Feeder control device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a feeder control device that can improve the efficiency of parts supply operations and maintain productivity. [Solution] The feeder control device includes an amplitude acquisition unit that acquires the maximum amplitude of vibration that the vibration exciter can apply to the track member in a predetermined reference state in which the bulk feeder is set on the parts mounting machine, and a mode setting unit that sets the operating mode in which the bulk feeder supplies parts to a normal mode in which vibration is applied to the track member for a predetermined time when the maximum amplitude is greater than a preset first threshold, and to a low amplitude mode in which low amplitude vibration is applied to the track member for a longer time than the predetermined time in the normal mode when the maximum amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than a second threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder control device.

Background Art

[0002] The feeder control device is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components. As shown in Patent Document 1, the bulk feeder is provided with a component case that houses a large number of components in a bulk state, and conveys the components discharged from the component case to a predetermined supply area, thereby enabling the component mounting machine to collect the components for supply.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For the component supply operation of the bulk feeder, a vibration device that applies a predetermined vibration to a track member forming a component conveyance path may be employed. For such a bulk feeder, it is required to improve the efficiency of the component supply operation and control the vibration device according to various vibration environments.

[0005] This specification aims to provide a feeder control device capable of improving the efficiency of the component supply operation and maintaining productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification applies to a bulk feeder that is set in a parts mounting machine and supplies parts, wherein the bulk feeder is equipped with a vibration exciter that applies vibration to a track member that forms a transport path for the parts, and the feeder control device is provided, comprising: an amplitude acquisition unit that acquires the maximum amplitude of vibration that the vibration exciter can apply to the track member in a predetermined reference state in which the bulk feeder is set in the parts mounting machine; and a mode setting unit that, for the operating mode in which the bulk feeder supplies the parts, sets the system to a normal mode in which vibration is applied to the track member for a predetermined time when the maximum amplitude is greater than a preset first threshold, and sets the system to a low amplitude mode in which low amplitude vibration is applied to the track member for a longer period than the predetermined time when the maximum amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than a second threshold, compared to the normal mode.

[0007] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-4" to "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-5" in claim 6 of the original application, the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-4" to "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-6" in claim 7 of the original application, the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-4" to "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-7" in claim 8 of the original application, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-4" to "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-9" in claim 10 of the original application. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the above configuration, the operating mode of the bulk feeder set in the parts mounting machine can be set according to the current vibration environment, thereby improving the efficiency of parts supply operations and preventing production interruptions, thus maintaining productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the bulk feeder. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view showing the main components and parts case of the bulk feeder. [Figure 3] This is a plan view from direction III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] A bulk feeder cylinder to which a feeder control device has been applied. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the parts supply process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the preparation process. [Figure 7] This graph shows the relationship between the drive frequency at a given drive voltage and the amplitude of vibration of the component. [Figure 8] This graph shows the relationship between the drive frequency and the amplitude of vibration of the constituent components for several different drive voltages. [Figure 9] This is a first vibration model that shows the relationship between a given drive voltage and resonant frequency. [Figure 10] This is a second vibration model that shows the relationship between the maximum amplitude and a predetermined drive voltage. [Figure 11] This graph shows the relationship between the drive voltage, which fluctuates according to the vibration environment, and the maximum amplitude. [Figure 12] This table shows an example of configuration data. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the process for determining whether or not resupply processing is necessary. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 1. Overview of the feeder control device 60 The feeder control device 60 is applied to a bulk feeder 20 that is set in the component mounting machine 10 and supplies components. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the feeder control device 60 is incorporated into the bulk feeder 20 and controls various operations performed by the bulk feeder 20. The component mounting machine 10 performs the mounting process of mounting components onto a substrate as a predetermined substrate-to-substrate operation. Multiple substrate-to-substrate operation machines are installed, for example, in the direction of substrate transport to constitute a production line.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 4, the production system 1 is composed of the above production line, host computer 2, and a parts warehouse (not shown). The host computer 2 controls the production line in an overall manner. Each of the plurality of substrate processing machines is communicably connected to the host computer 2. The production line includes a solder printer as a plurality of substrate processing machines, a plurality of component mounting machines 10, a reflow furnace, and an inspection machine.

[0012] In this embodiment, a plurality of production lines may be configured in the production facility for substrate products. Note that each of the plurality of production lines can be appropriately added to or modified in its configuration according to, for example, the type of substrate product to be produced. Specifically, buffer devices for temporarily holding the substrates to be conveyed, substrate supply devices, substrate inversion devices, various inspection devices, shield mounting devices, adhesive coating devices, ultraviolet irradiation devices, and other substrate processing machines can be appropriately installed in the plurality of production lines.

[0013] 2. Configuration of the bulk feeder 20 As shown in FIG. 1, the bulk feeder 20 is installed in the component mounting machine 10 and functions as a part of the component supply device. The bulk feeder 20 supplies components stored in a bulk state (a scattered state where each posture is irregular) that are not aligned like a carrier tape. Therefore, unlike the tape feeder, the bulk feeder 20 does not use a carrier tape, which has the advantage of omitting the loading of the carrier tape and the recovery of the used tape.

[0014] The bulk feeder 20 includes, for example, a type that supplies components in an irregular posture to a planar supply area. However, if the components are so close to each other in the supply area that they contact each other, or are stacked (in a state of overlapping vertically), or are in a standing posture where the width direction of the component is in the vertical direction, the component mounting machine 10 cannot target these components for picking. Therefore, in order to increase the proportion of pickable components, there is a type of bulk feeder 20 that supplies components in an aligned state in the supply area. In the present embodiment, a type of bulk feeder 20 that aligns components will be exemplified and described.

[0015] 2-1. Feeder main body 21, bracket 22, support base 23 As shown in FIG. 2, the bulk feeder 20 includes a feeder main body 21. The feeder main body 21 is formed in a flat box shape. Connectors 211 and two pins 212 are provided at the front part (the right end in FIG. 2) of the feeder main body 21. When the feeder main body 21 is set in the slot 121 of the component supply device 12, it is powered through the connector 211 and is in a state of being able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 10. The two pins 212 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot and are used for positioning when the feeder main body 21 is set in the slot 121.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the bulk feeder 20 includes a bracket 22. The bracket 22 is provided so as to be vibratable with respect to the feeder main body 21. The bracket 22 is formed in a block shape extending in the front-rear direction of the feeder main body 21 and supports the rail member 41 of the conveying unit 30 attached to the upper surface. The bracket 22 is given a predetermined vibration from the conveying vibration device 50. The rail member 41 supported by the bracket 22 is fixed by a locking member (not shown).

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the bulk feeder 20 includes a support base 23. The support base 23 is vibrably mounted relative to the feeder body 21 and supports the parts case 35 via the case holder 31 of the transport unit 30. The support base 23 is formed in a block shape that extends in the front-rear direction of the feeder body 21 and supports the case holder 31 which is attached to its upper surface. The support base 23 is subjected to a predetermined vibration by a discharge vibration device 56. In this embodiment, the case holder 31 supported by the support base 23 is fixed by a locking member (not shown).

[0018] 2-2. Transport Unit 30 As shown in Figure 2, the bulk feeder 20 includes a transport unit 30. The transport unit 30 is detachably attached to the feeder body 21. In this embodiment, the transport unit 30 supports the set parts case 35. The transport unit 30 is a unit for transporting parts from a receiving area (receiving section 311) that receives parts discharged from the parts case 35 to a supply area As.

[0019] After being used for a predetermined loading process, the bulk feeder 20 undergoes a maintenance operation in which all parts inside the feeder are removed in preparation for the next use. The transport unit 30 is designed to accommodate such a removal operation and is modularized so that the part that functions as a flow path for the parts can be removed from the feeder body 21 in order to improve workability. In this embodiment, the transport unit 30 comprises a case holder 31, a track unit 32, and a connecting member 33.

[0020] 2-2-1. Case holder 31 The case holder 31 is vibrably mounted relative to the feeder body 21. The case holder 31 is attached to the feeder body 21 via a support base 23. As a result, the case holder 31 is vibrated by the discharge vibration device 56 via the support base 23. The case holder 31 supports the set parts case 35. The case holder 31 has a receiving portion 311 for receiving parts discharged from the parts case 35. In this embodiment, the part receiving portion of the case holder 31 has an inclined surface that is tilted forward with respect to the horizontal plane. The case holder 31 forms a flow path for parts that extends upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0021] The parts case 35 is an external device that houses multiple parts in bulk. The parts case 35 is detachably (replaceable) set in the case holder 31 of the transport unit 30 of the bulk feeder 20. The parts case 35 is formed in a flat, box-like shape, similar to the feeder body 21. The parts case 35 is set in the case holder 31 and is in a state where parts can be discharged from the discharge port 351 formed at the bottom.

[0022] 2-2-2. Orbital Unit 32 The track unit 32 includes a track member 41 that is detachably attached to the feeder body 21. The track member 41 is attached to the feeder body 21 via a bracket 22. As a result, the track member 41 is subjected to vibration by the transport vibration device 50 via the bracket 22. The track member 41 forms a transport path R through which multiple parts are transported, and a supply area As that communicates with the transport path R and opens upward so that multiple parts can be picked up. Here, the "supply area As" is an area where parts are supplied in bulk and can be picked up by the parts mounting machine 10. The "transport path R" is a path through which parts that have flowed from the case holder 31 side along the track member 41 are transported to the supply area As.

[0023] The track member 41 is formed so as to extend in the front-to-back direction (left-to-right direction in Figure 2) of the feeder body 21. In this embodiment, an alignment member 42 is interchangeably attached to the track member 41. This alignment member 42 is, for example, one or more plate-shaped members. Thus, the track unit 32 is unitized by attaching one of several types of alignment members 42, selected according to the shape of several types of parts, to a common track member 41.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the alignment member 42 constitutes a plurality of cavities 45 arranged in a predetermined pattern (staggered in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of cavities 45 is rectangular in shape, slightly larger than the outer shape of the parts supplied by the bulk feeder 20. In this way, the bulk feeder 20 has a plurality of cavities 45 capable of accommodating parts in a supply area As where parts are supplied in a collectible manner, with the thickness direction of the parts being in the vertical direction. A pair of side walls 46 projecting upward are formed on both edges of the track unit 32 in the width direction (vertical direction in Figure 3). The pair of side walls 46, together with the tip 47 of the track unit 32, surround the periphery of the transport path R, preventing leakage of parts being transported along the transport path R.

[0025] The track unit 32 has a shutter 48 provided on the front end side of the track member 41. The shutter 48 is provided on the track member 41 so as to be openable and closable, and in the closed state closes the opening of the supply area As. When the track unit 32 is attached to the feeder body 21, the shutter 48 is connected to a shutter drive device 27. The opening and closing operation of the shutter 48 is controlled by the shutter drive device 27. The bulk feeder 20 can prevent parts from flying out and foreign matter from entering the supply area As by opening and closing the shutter 48.

[0026] 2-2-3. Connecting member 33 The connecting member 33 connects the case holder 31 and the track unit 32, allowing multiple components to flow through it. The connecting member 33 is tubular in shape, allowing multiple components to flow through its interior. The connecting member 33 is flexible and absorbs vibrations by deforming in response to vibrations of the case holder 31 and the track unit 32. As a result, the connecting member 33 reduces or blocks vibrations transmitted between the case holder 31 and the track unit 32, which vibrate independently of each other.

[0027] 2-3. Air supply device 26 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with an air supply device 26 that supplies positive-pressure air to the transport unit 30. When the transport unit 30 is attached to the feeder body 21, it is supplied with positive-pressure air by the air supply device 26, and multiple parts are transported from the case holder 31 to the track unit 32 via the connecting member 33. In this embodiment, the air supply device 26 supplies or shuts off positive-pressure air supplied from the outside from below the case holder 31 based on a command from the feeder control device 60, which will be described later.

[0028] 2-4. Shutter drive device 27 The shutter drive device 27 is a drive device that opens and closes the shutter 48 when the track unit 32 is attached to the feeder body 21. The shutter drive device 27 switches the closed state and the open state of the shutter 48 based on a command from the feeder control device 60. The closed state of the shutter 48 is when the shutter 48 is in contact with the track member 41 and the opening of the supply area As is completely closed. The open state of the shutter 48 is when the opening of the supply area As is not closed and the main area of ​​the supply area As (the area in which multiple cavities 45 are provided in this embodiment) is exposed.

[0029] 2-5. Vibration device for transport 50 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with a transport vibration device 50 provided on the feeder body 21. The transport vibration device 50 is a vibration device that transports parts on the transport path R by applying vibration to the track members 41. In this embodiment, the transport vibration device 50 applies vibration to the bracket 22 to which the track members 41 are integrally fixed, thereby applying vibration to the track members 41 that form the transport path R.

[0030] In detail, the transport vibration device 50 includes a plurality of support members 51, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 52, and a power supply device 53. The plurality of support members 51 directly or indirectly connect the feeder body 21 and the bracket 22 to support the bracket 22. In this embodiment, the plurality of support members 51 include forward support members 51A used for forward transport of parts and backward support members 51B used for rearward transport. The forward support members 51A and the backward support members 51B each have different inclination directions with respect to the vertical.

[0031] The multiple piezoelectric elements 52 are vibrators that vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the power supplied by the power supply device 53. The multiple piezoelectric elements 52 are attached to each of the multiple support members 51. When at least some of the multiple piezoelectric elements 52 vibrate, vibration is applied to the track member 41 via the bracket 22. In addition, the amplitude of the track member 41 fluctuates according to the voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements 52.

[0032] The vibration sensor 55 is installed in the transport vibration exciter 50 and detects vibration values ​​that indicate the vibration state of the vibrating track member 41. The vibration values ​​that indicate the vibration state can include amplitude, frequency, decay time, vibration trajectory (the movement trajectory of a specific part associated with the vibration), etc. In this embodiment, the vibration sensor 55 detects the actual amplitude of vibration of the track member 41 when the piezoelectric element 52 is powered and vibrates.

[0033] Furthermore, the vibration sensors 55 are provided on each of the multiple support members 51 that support the bracket 22, which vibrates integrally with the track member 41. More specifically, the piezoelectric element 52 and the vibration sensors 55 are provided on the forward support member 51A and the reverse support member 51B, respectively. The forward vibration sensor 55A, provided on the forward support member 51A, detects the actual amplitude as a vibration value when the piezoelectric element 52 provided on the forward support member 51A is powered and vibration is applied to the track member 41 via the bracket 22.

[0034] Furthermore, the retraction vibration sensor 55B, provided on the retraction support member 51B, detects the actual amplitude as a vibration value when the piezoelectric element 52 provided on the retraction support member 51B is powered and vibration is applied to the track member 41 via the bracket 22. When the transport vibration device 50 applies vibration to the track member 41, the track member 41 moves in an elliptical motion when viewed from the side. As a result, multiple parts on the transport path R are subjected to an external force either forward and upward, or backward and upward, depending on the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 41. As a result, multiple parts are transported to the front side or to the rear side of the track member 41.

[0035] The power supply device 53 varies the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to the piezoelectric element 52 based on commands from the feeder control device 60, which will be described later. This adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations applied to the track member 41, and determines the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 41. When the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations of the track member 41, and the rotational direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibrations, change, the transport speed of the transported parts, the degree of dispersion of the parts, and the transport direction also change.

[0036] Therefore, in order to improve transport efficiency, the transport vibration device 50 pre-sets power supply (drive voltage, drive frequency) to correspond to the vibration characteristics of individual units. For example, the bulk feeder 20 performs a preparatory process to set the initial drive voltage and drive frequency when the track member 41 to be used in the planned supply operation is attached, that is, when the track member 41 is locked to the bracket 22 by the locking device. Details of the above preparatory process will be described later.

[0037] 2-6. Discharge vibration device 56 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with a discharge vibration device 56 provided on the feeder body 21. The discharge vibration device 56 is a vibration device that discharges parts from the parts case 35 by applying vibration to the case holder 31 that supports the parts case 35. In this embodiment, the discharge vibration device 56 applies vibration to the support base 23 to which the case holder 31 is integrally fixed, thereby applying vibration to the parts case 35 via the case holder 31.

[0038] The discharge vibration device 56 has an oscillator that applies vibration to the case holder 31 in accordance with the supplied power. The discharge vibration device 56 may employ a configuration in which a solenoid 57, which is excited by the power supply, is used as the oscillator. The solenoid 57 is excited only during the period when it is supplied with power by the power supply device 58, thereby generating a magnetic field. As a result, the part to be vibrated (not shown) provided on the support base 23 is attracted to the solenoid 57 and moves from its initial position.

[0039] Furthermore, when the power supply to the solenoid 57 by the power supply device 58 is interrupted, the magnetic force disappears, and the support base 23 moves back to its initial position. In this configuration, the discharge vibration device 56 vibrates the support base 23, the case holder 31, and the component case 35 by supplying pulsed power to the solenoid 57 via the power supply device 58, causing them to reciprocate horizontally.

[0040] 2-7. Feeder control device 60 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with a feeder control device 60. The feeder control device 60 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. When the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot 121 of the component mounting machine 10, the feeder control device 60 is powered via the connector 211 and becomes capable of communicating with the control device of the component mounting machine 10. As shown in Figure 4, the feeder control device 60 includes a storage unit 61, a transport control unit 62, and a replenishment control unit 67.

[0041] The memory unit 61 of the feeder control device 60 stores various data such as programs and transport parameters used to control the parts supply process. In this embodiment, the memory unit 61 stores the first vibration model Nv1 and the second vibration model Nv2. The transport control unit 62 controls the operation of the air supply device 26, the transport vibration device 50, the discharge vibration device 56, etc. The above-mentioned "transport parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the transport vibration device 50 so that the vibration applied to the track unit 32 is appropriate when transporting parts in the parts supply process, and are set in advance, for example, associated with each type of part. The replenishment control unit 67 controls the replenishment operation of parts 36 to the track member 41. The detailed configuration of the feeder control device 60 will be described later.

[0042] In the bulk feeder 20 having the above configuration, the transport unit 30 and the transport vibration device 50 constitute a transport device that supports the parts 36 supplied by the replenishment operation and transports the parts 36 between the transport path R, which communicates with the supply area As, and the supply area As. As a transport device, in addition to the vibration method that applies vibration to the track member 41, an air transport method that blows positive pressure air upward from the top surface of the transport path R or the supply area As, or forward and backward from the side, may be adopted. The transport control unit 62 executes transport processing according to the type of transport device applied to the bulk feeder 20.

[0043] 3. Parts supply processing of bulk feeder 20 The parts supply process using the bulk feeder 20, which has the configuration described above, will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The feeder control device 60 first performs preparation processing (S10). Preparation processing includes initialization processing, which is performed for the first time after power is supplied to the bulk feeder 20, calibration processing of the transport vibration device 50, and processing to set the initial drive voltage and drive frequency. Details of the preparation processing will be described later.

[0044] Next, the supply control unit 67 performs a supply process for parts to the transport path R formed on the track member 41, based on, for example, an external supply command or the result of a determination of whether or not a supply process is necessary (S20). This "supply process" is the process of supplying parts discharged from the parts case 35 to the components that support the parts (case holder 31, track member 41). In detail, in the supply process (S20), the supply control unit 67 performs a discharge operation of parts from the parts case 35 (S21).

[0045] The supply control unit 67 controls the operation of the discharge vibration device 56 so that vibration is applied to the part case 35 via the case holder 31 and support base 23. When the part case 35 vibrates, parts are discharged from the discharge port 351. The discharged parts fall onto the inclined section of the case holder 31 located below the discharge port 351 and slide forward along the inclined surface of the inclined section. As a result, the parts accumulate in the receiving section 311 in front of the inclined section.

[0046] In this state, the supply control unit 67 performs a blow-up operation for the parts (S22). Specifically, the supply control unit 67 commands the air supply device 26 to supply positive-pressure air. The positive-pressure air supplied by the air supply device 26 blows up the multiple parts that had been accumulating and flows through the passage formed in the case holder 31 together with the parts. As a result, the positive-pressure air and the multiple parts flow from the case holder 31 through the connecting member 33 to the track unit 32 and reach the transport path R of the track unit 32. Here, the positive-pressure air is exhausted to the outside through an exhaust port formed in the cover of the track unit 32.

[0047] After the parts supply process to the transport path R as described above, the feeder control device 60 determines whether or not there is an external supply command (S31). If there is no supply command (S31: No), the transport control unit 62 suspends the execution of the parts transport process. This maintains the current parts supply status in the supply area As and puts it in a state of waiting for a supply command.

[0048] When a supply command is received (S31: Yes), the transport control unit 62 executes the transport process for the parts (S32). In the transport process for the parts, the transport vibration device 50 performs transport operations (movements that move the parts forward and backward) to transport the parts on the transport path R. Specifically, the transport control unit 62 causes the transport vibration device 50 to apply vibration to the track member 41 via the bracket 22. As a result, multiple parts are transported forward towards the supply area As. The transport control unit 62 also applies vibrations to the track member 41 to move the parts forward or backward depending on the amount of parts to be supplied in the supply area As.

[0049] Some of the multiple parts transported to the supply area As are placed in the cavity 45. Parts not placed in the cavity 45 are retracted into the transport path R by vibrations applied by the transport vibration device 50 and removed from the supply area As. When the shutter 48 is opened, the parts placed in the multiple cavities 45 become ready for pickup by the parts mounting machine 10. The opening and closing operation of the shutter 48 is performed based on an external command.

[0050] Next, the feeder control device 60 performs an adjustment process (S33) to set and adjust the frequency of vibration to be applied to the track member 41 in subsequent parts transport processes. This adjustment process (S33) adjusts the drive voltage as needed based on the actual amplitude of the track member 41 detected by the vibration sensor 55 as a result of the parts transport process (S32), and further adjusts the drive frequency according to the adjusted drive voltage. Details of the adjustment process will be described later.

[0051] The feeder control device 60 determines whether a parts replenishment process (S20) is necessary (S34) after the parts transport process (S32) and adjustment process (S33). The necessity of the replenishment process is determined, for example, by the presence or absence of an external command from the control device of the parts mounting machine 10, or based on the remaining amount (including estimated value) of parts supported by the track members 41. Details of the determination of whether a replenishment process is necessary will be described later. If a parts replenishment process is necessary (S34: Yes), the parts replenishment process is executed again (S20), and parts are replenished on the transport path R. On the other hand, if a parts replenishment process is not necessary (S34: No), the parts replenishment process is omitted, and the system enters a state of waiting for a supply command (S31).

[0052] 4. Detailed configuration of the feeder control device 60 In the parts supply process using the bulk feeder 20, it is necessary to stabilize the transport of parts and improve the efficiency of the supply operation. To this end, appropriate control of the vibration device (transport vibration device 50, discharge vibration device 56) and the air supply device 26 is required. More specifically, in a configuration such as that of this embodiment, in which vibrators (piezoelectric elements 52, solenoids 57) apply vibration to the components (track members 41, case holders 31) according to the supplied power, it is preferable that the voltage (drive voltage) and frequency (drive frequency) of the power supplied to the vibration device are appropriately set.

[0053] For example, the drive voltage contributes to the amplitude of vibration, and in principle, the higher the setting, the larger the amplitude of vibration of the track member 41. Here, the vibrating body including the track member 41 has a predetermined natural frequency. The above-mentioned "vibrating body" is an assembly of members that vibrate integrally with the track member 41 due to excitation by the transport vibration device 50. In this embodiment, the vibrating body excited by the transport vibration device 50 consists of the track member 41, the bracket 22, a locking device connecting them, and a cover attached to the track member 41.

[0054] The vibrating body, including the track member 41, is assembled in contact with other members such as the connecting member 33 within the bulk feeder 20, and also supports multiple parts being transported. Therefore, the vibrating body is subjected to reaction forces from other members and multiple parts during vibration, and the reaction forces also fluctuate depending on the number of parts it supports, resulting in a vibration environment. In such a vibration environment, the vibrating body resonates when it is subjected to vibrations at a frequency corresponding to its own natural frequency. The frequency at which the vibrating body resonates in accordance with this vibration environment will be referred to as the "resonance frequency" below.

[0055] The vibrating body, including the track member 41, resonates when vibration is applied by a transport vibration exciter 50 supplied with power whose drive frequency is the resonant frequency, and vibrates stably with an expected amplitude corresponding to the drive voltage. In other words, if the drive frequency deviates from the resonant frequency, it may become impossible to obtain the expected amplitude for the drive voltage, or the vibration may become unstable, such as the amplitude periodically increasing or decreasing. If the vibration becomes unstable, the distance traveled by the component per unit time may decrease, or the component may be subjected to shock due to the amplitude suddenly increasing.

[0056] Therefore, in preparation processing (S10), the initial drive voltage and drive frequency are set so that the power supplied to the conveying vibration device 50 during the parts supply process is appropriate. Furthermore, since the resonant frequency may fluctuate with changes in the vibration environment, adjustment processing of the drive voltage and drive frequency (S33) during production is necessary to maintain good parts supply processing. However, depending on the vibration environment of the bulk feeder 20, even if the maximum voltage that the power supply device 53 can apply is set as the drive voltage and the resonant frequency is set as the drive frequency, the expected amplitude may not be obtained.

[0057] This is thought to be because the vibration environment of the bulk feeder 20 can fluctuate depending on factors such as how well the bulk feeder 20 is fixed to the slot 121, how well the parts supply device 12 on which the slot 121 is formed is fixed to the base of the parts mounting machine 10, and the maintenance status of the transport unit 30. In such cases, for example, reviewing how well the bulk feeder 20 is fixed to the slot 121 or performing maintenance on the transport unit 30 would be effective, but even if time is spent on these tasks, improvement is not guaranteed, and there is a concern that the start of production may be delayed.

[0058] Therefore, the feeder control device 60 of this embodiment employs a configuration that enables production to be started or continued even if the maximum amplitude of the current vibration environment of the bulk feeder 20 is less than a predetermined value, by providing an operating mode corresponding to such a vibration environment. Specifically, it comprises an amplitude acquisition unit 65 and a mode setting unit 68. Furthermore, the feeder control device 60 may further include a replenishment control unit 67 that controls the replenishment operation of the parts 36 according to the operating mode in which the bulk feeder 20 supplies parts.

[0059] 4-1. Preparation Process In the preparation process (S10), the feeder control device 60 performs a calibration process as shown in Figure 6, and in the calibration process, it performs an operation mode setting process (S40). Based on the detection results from the vibration sensor 55, the feeder control device 60 identifies the resonant frequency of the vibrating body including the track member 41. Specifically, the feeder control device 60 searches for the resonant frequency of the vibrating body when a predetermined drive voltage is applied (S11).

[0060] Here, the curve LSF in Figure 7 shows the relationship between the drive frequency when the power supply device 53 applies a predetermined drive voltage to the piezoelectric element 52 for forward movement, with the vibrating body in a reference state as the target of excitation, and the actual amplitude of vibration of the track member 41. As shown in the curve LSF, at a predetermined resonant frequency Fr (FrSF), the vibration of the track member 41 reaches its maximum amplitude Tm (TmSF). In this embodiment, the "reference state" when the vibrating body to be excited includes the track member 41 is the state in which parts have been removed from the track member 41.

[0061] In this embodiment, the feeder control device 60 first applies vibrations of multiple different frequencies to the track member 41. The drive voltage at this time is the drive voltage intended to be used in the component supply process, and is set to, for example, the maximum voltage that the power supply device 53 can apply. The multiple frequencies mentioned above may be frequencies obtained by dividing a predetermined frequency band into a predetermined number of equal parts, or they may be frequencies obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined number of values ​​from the design frequency. In this embodiment, the frequency is set so that many samples (points on the curve LSF) are taken near the peak of the amplitude, based on the amplitude detected by the vibration sensor 55.

[0062] The feeder control device 60 acquires the amplitude of the track member 41 to which vibrations of each frequency are applied, and acquires the frequency at which vibration occurs with the maximum amplitude Tm (TmSF) as the resonant frequency Fr (FrSF) (S12). Subsequently, the feeder control device 60 determines whether it has acquired the resonant frequency Fr for each of the planned multiple types of drive voltages Ed (S13). Here, the "multiple types of drive voltages Ed" include, for example, the maximum voltage (initial value) that the power supply device 53 can apply, and is set to voltages that are reduced by a predetermined percentage (for example, 5%) from that maximum voltage, and preferably there are three or more types (100%, 95%, 90%, ...).

[0063] If the feeder control device 60 has not yet completed acquiring the resonant frequency Fr for each set drive voltage Ed (S13: No), it performs a process to search for the resonant frequency of the vibrating body when a different drive voltage Ed is applied (S11), and a process to acquire the resonant frequency (S12). The feeder control device 60 performs the above processes (S11, S12) while varying the drive voltage Ed until the acquisition of the resonant frequency Fr for each set drive voltage Ed is completed (S13: Yes).

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, the feeder control device 60 supplies power to the oscillator (piezoelectric element 52) ​​with a predetermined drive voltage Ed(EdS, Ed1, Ed2, ...) for forward movement and obtains the frequency at which the amplitude of vibration of the constituent member (track member 41) is maximum as the resonance frequency Fr(FrSF, FrSF1, FrSF2, ...) for each of several types of drive voltages Ed(EdS, Ed1, Ed2, ...). As shown in the characteristic curve LCf in Figure 8, the resonance frequency Fr increases as the drive voltage Ed decreases, and the maximum amplitude Tm(TmSF, TmSF1, TmSF2, ...) at the resonance frequency Fr decreases.

[0065] If the resonant frequencies Fr for forward and reverse movement have not been acquired (S14: No), the feeder control device 60 swaps the forward and reverse movements and performs the acquisition process (S11-S13). As a result, the resonant frequency FrSR for reverse movement is acquired, as shown in the curve LSR in Figure 7. Note that the curves LSR and L1R related to the excitation control for reverse movement in Figure 7 correspond to the curves LSF and L1F related to the excitation control for forward movement, respectively. In addition, the feeder control device 60 acquires the resonant frequencies Fr for each of the multiple types of drive voltages Ed for reverse movement, similar to the forward movement (see the characteristic curve LCr in Figure 8).

[0066] The forward resonance frequency FrSF and the backward resonance frequency FrSR obtained as described above are the frequencies at which resonance occurs in the vibrating body including the track member 41 when a predetermined drive voltage is applied to the forward and backward piezoelectric elements 52, which are oscillators, respectively, in the current vibration environment where the track member 41 is in a reference state. Furthermore, the maximum amplitudes TmSF and TmSR at this time correspond to the expected amplitudes corresponding to the drive voltage Ed (EdS).

[0067] In the parts supply process, a target amplitude (e.g., 80% of the maximum amplitude) is sometimes specified so that the amplitude is somewhat suppressed from the maximum amplitude that the transport vibration device 50 can output, depending on the dimensions and mass of the parts to be supplied. In such cases, if the drive voltage Ed is simply set to a lower value than the maximum voltage that can be applied (e.g., 80% of the maximum voltage), and vibration is applied with the acquired resonance frequency FrSF as the drive frequency Fd, the expected amplitude (target amplitude) may not be obtained. This is thought to be partly due to the fact that, as mentioned above, lowering the drive voltage Ed increases the actual resonance frequency Fr (see Figure 8), and the vibration efficiency decreases due to the discrepancy between the actual resonance frequency Fr and the drive frequency Fd.

[0068] Therefore, the feeder control device 60 of this embodiment pre-generates vibration models (first vibration model Nv1, second vibration model Nv2) that show the vibration characteristics of a vibrating body including its constituent members (track members 41), and sets the drive voltage Ed and drive frequency Fd based on the vibration models. Specifically, the feeder control device 60 generates a first vibration model Nv1 that shows the relationship between the drive voltage Ed (EdS, Ed1, Ed2, ...) and the resonant frequency Fr (FrSF, FrSF1, FrSF2, ...) based on multiple types of drive voltage Ed and multiple acquired resonant frequencies Fr (see Figure 8) (S15). As shown in Figure 9, the first vibration model Nv1 draws a curve in which the resonant frequency Fr gradually decreases as the drive voltage Ed increases, and the resonant frequency Fr reaches its minimum value (FrSF) at the maximum voltage Emax (EdS).

[0069] Next, the feeder control device 60 generates a second vibration model Nv2 that shows the relationship between the maximum amplitude Tm and the drive voltage Ed, based on the maximum amplitude Tm (TmSF, TmSF1, TmSF2, ...) detected by the vibration sensor 55 for each of the multiple resonant frequencies Fr (FrSF, FrSF1, FrSF2, ...) corresponding to each of the multiple types of drive voltage Ed (EdS, Ed1, Ed2, ...). As shown in Figure 10, the second vibration model Nv2 shows that the maximum amplitude Tm increases proportionally as the drive voltage Ed increases, and the maximum amplitude Tm reaches its maximum value (TmSF) at the maximum voltage Emax (EdS).

[0070] Furthermore, when the feeder control device 60 acquires the first vibration model Nv1 and the second vibration model Nv2 for the conveying vibration device 50, it acquires the first vibration model and the second vibration model for the reverse direction by the same process as described above for the forward direction. Since the vibration characteristics and acquisition method for the reverse direction are the same as for the forward direction, a detailed explanation is omitted. The storage unit 61 stores the first vibration model Nv1 and the second vibration model Nv2 generated by the feeder control device 60.

[0071] Next, the feeder control device 60 performs an operation mode setting process (S40). Specifically, the amplitude acquisition unit 65 acquires the maximum amplitude Tm of vibration that the transport vibration exciter 50 can apply to the track member 41 in the reference state (S41). In this embodiment, the amplitude acquisition unit 65 acquires the maximum amplitude Tm by the calibration process performed earlier. In other words, the maximum amplitude Tm is the maximum value (TmSF) at the maximum voltage Emax (EdS).

[0072] Next, the mode setting unit 68 determines whether the maximum amplitude Tm is greater than a preset first threshold Th1 (S42). Here, the first threshold Th1 may be set to about 80% of the expected design maximum value (TmSF), as shown in Figure 11, or to about 120% of the target amplitude Tt if a target amplitude Tt is specified. If the maximum amplitude Tm is greater than the first threshold Th1 (S42: Yes), the mode setting unit 68 assumes that the bulk feeder 20 is operating normally in the current vibration environment and sets the operating mode to normal mode (S43).

[0073] Here, the "normal mode" described above is an operating mode in which vibration is applied to the track member 41 for a specified time so that the part transport process is completed within a predetermined time, since the maximum amplitude Tm (Tmax) is greater than the first threshold Th1, and therefore vibration of the target amplitude Tt can be applied to the track member 41. The specified time described above is defined for each type of part, for example, and is recorded in the transport parameters.

[0074] The mode setting unit 68 accepts an operator's input regarding whether to allow operation in low amplitude mode (S45) if the maximum amplitude Tm is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (S42: No) and greater than the second threshold Th2 (S44: Yes). Here, the above-mentioned "low amplitude mode" is an operating mode in which, while production start is restricted to encourage maintenance execution because the maximum amplitude Tm (Tmax) is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1, the maximum amplitude Tm (Tmax) is secured to a certain extent (at least the second threshold Th2), and a lower amplitude vibration than normal is applied to the track member 41. The second threshold Th2 is set, for example, between 60% and 80% of the first threshold Th1, as shown in Figure 11.

[0075] In addition, in low-amplitude mode, the efficiency of transporting parts is reduced compared to normal mode, so it is necessary to apply low-amplitude vibrations to the track member 41 for a longer period of time than specified in normal mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mode setting unit 68 accepts input as to whether or not to allow setting to low-amplitude mode. At this time, for the purpose of supporting the operator's decision, the mode setting unit 68 may present to the operator the time required when the bulk feeder 20 operates in normal mode and low-amplitude mode, respectively, during the parts mounting process by the parts mounting machine 10.

[0076] Here, even if the operating mode of the bulk feeder 20 is set to low amplitude mode, and the time required for the component supply operation increases, this does not necessarily affect the time required for the mounting process. For example, if, during the execution of the mounting process, the mounting head that mounts the components to the substrate waits for the bulk feeder 20 to finish supplying components before picking up the components from the bulk feeder 20, it will affect the time required for the mounting process. On the other hand, even if the time required for the component supply operation increases, there is no effect if the mounting head does not have to wait.

[0077] Therefore, the mode setting unit 68 determines the timing of the movement of the mounting head and the execution of the component supply operation by the bulk feeder 20 based on the control program, component data, and transport parameters used in the mounting process. At this time, the mode setting unit 68 sets the time for applying vibration to the track member 41 in the low-amplitude mode according to the maximum amplitude Tm. As a result, the mode setting unit 68 determines whether a waiting time for the mounting head occurs, calculates the waiting time if one occurs, and presents the required time for the mounting process in each operating mode. The operator refers to these required times and decides whether or not to allow setting to the low-amplitude mode.

[0078] In this example, operator input is accepted as described above, but the mode setting unit 68 may also determine whether to set the system to low amplitude mode or perform error processing based on the setting data D2 set for each type of component, if the maximum amplitude Tm is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (S42: No) and greater than the second threshold Th2 (S44: Yes).

[0079] As shown in Figure 12, the above setting data D2 specifies the target amplitude Tt (Tta, Ttb, ...), the first threshold Th1 (Th1a, Th1b, ...), the second threshold Th2 (Th2a, Th2b, ...), and whether the low-amplitude mode is permitted or not (OK, NG, ...) for each component type (Pa, Pb, ...). For component types where the second threshold Th2 is not set, the setting of the low-amplitude mode is restricted (for example, component type (Pb) in Figure 12).

[0080] Furthermore, the mode setting unit 68 may always set to low-amplitude mode when the maximum amplitude Tm is less than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (S42: No) and greater than the second threshold Th2 (S44: Yes), and may, for example, notify the operator that it has been set in this manner. Alternatively, the operator or administrator may pre-select whether to accept operator input, use setting data D2, or allow the system to always be set to low-amplitude mode.

[0081] The mode setting unit 68 sets the operating mode to low amplitude mode if setting the low amplitude mode is permitted (S46: Yes) (S47). On the other hand, if setting the low amplitude mode is not permitted (S46: No), or if the maximum amplitude Tm is less than or equal to the second threshold Th2 (S44: No), the mode setting unit 68 performs error processing without setting the operating mode (S48). In error processing, for example, the operator is presented with a slot 121 in which a bulk feeder 20 with a low maximum amplitude Tm that cannot transport parts normally is set, and is recommended to perform maintenance on the bulk feeder 20.

[0082] After the operation mode setting process described above is performed, the feeder control device 60 sets the drive voltage Ed used in the parts supply process and the drive frequencies Fd used in the parts supply process, which consist of two types of resonant frequencies Fr (for forward and reverse), as initial values ​​according to the operation mode (S17). In addition, the feeder control device 60 sets the time for applying vibration during the parts transport operation according to the operation mode: a specified time in normal mode and a time corresponding to the maximum amplitude Tm in low amplitude mode.

[0083] For example, when the feeder control device 60 is set to normal mode and the amplitude of vibration applied to the track member 41 by the transport vibration device 50 during the parts supply process is specified as a predetermined target amplitude Tt, the feeder control device 60 sets the drive voltage Ed and drive frequency Fd based on the first vibration model Nv1 and the second vibration model Nv2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the feeder control device 60 sets the drive voltage Ed(EdT) corresponding to the target amplitude Tt based on the second vibration model Nv2. This drive voltage Ed(EdT) is an initial value corresponding to the target amplitude Tt.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the feeder control device 60 sets the resonant frequency Fr(FrSFT) to the drive frequency Fd based on the set drive voltage Ed(EdT) and the first vibration model Nv1. In this way, when a target amplitude Tt is specified, the feeder control device 60 can set the drive voltage Ed and drive frequency Fd according to the current vibration environment based on vibration models (first vibration model Nv1, second vibration model Nv2) that show the vibration characteristics of the vibrating body including the track member 41. This drive frequency Fd(FrSFT) is an initial value corresponding to the target amplitude Tt.

[0085] On the other hand, when the operating mode is set to low amplitude mode and a predetermined target amplitude Tt is specified, the feeder control device 60 sets a drive voltage Ed(EdX) corresponding to a control amplitude TmX that is smaller than the maximum amplitude TmM, as shown in Figure 11. The reason for setting the control amplitude TmX smaller than the maximum amplitude TmM in this second vibration model Nv2M is to leave room for the drive voltage Ed to be increased from its initial value during adjustment processing performed during production. Furthermore, the feeder control device 60 sets the initial drive frequency Fd based on the set drive voltage Ed(EdX) and the first vibration model Nv1 (not shown in the figure).

[0086] With this configuration, the bulk feeder 20 set in the parts mounting machine 10 can be configured to operate in a mode (normal mode / low amplitude mode) that corresponds to the current vibration environment. This improves the efficiency of parts supply operations. Furthermore, even when normal amplitude cannot be obtained, setting it to low amplitude mode prevents production interruptions and helps maintain productivity.

[0087] 4-2. Determining whether resupply processing is necessary. Here, in order to suitably perform the parts transport process (S32) and adjustment process (S33) as described above, it is desirable that the number of parts supported by the case holder 31 and the track member 41 (hereinafter also referred to as "remaining quantity") be within an appropriate range. This is because if the remaining quantity of parts is insufficient, the probability of them being able to be collected and accommodated in the cavity 45 decreases, and if the remaining quantity of parts is excessive, the excess parts are more likely to remain in the supply area As without being removed.

[0088] Therefore, the control device of the parts mounting machine 10, for example, when it has performed the extraction of a specified number of parts, sends a replenishment command to the bulk feeder 20 that supplied the parts, causing it to discharge the parts from the parts case 35 or to operate the air supply device 26 to blow the parts up onto the transport path R of the track member 41. However, in the above-described control, if there is a large error between the expected remaining amount of parts based on the operation of the discharge vibrator 56 and the air supply device 26 for a predetermined time and the actual remaining amount, the remaining amount may be insufficient or excessive.

[0089] Furthermore, when the operating mode is set to low-amplitude mode, the amplitude of vibration applied to the track member 41 decreases compared to the normal mode, which can reduce transport efficiency if there is a large amount of remaining parts. Therefore, in this embodiment, the supply control unit 67 performs control that takes into account the parts and the operating mode. As shown in Figure 13, the feeder control device 60 performs an estimation process to estimate the amount of remaining parts in the track member 41 (S50).

[0090] Various methods can be employed for the estimation process (S50). For example, the amount of components included in the image data acquired by imaging the supply area As, the supply status of components in the supply area As, and the drive voltage Ed and drive frequency Fd adjusted in the adjustment process (S33) are correlated with the increase or decrease in the remaining amount of components in the track member 41. Therefore, in the estimation process (S50), the remaining amount of components can be estimated based on at least one of these.

[0091] The feeder control device 60 determines whether the remaining amount of parts (estimated amount) estimated by the supply control unit 67 is within a specified range according to the operating mode (S61). Here, the "specified range" is set appropriately with lower and upper limits based on past parts supply records. If the remaining amount of parts is within this specified range, it can be expected that a sufficient amount of parts will be moved to the supply area through the parts transport process, and the amount of parts supported by the track member 41 will not become excessive, allowing the adjustment process (S33) to be performed without reaching the drive limit of the transport vibration device 50.

[0092] Furthermore, the "specified range" for the low-amplitude mode is set lower overall than the "specified range" for the normal mode. Specifically, the lower and upper limits of the specified range for the low-amplitude mode are set lower (for example, by about 80%) compared to the normal mode. Alternatively, the specified range for the low-amplitude mode may be set lower only in the upper limit compared to the normal mode. In addition, the replenishment control unit 67 may set how much lower the specified range should be compared to the normal mode, depending on the maximum amplitude TmX obtained in the calibration process.

[0093] The feeder control device 60 determines that if the estimated quantity is not within the specified range (S61: No) and is below the lower limit of the specified range (S62: Yes), there is a shortage of parts supported by the track member 41, and therefore a replenishment process is necessary to replenish the parts in the transport path R (S63, S34: Yes). As a result, as a response to a shortage of parts, a replenishment process (S20) is executed, as shown in Figure 5.

[0094] If the estimated quantity is not within the specified range (S61: No) and exceeds the upper limit of the specified range (S62: No), the feeder control device 60 determines that there are too many parts supported by the track member 41 and executes a removal process to remove the parts from the transport path R (S64). This removal process involves, for example, applying a retraction vibration to the track member 41 using the transport vibration device 50 for a longer period than the retraction operation in the normal parts supply process, thereby returning some of the parts supported by the transport path R to the receiving portion 311 side of the case holder 31 via the connecting member 33.

[0095] This part removal process is performed as a countermeasure when there is an excess of parts. Subsequently, the feeder control device 60 determines that a replenishment process to supply parts to the transport path R is unnecessary (S65, S34: No). As a result, the replenishment process (S20) is omitted. In this way, the amount of parts supported by the track member 41 can be maintained within a predetermined range (a range that is the predetermined range expanded by an allowable error). As a result, it is possible to control whether or not parts need to be replenished and to transport them efficiently, thereby improving the efficiency of the parts supply operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the specified range used for determination is switched depending on whether the operating mode is low-amplitude mode or normal mode, resulting in a change in the average remaining amount of parts. In addition, in an embodiment where the specified range is set according to the maximum amplitude TmM, the replenishment control unit 67 controls the replenishment operation so that the amount of parts supported by the track member 41 is kept low as the acquired maximum amplitude Tm becomes smaller. This allows for efficient transport of parts as much as possible, even when set to low-amplitude mode, and allows the adjustment process (S33) to be performed without reaching the drive limit of the transport vibration device 50.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the feeder control device 60 receives a replenishment command from the component mounting machine 10 to execute a replenishment operation when predetermined conditions are met, and executes the replenishment process (S20) at an appropriate timing (i.e., when the estimated quantity falls below the lower limit of the specified range). Alternatively, the feeder control device 60 may notify the control device of the component mounting machine 10 of the quantity of parts (estimated quantity) estimated by the replenishment control unit 67, and wait for a replenishment command to be sent based on the control device's determination.

[0098] 5. Modified embodiments of the embodiment 5-1. Regarding Amplitude Acquisition In this embodiment, the amplitude acquisition unit 65 acquires the maximum amplitude Tm through a calibration process. Alternatively, the amplitude acquisition unit 65 may perform a process to acquire the maximum amplitude Tm separately from the calibration process, for example, at the beginning of the preparation process. Then, the mode setting unit 68 sets the operating mode based on the acquired maximum amplitude Tm (S43, S47) or performs error processing (S48). This makes it possible to perform calibration processing according to the operating mode, or to prevent the execution of calibration processing that would be unnecessary in the case of error processing.

[0099] 5-2. Feeder control device 60 In this embodiment, the feeder control device 60 is configured to be integrated into the bulk feeder 20. However, some or all of the feeder control device 60 may be configured to be integrated into an external device of the bulk feeder 20. For example, the storage unit 61, amplitude acquisition unit 65, replenishment control unit 67, and mode setting unit 68 of the feeder control device 60 may be configured to be integrated into the control device of the component mounting machine 10 or the host computer 2. Such a configuration also provides the same effects as in this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1: Production system, 2: Host computer, 10: Parts mounting machine, 20: Bulk feeder, 30: Conveying unit, 31: Case holder, 32: Track unit, 41: Track member, 42: Alignment member, 45: Cavity, 33: Connecting member, 35: Parts case, 36: Parts, 50: Vibration device for conveying, 60: Feeder control device, 61: Memory unit, 62: Conveying control unit, 65: Amplitude acquisition unit, 67: Replenishment control unit, 68: Mode setting unit, As: Supply area, R: Conveying path

Claims

1. Applicable to bulk feeders that are set in a parts mounting machine and supply parts, The bulk feeder is equipped with a vibration exciter that applies vibration to the track member forming the transport path for the parts. An amplitude acquisition unit that acquires the maximum amplitude of vibration that the vibration exciter can impart to the track member in a predetermined reference state in which the bulk feeder is set on the component mounting machine, The operating mode of the bulk feeder for supplying the components is set to a normal mode in which vibration is applied to the track member for a specified time when the maximum amplitude is greater than a preset first threshold, and to a low-amplitude mode in which low-amplitude vibration is applied to the track member for a longer period than the specified time when the maximum amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than a second threshold, compared to the normal mode. A feeder control device equipped with the following features.

2. The feeder control device according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit determines whether to set the low-amplitude mode or perform error processing based on setting data set for each type of component, when the maximum amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, to allow or disallow operation in the low-amplitude mode.

3. The feeder control device according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit determines whether to set to the low-amplitude mode or perform error processing based on the operator's input received regarding whether to allow or deny operation in the low-amplitude mode when the maximum amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold.

4. The feeder control device according to claim 3, wherein the mode setting unit, when the maximum amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, presents to the operator the time required when the bulk feeder operates in the normal mode and the low amplitude mode, respectively, during the component mounting process by the component mounting machine.

5. The feeder control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mode setting unit sets the time for applying vibration to the track member in the low-amplitude mode according to the maximum amplitude.

6. The bulk feeder comprises a vibration exciter that applies vibration to the track member using a vibrator in accordance with the supplied power, a vibration sensor that detects the amplitude of the vibration of the track member caused by the vibration of the vibration exciter, and a transport control unit that performs a transport process to transport the parts by applying vibration to the track member. The feeder control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amplitude acquisition unit acquires the maximum amplitude by supplying power to the vibrator with a predetermined drive voltage to acquire the resonant frequency at which the amplitude of vibration of the track member is maximum, and performing a calibration process to set the power supplied by the vibration device in the transport process.

7. The feeder control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reference state of the bulk feeder is the state in which the parts have been removed from the track member.

8. The feeder control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a supply control unit that controls the supply operation of the components to the track member according to the operating mode of the bulk feeder.

9. The feeder control device according to claim 8, wherein when the operating mode is set to the low amplitude mode, the feeder control device controls the feeder operation such that the amount of the parts supported by the track member is kept small as the acquired maximum amplitude is small.

10. The feeder control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second threshold is set between 60% and 80% of the first threshold.

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