Management system, feeding system, management procedures, and assembly machine

Abstract

A management system (1) manages a bulk feeder (40) that feeds a component in a state in which an application unit (41), which feeds the component to a feeding position, is attached, and comprises: the bulk feeder (40) held by a holder (12a); and a management unit that manages type information indicating the component feedable by the bulk feeder (40). The application unit (41) is equipped with a recognition target (41a) or the like, and the bulk feeder (40) held by the holder (12a) outputs the type information to the management unit based on information acquired via the recognition target (41a) or the like of the application unit (41) attached to the bulk feeder (40).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to management systems, feeders, management procedures, and assembly devices. [Technical background]

[0002] Feeders that supply components are used in component assembly devices. A component assembly device sometimes has multiple feeders that need to be managed. Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses a configuration that, in conjunction with the feeder, manages information acquired by reading a barcode on a spool located in a feeder (e.g., information indicating the type of electronic component).

[0003] Unlike the belt feed mentioned above, a bulk material feed is known as a feeder with a container that receives components in loose form. PTL 2, for example, discloses a bulk material feeder comprising a feed element and a feed body. The feed element has a feed position and feeds a component, which is taken from a container holding components, to a component assembly head. The feed body has the feed element, which is detachably attached to it. [Citation list][Patent literature] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 6825146 [PTL 2] Japanese Patent No. 5406682 [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0004] Managing a feeder that supplies a component while a feeding element is attached to it tends to become complex and is ideally simple. However, post-PTL 1 and PTL 2 technologies still offer room for improvement in simplifying feeder management.

[0005] In light of the above, the present disclosure provides a management system, a feeder, a management procedure and an assembly device that can facilitate the management of a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element is attached to it. [Solution to the task]

[0006] A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure manages a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element that feeds the component to a feeder position is attached to the feeder, and comprises: the feeder, which is held by a holder; and a management unit that manages type information indicating the component feedable by the feeder, wherein the feeder element is provided with a recognition target and the feeder held by the holder outputs the type information to the management unit based on the information acquired via the recognition target of the feeder element attached to the feeder.

[0007] A feeder according to one aspect of the present disclosure feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element, which feeds the component to a feeder position, is attached to the feeder, and comprises: a communicator that outputs type information to an administrative unit indicating the component feedable by the feeder; a feeder body to which the feeder element can be attached; and the feeder element attached to the feeder body, wherein the feeder element is provided with a recognition target, and the communicator outputs the type information to the administrative unit based on the information acquired via the recognition target.

[0008] An administrative procedure according to one aspect of the present disclosure serves to manage a feeding unit that feeds a component in a state in which a feeding element that feeds the component to a feeding position is attached to the feeding unit, wherein the feeding element is provided with a recognition target, and the administrative procedure comprises outputting type information indicating the component feedable by the feed, wherein the type information is based on information acquired via the recognition target of the feeding element attached to the feed held by a holder.

[0009] An assembly device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element, which feeds the component to a feeder position, is attached to the feeder, wherein the feeder comprises: a closure opening mechanism that enables the component to be unloaded from a component outlet of a container by moving a closure provided in the container, the container receiving the component; a holder that holds the feeder; and a control that controls the closure opening mechanism when the feeder element attached to the feeder is determined to be suitable based on type information indicating the component feedable through the feeder, wherein the type information comprises information based on information acquired via a recognition target of the feeder element attached to the feeder held by the holder. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0010] According to the aspects of the present disclosure, an administrative system and the like can be achieved that can enable supply management. [Brief description of the drawings] [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram that represents a schematic configuration of an administrative system according to one embodiment. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram explaining a method for identifying an attachment unit according to one embodiment. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 presents a table showing the relationship between a detection result of each detector and the type of mounting unit. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a communication line in the management system according to the implementation. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart that illustrates the operation of the management system according to the implementation. [Description of embodiments](circumstances leading to the present disclosure)

[0011] As mentioned above in the [Technical Task] section, there is room for improvement in facilitating feeder management in the technologies described in PTL 1 and PTL 2. For example, in PTL 2, the reliability of bulk feeder management can be improved by providing a memory unit that stores unique identification information for the feeder element, and managing the feeder element based on this stored identification information. However, this approach tends to be more complex compared to the feeder management described in PTL 1. In other words, the conventional method makes it difficult to facilitate feeder management, and bulk feeder management is particularly challenging. A feeder can feed a component in a state where a feeder element is attached to it.

[0012] The applicants have intensively studied a management system, a feeding system, a management procedure and an assembly device that can facilitate feeding management, and have invented a management system, a feeding system, a management procedure and an assembly device which are listed below.

[0013] The embodiments described below are comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, elements, positions, and connection methods of the elements, steps, the sequence of steps, etc., specified in the embodiments below are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Among the elements in the embodiments below, elements not specified in the independent claims are described as arbitrary elements.

[0014] Each drawing is a schematic view and does not necessarily represent an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond. Furthermore, essentially identical elements in the drawings are labeled with the same reference symbols, and superfluous explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0015] In this description, numerical values ​​and numerical ranges are not expressions that have only strict meanings, but rather expressions that encompass essentially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent (or about 10%). (Form of execution)

[0016] An administrative system of this embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 described. [1. Configuration of the management system]

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of management system 1 according to this embodiment. Management system 1 is a system that manages a bulk material feeder 40 equipped with an attachment unit 41 (an example of a feed element) comprising a feed position to which a component is fed. A feeder managed by management system 1 is not limited to bulk material feeder 40 and can be a feeder that, depending on the type of component, requires the exchange of accessory components, such as feed elements. The feeder can, for example, be a belt feeder.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, Management System 1 comprises Assembly Line 10, Line Management Unit 20, and Comprehensive Management Device 30. The number of Assembly Lines 10, Line Management Devices 20, and Comprehensive Management Devices 30 included in Management System 1 is not particularly limited and can be a large number.

[0019] Assembly line 10 produces a component-mounted substrate by mounting a component housed in container 50 onto a substrate conveyed from an upstream side, and conveys the produced component-mounted substrate to a downstream side. Assembly line 10 is a production line for manufacturing, for example, component-mounted substrates and includes at least one component assembly device (e.g., several component assembly devices) 11. In addition to the component assembly device 11, assembly line 10 is implemented by various types of devices that feed substrates, perform a soldering printing process, perform a reflow process, etc. A substrate is an example of a target object.

[0020] Component assembly device 11 is a device that mounts a component fed by bulk material feeder 40 (e.g., the feed unit 12 contained in the bulk material feeder 40) onto a substrate. Component assembly device 11 comprises feed unit 12, a base with a mounting section for the feed unit to which feed unit 12 is attached, a component assembly mechanism with a mounting head that loads (mounts) a component fed by bulk material feeder 40 onto a substrate, various types of sensors, a power supply, a control system, etc. Component assembly device 11 is an example of an assembly device and an assembly apparatus.

[0021] Feeding unit 12 is a device that is detachably attached to the mounting section for the feeding unit (not shown) of the component assembly device 11 and serves to feed a component (e.g., an electronic component) that is to be used in the component assembly device 11. Feeding unit 12 comprises carriage 12b with a holder 12a to which bulk material feeder 40 is attached. Holder 12a has at least one bulk material feeder (e.g., several bulk material feeders) 40 attached to it.

[0022] The term "removable" in this description means that one object can be attached to and removed from another object without destroying either object.

[0023] The assembly head includes at least one component suction nozzle for suctioning a component that is fed to the feed position of the bulk material feeder 40.

[0024] Holder 12a is described above with reference to an example where it is provided in the component assembly device 11, but is not limited to this. Holder 12a can be provided in a preparation device (not shown) used to perform a preparation process with respect to the bulk material feeder 40 before it is used in production. The preparation device can, for example, be implemented by the feeder unit 12 before it is attached to the component assembly device 11. The preparation device is, for example, temporarily stored at a location other than the assembly line in the production area and replaced by the feeder unit 12 or the bulk material feeder 40 when the feeder unit 12 used in the component assembly device 11 runs out of components.

[0025] Line management device 20 is an information processing device that controls each element of assembly line 10. For example, line management device 20 controls the production of assembly line 10 based on a production plan received from the comprehensive management device 30. Line management device 20 is implemented, for example, by a personal computer or similar device. Line management device 20 is located, for example, on the same production area as assembly line 10 or in close proximity to the production area.

[0026] Line management device 20 can be communicatively connected to both assembly line 10 and the comprehensive management device 30, and can forward information from one to the other. Furthermore, line management device 20 can be configured so that a user or similar person in the production area can input the production status or similar information, or it can be configured so that it is able to present the production status or similar information to the user or similar person.

[0027] The comprehensive management device 30 is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the line management device 20 and intensively manages information about the elements of the assembly line 10. The comprehensive management device 30 manages the type information output by the communicator 43 of the bulk material feeder 40. In this embodiment, the comprehensive management device 30 acquires type information based on the attachment unit 41 of the bulk material feeder 40 to which the respective attachment unit 41 is attached and executes a predefined process using the acquired type information.

[0028] The type information is based on the information acquired by the application unit 41 and includes, for example, identification information (e.g., identification number) for identifying bulk material feeder 40 according to application unit 41. The type information includes, for example, information about at least one of the size, shape, type, or (supplier) tolerance (e.g., both the size and the shape) of a component that can be fed into application unit 41. Information about at least one of the component dimensions or the component type (e.g., both) is information that specifies the type of application unit 41. If there are several application units 41 of the same type, the type information does not include detailed information about which application unit 41 is attached, etc., among the application units 41 of the same type.The information about mounting unit 41 can include at least the information indicating the type of mounting unit 41 and can, for example, only contain information about the type of mounting unit 41.

[0029] The predetermined process includes, for example, determining whether a component located in container 50 of the bulk material feeder 40 can be fed from the bulk material feeder 40 based on the type information (e.g., whether the combination of the component in container 50 and the attachment unit 41 is correct). In a state where the container 50, in which the component is located, is attached to the bulk material feeder 40, the comprehensive management device 30 determines, for example, based on the type information, whether the component located in container 50 can be fed from the bulk material feeder 40.

[0030] The comprehensive management device 30 stores the feed type (type information) in order to perform the relevant determination. The feed type (type information) is information in which the position of the slot, which is the position of the holder 12a, and the type of bulk material feed 40 are assigned to each other for each type of substrate to be produced, and can be captured, for example, based on the production plan or the like. The example in Fig. Figure 1 shows a plan in which bulk material feeders 40 of “Type A” are attached to slot positions “P1” and “P2”, bulk material feeders 40 of “Type B” are attached to slot position “P3”, bulk material feeders 40 of “Type C” are attached to slot position “P4”, bulk material feeders 40 of “Type D” are attached to slot position “P5”, and bulk material feeder 40 of “Type E” is attached to slot position “P6”.

[0031] The feed type (type information) is generated, for example, before the bulk material feeder 40 is held by the holder 12a and stored in the comprehensive management device 30. The feed type (type information) can be generated by the comprehensive management device 30 based on the production plan or the like, or by human input.

[0032] The comprehensive management device 30 does not store any information for identifying the mounting unit (e.g., the ID of mounting unit 41) in order to identify mounting unit 41. In the case of the example in Fig. 1, since there is only “Type A” to “Type E” as identification information, the type information is information that specifies any one of “Type A” to “Type E”.

[0033] The comprehensive management device 30 is located separately from the assembly line 10. The comprehensive management device 30 can, for example, be located in a different room than the production area within a factory or at a remote location outside the factory. The comprehensive management device 30 can be implemented using a server. The comprehensive management device 30 is an example of a management unit.

[0034] The bulk material feeder 40 is an object to which the container 50 is detachably attached and comprises mounting unit 41 and feed body 42. The container 50 is also attached to the feed body 42. The bulk material feeder 40 is an example of a feeder.

[0035] Attachment unit 41 is mounted on the feed body 42 and transports a component (e.g., several components) housed in the container 50 to the feed position. Attachment unit 41 is detachably mounted on the feed body 42. Attachment unit 41 is an example of a feed element.

[0036] The handling unit 41 is designed according to the component dimensions, and several types are available to accommodate component shape, size, and other factors. The type of handling unit 41 is compatible with the dimensions of a component that can be conveyed by it. Different types of handling units 41 mean that the dimensions of the components that can be conveyed by them vary.

[0037] For example, if the mounting unit 41 and a component housed in the container 50 attached to the mounting unit 41 are not compatible, it will be difficult for the mounting unit 41 to move the component into the feeding position. Therefore, in the management system 1, the comprehensive management device 30 determines whether the type of mounting unit 41 and the type of component housed in the container 50 attached to the mounting unit 41 are compatible. The component dimensions refer, for example, to the lengths in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions if the component has a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped shape. The component size refers to the length values ​​in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions. The component shape refers to the ratio of the lengths in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions.

[0038] Feeder body 42 is a section that is positioned relative to the holder 12a of the component assembly device 11. In other words, feeder body 42 is a part that is held by the holder 12a. Furthermore, any of the many different types of mounting units 41 can be attached to the feeder body 42.

[0039] Bulk material feeder 40 further comprises a communicator 43, a closure opening mechanism 44, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 45. In addition, the bulk material feeder 40 includes a controller (not shown) that implements various types of elements, various types of processes, various types of control, and the like. The communicator 43, the closure opening mechanism 44, the RFID reader 45, and the controller can be contained within the bulk material feeder 40 (e.g., feed body 42).

[0040] Communicator 43 is a device for communicating with any device included in management system 1. For example, communicator 43 outputs to the comprehensive management device 30 the type information indicating a component that can be fed by the bulk material feeder 40. Communicator 43 includes a communication circuit (communication module).

[0041] The closure opening mechanism 44 is a mechanism for moving the closure 52 of the container 50 from a closed position, in which the removal of a component from a component outlet is not possible (i.e., a position in which the closure 52 is closed, so that the feeding of a component to the bulk feeder 40 is not possible), to an open position in which the removal of a component from the component outlet is possible (i.e., a position in which the closure 52 is open, so that the feeding of a component to the bulk feeder 40 is possible). Although the closure opening mechanism 44 moves the closure 52 by means of a drive (e.g., a motor, although not shown) to bring a pin (not shown) along the bottom of the container 50 into a state in which the pin engages the closure 52, the configuration of the closure opening mechanism 44 is not limited to this.

[0042] RFID reader 45 reads tag information from RFID tag 51, which is contained in container 50 attached to feed body 42. RFID reader 45 reads the tag information from RFID tag 51 using an antenna capable of sending and receiving signals to and from RFID tag 51. The tag information stored in RFID tag 51 includes at least information 10, which indicates the component size, and includes, for example, at least one piece of information indicating the component type (identification information), an identification code (e.g., an electronic product code (EPC)) of the tag, or similar information. Furthermore, the tag information may include information indicating the quantity (remaining quantity) of components, information indicating the component's expiration date, and / or similar information.

[0043] Mounting unit 41 and feed body 42 are configured such that the type of mounting unit 41 can be detected. Mounting unit 41 includes a detection target (e.g., the one in Fig. 2 depicted detection targets 41a, 41b and 41c, which are described later), and feed body 42 includes a detector (e.g. the one shown in Fig. 2 detectors 42a, 42b and 42c shown, which will be described later). The detection target and the detector will be described later with reference to Fig. 2 described. In the following, if the detection targets 41a, 41b and 41c are not to be distinguished from each other, they can simply be referred to as detection target 41a and the like, and if detectors 42a, 42b and 42c are not to be distinguished from each other, they can simply be referred to as detector 42a and the like.

[0044] The controller outputs type information to the comprehensive management device 30, indicating a component that can be fed by bulk material feeder 40 in accordance with a detection result of the detector 42a. The controller determines the type information by setting a state in which the attachment unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42 as a type of bulk material feeder 40. The type information is different for each type of attachment unit 41 attached to the feed body 42. For example, if the feed body 42 is the same, but the type of attachment unit 41 changes, the controller sets different type information. If, for example, the attachment units 41 attached to several feed bodies 42 are of the same type, the controller sets the same type information.

[0045] Based on feeder identification information (e.g., identification information of feeder body 42) and the detection result of detector 42a, the controller can determine identification information (type information) and output the determined type information to the comprehensive management device 30. In this case, the type information is different for each combination of mounting unit 41 and feeder body 42.

[0046] The controller can output both the feeder identification information (e.g., the identification information of feeder body 42) and the type information based on the detection result of detector 42a to the comprehensive management device 30. The comprehensive management device 30 can then instruct a storage unit to store the type information and the feeder identification information acquired by the controller in a corresponding manner. Although the attachment unit 41 is removable from the feeder body 42, the bulk material feeder 40, which is not used for production, is often stored with the attachment unit 41 attached to the feeder body 42. Furthermore, the attachment unit 41 is frequently used for production without being removed from the feeder body 42 until the container 50 no longer contains any components.Thus, by storing the bulk material feed 40 as a combination of application unit 41 and feed body 42 in the storage unit, a usage plan for the bulk material feed 40 can be created, the production time can be calculated, the production downtime caused by insufficient bulk material feeds 40 can be calculated, a simulation can be carried out, etc.

[0047] The comprehensive management device 30 can set the type information acquired by the controller as subordinate type information and can set the type information stored in the memory unit as superior type information in relation to the feeder identification information acquired by the controller along with the subordinate type information. If the subordinate type information and the superior type information differ, the comprehensive management device 30 can update the superior type information stored in the memory unit based on the subordinate type information. Since the subordinate type information acquired by the controller is the latest type information in a state where the bulk feeder 40 is attached to the component assembly device 11, the superior type information stored in the memory unit can be updated.

[0048] The type of feeder 41 refers to the size and shape of a component that can be fed by feeder 41. In other words, feeder 41s with the same "dimensions," defined by the size and shape of a component that can be fed by each feeder 41, are considered to be of the same type, whereas feeder 41s are considered to be of different types if at least one of the component sizes or component shape differs. Furthermore, feeder 41s may be considered to be of different types if the "tolerance" (deviation from the standard) differs, even if the "dimensions" are the same, because there is a possibility that proper feeding to the feed position will not be possible if the tolerance differs, even if the "dimensions" are identical.Since “tolerance” also tends to change depending on the manufacturer of the component, mounting units 41 can be considered as different types if the “dimensions” of a component that can be fed by each mounting unit 41 are the same and the “manufacturer” differs.

[0049] On the other hand, a suitable feed type (e.g., a suitable type of mounting unit 41 attached to the feed body 42) is stored in a storage unit of a computing device (comparator). The computing device compares the suitable feed type stored in the storage unit with the feed type output by the bulk material feeder 40 (controller) to check whether the type of bulk material feeder 40 held by the holder 12a is suitable. The computing device may be contained in a comprehensive management device 30 or may be contained in the controller 11a of an assembly device. It is not limited to the computing device comprising the storage unit, and another device communicating with the computing device may also comprise the storage unit. Furthermore, the storage unit may be implemented, for example, by a cloud-based storage area.

[0050] A comparative example is now described in which the identification information of feed body 42 and the identification information of mounting unit 41 are managed in a comprehensive management device 30.

[0051] The computing device compares a combination of the identification information of feed body 42 and the identification information of mounting unit 41 with a suitable combination stored in the storage unit. In this case, the comprehensive management device 30 must manage each of the identification information of feed body 42 and the identification information of mounting unit 41.

[0052] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the comprehensive management device 30 only manages the type of bulk material feeder 40 (e.g., the type of attached attachment unit 41). Accordingly, the amount of information (the number of data) managed for carrying out the process (e.g., comparison process in the computing device) to check whether there is a fault in the type of bulk material feeder 40 can be reduced.

[0053] The control system is primarily implemented by a microcomputer or a processor. Each function of the control system is realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor executing a computer program stored in a memory unit.

[0054] Container 50 is a hollow box in which components are stored in a disordered form (as bulk material). Container 50 is detachably attached to mounting unit 41 and feeds a received component to the bulk material feeder 40. When container 50 is attached to mounting unit 41, it is shaken, for example by vibration or similar means, to feed a received component to the bulk material feeder 40. A receiving chamber is an interior space of container 50.

[0055] Each component is an electronic component, such as a resistor, a capacitor, or similar, but is not limited to this and can be an object that can be mounted onto a target object, such as a substrate. Each component, for example, has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped (e.g., a rectangular shape in top view), but is not limited to this.

[0056] Although container 50 in the example in Fig. Container 50 is not limited to the angle of attachment of container 50 to feed body 42. Container 50 can also be attached to feed body 42 such that its underside runs horizontally.

[0057] Container 50 includes RFID tag 51 and closure 52.

[0058] The RFID tag 51 stores tag information. The RFID tag 51 is attached, for example, to the underside (in the direction of the feed body 42) of container 50.

[0059] Closure 52 can be moved from the closed position, in which it is not possible to remove a component from the component outlet, to the open position, in which it is possible to remove a component from the component outlet.

[0060] A method by which the feeder body 42 identifies the type of mounting unit 41 is described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described in more detail. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for identifying the mounting unit 41 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 represents an example of detection target 41a and the like, and detector 42a and the like. The detector 42a and the like can, for example, be contained in the bulk material feed 40 (e.g., feed body 42).

[0061] part (a) of Fig. Figure 2 represents an example where the detection target 41a and detector 42a come into contact with each other, so that the detector 42a detects (captures) information about the mounting unit 41.

[0062] As in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting unit 41 comprises several detection targets 41a on a side surface which is a coupling surface (bottom) with the feed body 42, and the feed body 42 comprises several detectors 42a on a side surface which is a coupling surface (top) with the mounting unit 41. In the example in part (a) of Fig. 2. Six detection targets 41a and six detectors 42a are provided, but the number of detection targets 41a and the number of detectors 42a are not limited to these values. Furthermore, for example, in a state where the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42, the detection targets 41a and the detectors 42a are arranged facing each other.

[0063] If the detection targets 41a and the detectors 42a are each made of a conductive material, then, for example, at least one detection target 41a, depending on the type of mounting unit 41, can be in contact (i.e., electrically connected) with the detector 42a among several detection targets 41a, corresponding to the relevant detection target 41a in the state in which the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42. For example, the detection target 41a that is to be brought into contact with the detector 42a can be configured to protrude. Furthermore, several detection targets 41a can each be in contact with corresponding detectors 42a, and the detection targets 41a can be electrically connected to each other, depending on the type of mounting unit 41. In the case of part (a) of Fig. The detection targets 41a labeled "1" and "2" are electrically connected to each other, and the detection targets 41a labeled "3" and "4" are also electrically connected. In this case, an electric current flows between the detectors 42a labeled "1" and "2" and between the detectors 42a labeled "3" and "4". The control system is able to detect which positions of the detection targets 41a are electrically connected to each other via the detectors 42a. The detection targets 41a labeled "5" and "6" are not electrically connected to any of the other detection targets 41a.

[0064] If the detection targets 41a and detectors 42a are each made of a conductive material, it is possible to identify the mounting unit 41 based on which detector 42a of the six detectors 42a (probes) is electrically connected to the detection target 41a in the state in which the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42. In other words, the type of mounting unit 41 can be identified based on which detector 42a of the six detectors 42a is electrically connected to the detection target 41a.

[0065] For example, the controller identifies the type of mounting unit 41 that is currently attached, based on a table in which a combination of electrically connected detectors 42a and the type of mounting unit 41 are assigned to each other, and based on a combination of detectors 42a that are actually electrically connected.

[0066] If each detector 42a is a mechanical switch or a pressure sensor, the mounting unit 41 can be identified based on which of the three detectors 42a is actuated (pressed) by the detection target 41a in the state in which the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42. In other words, the type of mounting unit 41 can be identified based on which of the three detectors 42a is actuated.

[0067] For example, the controller identifies the type of mounting unit currently attached based on a table that maps a combination of detectors 42a to be actuated and the type of mounting unit 41, and based on a combination of detectors 42a that are actually actuated. Only the detection target 41a that corresponds to the actuated detector 42a can be configured to protrude.

[0068] Part (b) of Fig. Figure 2 represents a first example in which information about the mounting unit 41 is detected (captured), while detection targets 41b and detectors 42b are not in contact with each other.

[0069] As in part (b) of Fig. 2 shown, mounting unit 41 comprises detection targets 41b on a side surface which is a coupling surface (bottom surface) with feed body 42, and detectors 42b and the like of the feed body 42 comprise detectors 42b which are able to detect light projected from detection targets 41b onto feed body 42.

[0070] In the example in part (b) of Fig. 2. Three detection targets 41b and three detectors 42b are provided, but the number of detection targets 41b and the number of detectors 42b are not limited to these values. Furthermore, for example, in the state where mounting unit 41 is attached to feed body 42, detection targets 41b and the like, and detectors 42b and the like, are arranged opposite each other.

[0071] Each detection target 41b is capable of emitting light. For example, each detection target 41b includes a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). The light projected by the detection target 41b can only be reflected onto detector 42b that corresponds to the respective detection target 41b. Multiple detection targets 41b can emit light beams of different colors.

[0072] For example, each detection target 41b emits light by being supplied with current by the power supply unit 42, as a result of the mounting unit 41 being attached to the power supply unit 42. For example, each detection target 41b can emit light for a specific period of time (e.g., a few seconds) after being supplied with electrical current by the power supply unit 42 and can stop emitting light after this predetermined period. The supply of electrical energy to the detection target 41b can be controlled by the controller.

[0073] In the state where the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42, several detection targets 41a are configured such that at least one detection target 41a emits light according to the type of mounting unit 41. In other words, for each type of mounting unit 41, any one of several detection targets 41b is preset to emit light.

[0074] Each detector 42b is a sensor (photosensor) capable of detecting the light projected by the detection target 41b. Each detector 42b includes a light-receiving element, such as a phototransistor. At least part of the detector 42b may consist of an optical fiber.

[0075] The configurations of the detection targets 41b and the detectors 42b are not limited to the above. Each detector 42b can, for example, be a reflective photoelectric sensor or a transmissive photoelectric sensor. Each detection target 41b is, for example, a reflective plate or the like, and each detection target 41b can, for example, include a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element (reflective photoelectric sensor). The reflective plate can be attached to and removed from the mounting unit 41.

[0076] In the state in which the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42, the mounting unit 41 can be identified based on which detector 42b of the three detectors 42b detects light from the corresponding detection target 41b. In other words, the type of mounting unit 41 can be identified based on which detector 42b of the three detectors 42b receives light.

[0077] For example, the controller identifies the type of the currently attached mounting unit 41 based on a table in which a combination of detectors 42b that are to receive light and the type of mounting unit 41 are assigned to each other, and based on a combination of detectors 42b that have actually received light.

[0078] Fig. Figure 3 presents a table showing the relationship between the output of each detector 42b and the type of mounting unit 41. The in Fig. The table shown in section 3 is preset and is stored in the feed body 42.

[0079] The in Fig. Figure 3, "Output," shows an output from each of the three detectors 42b. Specifically, "0" means that detector 42b has not received any light, and "1" means that detector 42b has received light. Since there are three sets of detection targets 41b and detectors 42b, eight types (Type 1 to Type 8) are identifiable, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3 shown.

[0080] Although part (b) of Fig. 2. As regards an example where the bulk material feeder 40 comprises three sets of detection targets 41b and detectors 42b, the bulk material feeder 40 can also comprise only one set of detection target 41b and detector 42b, and the detection target 41b can emit light in an emission mode (e.g. frequency and emission color) according to the type of mounting unit 41.

[0081] With reference to Fig. 2 represents part (c) of Fig. Figure 2 represents a second example in which information about the mounting unit 41 is detected (captured) while the detection targets 41c and the detectors 42c are not in contact with each other.

[0082] Each detection target 41c consists, for example, of a conductor. Each detection target 41c includes, for example, a conductive material.

[0083] For each type of mounting unit 41, for example, it is preset which detection target 41c out of several detection targets 41c serves as the conductor. In other words, for each mounting unit 41, it is preset which detection target 41c serves as the conductor.

[0084] Each detector 42c is a touch sensor, which in this embodiment is a capacitive touch sensor. Each detector 42c detects a change in capacitance that occurs due to the mounting unit of the device 41 on the feed body 42.

[0085] Detection targets 41c and detectors 42c are not limited to these configurations. Each detection target 41c can be a magnetic element, and each detector 42c can be a sensor (magnetic sensor) capable of detecting the magnetism of the corresponding detection target 41c.

[0086] The mounting unit 41 can be used as the recognition target 41c or the like, instead of the one in Fig. The two depicted detection targets 41a, 41b, and 41c each include an RFID tag (not shown). The RFID reader 45 of the feeder body 42 can read tag information from the RFID tag of the feeder unit 41 using the antenna that can send and receive signals to and from the RFID tag. The tag information includes information about the type of feeder unit 41. Even if the tag information includes identification information (ID) for the unique identification of the feeder unit 41, the comprehensive management device 30 may simply be able to detect only the type of feeder unit 41, and the bulk feeder 40 (e.g., the controller) may simply output the information indicating the type of feeder unit 41 to the comprehensive management device 30. For example, the bulk feeder 40 (e.g.,The controller simply outputs the information indicating the type of mounting unit 41 to the comprehensive management device 30. The RFID tag contained in mounting unit 41 is an example of a detection target. In this case, the RFID reader 45 is an example of a detector.

[0087] Recognition target 41c or the like can be a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like. In this case, a reading device (e.g., a camera) that reads the barcode, the two-dimensional code, or the like can be included in management system 1.

[0088] A signal path from the bulk material feed 40 to the comprehensive management device 30 is now described with reference to Fig. 4 described. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a communication line in the management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the management system 1 the feed body 42 (e.g. the communicator 43) and the carriage 12b are communicatively connected to each other via the communication path R1, the carriage 12b and the assembly line 10 are communicatively connected to each other via the communication path R2, the assembly line 10 and the line management device 20 are communicatively connected to each other via the communication path R3, and the line management device 20 and the comprehensive management device 30 are communicatively connected to each other via the communication path R4.

[0090] Each of the communication paths R1 to R4 can be a communication path for wireless communication, a communication path for wired communication, or a communication path that includes a mixture of both.

[0091] The type information output by communicator 43 is entered into the comprehensive management device 30 via a communication line which includes communication path R1, carriage 12b, communication path R2, assembly line 10, communication path R3, line management device 20 and communication path R4.

[0092] For example, in the case of a feeder that differs from a bulk feeder, such as a belt feeder, the communication line extending from car 12b to the comprehensive management device 30 can be a communication line used to output information about the feeder to the comprehensive management device 30. If car 12b also contains a feeder, such as a belt feeder, the bulk feeder 40 can accordingly output type information of the bulk feeder 40 to the comprehensive management device 30 by using a previously established communication line.

[0093] The communication line is not based on the example in Fig. 4 limited, and the communicator 43 may be able to output type information directly to the line management device 20 or the comprehensive management device 30.

[0094] The type information output by communicator 43 can be sent to controller 11a (see Fig. 1) are issued, which is provided in the assembly device (component assembly device 11), which is in Fig. 1 or Fig. The assembly line 10 shown in Figure 4 is formed. The control unit 11a of the assembly device controls the operation of the bulk material feeder 40 (e.g., the bulk material feeder 40 held by holder 12a) attached to the assembly device. Specifically, the control unit 11a controls the closing mechanism 44 provided in the bulk material feeder 40. The bulk material feeder 40 (control unit) outputs the type information of the bulk material feeder 40 to the control unit 11a of the assembly device via the aforementioned communication line. The comprehensive control unit 30 then outputs the correct feeder type to the control unit 11a of the assembly device. The control unit 11a of the assembly device compares this information to determine whether the feeder type is appropriate. If the control unit 11a of the assembly device determines that the feeder type is appropriate, it controls the closing mechanism 44.Specifically, the closure opening mechanism 44 moves the closure 52 into the open position, allowing the dispensing of a component from the component outlet of the container 50. Accordingly, the mixing of a dissimilar component (e.g., the feeding of a component with a different size and shape than that which can be fed by the application unit 41) to the application unit 41 due to a fault in the feeder 41 provided by the bulk material feeder 40 can be suppressed. This prevents an interruption in the operation of the assembly device.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 11a of the assembly device can acquire information about a component located in the container 50 attached to the bulk material feeder 40. The control unit 11a of the assembly device determines whether the component housed in the container 50 can be fed from the bulk material feeder 40 and can control the closure opening mechanism 44 if it determines that the component can be fed. Specifically, the closure opening mechanism 44 moves the closure 52 into the open position, allowing the component to be discharged from the component outlet. Accordingly, the mixing of dissimilar components due to a malfunction in the combination of the container 50 and the attachment unit 41 connected to the bulk material feeder 40 can be prevented. This prevents an interruption in the operation of the assembly device.

[0096] The controller 11a is specifically implemented by a microcomputer or a processor. For example, each function of the controller a is implemented by causing the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the controller to execute a computer program stored in a memory unit.

[0097] The aforementioned determination can be carried out by the comprehensive management device 30, and the control unit 11a of the assembly device can be configured to control only the locking opening mechanism 44 in accordance with the determination result obtained by the comprehensive management device 30.

[0098] Information about the component housed in container 50 can be acquired by the comprehensive management device 30. [2. Operation of the administrative system]

[0099] The operation of management system 1 with the configuration described above is described below with reference to Fig. 5 described. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management system 1 according to this embodiment. A process executed by the bulk material feeder 40 is defined below as a process performed by a processor (controller or the like) provided in the bulk material feeder 40, such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0100] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the bulk material feeder 40 (feeder) is first inserted into the holder 12a (S10). For example, a lamp is switched on at the position of the holder 12a where the bulk material feeder 40 is to be attached, and the bulk material feeder 40 is attached to the position of the holder 12a corresponding to the switched-on lamp. Accordingly, the bulk material feeder 40 is supplied with power by the component assembly device 11. The bulk material feeder 40 is adjusted by a user, an autonomous robot, or the like.

[0101] The bulk material feeder 40 then sends a communication request to the comprehensive management device 30 (S20). The bulk material feeder 40 sends the communication request to the comprehensive management device 30 via the communicator 43.

[0102] The comprehensive management device 30 then detects the installation position (slot position) of the bulk material feeder 40 that made the communication request (S30). Although the detection method for the installation position is not particularly restricted, the comprehensive management device 30 can, for example, detect a last installed slot as the installation position of the bulk material feeder 40 that made the communication request.

[0103] Subsequently, the bulk material feeder 40, which sent the communication request to the comprehensive management device 30, determines whether the attachment unit 41 is attached to the bulk material feeder 40 (S40). Although the determination method is not particularly restricted, the bulk material feeder 40 can determine whether the attachment unit 41 is attached based on a sensor contained in the feeder body 42, an image captured by the bulk material feeder 40, or the like.

[0104] If it is determined that the application unit 41 is attached to the bulk material feeder 40 (Yes in S40), the bulk material feeder 40 identifies the type of application unit 41 based on a detection result from detector 42a or the like (S50). If the detection result from detector 42a or the like is 3-bit information, as in part (b) or (c) of Fig. 2, any type 1 to type 8 is identified as the type of mounting unit 41.

[0105] If it is determined that the attachment unit 41 is not attached to the bulk material feeder 40 (No in S40), the bulk material feeder 40 issues an error message indicating that the attachment unit 41 is not attached (S100). Although the bulk material feeder 40 issues the error message using light, sound, or similar means, the information indicating that an error has occurred can, for example, be output to the comprehensive management device 30 or to a user's portable terminal.

[0106] The bulk material feeder 40 then determines the feed type according to the type of the application unit 41 (S60). The bulk material feeder 40 determines a feed type that includes the type of the application unit 41. For example, if the feed type is specified by a first piece of information, the bulk material feeder 40 can designate information obtained by adding a second piece of information corresponding to the type of the application unit 41 to the first piece of information as the information (type information) that specifies the feed type, or it can designate a third piece of information, determined based on the first and second pieces of information and different from the first and second pieces of information, as the information (type information) that specifies the feed type.

[0107] The bulk material feeder 40 then notifies the comprehensive management device 30 of the specific feed type (type information) (S70). For example, the bulk material feeder 40 provides the type information about the in Fig. The communication line shown in Figure 4 connects to the comprehensive management device 30. Accordingly, the information for identifying each application unit 41 and the bulk material feed 40 (e.g., feed body 42) can be transmitted in a single transmission, thus reducing the number of transmissions compared to separate transmissions.

[0108] The notification regarding the feed type can be executed at a predetermined time, based on a command from the comprehensive management device 30, or at a time determined by the new bulk material feeder 40. The predetermined time could, for example, be before the start of production or a time when the application unit 41 or the container 50 is replaced.

[0109] The mounting fixture is equipped with a safety cover (not shown) that covers the feed position of the feeder from above. The safety cover is closed when the carriage 12b, equipped with holder 12a, is removed from the mounting fixture to prevent the operator's hand from entering a working area where the head is moving. The safety cover is closed when the carriage 12b, equipped with holder 12a, is attached to the mounting fixture, and the safety cover opens after the carriage 12b is attached. Then, with the safety cover open, the head can access the feed position of the feeder, allowing a component to be drawn through the head from the feeder held by carriage 12b, and the drawn-in component to be mounted onto a substrate.The assembly device is equipped with a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the safety cover, allowing the opening and closing of the safety cover to be detected based on a sensor output. Specifically, the safety cover can be detected moving from a closed to an open state. When the opening or closing (from closed to open) of the safety cover is detected, the bulk material feeder 40 can output the feed type (type information) to the comprehensive management device 30. Accordingly, each time the opening or closing of the safety cover is detected, the feed type is output to the comprehensive management device 30, thereby preventing the feeding of an incorrect component (i.e., a component with a different size and shape than that of a component that can be fed by the assembly unit 41) to the assembly unit 41.This way, a shutdown of the assembly line can be prevented.

[0110] The notification regarding the feed type is executed in a state in which the feed body 42 is attached to the holder 12a and the mounting unit 41 is attached to the feed body 42.

[0111] The comprehensive management device 30 then performs a comparison based on the type information (feed type) received from the bulk material feeder 40 (S80) to determine whether the application unit 41 is suitable. If the comparison result is correct (i.e., if the application unit 41 is suitable) (Yes in S80), the closure opening mechanism 44 moves the closure 52 from the closed position to the open position, thus starting production (S90). If the comparison result is incorrect (No in S80), an error message is issued indicating that the comparison result is incorrect (S100). In step S100, for example, the comprehensive management device 30 causes a display to indicate that a component is not being fed by the bulk material feeder 40.The display can be, for example, a display included in the component assembly device 11, an indicator lamp in the bulk material feeder 40 (e.g., in the feed body 42), or a display in a user-worn device. The display mode is a text-based display or an on / off mode for an indicator lamp. In step S90, the closure opening mechanism 44 moves the closure 52 into the open position, so that the feeding of a component from the container 50 begins.

[0112] The comparison performed in step S80 may, for example, include determining whether the type information (i.e., the information in Fig. 1. The feed type (type information) shown for each slot (i.e., a predetermined position of holder 12a to which the feed is attached), identified based on the production plan, matches the type information acquired by executing step S70. Accordingly, it can be checked whether a feed of the correct type is held at the predetermined position of holder 12a.

[0113] The comprehensive management device 30 can acquire information about a component located in a container 50 attached to the bulk material feeder 40. Based on the acquired type information (feeder type), the comparison performed in step S80 can then determine whether the component in container 50 can be fed by the feeder (application unit 41). Accordingly, it can be checked whether the combination of the feeder type and the component in container 50 is correct. As a result, the feeding of an incorrect component (i.e., a component with a different size and shape than a component that can be fed by the application unit 41) to the application unit 41 can be suppressed.An incorrect comparison result can include a case where the container 50 attached to the bulk feeder 40 is unsuitable, and a case where the feeder type is unsuitable. These cases can be communicated to the user based on various modes (S100). Accordingly, the user can recognize that either the container or the feeder (e.g., the attachment unit 41) is incorrect and can replace it with a suitable container or feeder (e.g., the attachment unit 41). For example, if the comprehensive management device 30 has detected the tag information on the RFID tag 51 of the container 50 attached to the bulk feeder 40, the comparison performed in step S80 can involve determining whether a component specified in the tag information is compatible with the feeder type.

[0114] Steps S10 to S80 can be performed in a state where the closure 52 of the container 50 is closed.

[0115] Steps S40 to S80 are performed individually for all bulk material feeds 40 if multiple bulk material feeds 40 are set.

[0116] The bulk material feeder 40 can output the type information in step S70 to the control unit 11a of the assembly device. The comparison performed in step S80 can be carried out by the control unit 11a of the assembly device. [3. Beneficial effects, etc.]

[0117] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the management system 1 is a management system that manages bulk feeder 40 (an example of a feeder) that feeds a component in a state in which attachment unit 41 (an example of a feeder), which feeds a component to the feed position, is attached, and bulk feeder 40 held by holder 12a, and comprises a management unit (e.g., a comprehensive management device 30) that manages type information indicating the component feedable by bulk feeder 40. Attachment unit 41 is equipped with a recognition target 41a or the like, and the bulk feeder 40 held by holder 12a outputs the type information to the management unit based on the information acquired via recognition target 41a or the like of the attachment unit 41 attached to the bulk feeder 40.

[0118] Accordingly, the type information is output by the bulk material feeder 40 according to the type of the application unit 41, so that the application unit 41 receives identification information (ID) for its unique identification and is thus managed individually. This reduces the amount of information (the amount of data) that needs to be managed to carry out a process (e.g., a comparison process in the processing unit) to check whether there is an error in the type of the bulk material feeder 40 (e.g., the type of the attached application unit 41). Consequently, the management system 1 can easily manage the bulk material feeder 40, which feeds a component in the state in which the application unit 41 is attached.

[0119] Management system 1 according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the first aspect, in which the management unit, in a state in which container 50, in which the component is housed, is attached to the bulk feeder 40, determines, on the basis of the type information, whether the component housed in the container 50 can be fed from the bulk feeder 40.

[0120] Accordingly, it is possible to automatically determine whether the type of attachment unit 41, which is attached to the bulk material feeder 40, is compatible with the type of component in the container 50, which is also attached to the bulk material feeder 40. Consequently, the management system 1 can readily determine whether the attachment unit 41 and the component in the container 50 are compatible in the state in which the attachment unit 41 is attached. In other words, the management system 1 can easily manage the bulk material feeder 40.

[0121] Management system 1 according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the bulk material feeder 40 comprises a feeder body 42 to which the attachment unit 41 can be attached, and the feeder body 42 comprises a detector 42a or the like, which receives information from the detection target 41a or the like.

[0122] Accordingly, information about the application unit 41 can be easily acquired via the detector 42a or the like. This facilitates the management of the bulk material feed 40 from the perspective of easy information acquisition.

[0123] Since the feed body 42 includes the detector 42a or the like, an erroneous reading of type information from another, adjacent bulk material feed 40 can be prevented. When managing information acquired from the bulk material feed 40 to which the application unit 41 is set, an erroneous setting can be prevented (erroneous setting of the application unit 41 to a different bulk material feed 40 after information about the relevant application unit 41 and the bulk material feed 40 has been acquired). This simplifies the management of the bulk material feed 40 from the perspective of preventing the management of incorrect information.

[0124] Management system 1 according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to one of the first to third aspects, in which the type information includes dimension information of the component that can be supplied.

[0125] Accordingly, a blockage in a conveying path of the application unit 41 can be prevented, which can occur if the dimensions of the component supplied by the bulk material feeder 40 differ from the dimensions of the component that can be supplied by the application unit 41.

[0126] Management system 1 according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the third aspect, wherein the detection target 41a or the like, contained in the mounting unit 41, may be provided on a side surface that is a coupling surface with the feed body 42, the detector 42a or the like may comprise a probe provided in the feed body 42 to be oriented towards the detection target 41a or the like, and the probe may acquire information about the mounting unit 41 by coming into contact with the detection target 41a or the like. Examples of the probe include an electrode of a connector and a mechanical switch.

[0127] Accordingly, the information is acquired by electrical or mechanical contact via the detector 42a or the like, thus preventing an erroneous reading of the type information of another, adjacent bulk material feeder 40. This facilitates the management of the bulk material feeder 40 from the perspective that the management of incorrect information is suppressed.

[0128] Management system 1 according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the third aspect, in which the detector 42a or the like may comprise a sensor capable of detecting light projected from the detection target 41a or the like. Management system 1 according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the third aspect, in which the detector 42a or the like may comprise a sensor capable of detecting magnetism of the detection target 41a or the like.

[0129] Accordingly, the information about the mounting unit 41 can be easily acquired using a general-purpose sensor.

[0130] Management system 1 according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the holder 12a may be provided in a preparation device which is to be used to carry out a preparation process in respect of the bulk material feed 40 before it is used in production.

[0131] Accordingly, the bulk material feeder 40 can be managed in a preparatory stage before it is attached to the component assembly device 11. This allows the management of the bulk material feeder 40 to begin at an early stage.

[0132] Management system 1 according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to one of the first to seventh aspects, in which holder 12a may be provided in the component assembly device 11 (an example of an assembly device) which draws the component from the bulk material feed 40 and mounts the drawn-up component on a substrate.

[0133] Accordingly, the bulk material feeder 40 can be managed at a time when the component assembly device 11 is attached. Even if the bulk material feeder 40 is replaced in the component assembly device 11, the bulk material feeder 40 can still be managed, for example.

[0134] Management system 1 according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to one of the first to ninth aspects in which the management unit (e.g. the comprehensive management device 30) manages identification information used to uniquely identify the bulk material feed 40 and the type information in relation to each other.

[0135] Accordingly, the management unit does not need to manage both the identification information of the feed body 42 and the identification information of the attachment unit 41, so that the amount of information (the number of data) to be managed for carrying out a process to check whether there is a fault in the type of bulk material feed 40 can be reduced.

[0136] Management system 1 according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the feed is a bulk material feed 40, to which container 50 receives components in loose form.

[0137] Accordingly, the management system 1 can easily manage the bulk material feed 40.

[0138] The bulk material feeder 40 (an example of a feeder) according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which the attachment unit 41, which guides the component to a feed position, is attached, and comprises: a communicator 43 that outputs type information to a management unit (e.g., a comprehensive management device 30) indicating the component feedable by the bulk material feeder 40; a feeder body 42 to which the attachment unit 41 can be attached; and an attachment unit 41 attached to the feeder body 42. The attachment unit 41 is equipped with a recognition target 41a or the like. Based on the information acquired via the recognition target 41a or the like, the communicator 43 outputs the type information to the management unit.An administrative procedure according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an administrative procedure for managing a bulk material feeder 40, which feeds a component in a state in which an application unit 41, which feeds the component to a feeding position, is attached. The bulk material feeder 40 is provided with a recognition target 41a or the like. The administrative procedure comprises: outputting type information indicating the component feedable by the bulk material feeder 40, wherein the type information is based on information acquired via the recognition target 41a or the like of the application unit 41 attached to the bulk material feeder 40, which is held by a holder 12a (S70).

[0139] Accordingly, similar beneficial effects result as with the above-described administrative system 1.

[0140] Component assembly device 11 (an example of an assembly device) according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a bulk feeder 40 (an example of a feeder) that feeds a component in a state in which an attachment unit 41 (an example of a feeder element) that feeds the component to a feed position is attached, wherein the bulk feeder 40 comprises a closure opening mechanism 44 that enables the component to be discharged from a component outlet of container 50 that receives the component by moving a closure 52 provided in the container 50; a holder 12a that holds the bulk feeder 40; and a controller 11a that controls the closure opening mechanism 44 when it is determined that the attachment unit 41 attached to the bulk feeder 40 is suitable, based on type information indicating the component that can be fed by the bulk feeder.The type information includes information based on information acquired via recognition target 41a or the like of the attachment unit attached to bulk material feed 40, which is held by the holder 12a.

[0141] Accordingly, similar beneficial effects result as with the above-described administrative system 1. (Other embodiments)

[0142] Although the management system and the like have been described above according to one or more aspects based on the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Embodiments obtained by applying various types of variations available to a person skilled in the art in this embodiment, and embodiments resulting from combining elements in different embodiments, may also be included in the present disclosure, provided they do not deviate from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] For example, although the above embodiment refers to an example where the target object is a substrate, the target object is not limited to this and can be an object to which a component can be attached, such as another component to which the component can be attached.

[0144] The container according to the above embodiment is not limited to having an RFID tag, but can be a container on which a sticker with an identifier, such as a barcode, is affixed. After reading the information displayed by the identifier using a barcode reader or the like, the user can attach the container to the feeder and transmit the read information to the comprehensive management unit. Accordingly, the comprehensive management unit is able to acquire information about the size and other characteristics of a component attached to the bulk material feeder.

[0145] The feeder body according to the above embodiment can store the information acquired by the application unit in a storage unit (not shown). Even if the bulk material feeder receives an output request for type information from the comprehensive management unit at any time, the type information can be output immediately.

[0146] The bulk material feeder according to the above embodiment can also transmit type information to the comprehensive management device, which includes the details of the tag information captured by the container's RFID tag. In particular, the type information can be different for each combination of the bulk material feeder (e.g., the feeder housing), the mounting unit, and the component.

[0147] In the above embodiment, each element can consist of specific hardware or be implemented by executing a software program suitable for that element. Each element can be implemented by causing a program executor, such as a CPU or processor, to read and execute a software program recorded on a recording medium, such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0148] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are performed is an example to illustrate the present disclosure in detail and may differ from the order described above. One or more of the steps may be performed concurrently with another step, or one or more of the steps may not be performed.

[0149] The division of function blocks in the block diagram is one example. Multiple function blocks can be implemented as a single function block, a single function block can be divided into multiple function blocks, or one or more functions can be transferred to another function block. Furthermore, the functions of several function blocks with similar features can be processed simultaneously or concurrently by a single hardware or software unit.

[0150] Although the above embodiment is described by way of an example in which the management system includes the line management device and the comprehensive management device, the line management device and the comprehensive management device can be implemented as a single device with their respective functions.

[0151] Each element described in the embodiment above can be implemented as software or, typically, as large-scale integration (LSI), which is an integrated circuit. These elements can be individually integrated onto a single chip or integrated onto a single chip that partially or completely incorporates the elements. Although the term "LSI" is used, depending on the level of integration, the terms "IC," "System LSI," "Super LSI," or "Ultra LSI" may also be used. The circuit integration method is not limited to LSI and may also involve the use of a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor.A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) programmable after LSI fabrication, or a reconfigurable processor capable of reconfiguring the connections and configurations of the circuit cells within the LSI, can also be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology emerges that replaces LSI due to advanced semiconductor technology or a derived technology, the elements can be integrated using such a technology.

[0152] A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI created by integrating multiple processors onto a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system comprising a microprocessor, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and similar components. A computer program is stored in the ROM. The microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program, enabling the system LSI to perform its function.

[0153] One aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform the characteristic steps described in the Fig. The 5 data generation methods shown are included.

[0154] Furthermore, the program can, for example, be a program executed by a computer. One aspect of the present disclosure may be a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded. For example, such a program can be distributed in a recorded state on the recording medium. For example, by installing the distributed program in another device with a processor and causing the processor to execute the program, the device can perform the processes described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0155] The present disclosure is applicable to a system or the like that manages a feeder used in a component assembly device for mounting a component onto a substrate. [List of reference symbols] 1. Management system 10 assembly line 11 Component assembly device (assembly device, assembly unit) 11a Control 12 Feed unit 12a Holder 12b Car 20 Line Management Device 30 Comprehensive administrative device (administrative unit) 40 Bulk material feed (feed) 41 Mounting unit (feed element) 41a, 41b, 41c Detector 43 Communicator 44 Locking opening mechanism 45 RFID reader 50 containers 51 RFID tags 52 Closure R1, R2, R3, R4 communication path 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] JP 6825146

[0003] JP 5406682

[0003]

Claims

[1] Management system that manages a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element that feeds the component to a feeder position is attached to the feeder, wherein the management system comprises: the feed, which is held by a holder; and an administrative unit that manages type information, indicating the component that can be fed in by the feeder, wherein the feed element is equipped with a recognition target, and The feeder held by the holder to the management unit outputs the type information based on information captured via the recognition target of the feeder element attached to the feeder. [2] Management system according to claim 1, wherein in a state in which a container receiving the component is attached to the feeder, the management unit determines, on the basis of the type information, whether the component received in the container can be fed through the feeder. [3] Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeder comprises a feeder body to which the feeder element can be attached, and The feeder body includes a detector that captures information from the detection target. [4] Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the type information includes dimensional information of the component that can be supplied. [5] Management system according to claim 3, wherein the feed element includes the detection target, which is provided on a side surface that is a coupling surface with the feed body, the detector includes a probe which is provided in the feed body to be oriented towards the detection target, and The probe acquires information about the feed element by coming into contact with the detection target. [6] Management system according to claim 3, wherein the detector comprises a sensor capable of detecting light projected from the detection target. [7] Management system according to claim 3, wherein the detector comprises a sensor capable of detecting magnetism from the detection target. [8] Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder is provided in a preparation device which is to be used to carry out a preparation process with regard to feeding prior to use in production. [9] Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder is provided in a mounting device which draws the component from the feed and which mounts the component, drawn in, onto a substrate. [10] Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management unit manages identification information and type information in association with each other, wherein the identification information is used to uniquely identify the feed. [11] Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeder is a bulk material feeder to which a container is attached which receives components in loose form, wherein the components in loose form are each the component. [12] Feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element that feeds the component to a feeder position is attached to the feeder, wherein the feeder comprises: a communicator that outputs type information to an administrative unit, indicating the component that can be supplied by the feeder; a feed body to which the feed element can be attached; and the feed element attached to the feed body, wherein the feed element is provided with a detection target, and The communicator outputs the type information to the administrative unit based on information captured via the recognition target. [13] Management procedure for managing a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element that feeds the component to a feeder position is attached to the feeder, wherein the feeder element is provided with a recognition target, the management procedure comprising: Output of type information indicating the component that can be fed through the feeder, wherein the type information is based on information acquired via the recognition target of the feeder element attached to the feeder, which is held by a holder. [14] An assembly device comprising: a feeder that feeds a component in a state in which a feeder element that feeds the component to a feeder position is attached to the feeder, wherein the feeder includes a closure opening mechanism that enables the component to be unloaded from a component outlet of a container by moving a closure provided in the container, wherein the container receives the component; a holder that holds the feed; and a control that controls the closure opening mechanism when the feed element attached to the feeder is determined to be suitable based on type information indicating the component that can be fed through the feeder, wherein The type information includes information based on information acquired via a recognition target of the feed element attached to the feeder held by the holder.

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