffer device, 23 chargers, 30 component assemblers, 32 Component feeding device, 34 Main buffer device, 41 Magazine, 45 coil, 46 carrier tape, 50 feeders, 51 Feeder main body, 52 Band guide, 53 Coil holding section, 54 Drive device, 542 Electric motor, 56 Feeder control device, 60 Operations Management Apparatus, Section 61, Determination Section 62 Mode setting section, 70 industrial robots, 85 workers, 91 record, D1 Device Information, Vc devices 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 2020 / 115915

[0003]

Claims

An operational management apparatus for a feeder, the apparatus comprising: a determination section configured to determine a device type in which a feeder is set to feed a component; and a mode setting section configured to set an operating mode of the feeder, including a normal mode in which a feeding operation of the component can be performed, and an energy-saving mode in which the power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode based on the detected device type. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1, wherein the device type comprises a component feeder arranged in a component assembler configured to mount the component fed by the feeder onto a plate, and in which multiple feeders are set, and the mode setting section sets the operating mode of the feeder to the normal mode when the device type detected by the determination section is the component feeder. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device type comprises a main buffer device arranged in a component assembler configured to mount the component fed by the feeder onto a plate and configured to accommodate a replacement feeder, and a line buffer device which together with the component assembler forms a production line for a product plate and is configured to accommodate multiple feeders, and the mode setting section sets the operating mode of the feeder to the energy-saving mode when the device type detected by the determination section is the main buffer device or the line buffer device. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the energy-saving mode is the operating mode in which the power consumption is reduced by stopping at least some functions of the feeder. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 4, wherein the feeder comprises an electric motor forming a drive device configured to feed and move a belt holding multiple components during the component feeding process, and in energy-saving mode the power supply to the electric motor is interrupted to stop a feeding and moving function. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination section and the mode setting section are arranged in a feeder control device configured to control the feeding process of the component in the feeder. The operating management apparatus for a feeder according to claim 6, wherein the feeder control device stores device information in advance that specifies a device type that can be put into energy-saving mode, and the mode setting section sets the operating mode of the feeder to energy-saving mode when the device type detected by the determination section is included in the device information. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination section and the mode setting section are arranged in an external device of the feeder. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the energy-saving mode maintains the power supply of a feeder control device configured to control the feeding process of the component in the feeder, and interrupts the power supply of an electrical drive device used in the feeding process of the component, with the exception of the feeder control device. The operational management apparatus for a feeder according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the energy-saving mode interrupts the power supply of a feeder control device configured to control the feeding process of the component in the feeder and interrupts the power supply of an electrical drive device used in the feeding process of the component, with the exception of the feeder control device. A method for controlling the operation of a feeder, comprising: a detection step for detecting a device type in which a feeder is set to feed a component; and a mode setting step for setting an operating mode of the feeder, including a normal mode in which a feeding operation of the component can be performed, and an energy-saving mode in which the power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode based on the detected device type.

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