Maintenance device and maintenance method for bulk feeders

Abstract

To provide an apparatus / method that improves the workability of maintenance for bulk feeders. [Solution] The maintenance device according to the present disclosure is a maintenance device for a bulk feeder that supplies parts to a parts mounting device, and includes a holding part that holds a parts storage cassette, which stores parts and allows parts to be replenished in the bulk feeder through the opening in a first position with the opening facing downwards, in a second position with the opening facing upwards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance device and a maintenance method for a bulk feeder.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, a bulk feeder that supplies components to a component mounting device is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When changing the type of components supplied by the bulk feeder, it is necessary to perform maintenance on the bulk feeder, such as replacing the component storage cassette or cleaning the component conveyance path.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a device / method for improving the workability of maintenance of a bulk feeder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A maintenance device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a maintenance device for a bulk feeder that supplies components to a component mounting device, and includes a holding unit that holds a component storage cassette capable of replenishing the components to the bulk feeder through an opening in a first posture in which the components are stored and the opening faces downward, in a second posture in which the opening faces upward.

[0007] Furthermore, the maintenance method of the present disclosure is a maintenance method for a bulk feeder that supplies parts to a parts mounting device, wherein a parts storage cassette capable of storing parts and supplying the bulk feeder with the parts through the opening in a first position with the opening facing downwards is held in a holding unit in a second position with the opening facing upwards. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, an apparatus / method can be provided to improve the workability of maintenance of bulk feeders. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Equipment configuration diagram of a component mounting device according to the embodiment of this disclosure [Figure 2] Block diagram of the control system of the component mounting device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Schematic elevation view of a bulk feeder according to the embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 4] Schematic elevation view of the bulk feeder attachment. [Figure 5] Schematic plan view showing the direction of arrow AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Schematic elevation view of the maintenance device of the embodiment relating to this disclosure [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding section, showing how the rail member of the holding section holds the protruding part of the bulk feeder. [Figure 8A] Schematic elevation drawing showing the reversal operation of the maintenance device. [Figure 8B] Schematic elevation drawing showing the tilting operation of the maintenance device. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of maintenance work for the embodiments described herein. [Figure 10] A schematic elevation drawing showing the process of bringing a bulk feeder into the maintenance equipment. [Figure 11] A schematic elevation view showing the bulk feeder fixed in the first position by the holding part. [Figure 12A]Schematic elevation view showing the bulk feeder fixed at the second position by the holding part [Figure 12B] Schematic elevation view showing the holding part further inclined at the second position [Figure 13] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the cleaning of the component transfer path by the jig [Figure 14] Enlarged view of part BB in Fig. 13 [Figure 15A] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the removal of the component jammed in the component transfer path by advancing the jig in the direction opposite to the component transfer direction [Figure 15B] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the state after removing the component jammed in the component transfer path by advancing the jig in the direction opposite to the component transfer direction [Figure 16] Enlarged view of part CC in Fig. 13 [Figure 17] Schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of inverting a plurality of bulk feeders [Figure 18] Schematic elevation view showing an embodiment of cleaning the component transfer path in the state of the attachment alone

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, in each figure, for the sake of easy explanation, each element is schematically shown.

[0011] (Embodiment) A maintenance device and a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] [Overall Configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the component mounting device 1 includes a component mounting device 2 for mounting components on a substrate, a bulk feeder 20 for supplying the component B1 to the component mounting device 2, a carriage 4 used for transporting the bulk feeder 20 and positioning and fixing the bulk feeder 20 with respect to the component mounting device 2, and a maintenance device 10 for maintaining the bulk feeder 20.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the component mounting device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the component mounting device 2 and the bulk feeder 20, and the bulk feeder 20 and the maintenance device 10 are connected in such a way that they can operate in conjunction. In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 20 is selectively connected to either the component mounting device 2 or the maintenance device 10 using the same contacts.

[0014] [Bulk feeder] In a parts supply device that supplies parts B1 to a parts mounting device 2, the bulk feeder 20 shown in Figure 3 transports the parts B1, which are stored loosely in a parts storage cassette 24, to the parts supply position P2 while aligning them. In this way, the bulk feeder 20 supplies parts B1 to the parts mounting device 2.

[0015] The bulk feeder 20 comprises a main unit 22, a parts storage cassette 24, and an attachment 26.

[0016] The main body 22 has a mechanism for controlling power (e.g., air) for transporting the component B1, and a control circuit for realizing predetermined functions. The main body 22 is also equipped with a first connector 38 and can be connected to the maintenance device 10, thereby enabling it to receive power from the maintenance device 10 and communicate with the maintenance device 10. The first connector 38 can also be connected to the component mounting device 2, thereby enabling them to operate in conjunction. In this embodiment, the first connector 38 is configured to be connectable to both the maintenance device 10 and the component mounting device 2, but this configuration is not the only one. For example, the main body 22 may have separate connectors for connecting to the maintenance device 10 and for connecting to the component mounting device 2.

[0017] Furthermore, the main body 22 is provided with a bottom portion 39, which has a longitudinally extending projection 35 and a pivoting hook 37. The projection 35 and hook 37 are commonly used to fix the bulk feeder 20 to the trolley 4 or the maintenance device 10. In this embodiment, the projection 35 and hook 37 are exemplified, but other structures such as a clamping mechanism may be used for fixing.

[0018] The parts storage cassette 24 stores parts B1 loosely and replenishes them into the attachment 26 through the opening 30. The opening 30 of an unopened parts storage cassette 24 is closed by a shutter (not shown). When replenishing parts B1 into the attachment 26, the parts storage cassette 24 is attached to the main body 22 and the attachment 26. Then, the shutter is opened by an opening mechanism (not shown) of the main body 22, and the parts B1 become ready to be replenished into the attachment 26. Since there is no mechanism to close the shutter, the opening 30 remains open.

[0019] The parts storage cassette 24 is fixed to the main body 22 and attachment 26 by the first locking mechanism 40 and the second locking mechanism 42 provided by the bulk feeder 20.

[0020] The first locking mechanism 40 is driven by the bulk feeder 20. The first locking mechanism 40 locks or unlocks the component storage cassette 24 in response to the bulk feeder 20 receiving a signal.

[0021] The second locking mechanism 42 is a locking mechanism that continues to hold the parts storage cassette 24 in place even if the first locking mechanism 40 is released. The second locking mechanism 42 has a structure similar to a leaf spring and holds the parts storage cassette 24 in place by elastic force. As a result, even if the first lock is released while the bulk feeder 20 is inverted, the parts storage cassette 24 is prevented from falling due to gravity. Furthermore, the force with which the second locking mechanism 42 holds the parts storage cassette 24 is smaller than the force with which the operator removes the parts storage cassette. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the parts storage cassette 24.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic elevation view showing attachment 26, and Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the view from arrow AA in Figure 4. Attachment 26 is configured to transport parts B1 replenished from parts storage cassette 24 at parts replenishment position P1 to parts supply position P2.

[0023] The attachment 26 includes a parts transport path 58 through which parts B1 passes. The parts transport path 58 has a tubular parts transport tube 34 and an end member 50 into which the parts transport tube 34 is inserted.

[0024] The tip member 50 is connected to the parts transport tube 34. As shown in Figure 5, the tip member 50 has a parts transport groove 54, and a portion of the parts transport groove 54 is covered by a cover 56. The parts supply position P2 is the part of the parts transport groove 54 that is not covered by the cover 56, and is the position for supplying parts B1 to the parts mounting device 2. The parts transport groove 54 may also have a bent portion, which expands the range in which the parts supply position P2 can be located.

[0025] Returning to Figure 3, the parts storage cassette 24 is shown in a first orientation with its opening 30 facing downwards, allowing parts B1 to be replenished in the bulk feeder 20. For example, when changing the type of parts being transported, the parts storage cassette 24 may be removed from the bulk feeder 20 while parts B1 remain in it. Because the opening 30 is open and facing downwards, any remaining parts B1 inside the parts storage cassette 24 will leak out through the opening 30.

[0026] On the other hand, if the parts storage cassette 24 is removed from the bulk feeder 20 in a second position with the opening 30 facing upward, it is possible to prevent the remaining parts B1 inside from flowing out through the opening 30.

[0027] In this embodiment, a maintenance device 10 is provided to hold the bulk feeder 20 in a second position.

[0028] [Maintenance equipment] Figure 6 is a schematic elevation view showing a maintenance device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The maintenance device 10 is a device for performing maintenance work on the bulk feeder 20. Maintenance work includes replacing the parts storage cassette 24 and cleaning the bulk feeder 20.

[0029] The maintenance device 10 comprises a holding unit 70, a cleaning unit 100, a collection container 88, and a display unit 92. The holding unit 70, which holds the bulk feeder 20, is attached to a reversing mechanism 82 and can be reversed. The cleaning unit 100 cleans the bulk feeder 20. The collection container 88 collects debris (for example, parts B1 remaining in the parts transport path 58) generated when the bulk feeder 20 is cleaned using the cleaning unit 100. The display unit 92 indicates the status of the maintenance device 10 and / or the bulk feeder 20. Furthermore, the display unit 92 may be equipped with push buttons or the like to accept input from an operator.

[0030] The holding section 70 includes a rail member 72 for fixing the bulk feeder 20 and a support member 74 for supporting the bulk feeder 20 and the rail member 72. As shown in Figure 7, the rail member 72 is a member that slides against the protrusion 35 when the bulk feeder 20 is brought into the maintenance device 10. The rail member 72 and / or the support member 74 also have a recess (not shown) that engages with a hook 37 (not shown).

[0031] Returning to Figure 6, the holding unit 70 has a second connector 76. The second connector 76 is connected to the first connector 38 of the bulk feeder 20, enabling power supply from the maintenance device 10 to the bulk feeder 20 and communication between the maintenance device 10 and the bulk feeder 20.

[0032] Furthermore, the retaining portion 70 is attached to the joint portion 78. The joint portion 78 has a rotatable structure, such as a hinge, which allows the retaining portion 70 to be tilted.

[0033] The reversing mechanism 82 is attached to the housing 11 of the maintenance device 10 and holds the holding part 70 in a reversible manner. A drive means 86 is attached to the reversing mechanism 82, and the holding part 70 can be reversed by operating the drive means 86 by the operator's hand. Note that the reversal method is not limited to the handle drive as shown in the figure, but may also be performed automatically using a drive motor, for example. As shown in Figure 8, the reversing mechanism 82 reverses the holding part 70 around a rotation axis Ax1 along the longitudinal direction of the holding part 70.

[0034] The reversal mechanism 82 is equipped with a reversal detection means 84 (for example, a limit switch) that can detect the reversal of the holding part 70. The reversal detection means 84 is also connected to a control unit 90, which will be described later, and can transmit a signal to the control unit 90.

[0035] Here, we will explain how the maintenance device 10 moves inverted and tilted. As shown in Figure 8A, the holding part 70 and the cleaning part 100 invert around the rotation axis Ax1. Next, as shown in Figure 8B, the inverted holding part 70 and the cleaning part 100 tilt due to the rotation of the joint part 78.

[0036] Returning to Figure 6, the maintenance device 10 includes a cleaning unit 100 for cleaning the bulk feeder 20. The cleaning unit 100 includes a stay 102, a jig 104, an automatic insertion mechanism 106, a jig sensor 108, and a jig guide 109.

[0037] The stay 102 is a component to which the various parts of the cleaning unit 100 are attached. The stay 102 is a component attached to the holding unit 70 and fixes the automatic insertion mechanism 106 and the jig sensor 108 to a position corresponding to the incoming bulk feeder 20.

[0038] The jig 104 is a component used to clean the bulk feeder 20. The jig 104 is inserted into the component transport path 58 of the bulk feeder 20 to remove any remaining components or other debris in the component transport path 58. The jig 104 is made of a flexible material, such as wire or fishing line.

[0039] The automatic insertion mechanism 106 is a mechanism that operates the jig 104 to automatically clean the parts transport path 58. The automatic insertion mechanism 106 is composed of, for example, a combination of a reel and a motor. The automatic insertion mechanism 106 is equipped with an overload detection means 110 (not shown), such as a torque sensor, which can detect when the force required to operate the jig 104 exceeds a specified value. The overload detection means 110 is connected to the control unit 90 and can transmit signals to the control unit 90.

[0040] The jig sensor 108 is a sensor (for example, a photoelectric sensor) that detects when the jig 104 has reached the jig sensor 108. The jig sensor 108 is mounted near the component replenishment position P1 of the bulk feeder 20 held by the holding section 70. The jig sensor 108 is connected to the control unit 90, which will be described later, and can transmit signals to the control unit 90. Furthermore, the jig sensor 108 may have a jig guide 109 to guide the advancing jig 104 to the jig sensor 108.

[0041] Referring to the block diagram shown in Figure 2, the configuration of the control system of the maintenance device 10 will be explained.

[0042] The maintenance device 10 is connected to the bulk feeder 20 and can control the bulk feeder 20, read information, and write information to it.

[0043] The control unit 90 of the maintenance device 10 is connected to the aforementioned drive means 86 (e.g., a motor) and is operable. The control unit 90 is also connected to the reversal detection means 84 and is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the reversal detection means 84.

[0044] The control unit 90 of the maintenance device 10 is connected to the automatic insertion mechanism 106 of the cleaning unit 100, as described above, and is capable of operating the jig 104. The control unit 90 is also connected to the overload detection means 110 and is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the overload detection means. Furthermore, the control unit 90 is connected to the jig sensor 108 and is capable of receiving signals that detect when the jig 104 has reached the jig sensor 108.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 90 is connected to the display unit 92, and the status of the maintenance device 10 and / or bulk feeder 20 can be displayed on the display unit 92. The display unit 92 is also equipped with push buttons or the like, and can accept input from an operator.

[0046] [Operation 1] Next, following the flowchart shown in Figure 9, an example of maintenance work on the bulk feeder 20 using the maintenance device 10 will be explained. Figures 10 to 16 show the steps of each stage of the maintenance work.

[0047] The operator brings the bulk feeder 20 into the maintenance device 10 (S1). As shown in Figure 10, the operator slides the bulk feeder 20 in the loading direction with the protrusion 35 on the bottom 39 of the bulk feeder 20 engaged with the rail member 72 of the holding part 70.

[0048] Since the bulk feeder 20 is transported to the maintenance device 10 as a single unit, preparatory work such as dismantling the bulk feeder 20 before transport is unnecessary, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, as the loading progresses, the hook 37 on the bottom 39 engages with the recesses of the rail member 72 and / or support member 74, and the holding part 70 holds the bulk feeder 20 (S2). Also, as shown in Figure 11, when the bulk feeder 20 is loaded into the maintenance device 10, the first connector 38 is connected to the second connector 76.

[0050] Next, the reversing mechanism 82 reverses the holding part 70 that holds the bulk feeder 20 (S3). As shown in Figure 12A, the reversing mechanism 82, driven by the drive means 86, reverses the holding part 70 around the rotation axis Ax1. Since the rotation axis Ax1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the bulk feeder 20, the space required for reversal can be reduced.

[0051] Due to the inversion, the component storage cassette 24 moves from a first position, which is the first orientation, to a second position, which is the second orientation.

[0052] The control unit 90 determines whether the holding unit 70 has inverted (S4). Specifically, the inversion detection means 84 detects that the holding unit 70 has reached the second position and transmits a signal to the control unit 90. Based on the signal transmitted from the inversion detection means 84, the control unit 90 determines whether the holding unit 70 has inverted.

[0053] If the control unit 90 determines that the unit has been reversed (YES in S4), the operator tilts the holding unit (S5), and the first locking mechanism 40 is released by the operator (S7). Specifically, as shown in Figure 12B, after the operator rotates the joint unit 78 to tilt the holding unit 70, the control unit 90 sends a signal to the bulk feeder 20 to release the first locking mechanism 40 through the first connector 38 and the second connector 76 when the operator presses a button on the display unit 92. As a result, the bulk feeder 20 releases the first locking mechanism 40.

[0054] If the control unit 90 does not determine that the rotation has reversed (NO in S4), the first locking mechanism 40 is not released (S6).

[0055] Because step S6 prevents unlocking when not in the second position, it is possible to prevent component B1 from flowing out of the opening 30 when the component storage cassette 24 is removed.

[0056] As shown in Figure 12B, the holding section 70 is tilted, which also tilts the parts transport path 58, causing any parts remaining on the parts transport path 58 to slide out and be stored in the parts storage cassette 24.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second locking mechanism 42 is provided on the bulk feeder 20, but the maintenance device 10 may also be equipped with the second locking mechanism 42.

[0058] The operator removes the parts storage cassette 24 (S8). Since the parts remaining in the parts transport path 58 are pre-stored in the parts storage cassette 24, when the parts storage cassette 24 is removed from the bulk feeder 20, the leakage of parts remaining in the parts transport path 58 to the outside can be further suppressed.

[0059] [Operation 2] After removing the parts storage cassette 24 from the bulk feeder 20, the parts transport path 58 of the bulk feeder 20 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 100, as shown in Figure 13.

[0060] The automatic insertion mechanism 106 advances the jig 104 (S9). As shown in Figure 14, the jig 104 is inserted from the part supply position P2 into the part transport path 58. Due to the flexibility of the jig 104, it is able to pass through the bent portion of the tip member 50.

[0061] The overload detection means 110 detects whether or not there is an overload (S10). For example, depending on the state of contact between the jig 104 and the jammed part B1 inside the part transport path 58, the jig 104 may not be able to apply sufficient force to the part B1, and the jig 104 may not be able to push out the jammed part B1. If the automatic insertion mechanism 106 advances the jig 104 with an even greater load, the overload detection means 110 detects an overload.

[0062] If the overload detection means 110 detects an overload (YES in S10), the control unit 90 determines whether the number of times an overload has been detected is equal to or greater than a specified number (S11).

[0063] If the number of repetitions is less than the specified number (NO in S11), the automatic insertion mechanism 106 retracts the jig 104 (S12). After that, the automatic insertion mechanism 106 advances the jig 104 (S12). For example, the distance to which the jig 104 is retracted should be such that the jig 104 is separated from the jammed part B1. This improves the contact between the jig 104 and the jammed part B1, allowing the jig 104 to push out the jammed part B1.

[0064] Even if the jig 104 is moved backward and then forward again, the forward movement of the jig 104 by the automatic insertion mechanism 106 may again be obstructed by the jammed part B1, causing the overload detection means 110 to detect an overload. Therefore, if the number of overload detections is less than a specified number, the control unit 90 may retry moving the jig 104 backward and forward.

[0065] If the number of operations exceeds the specified limit (YES in S11), the automatic insertion mechanism 106 stops the forward movement of the jig 104, and the maintenance device 10 notifies of the abnormality (S13). Specifically, the control unit 90 stops the forward movement of the jig 104 by the automatic insertion mechanism 106 and displays the abnormality on the display unit 92. The display unit 92 may also notify the operator of the abnormality by combining the display of the abnormality with the sounding of a buzzer.

[0066] Figures 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views showing how a part B1 jammed in the part transport tube 34 is removed by the jig 104. As shown in Figure 15A, part B1 may become jammed in the part transport tube 34 because it continues to be transported with a first obstruction point 112 obstructing the tube, and then a second obstruction point 114 obstructs the tube 34. As shown in Figure 15B, the jig 104 pushes part B1 from the opposite side of the part transport direction, removing the obstruction at the second obstruction point 114 and also resolving the obstruction at the first obstruction point, thereby resolving the jam of part B1. Therefore, by pushing the part with the jig 104 in the opposite direction of the part transport direction, the jam of part B1 is more easily resolved.

[0067] The jig sensor 108 detects whether the jig 104 has reached the position of the jig sensor 108 (S14). As shown in Figure 16, the jig 104 discharges the jammed parts to the outside through the parts replenishment position P1. After passing the parts supply position P1, the jig 104 passes through the jig guide 109 and then through the jig sensor 108. When the jig sensor 108 detects the jig 104, the jig sensor 108 transmits a signal to the control unit 90.

[0068] If the jig sensor 108 does not detect the jig 104 (NO in S14), the control unit 90 continues to advance the jig 104 using the automatic insertion mechanism 106 (S9).

[0069] If the jig sensor 108 detects the jig 104 (YES in S14), the control unit 90 stops the automatic insertion mechanism 106 from moving the jig 104 forward.

[0070] The jig sensor 108 may detect not only the passage of the jig 104 but also the passage of the ejected part B1. In order to prevent the forward movement of the jig 104 from being stopped by the passage of part B1, the control unit 90 may stop the automatic insertion mechanism 106 only when it has received a signal continuously for a specified period of time or longer.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 90 records in its storage unit 94 that the cleaning of the parts transport path 58 has been completed. This record may also be transmitted to the bulk feeder 20 through the second connector 76 of the maintenance device 10.

[0072] The above is an example of maintenance work on the bulk feeder 20 using the maintenance device 10.

[0073] Furthermore, maintenance of the bulk feeder 20 is not limited to the examples shown in operations 1 and 2 above.

[0074] In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 20 was transported to the maintenance device 10 as a whole (S1), but only the attachment 26 to which the parts storage cassette 24 is attached may be transported to the maintenance device 10. Since it is not necessary to transport the main body 22 to the maintenance device 10, the maintenance device 10 can be made smaller.

[0075] Furthermore, although the bulk feeder 20 was inverted around the rotation axis Ax1, the axis of inversion is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 17, when inverting multiple bulk feeders 20 arranged perpendicular to the plane of the paper simultaneously, the space required for inversion can be reduced by inverting the bulk feeder 20 around the rotation axis Ax2.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the attachment 26 removed from the bulk feeder 20 may be attached to the cleaning unit 100. Since it is not necessary to attach the cleaning unit 100 to the holding unit 70, the design flexibility of the maintenance device 10 can be increased.

[0077] Furthermore, the forward movement of the jig 104 may be performed by an operator. Since the automatic insertion mechanism 106 and the overload detection means 110 are unnecessary, the cost of manufacturing the maintenance device 10 can be reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, cleaning of the parts transport path 58 using the jig 104 may be performed without removing the parts storage cassette 24. Parts remaining inside the parts transport path 58 can be recovered by the parts storage cassette 24.

[0079] Furthermore, the jig sensor 108 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor. For example, a rotary encoder attached to the automatic insertion mechanism 106 may measure the distance the jig 104 has advanced along the parts transport path 58 to detect the completion of cleaning.

[0080] [summary] To summarize the above explanation, the features of this disclosure are described below.

[0081] The inventors of the present invention investigated ways to improve the workability of maintenance for the bulk feeder 20.

[0082] First, the inventor considered how to improve the workability of removing the parts storage cassette 24, which is one of the maintenance tasks. Conventionally, when the parts storage cassette 24 was removed in a first position with the opening 30 facing downwards, there was a possibility that the parts B1 remaining inside would leak out through the opening 30. Therefore, the inventor considered removing the parts storage cassette 24 in a second position with the opening facing upwards, and invented a maintenance device 10 that is not found in conventional structures, and a maintenance method that is not conventional.

[0083] The maintenance device 10 includes a holding section 70, which allows the bulk feeder 20 to be held in a second position. This makes it possible to remove the parts storage cassette 24 without spilling the parts inside, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 includes a reversal mechanism 82, which also improves the work efficiency when changing the bulk feeder 20 from the first position to the second position. In addition, the maintenance device 10 includes a reversal detection means 84 and a control unit 90, which control the parts storage cassette 24 so that it can only be removed when it is in the second position. This prevents the operator from accidentally removing the parts storage cassette 24 in the first position.

[0084] Furthermore, the inventor considered improving the efficiency of cleaning the parts transport path 58, which is one of the maintenance tasks. To remove the parts B1 remaining in the parts transport path 58, the inventor invented a novel apparatus / method using a jig 104.

[0085] The maintenance device 10 includes a cleaning unit 100, which cleans the inside of the parts transport path 58 using a jig 104. The jig 104 can reliably remove any remaining parts B1 in the parts transport path 58, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance. Furthermore, the parts transport path 58 can be automatically cleaned using an automatic insertion mechanism 106. In addition, the maintenance device 10 includes a control unit 90 and an overload detection means 110, which allows for retries of inserting the jig 104 according to a predetermined flowchart. Moreover, the maintenance device 10 includes a storage unit 94 and a jig sensor 108, which can record that the cleaning of the parts transport path 58 by the jig 104 has been completed.

[0086] [Effect 1] The maintenance device 10 / maintenance method of this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0087] The maintenance device 10 of this embodiment is a maintenance device for a bulk feeder 20 that supplies parts B1 to a parts mounting device 2, and includes a holding part 70 that holds a parts storage cassette 24, which stores parts B1 and allows parts B1 to be replenished to the bulk feeder 20 through the opening 30 in a first position with the opening 30 facing downwards, in a second position with the opening 30 facing upwards.

[0088] Furthermore, the maintenance method of this embodiment is a maintenance method for a bulk feeder 20 that supplies parts B1 to a parts mounting device 2, wherein a parts storage cassette 24 that stores parts B1 and can replenish parts B1 to the bulk feeder 20 through the opening 30 in a first position with the opening 30 facing downwards is held in a holding part 70 that holds the cassette in a second position with the opening 30 facing upwards.

[0089] This configuration / method improves the ease of maintenance of the bulk feeder 20.

[0090] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment includes a reversal mechanism 82 that reverses the holding part 70 from a first position in which the parts storage cassette 24 is held in a first orientation to a second position in which the parts storage cassette 24 is held in a second orientation.

[0091] This configuration improves the efficiency of reversing the bulk feeder 20.

[0092] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment includes a reversal detection means 84 that detects when the holding part 70 has been reversed to a second position, and a control unit 90 that receives a signal from the reversal detection means 84 and determines that the holding part 70 is in the second position based on the detection result by the reversal detection means 84.

[0093] With this configuration, the maintenance device 10 can detect and determine if the bulk feeder 20 has reversed.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maintenance device 10 includes a bulk feeder 20 equipped with a first locking mechanism 40 for locking the parts storage cassette 24, and the control unit 90, when it determines that the holding unit 70 is in the second position, transmits a signal to the bulk feeder 20 that enables the lock by the first locking mechanism 40 to be released.

[0095] With this configuration, the first locking mechanism 40 is not released when the device is not in the second position, thus preventing the leakage of component B1 when the component storage cassette 24 is removed.

[0096] Furthermore, the holding section 70 of the maintenance device 10 in this embodiment integrally holds the bulk feeder 20 and the parts storage cassette 24.

[0097] This configuration improves the ease of attaching the bulk feeder 20 to the maintenance device 10.

[0098] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment has a drive means 86 for driving the reversing mechanism 82.

[0099] With this configuration, the bulk feeder 20 can be automatically reversed.

[0100] Furthermore, the reversing mechanism 82 of the maintenance device 10 in this embodiment reverses the bulk feeder 20 around its longitudinal axis.

[0101] This configuration allows for a reduction in the space required for inversion.

[0102] [Effect 2] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 / maintenance method according to the embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0103] The maintenance device 10 of this embodiment is a maintenance device for a bulk feeder 20 that supplies parts B1 to a parts mounting device 2, and includes a jig 104 that is inserted into a parts transport path 58 that transports parts B1 in the bulk feeder 20, and pushes out and removes any parts B1 remaining in the parts transport path 58.

[0104] Furthermore, the maintenance method of this embodiment is a maintenance method for a bulk feeder 20 that supplies parts B1 to a parts mounting device 2, and involves using a jig 104 inserted into the parts transport path 58 that transports parts B1 in the bulk feeder 20 to push out and remove any parts B1 remaining in the parts transport path 58 and clean it.

[0105] This configuration / method improves the ease of maintenance of the bulk feeder 20.

[0106] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment is further equipped with a jig sensor 108 that detects when the jig 104 has reached a predetermined position.

[0107] With this configuration, the jig sensor 108 can detect when the jig 104 has passed through the parts transport path 58, and can detect that there are no remaining parts in the parts transport path 58.

[0108] Furthermore, the jig sensor 108 of the maintenance device 10 in this embodiment is provided at a parts replenishment position P1 in the parts transport path 58 for replenishing parts to the bulk feeder 20.

[0109] With this configuration, by advancing the jig 104 in the opposite direction to the part transport direction, it is easier to remove parts B1 that are stuck in the part transport path 58.

[0110] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment further comprises a control unit 90, the control unit 90 comprising a recording unit that records the detection results from the jig sensor 108.

[0111] With this configuration, it is possible to record that the parts transport path 58 has been cleaned.

[0112] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment further includes an automatic insertion mechanism 106 that inserts the jig 104 into the parts transport path 58 and moves it forward.

[0113] With this configuration, the parts transport path 58 can be cleaned automatically.

[0114] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment further comprises a control unit 90 and an overload detection means 110 that detects an overload such that the force applied to inserting the jig 104 by the automatic insertion mechanism 106 exceeds a certain magnitude. Based on the detection result from the overload detection means 110, the control unit 90 stops the automatic insertion mechanism 106 or advances the jig 104.

[0115] With this configuration, it is possible to detect when the force applied during insertion becomes excessive.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 90 of the maintenance device 10 in this embodiment determines the number of overload detections, and if the number of detections is less than a predetermined number, the automatic insertion mechanism 106 retracts the jig 104 and then advances the jig 104 again.

[0117] With this configuration, the insertion of the jig 104 can be retried.

[0118] Furthermore, the control unit 90 of the maintenance device 10 in this embodiment determines the number of detections, and if the number of detections is equal to or greater than a specified number, it stops the insertion of the jig 104 by the automatic insertion mechanism 106.

[0119] With this configuration, if the jig 104 cannot be inserted even after repeated retries, the insertion of the jig 104 can be automatically stopped.

[0120] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment further includes a holding unit 70 that holds the bulk feeder 20 in an inverted position.

[0121] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent parts B1 removed from the parts transport path 58 from entering the bulk feeder 20.

[0122] Furthermore, the maintenance device 10 of this embodiment is located below the bulk feeder 20 and includes a recovery container 88 for collecting the parts B1 discharged from the parts transport path 58.

[0123] With this configuration, the recovery container 88 can efficiently recover the parts B1 discharged from the parts transport path 58.

[0124] Furthermore, the component mounting apparatus 1 includes a maintenance apparatus 10 and a component mounting apparatus 2 that picks up the component B1 supplied by the bulk feeder 20 and mounts it onto the substrate.

[0125] This configuration improves the ease of maintenance of the bulk feeder 20.

[0126] (Summary of the embodiment) The maintenance device in the first embodiment is a maintenance device for a bulk feeder that supplies parts to a parts mounting device, and includes a holding part that holds a parts storage cassette, which stores parts and can replenish the bulk feeder with parts through the opening in a first position with the opening facing downwards, in a second position with the opening facing upwards.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the maintenance device is provided with a reversal mechanism that, in the maintenance device of the first embodiment, reverses the holding part from a first position in which the parts storage cassette is held in a first orientation to a second position in which the parts storage cassette is held in a second orientation.

[0128] A maintenance device in a third embodiment includes, in the maintenance device in the second embodiment, inversion detection means for detecting that the holding part has been inverted to a second position, and a control unit that receives a signal from the inversion detection means and determines that the holding part is in the second position based on the detection result by the inversion detection means.

[0129] In a fourth aspect of the maintenance device, in the third aspect of the maintenance device, the bulk feeder is equipped with a first locking mechanism for locking a parts storage cassette, and the control unit, when it determines that the holding part is in a second position, transmits a signal to the bulk feeder that enables the lock by the first locking mechanism to be released.

[0130] In the fifth embodiment, as a maintenance device, in the maintenance device according to any of the first to fourth embodiments, the holding unit integrally holds the bulk feeder and the parts storage cassette.

[0131] As a maintenance device in the sixth embodiment, the maintenance device in any of the second to fifth embodiments has a drive means for driving the reversing mechanism.

[0132] As a maintenance device in the seventh embodiment, the bulk feeder is reversed around the longitudinal axis of the bulk feeder in the maintenance device in any of the second to sixth embodiments.

[0133] The eighth aspect of the maintenance method is a maintenance method for a bulk feeder that supplies parts to a parts mounting device, wherein a parts storage cassette capable of storing parts and supplying parts to the bulk feeder through its opening in a first position with the opening facing downwards is held in a holding unit that holds the cassette in a second position with the opening facing upwards.

[0134] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0135] This disclosure is useful as a maintenance device / method for bulk feeders that supply parts. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1. Component mounting equipment 2. Component mounting device 4 carts 10 Maintenance equipment 11. Enclosure 20 Bulk Feeders 22 Main body 24 Parts Storage Cassette 26 Attachments 30 openings P1 Parts replenishment location 34. Parts transport tube 34A First component transport tube 34B Second component transport tube 35 Convex part P2 Component supply location 37 hooks 38 First Connector 39 Bottom 40. First locking mechanism 42 Second locking mechanism 50 Tip member 54 Parts transport groove 56 Lid 58 Parts transport path 70 Holding part 72 Rail components 74 Support Member 76 Second connector 78 Joint section 79 Handle 82 Reversal Mechanism 84 Inversion detection means 86 Driving means 88 Collection containers 90 Control Unit 92 Display section 94 Memory section 100 Cleaning Department 102 Stay 104 Jig 106 Automatic insertion mechanism 108 Jig Sensor 109 Jig Guide 110 Overload detection means 112 First obstacle point 114 Second obstacle point 116 Taper 118 steps B1 Parts Ax1, Ax2 rotation axes C2, C4, C6 contacts

Claims

1. A maintenance device for a bulk feeder that supplies parts to a parts mounting device, The device includes a component storage cassette that stores components and allows the components to be replenished into the bulk feeder through the opening in a first position with the opening facing downwards, and a holding part that holds the cassette in a second position with the opening facing upwards. Maintenance equipment.

2. The device includes a reversal mechanism that reverses the holding portion from a first position in which the parts storage cassette is held in the first orientation to a second position in which the parts storage cassette is held in the second orientation. The maintenance device according to claim 1.

3. A reversal detection means for detecting that the holding portion has been reversed to the second position, The system includes a control unit that receives a signal from the inversion detection means and determines that the holding unit is in the second position based on the detection result from the inversion detection means. The maintenance device according to claim 2.

4. The bulk feeder is equipped with a first locking mechanism for locking the parts storage cassette, When the control unit determines that the holding portion is in the second position, it transmits a signal to the bulk feeder that enables the lock by the first locking mechanism to be released. The maintenance device according to claim 3.

5. The holding portion integrally holds the bulk feeder and the parts storage cassette. The maintenance device according to claim 1.

6. Having a driving means for driving the reversal mechanism, The maintenance device according to claim 2.

7. The reversing mechanism reverses the bulk feeder around its longitudinal axis. The maintenance device according to claim 2.

8. A maintenance method for a bulk feeder that supplies parts to a parts mounting device, A parts storage cassette, capable of storing parts and supplying them to the bulk feeder through the opening in a first position with the opening facing downwards, is held in a holding unit that holds it in a second position with the opening facing upwards. Maintenance instructions.

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