Component mounting system and camera unit

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to capture images inside a component mounting machine with a simpler configuration compared to conventional technologies. [Solution] The component mounting system disclosed herein comprises a component mounting machine for mounting components onto a substrate, and a camera unit for imaging the inside of the component mounting machine. The component mounting machine includes a slot for detachably holding a feeder unit for housing components. The slot includes a connection portion for electrically connecting the feeder unit held in the slot to the component mounting machine. The camera unit is compatible with the feeder unit in the slot and, when held in the slot, is electrically connected to the component mounting machine via the connection portion of the slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] This specification relates to a technique for imaging the interior of a component mounting machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera unit that images an image inside the housing of a component mounting machine. The camera unit is configured to be fixable to a camera station installed inside the component mounting machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The battery that activates the camera unit of Patent Document 1 is charged by a dedicated camera station. Therefore, it is necessary to add a camera station dedicated to the camera unit to the component mounting machine. This specification provides a technique that can image an image inside a component mounting machine with a simple configuration as compared with the prior art.

[0005] The component mounting system disclosed in this specification includes a component mounting machine that mounts components on a substrate, and a camera unit that images the interior of the component mounting machine. The component mounting machine includes a slot that detachably holds a feeder unit that houses the components. The slot includes a connection portion that electrically connects the feeder unit held in the slot and the component mounting machine. The camera unit is compatible with the feeder unit with respect to the slot, and when held in the slot, is electrically connected to the component mounting machine via the connection portion of the slot.

[0006] In the component mounting system described above, the camera unit is compatible with the feeder unit for the slots in the component mounting machine and is electrically connected to the component mounting machine via a connection point for electrical connection to the feeder unit. Therefore, there is no need to add a new connection point for the camera unit to the component mounting machine. Compared to conventional technology, images can be captured inside the component mounting machine with a simpler configuration.

[0007] Furthermore, the camera unit constituting the above-mentioned component mounting system, the method executed by the component mounting system, and the computer program for causing the component mounting system's management device to execute the processing are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Front view of the component mounting system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1, showing the case where a feeder unit is inserted. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view similar to Figure 2, showing the case where the camera unit is inserted. [Figure 4] A side view showing how the unit transport device inserts the camera unit into the component mounting machine. [Figure 5] Control configuration diagram for each device in a component mounting system. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the camera unit installation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the camera unit installation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the process for outputting abnormal data. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The main features of the embodiments described below are listed below. Note that the technical elements described below are independent technical elements that exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing.

[0010] The component mounting system disclosed herein may further include a storage unit for temporarily storing the feeder unit and the camera unit, and a unit transport device for transporting the feeder unit and the camera unit between a first position set near the storage unit and a second position set near the component mounting machine. In this case, the unit transport device includes a unit moving unit that, after transporting the feeder unit from the first position to the second position, inserts the feeder unit into the slot, and the camera unit transported from the first position to the second position by the unit transport device may be inserted into the slot by the unit moving unit.

[0011] With this configuration, camera units stored in a storage unit can be inserted into the slots of the component mounting machine by a unit transport device, similar to a feeder unit. Therefore, compared to a configuration with a dedicated transport device for camera units, for example, the camera units can be inserted into the slots of the component mounting machine with a simpler configuration.

[0012] In the component mounting system disclosed herein, the unit moving unit may remove the feeder unit and the camera unit from the slot.

[0013] With this configuration, the camera unit inserted into the slot of the component mounting machine can be removed by the unit transport device, similar to a feeder unit. Therefore, the camera unit can be removed from the slot of the component mounting machine with a simple configuration.

[0014] In the component mounting system disclosed in this specification, when the unit transfer unit is positioned at the second position, the unit transfer device may include an extrusion mechanism that extrudes the feeder unit and the camera unit from the unit transfer device toward the slot, and the extrusion mechanism may include a chuck that holds the feeder unit and the camera unit. In that case, the feeder unit and the camera unit may include a fitting portion that fits with the chuck.

[0015] According to such a configuration, since the feeder unit and the camera unit include a fitting portion that is held by the chuck of the extrusion mechanism, for example, compared with a configuration including a chuck dedicated to the camera unit, the camera unit can be held by the extrusion mechanism with a simple configuration.

[0016] The component mounting system disclosed in this specification may further include a management device that communicates with the component mounter and the unit transfer device. In that case, when an abnormality occurs in the component mounter, the management device may transport the camera unit from the first position to the second position by the unit transfer device, and then insert the camera unit into the slot by the unit moving unit.

[0017] According to such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the component mounter, the camera unit can be installed in the component mounter by the unit transfer device.

[0018] The component mounting system disclosed in this specification may include a plurality of component mounters. When the management device receives a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the component mounter in which an abnormality has occurred among the plurality of component mounters, the management device may transport the camera unit from the first position to the second position set for the component mounter in which the abnormality has occurred by the unit transfer device, and then insert the camera unit into the slot of the component mounter in which the abnormality has occurred by the unit moving unit.

[0019] With such a configuration, the unit transfer device can install the camera unit on the component mounter in which an abnormality has occurred among the plurality of component mounters. Thereby, the number of camera units can be reduced as compared with the case where camera units are installed on all the component mounters.

[0020] The component mounter disclosed in this specification may include a plurality of slots. In that case, when an abnormality occurs, the component mounter transmits an abnormality signal indicating the location where the abnormality has occurred to the management device. When the management device receives the abnormality signal from the component mounter, after transporting the camera unit from the first position to the second position by the unit transfer device, the unit moving part may insert the camera unit into a slot capable of imaging the location indicated by the abnormality signal received from the component mounter among the plurality of slots.

[0021] With such a configuration, the camera unit inserted into the slot capable of imaging the location where the abnormality has occurred can image the location where the abnormality has occurred.

[0022] In the component mounting system disclosed in this specification, the unit moving part may be configured to be able to remove the feeder unit from the slot. In that case, the management device receives slot information indicating the slot into which the feeder unit has been inserted among the plurality of slots from the component mounter, receives the abnormality signal from the component mounter, and when the slot information received from the component mounter indicates the slot capable of imaging the location where the abnormality has occurred, after removing the feeder unit from the slot by the unit moving part, the camera unit may be inserted into the slot.

[0023] With such a configuration, even when a feeder unit has already been inserted into the slot capable of imaging the location where the abnormality has occurred, the feeder unit can be removed by the unit moving part, and the camera unit can be inserted into the slot capable of imaging the location where the abnormality has occurred.

[0024] The component mounting system disclosed herein may further include a management device that communicates with the component mounting machine and the unit transport device. In this case, when the management device receives an instruction from a user to insert the camera unit into the slot of the component mounting machine, the unit transport device may transport the camera unit from a first position to a second position, and then the unit moving unit may insert the camera unit into the slot.

[0025] With this configuration, the camera unit can be inserted into the component mounting machine according to the user's instructions.

[0026] In the component mounting system disclosed herein, the camera unit may include a memory for storing image data captured inside the component mounting machine while it is held in the slot, and a control device for controlling the camera unit. In this case, if an abnormality occurs in the component mounting machine, the component mounting machine may send an output instruction to the camera unit held in the slot via the connection part to output the image data, and the control device may output the image data from the memory when it receives the output instruction.

[0027] This configuration allows for the output of image data when an anomaly occurs in the component mounting machine. This enables, for example, the user to know the internal status of the component mounting machine immediately after the anomaly occurs.

[0028] In the component mounting system disclosed herein, the control device may delete the imaging data in the memory if no abnormality occurs for a predetermined period of time after the imaging data has been stored in the memory.

[0029] With this configuration, image data that does not show any abnormalities and is presumed to be normal is deleted, thus reducing the memory capacity of the camera unit.

[0030] In the component mounting system disclosed herein, the camera unit may include a camera for imaging the inside of a component mounting machine, a housing for housing the camera, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the camera, the lifting mechanism for causing the camera to protrude from the upper or lower surface of the housing, and a control device for controlling the lifting mechanism. In this case, the control device may cause the camera to protrude from the upper or lower surface by the lifting mechanism when the camera unit is held in the slot.

[0031] With this configuration, for example, the camera can be housed in the housing while the camera unit is being transported, and after the camera unit is installed in the component mounting machine, the camera can be extended by the lifting mechanism to image the inside of the component mounting machine. Since the camera does not extend during transport of the camera unit, the camera unit can be transported with space efficiency.

[0032] (First embodiment) Referring to the drawings, the component mounting system 100 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the component mounting system 100 comprises a storage unit 5, three component mounting machines 10A to 10C, a unit transport device 20, a camera unit 50, and a management device 60.

[0033] Each component mounting machine 10A to 10C is a device that mounts components onto a circuit board, and is also called an electronic component mounting device or chip mounter. Once component mounting machine 10A has finished mounting components onto the circuit board, it transports the circuit board to component mounting machine 10B. Similarly, once component mounting machine 10B has finished mounting components onto the circuit board transported from component mounting machine 10A, it transports the circuit board to component mounting machine 10C. The component mounting process on the circuit board is completed when component mounting machine 10C mounts components onto the circuit board. In this way, the component mounting system 100 transports the circuit board in the -Y direction (i.e., the right direction in Figure 1). Hereafter, the -Y direction in Figure 1 may be simply referred to as "right," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "left." Furthermore, the +X direction in Figure 1 (i.e., the back direction in Figure 1) may be simply referred to as "front," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "back."

[0034] The component mounting machine 10A comprises a touch panel 12A and a unit holding section 40A. Similarly, the component mounting machine 10B comprises a touch panel 12B and a unit holding section 40B, and the component mounting machine 10C comprises a touch panel 12C and a unit holding section 40C. Each component mounting machine 10A to 10C has a similar configuration. Therefore, this specification will mainly describe the component mounting machine 10A, which is located furthest to the left among the component mounting machines 10A to 10C. The touch panel 12A is exposed at the rear of the top of the component mounting machine 10A. The touch panel 12A is a display device that provides the user with various information about the component mounting machine 10A, and is also an input device that receives instructions and information from the user.

[0035] The unit holder 40A holds multiple feeder units 30 from below. As shown in the enlarged view of the lower unit holder 40A in Figure 1, the unit holder 40A has multiple slots 41A to 47A. Each of the slots 41A to 47A can accommodate one feeder unit 30. Furthermore, each of the slots 41A to 47A can accommodate a camera unit 50, which will be described later. In Figure 1, the camera unit 50 is inserted into the leftmost slot 41A. As will be described in detail later, the feeder units 30 are tape feeders that supply components to each component mounting machine 10A to 10C. The unit holder 40A may be fixed to the component mounting machine 10A, or it may be detachable from the component mounting machine 10A.

[0036] The unit transport device 20 is a device that automatically attaches and detaches feeder units 30 to and from the unit holding sections 40A to 40C of each component mounting machine 10A to 10C. As shown by arrows F1 and F2 in Figure 1, the unit transport device can move between the storage unit 5 and each component mounting machine 10A to 10C while holding multiple feeder units 30. Based on instructions from the control device 60, the unit transport device 20 first moves to a storage position P1, which is a position opposite the storage unit 5 (i.e., near the storage unit 5). The unit transport device 20 then removes the feeder units 30 housed in the storage unit 5 and, while holding the feeder units 30, moves to a mounting position P2, for example, a position opposite the component mounting machine 10A (i.e., near the component mounting machine 10A). The unit transport device 20 then inserts the feeder unit 30 into one of the slots 41A to 47A of the unit holding section 40A of the component mounting machine 10A. Furthermore, the unit transport device 20 can, for example, remove the feeder unit 30 held in slot 47A of the unit holding section 40A of the component mounting machine 10A from slot 47A, move the feeder unit 30 to the storage position P1 while still holding it, and insert the feeder unit 30 into the storage cabinet 5. The unit transport device 20 can also, for example, move the feeder unit 30 held in slot 47A of the unit holding section 40A of the component mounting machine 10A to a slot in the unit holding section of another component mounting machine (for example, component mounting machine 10B).

[0037] Storage unit 5 is located at the leftmost position in the component mounting system 100. Storage unit 5 houses and temporarily stores multiple feeder units 30. Storage unit 5 houses multiple feeder units 30 using multiple pallets (not shown). These pallets are detachably housed in storage unit 5. Storage unit 5 houses the feeder units 30 before they are held in the unit holding sections 40A to 40C. Furthermore, storage unit 5 houses the feeder units 30 after they have been placed in the unit holding sections 40A to 40C of each component mounting machine 10A to 10C (i.e., after the components have been supplied).

[0038] The camera unit 50 is a device that images the inside of each component mounting machine 10A to 10C. While details will be explained with reference to Figure 3, the camera unit 50 has the same external shape as the feeder unit 30. For example, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 1, the camera unit 50 has the same width W1 as the feeder unit 30. Therefore, the camera unit 50 can be housed in the storage unit 5, just like the feeder unit 30. Note that the width of the camera unit 50 does not have to be the same as that of the feeder unit 30. The width of the camera unit 50 may be smaller or larger than the width W1 of the feeder unit 30, as long as it can be held by the unit transport device 20.

[0039] The control device 60 is located above the storage cabinet 5 and is a computer that manages the operation of each device in the component mounting system 100. The control device 60 is communicatively connected to the storage cabinet 5, the unit transport device 20, each component mounting machine 10A to 10C, and the camera unit 50. The control device 60 may be connected to each device in the component mounting system 100 by wire or by wireless connection. Furthermore, the control device 60 may be located in a different location from the storage cabinet 5 and each component mounting machine 10A to 10C.

[0040] The detailed structure of the component mounting machine 10A will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In addition to the touch panel 12A and the unit holding section 40A, the component mounting machine 10A further includes a substrate conveyor 14A, a component mounting section 15A, a side camera 19A, and a control unit 70A. As described above, the unit holding section 40A of the component mounting machine 10A can hold both the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50. In Figure 2, the unit holding section 40A of the component mounting machine 10A holds the feeder unit 30, and in Figure 3, the unit holding section 40A holds the camera unit 50.

[0041] The feeder unit 30 is a so-called tape feeder. The feeder unit 30 comprises a feeder housing 31, a reel 33, a motor 36, and a feeder connector 37. The feeder housing 31 is a case that houses the reel 33, the motor 36, and the feeder connector 37. When viewed from the side, the feeder housing 31 has a roughly rectangular box shape, and the lower end of the front surface is chamfered. The feeder housing 31 has a height H1 (dimension in the Z direction), a length L1 (dimension in the X direction), and a width W1 (dimension in the Y direction (see Figure 1)). A feeder fitting portion 32 is provided on the rear surface of the feeder housing 31. A long tape 34 is wound around the outer circumference of the reel 33, which contains multiple components 4 at regular intervals. The motor 36 pushes the tape 34 forward toward the substrate 2 by rotating the reel 33. This moves the components 4 to the supply position of the feeder unit 30. The feeder connector 37 is exposed on the front end surface of the feeder housing 31 and is connected to the connection portion 49A of the unit holding portion 40A. This allows power to be supplied to the feeder unit 30 from the power supply (not shown) of the component mounting machine 10A. For example, the feeder unit 30 uses the power supplied from the component mounting machine 10A to operate the motor 36 described above.

[0042] The component mounting section 15A comprises a mounting head 16A and a head moving device 18A. The mounting head 16A detachably holds one or more nozzles 6A. The nozzles 6A have a cylindrical shape, and the inside of the nozzles 6A is maintained under negative pressure by a vacuum pump (not shown). As a result, the nozzles 6A can pick up the component 4 by attracting it to the lower end of the nozzle 6A.

[0043] The head moving device 18A is, for example, an XY robot that can move in the X and Y directions. With the component 4 held at the lower end of the nozzle 6A, the head moving device 18A moves the mounting head 16A from the supply position of the feeder unit 30 to a predetermined mounting position on the substrate 2. Then, the nozzle 6A descends toward the substrate 2, and the suction by the vacuum pump is turned off to relieve the negative pressure inside the nozzle 6A. As a result, the component 4 is mounted to the mounting position on the substrate 2. In this way, the component mounting machine 10A mounts the component 4 onto the substrate 2 by the component mounting section 15A. The substrate conveyor 14A transports the substrate 2 with the component 4 mounted toward the downstream component mounting machine 10B. Furthermore, the substrate conveyor 14A transports the substrate 2 from the outside and supports the transported substrate 2 from below while the component 4 is being mounted.

[0044] The side camera 19A captures an image of the component 4 that is attracted to the nozzle 6A. The side camera 19A is configured to communicate with the control unit 70A. In response to instructions from the control unit 70A, the side camera 19A captures an image of the component 4 that is attracted to the nozzle 6A and transmits the captured image data to the control unit 70A.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the camera unit 50 comprises a camera housing 51, a lifting / lowering section 53, an internal camera 55, a camera connector 57, and a control unit 80. The camera housing 51 is a case that houses the lifting / lowering section 53, the internal camera 55, and the camera connector 57. When viewed from the side, the camera housing 51 has a roughly rectangular box shape, and the lower end of the front surface is chamfered. The camera housing 51 has a height H1, a length L1, and a width W1 (see Figure 1), similar to the feeder housing 31. A camera fitting section 52 is provided on the rear surface of the camera housing 51. The camera connector 57 is exposed on the front end surface of the camera housing 51, similar to the feeder connector 37 of the feeder unit 30. The camera connector 57 is positioned in a position corresponding to the feeder connector 37. In other words, the position where the camera connector 57 is exposed on the front end surface of the camera housing 51 is the same as the position where the feeder connector 37 is exposed on the front end surface of the feeder housing 31. As a result, the camera connector 57 is connected to the connection part 49A of the unit holding part 40A, similar to the feeder connector 37. This allows power to be supplied to the camera unit 50 from the power supply (not shown) of the component mounting machine 10A. For example, the camera unit 50 uses the power supplied from the component mounting machine 10A to operate the lifting part 53, the internal camera 55, and the control unit 80.

[0046] The lifting unit 53 includes a camera base 54. An internal camera 55 is fixed to the front of the camera base 54. The camera base 54 is configured to be able to move up and down by the lifting unit 53. That is, as shown by arrow F3 in Figure 3, the camera base 54 moves vertically by a motor (not shown) provided in the lifting unit 53. When the camera base 54 moves upward, the internal camera 55 protrudes from the upper surface of the camera housing 51. As a result, the internal camera 55 captures an image within the imaging range A1 inside the component mounting machine 10A. As a result, the internal camera 55 captures an image, for example, when the nozzle 6A picks up the component 4. In the camera unit 50, the internal camera 55 can be raised and lowered by the lifting unit 53. Therefore, while the unit transport device 20 is transporting the camera unit 50, the internal camera 55 is housed in the camera housing 51. After the camera unit 50 is installed in the component mounting machine 10A, the lifting unit 53 causes the internal camera 55 to protrude from the top surface of the camera housing 51, allowing imaging of the inside of the component mounting machine 10A. Since the internal camera 55 does not protrude from the top surface of the camera housing 51 during transport of the camera unit 50, the camera unit 50 can be transported with space efficiency. The structure by which the lifting unit 53 raises and lowers the camera base 54 is not limited to a motor; it may also be raised and lowered by a cylinder or by a so-called pantograph-type lifting device.

[0047] Thus, both the camera unit 50 and the feeder unit 30 have housings with similar height H1, length L1, and width W1, and furthermore, both units 50 and 30 have connecting parts exposed at corresponding positions. In other words, both units 50 and 30 are interchangeable with respect to the slots. Therefore, without changing the structure of the slot (for example, 41A) of the unit holding part 40A, the camera unit 50 can be inserted in place of the feeder unit 30, and the camera unit 50 can receive power from the component mounting machine 10A.

[0048] The detailed structure of the unit transport device 20 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The unit transport device 20 comprises a casing 22 and a unit moving section 90. In Figure 4, the unit transport device 20 located at the mounting position P2 is shown inserting the camera unit 50 into the slot 41A of the unit holding section 40A, but the feeder unit 30 is inserted into the slot 41A in the same way. Furthermore, the unit transport device 20 located at the storage position P1 houses the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50 in the storage unit 5 in the same manner as in Figure 4.

[0049] The casing 22 is a case that houses the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50, and has an opening on its front for the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50 to pass through.

[0050] The unit movement section 90 comprises a motor unit 92, a holding mechanism 94, a belt 96, and a pulley 98. As indicated by arrow F4, the motor unit 92 extends vertically and is movable in the front-rear direction along the belt 96. The front surface of the motor unit 92 is in contact with the rear surface of the camera unit 50.

[0051] The holding mechanism 94 is located on the front of the motor unit 92. On the rear of the camera unit 50 is a camera fitting portion 52 facing the holding mechanism 94 of the motor unit 92. The camera fitting portion 52 is a recess provided on the rear surface of the camera housing 51 of the camera unit 50. The holding mechanism 94 is inserted into the camera fitting portion 52. An enlarged view showing the details of the holding mechanism 94 and the camera fitting portion 52 is shown above Figure 4. The holding mechanism 94 comprises a pair of chucks 95 fixed to the front of the motor unit 92 and a support member 99 movable relative to the pair of chucks 95. Each of the pair of chucks 95 has an L-shape and is bent at its front end in a direction away from each other. The pair of chucks 95 are biased so that their front ends are closer together. That is, each of the pair of chucks 95 is biased so that its front end is away from the hole 52H of the camera fitting portion 52. The support member 99 has a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction.

[0052] As indicated by arrow F5, the support member 99 is movable in the front-rear direction. When the support member 99 is inserted between the pair of chucks 95, the front ends of the pair of chucks 95 are displaced apart from each other. As a result, the front ends of the pair of chucks 95 are inserted into the holes 52H of the camera fitting portion 52. This holds the camera unit 50 in the unit moving portion 90, particularly in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the camera unit 50 moves in the front-rear direction together with the motor unit 92 of the unit moving portion 90. That is, the motor unit 92 can push the camera unit 50 toward the slot and pull it away from the slot.

[0053] For example, with the support member 99 inserted between the pair of chucks 95, the motor unit 92 moves forward to insert the camera unit 50 into the slot 41A of the component mounting machine 10A, after which the support member 99 moves backward. This causes the front ends of the pair of chucks 95 to be withdrawn from the holes 52H of the camera fitting portion 52. Next, the unit moving unit 90 moves backward. This causes the unit transport device 20 to move away from the camera unit 50 inserted into the slot 41A. In this way, the unit transport device 20 inserts the camera unit 50 into the slot 41A of the component mounting machine 10A. Also, when the camera unit 50 is to be withdrawn from the slot 41A of the component mounting machine 10A, the motor unit 92 of the unit moving unit 90 moves forward, and with the front surface of the motor unit 92 and the rear surface of the camera unit 50 in contact, the support member 99 moves forward. This causes the front ends of the pair of chucks 95 to be inserted into the holes 52H of the camera fitting portion 52. Subsequently, the motor unit 92 moves backward, removing the camera unit 50 from slot 41A. In this way, the camera unit 50, like the feeder unit 30, is transported from storage position P1 to mounting position P2 by the unit transport device 20, and is then inserted into and removed from slot 41A. As a result, the component mounting system 100 does not need to have a dedicated transport device for the camera unit 50, and the camera unit 50 can be inserted into slot 41A with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the user's task of inserting the camera unit 50 into slot 41A is reduced.

[0054] Although not shown in the diagram, the feeder fitting portion 32 of the feeder unit 30 has a hole 52H, similar to the camera fitting portion 52 described above. That is, the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50 have fitting portions 52 and 32 that fit with a pair of chucks 95 provided on the unit movement portion 90. This allows both the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50 to be inserted into and removed from the slot 41A using a common pair of chucks 95. The feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50 can be held in the unit movement portion 90 and inserted into and removed from the slot 41A with a simple configuration.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, the control configurations of each component mounting machine 10A to 10C, 50 and 60 of the component mounting system 100 will be described. The control unit 70A of component mounting machine 10A is electrically connected to the touch panel 12A, the unit holding unit 40A, the component mounting unit 15A and the side camera 19A. The control unit 70A includes a CPU 72A and a memory 74A. The memory 74A is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 74A stores a program 76A. The CPU 72A performs various processes according to the program 76A stored in the memory 74A. According to the program 76A, the CPU 72A mounts, for example, a component 4 onto the substrate 2. Furthermore, according to the program 76A, the CPU 72A determines whether the component 4 is properly attracted to the nozzle 6A based on the image from the side camera 19A. In that case, the CPU 72A sends an abnormality signal to the management device 60 indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the component mounting machine 10A. The abnormal signal includes mounting machine identification information that identifies the component mounting machine 10A, and slot identification information that identifies the slot closest to the location of the abnormality. The CPU 72A also transmits the slot information to the management device 60 according to program 76A. The slot information indicates which slot the feeder unit 30 is currently inserted into. The CPU 72A determines that the feeder unit 30 is inserted into a slot if power is supplied to the feeder unit 30 via the slot's connection. The slot information includes the slot identification information of the slot in which the feeder unit 30 is inserted. Other component mounting machines 10B and 10C are equipped with similar control units.

[0056] The management device 60 comprises an operation unit 62, a display unit 64, and a control unit 66. The operation unit 62 is an interface that accepts various inputs from the user. The display unit 64 is a display that shows various information related to the component mounting system 100. The control unit 66 comprises a CPU 67 and a memory 68. The memory 68 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 68 stores a program 69. The CPU 67 executes various processes according to the program 69 stored in the memory 68. The CPU 67 executes, for example, the camera unit installation process shown in Figure 6 according to the program 69.

[0057] The control unit 80 of the camera unit 50 is electrically connected to the lifting unit 53, the internal camera 55, and the camera connector 57. The control unit 80 includes a CPU 82 and a memory 84. The memory 84 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 84 stores a program 86. The CPU 82 performs various processes according to the program 86 stored in the memory 84. According to the program 86, the CPU 82 performs, for example, the abnormal data output process of the second embodiment shown in Figure 8.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6, the camera unit installation process executed by the CPU 67 of the control unit 66 of the management device 60 will be described. The camera unit installation process is the process of installing the camera unit 50, which is held in the storage unit 5, into one of the component mounting machines 10A to 10C. The CPU 67 executes the process shown in Figure 6 in response to receiving the above-mentioned abnormal signal from one of the component mounting machines 10A to 10C.

[0059] In S10, the CPU 67 identifies the component mounting machine where the malfunction occurred (e.g., 10A) from among several component mounting machines (e.g., 10A to 10C) based on the mounting machine information contained in the abnormal signal. Hereafter, the component mounting machine identified in S10 may be referred to as the "target component mounting machine".

[0060] In S12, CPU67 identifies the slot (e.g., 41A) closest to the location of the anomaly (out of several slots, e.g., 41A to 47A) based on the slot identification information contained in the anomaly signal. Hereafter, the slot identified in S12 may be referred to as the "target slot".

[0061] In S20, the CPU 67 determines whether or not a feeder unit 30 has already been inserted into the target slot identified in S12. If the slot identification information included in the slot information received from the target component mounting machine matches the slot identification information included in the abnormal signal, the CPU 67 determines that a feeder unit 30 has already been inserted into the target slot (YES in S20) and proceeds to S22. If power is not supplied to the connector of the target slot and the two slot identification pieces mentioned above do not match, the CPU 67 determines that a feeder unit 30 has not been inserted into the target slot (NO in S20) and proceeds to S24.

[0062] In S24, the CPU 67 sends an insertion instruction to the unit transport device 20. The insertion instruction includes mounting machine identification information that identifies the target component mounting machine and slot identification information that identifies the target slot. The insertion instruction is an instruction to insert the camera unit 50 into the target slot using the unit transport device 20. As a result, the unit transport device 20 moves to the storage position P1 and the unit moving unit 90 removes the camera unit 50 from the storage unit 5. Next, the unit transport device 20 moves to a position opposite the target component mounting machine (for example, mounting position P2) and the unit moving unit 90 inserts the camera unit 50 into the target slot. As a result, the camera connector 57 of the camera unit 50 and the connection part of the target slot (for example, 49A) are connected, and power is supplied to the camera unit 50 from the power supply of the target component mounting machine. In this way, the CPU 67 installs the camera unit 50 in the target component mounting machine where the malfunction occurred among the multiple component mounting machines. This makes it possible to reduce the number of camera units 50 equipped in the component mounting system 100 compared to the case where a camera unit 50 is installed in every component mounting machine.

[0063] In S22, the CPU 67 sends an extraction / insertion instruction to the unit transport device 20. The extraction / insertion instruction, like the insertion instruction described above, includes mounting machine identification information and slot identification information. The extraction / insertion instruction is an instruction to use the unit transport device 20 to extract the feeder unit 30 inserted in the target slot, and then insert the camera unit 50 into the target slot. As a result, even if the feeder unit 30 is already installed in the target slot (YES in S20), the unit transport device 20 can extract the feeder unit 30 and then insert the camera unit 50 into the target slot.

[0064] In S30, the CPU 67 receives imaging data from the camera unit 50 inserted into the target slot by the unit transport device 20. The imaging data includes images of the inside of the target component mounting captured by the internal camera 55 of the camera unit 50. In particular, the target slot is the slot closest to the location where the anomaly occurred. That is, the target slot is a slot that can image the location where the anomaly occurred. Therefore, the internal camera 55 of the camera unit 50 inserted into the target slot can capture an image of the location where the anomaly occurred.

[0065] In S32, the CPU 67 displays the image represented by the imaging data received in S30 on the display unit 64. This allows the user to know the internal status of the component mounting where the abnormality occurred without having to move to the component mounting machine.

[0066] (Effects of this embodiment) Thus, in this embodiment, the component mounting system 100 has a camera unit 50 that is compatible with the feeder unit 30 and is electrically connected to the target component mounting machine via a connection part 49A for electrical connection to the feeder unit 30. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new connection part for the camera unit 50. Compared to the conventional technology, images can be captured inside the target component mounting machine with a simpler configuration.

[0067] (Correspondence) Storage position P1 and mounting position P2 are examples of the "first position" and "second position," respectively. Motor unit 92 is an example of the "extrusion mechanism." Internal camera 55 is an example of the "camera." Camera housing 51 is an example of the "housing."

[0068] (Second example) Referring to Figure 7, the camera unit installation process performed in the component mounting system 100 of the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 67 executes the process shown in Figure 7 in response to receiving an installation instruction from the user via the operation unit 62. The installation instruction includes mounting machine identification information and slot identification information. In this case, the CPU 67 identifies the target component mounting machine based on the mounting machine identification information included in the installation instruction (S110), and identifies the target slot based on the slot identification information (S112). The processes S120 to S124 executed thereafter are the same as the processes S20 to S24 in Figure 6. Thus, the CPU 67 of this embodiment can insert the camera unit 50 into the target slot of the target component mounting machine in response to the user's instruction, regardless of whether or not an abnormality occurs in the component mounting machine.

[0069] Referring to Figure 8, the abnormal data output processing performed by the CPU 82 of the control unit 80 of the camera unit 50 in the second embodiment will be described. The CPU 82 executes the processing shown in Figure 8 in response to the camera unit installation process in Figure 7, which inserts the camera unit 50 into the target slot and electrically connects the camera connector 57 to the connection part of the target slot (i.e., the power of the camera unit 50 is turned on).

[0070] In S130, the CPU 82 raises the internal camera 55 using the lifting mechanism 53. As a result, the internal camera 55 protrudes from the upper surface of the camera housing 51 of the camera unit 50.

[0071] In S132, the CPU 82 instructs the internal camera 55, which was raised in S130, to capture video of the imaging range A1. In this case, the CPU 82 receives the image data from the internal camera 55 and stores the received image data in the memory 84.

[0072] In S140, the CPU 82 determines whether or not to receive an output instruction from the target component mounting machine. An output instruction is information that the target component mounting machine sends to the camera unit 50 when an abnormality occurs in the target component mounting machine. Here, when the camera unit 50 is inserted into the target slot by the process in Figure 7, the target component mounting machine receives a signal from the camera unit 50 via the connection part of the target slot (for example, 49A) indicating that the camera unit 50 has been inserted, along with the slot identification information of the target slot. If an abnormality occurs, the target component mounting machine sends an output instruction to the camera unit 50 via the connection part of the target slot based on the slot identification information received from the camera unit 50. If the CPU 82 receives an output instruction from the target component mounting machine (YES in S140), it proceeds to S142; otherwise, it proceeds to S150.

[0073] In S150, the CPU 82 monitors whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is the time during which, if the imaging data is continuously stored in the memory 84 beyond a predetermined time, it may exceed the capacity of the memory 84, and is determined according to the size of the memory 84. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S150), the CPU 82 returns to S140 to determine whether or not an output instruction has been received. That is, the CPU 82 repeats the process of S140 until the predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S150), the CPU 82 proceeds to S152 again.

[0074] In S152, the CPU 82 deletes the image data stored in memory 84. This reduces the capacity of memory 84 in the camera unit 50. After completing the process in S152, the CPU 82 returns to S132 and captures an image of the inside of the target component mounting machine.

[0075] In S142, the CPU 82 transmits the image data to the management device 60 in response to the output instruction received in S140. As a result, a video of the inside of the target component mounting machine immediately after the abnormality occurred is displayed on the display unit 64 of the management device 60. The user can find out the cause of the abnormality from the video displayed on the display unit 64. After the processing in S142 is completed, the CPU 82 returns to S132 and captures an image of the inside of the target component mounting machine. In the modified example, the image data may be a series of images captured continuously at predetermined intervals instead of a video of the inside of the target component mounting machine.

[0076] Points to note regarding this embodiment are described below. The component mounting system 100 does not necessarily have to include a unit transport device 20. In that case, the camera unit 50 may be inserted, for example, into a slot of the component mounting machine by the user.

[0077] The unit moving section 90 of the unit transport device 20 does not necessarily have to be configured to allow the camera unit 50 to be removed from the slot. In that case, for example, the camera unit 50 may be removed by the user.

[0078] The unit movement unit 90 may hold the camera unit 50 by a pair of chucks that grip the camera unit 50 from above and below, instead of the pair of chucks 95. In a further modification, the unit movement unit 90 may insert the camera unit 50 into or remove it from the slot by an arm that extends and retracts toward the slot. In this case, the feeder unit 30 and the camera unit 50 may be provided with a fitting portion that engages with the front end of the arm.

[0079] The component mounting system 100 of the first embodiment may consist of only one component mounting machine 10A. In that case, the abnormal signal does not need to include mounting machine identification information.

[0080] In the component mounting system 100 of the first embodiment, the CPU 67 of the management device 60 may insert the camera unit 50 into a predetermined slot when it receives an abnormal signal. In this case, the abnormal signal does not need to include slot identification information.

[0081] The CPU 67 of the management device 60 may, if a feeder unit 30 is already inserted in the target slot, insert the camera unit 50 into a slot adjacent to the target slot instead.

[0082] The camera unit 50 of the second embodiment may continuously transmit imaging data to the management device 60 regardless of whether or not it receives an output instruction. In a further modification, the camera unit 50 may transmit imaging data to the target component mounting machine. In that case, the image represented by the imaging data may be displayed on the touch panel of the target component mounting machine.

[0083] The CPU 82 may, for example, delete the imaging data in memory 84 each time a predetermined process is completed.

[0084] The camera unit 50 does not necessarily have a lifting mechanism 53. In a further modification, the lifting mechanism 53 may have an internal camera 55 protruding from the lower surface of the camera housing 51 of the camera unit 50. This allows, for example, the capture of an image indicating whether the tape 34 has been properly cut after the component 4 has been supplied to the supply position.

[0085] The specific examples of the technologies disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples described above. Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0086] This specification also discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 5, "the component mounting system described in claim 2" is changed to "the component mounting system described in any one of claims 2 to 4". Similarly, this specification also discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 7, "the component mounting system described in claim 5" is changed to "the component mounting system described in claim 5 or 6", in claim 9, "the component mounting system described in claim 2" is changed to "the component mounting system described in any one of claims 2 to 8", in claim 10, "the component mounting system described in claim 1" is changed to "the component mounting system described in any one of claims 1 to 8", and in claim 12, "the component mounting system described in claim 1" is changed to "the component mounting system described in any one of claims 1 to 11". [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 2: Circuit board 4: Parts 5: Storage 6A: Nozzle 10A~10C: Component mounting machine 12A~12C: Touch panel 14A: Circuit board conveyor 15A: Component mounting section 16A: Mounting head 18A: Head moving device 19A: Side camera 20: Unit transport device 22: Casing 30: Feeder Unit 31: Feeder Housing 32: Feeder fitting section 33: Reel 34: Tape 36: Motor 37: Feeder Connector 40A~40C: Unit holding section 41A~47A: Slot 49A: Connection part 50: Camera Unit 51: Camera Housing 52: Camera mounting section 52H: Hole 53: Lifting section 54: Camera base 55: Internal camera 57: Camera connector 60: Management device 62:Operation unit 64:Display section 66, 70A, 80: Control Unit 67,72A,82:CPU 68,74A,84: Memory 69,76A,86: Program 90: Unit movement section 92: Motor Unit 94: Holding mechanism 95: Chuck 96: Belt 98: Pulley 99: Support member 100: Component mounting system A1: Imaging range P1:Storage position P2: Implementation location

Claims

1. A component mounting machine that mounts components onto a circuit board, A camera unit for imaging the inside of the component mounting machine, Equipped with, The component mounting machine is equipped with a slot for detachably holding a feeder unit that accommodates the components, The slot is provided with a connection portion that electrically connects the feeder unit held in the slot and the component mounting machine, The camera unit is compatible with the feeder unit in relation to the slot, and when held in the slot, is electrically connected to the component mounting machine via the connection portion of the slot. Component mounting system.

2. The aforementioned component mounting system is A storage unit for temporarily storing the feeder unit and the camera unit, A unit transport device that transports the feeder unit and the camera unit between a first position set near the storage unit and a second position set near the component mounting machine, Furthermore, The unit transport device includes a unit moving section that transports the feeder unit from the first position to the second position and then inserts the feeder unit into the slot. The camera unit, which has been transported from the first position to the second position by the unit transport device, is inserted into the slot by the unit moving unit. The component mounting system according to claim 1.

3. The component mounting system according to claim 2, wherein the unit moving unit removes the feeder unit and the camera unit from the slot.

4. The unit moving section is an extrusion mechanism that pushes the feeder unit and the camera unit out of the unit transport device toward the slot when the unit transport device is positioned at the second position, and comprises an extrusion mechanism that includes a chuck for holding the feeder unit and the camera unit. The feeder unit and the camera unit are provided with a fitting portion that engages with the chuck. The component mounting system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The component mounting system further comprises a management device that communicates with the component mounting machine and the unit transport device, When an abnormality occurs in the component mounting machine, the control device transports the camera unit from the first position to the second position using the unit transport device, and then inserts the camera unit into the slot using the unit moving unit. The component mounting system according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned component mounting system includes multiple component mounting machines, When the management device receives a signal indicating an abnormality from one of the multiple component mounting machines where an abnormality has occurred, the unit transport device transports the camera unit from the first position to the second position set for the component mounting machine where the abnormality occurred, and then the unit moving unit inserts the camera unit into the slot of the component mounting machine where the abnormality occurred. The component mounting system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned component mounting machine includes multiple slots, When an abnormality occurs in the component mounting machine, it transmits an abnormality signal indicating the location of the abnormality to the management device. When the management device receives the abnormal signal from the component mounting machine, it transports the camera unit from the first position to the second position using the unit transport device, and then uses the unit moving unit to insert the camera unit into one of the plurality of slots that can capture the location where the abnormal signal received from the component mounting machine is generated. The component mounting system according to claim 5.

8. The unit movement section is configured to allow the feeder unit to be removed from the slot. The aforementioned control device is The component mounting machine receives slot information indicating the slot in which the feeder unit is inserted among the plurality of slots. When the abnormal signal is received from the component mounting machine, and the slot information received from the component mounting machine indicates a slot capable of capturing the location of the abnormality, the feeder unit is removed from the slot by the unit moving unit, and then the camera unit is inserted into the slot. The component mounting system according to claim 7.

9. The component mounting system further comprises a management device that communicates with the component mounting machine and the unit transport device, When the management device receives an instruction from a user to insert the camera unit into the slot of the component mounting machine, it transports the camera unit from the first position to the second position using the unit transport device, and then inserts the camera unit into the slot using the unit moving unit. The component mounting system according to claim 2.

10. The aforementioned camera unit is A memory for storing image data of the inside of the component mounting machine, which was captured while the component was held in the slot, A control device for controlling the camera unit, Equipped with, When an abnormality occurs in the component mounting machine, the component mounting machine transmits an output instruction to the camera unit held in the slot via the connection part to output the imaging data. When the control device receives the output instruction, it outputs the imaging data stored in the memory. The component mounting system according to claim 1.

11. The component mounting system according to claim 10, wherein the control device deletes the imaging data in the memory if no abnormality occurs for a predetermined period of time after the imaging data has been stored in the memory.

12. The aforementioned camera unit is A camera that takes images of the inside of the component mounting machine, A housing for the aforementioned camera, A lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the camera, the lifting mechanism for causing the camera to protrude from the upper or lower surface of the housing, A control device for controlling the lifting and lowering section, Equipped with, When the camera unit is held in the slot, the control device uses the lifting mechanism to cause the camera to protrude from the upper or lower surface. The component mounting system according to claim 1.

13. A camera unit for imaging the inside of a component mounting machine that mounts components onto a circuit board, The component mounting machine is equipped with a slot for detachably holding a feeder unit that accommodates the components, The slot is provided with a connection portion that electrically connects the feeder unit held in the slot and the component mounting machine, The camera unit is compatible with the feeder unit in relation to the slot, and when held in the slot, is electrically connected to the component mounting machine via the connection portion of the slot. Camera unit.

Images