Feeder Setup Device

Abstract

Provided is a feeder setup device including: a feeder holder that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel around which a carrier tape is wound is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work performing position; a reel holder that holds the reel in a horizontal position; and a reel attachment mechanism that takes out the reel from the reel holder, changes the position of the reel to a vertical position, and attaches the reel to the tape feeder in the work performing position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to an apparatus and system for performing setup work for a tape feeder to be installed in a component mounting machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for mass-producing board products by performing substrate-related operations on boards on which circuit patterns are formed is becoming widespread. A typical example of a substrate-related operation machine that performs substrate-related operations is a component placement machine that performs component placement operations. Many component placement machines use tape feeders that supply components using carrier tapes. Conventionally, the setup work of setting the carrier tape in the tape feeder was performed by an operator. In recent years, technology has been developed to automate the setup work of the tape feeder, and examples of this technology are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The component tape attachment device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is intended for a component supplying device that transports a component tape (carrier tape) from a first storage section to a second storage section via a component supply position, and the robot unit sets unused component tapes in the first storage section of the component supplying device in a sideways position, and collects used component tapes from the second storage section. This makes it possible to automatically replenish component tapes to the component supplying device after use.

[0004] Furthermore, the warehouse system disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a reel warehouse, a feeder warehouse, a reel loader, and a transport robot, and the transport robot transports reels from the reel warehouse and tape feeders from the feeder warehouse to the reel loader, which then loads the reels into the tape feeders. According to this, the component mounting machine is automatically prepared to use the tape feeder, and the operator is not involved in the loading work, which is said to achieve more labor savings than before. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-204858 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2021 / 106026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the component tape before use is pulled out from a reel and sent to the component supplying device, where it is wound and held by a clip in the first storage section. However, since it is necessary to pull out the long component tape once and then rewind it, the setup work becomes complicated and inefficient. In addition, since one robot unit sequentially sets the component tape before use and collects the used component tape, the setup work takes a long time. Moreover, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the component supplying device is in a horizontal position, so it is time-consuming to change the component supplying device to a vertical position when installing it on a component mounting machine.

[0007] In contrast, the reel loader described in Patent Document 2 replaces the reels on which the carrier tape is wound, making the setup work more efficient. However, since Patent Document 2 is an invention related to components of a warehouse system and transportation between the components, it does not disclose the detailed configuration of the reel loader.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present specification is to provide a feeder setup device and a feeder setup system that can efficiently perform setup work for a tape feeder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This specification discloses a feeder setup device that includes a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel wound with a carrier tape is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work position, a reel holding section that holds the reel in a horizontal position, and a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding section, changes the position to a vertical position, and further attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the work position.

[0010] This specification also discloses a feeder setup system including a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel wound with a carrier tape is attached, in a vertical position at a work execution position, the tape feeder feeding the carrier tape to supply components, a feeder accommodation section that accommodates a plurality of the tape feeders in the vertical position and is removably provided in an equipment housing, a feeder transport section that transports the tape feeders between the feeder accommodation section and the feeder holding section, a reel holding section that holds a plurality of the reels stacked in a horizontal position and is removably provided in the equipment housing, a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding section, changes the position to a vertical position, and further attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the work execution position, and a transport vehicle that transports at least one of the feeder accommodation section and the reel holding section into or out of the feeder setup device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the disclosed feeder setup device and feeder setup system, the reel attachment mechanism performs a setup operation of changing a reel in a horizontal position to a vertical position and attaching it to the tape feeder. Therefore, the reel attachment mechanism can attach the reel held in a horizontal position by the reel holding section to the tape feeder held in a vertical position by the feeder holding section. At this time, the reel whose position and position are stabilized due to the horizontal position can be easily picked up, so the feeder setup device can efficiently perform the setup operation. In addition, since the tape feeder is set up in a vertical position similar to when it is used in a component mounting machine, there is no need to change the position of the tape feeder after setup when it is transported by an operator or an automated device and attached to the component mounting machine by the operator or the automated device. Therefore, the operator or the automated device can efficiently perform the work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a feeder setup device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a feeder setup device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a feeder holding portion and a configuration of a tape feeder. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to control and driving of the feeder setup device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an operational flow diagram illustrating the operation of the feeder setup device. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are plan views illustrating the operation of removing a reel from a tape feeder and the operation of preparing another reel performed in parallel. [Figure 7] 13 is a plan view illustrating the operation of retrieving the removed reel and the operation of attaching another reel that is performed in parallel. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a setup time in a feeder setup device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a setup time in the prior art. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a reel holding portion in a modified form. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a feeder setup system according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a feeder transport vehicle that transports a feeder storage unit. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a reel transport vehicle that transports a reel holding portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 1. Configuration of the feeder setup device 1 according to the embodiment The configuration of the feeder setup device 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Each figure is a schematic explanatory diagram, and some members are omitted for easy viewing. As shown in the upper left of Figs. 1 and 2, the front, rear, left and right are defined for convenience. The feeder setup device 1 is composed of a reel attachment / detachment unit 11, a reel supply unit 13, and a feeder supply unit 15.

[0014] The reel attachment / detachment unit 11 is configured by assembling various components inside the device housing 12. The device housing 12 is a large rectangular parallelepiped case with openings on the front and left sides. The reel supply unit 13 is disposed coupled to the front side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 11. The reel supply unit 13 is configured using a box-shaped base 14 that corresponds to a device housing smaller than the device housing 12. The feeder supply unit 15 is disposed coupled to the left side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 11. The feeder supply unit 15 is configured using a device housing 16 that is smaller than the device housing 12 and has a storage space 161 at the top.

[0015] The reel attachment / detachment unit 11 includes a feeder holding unit 2, a reel attachment mechanism 3, a tape loading mechanism 4, and a reel removal mechanism 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeder holding unit 2 is disposed at a position toward the left front inside the device housing 12. The feeder holding unit 2 holds the tape feeder 9 in a vertical orientation at the work execution position. As shown in FIG. 3, the feeder holding unit 2 has a bottom plate 21 and a support plate 23. The bottom plate 21 has a groove-shaped slot 22 extending in the front-rear direction. The tape feeder 9 is inserted from the front side of the slot 22 toward the rear, and is held at the work execution position. The support plate 23 is provided to stand up from the bottom plate 21, and contacts the left side surface of the tape feeder 9 at the work execution position. The support plate 23 supports a lateral pressing load generated when the reel R is attached to the tape feeder 9.

[0016] Here, an outline of the configuration of tape feeder 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Tape feeder 9 is detachably mounted on a component mounting machine. A reel R around which carrier tape T is wound is attached to tape feeder 9, and the tape feeder feeds the carrier tape T to supply components. An identification code that identifies each individual reel R is displayed on each reel R.

[0017] The tape feeder 9 is formed thin and has a small width in the left-right direction. The tape feeder 9 has a reel holding shaft 91 protruding rightward from the left side plate at a roughly central position when viewed from the side. The reel holding shaft 91 is inserted into a central hole formed in the center of the reel R to hold the reel R detachably and rotatably. The carrier tape T has cavities for accommodating components provided at a constant pitch. Furthermore, the carrier tape T has a large number of sprocket holes along one side edge. The right side plate 92 of the tape feeder 9 has a large central opening to facilitate attachment and detachment of the reel R. There are several types of reels R, each of which has a different material for the carrier tape T, a different tape width dimension for the carrier tape T, and a different width dimension for the reel R, and there are several types of tape feeders 9 corresponding to these types.

[0018] The tape feeder 9 further has a supply position 93, a sprocket 94, and a tape peeling section (not shown). The supply position 93 is provided near the rear end of the upper surface of the tape feeder 9. The sprocket 94 is rotatably provided in front of the supply position 93. The teeth of the sprocket 94 engage with sprocket holes in the carrier tape T. The sprocket 94 is intermittently driven by a drive motor (not shown) to feed the carrier tape T at a constant pitch. The tape peeling section passes the supply position 93 with one side edge of the cover tape constituting the carrier tape T peeled off from the base tape, allowing the components to be removed. After passing the supply position 93, the carrier tape T is cut by a tape cutting device provided in the component mounting machine.

[0019] Furthermore, each tape feeder 9 is displayed with an identification code that identifies the individual tape feeder 9. Also, a feeder control unit (not shown) is provided in the tape feeder 9. The feeder control unit stores the identification code of the tape feeder 9 and the identification code of the reel R, and controls the component supply operation. When the tape feeder 9 is held in the feeder holding unit 2, a connector (not shown) automatically fits, and the feeder control unit is communicatively connected to a main control unit 81 (described later).

[0020] Returning to the explanation of the feeder setup device 1, the reel attachment mechanism 3 is disposed on the right side of the feeder holding section 2. The reel attachment mechanism 3 includes a reel transfer mechanism 1A, which will be described later. The reel attachment mechanism 3 changes the reel R from a horizontally laid position to a vertically placed position, and further attaches the reel R to the tape feeder 9 at the work execution position. The reel attachment mechanism 3 includes a pair of guide rails 31, a moving platform 32, an attachment member 33, a placement area 34, a temporary placement area 35, and the like. Note that the reel attachment mechanism 3 may be configured such that the mechanism for changing the reel R from a horizontally laid position to a vertically placed position and the mechanism for gripping the reel R in the vertically placed position and attaching it to the tape feeder 9 are separate.

[0021] The pair of guide rails 31 extend in the left-right direction at the front edge of the device housing 12 and at approximately the center in the front-rear direction, and are arranged parallel to and spaced from each other. The movable platform 32 is formed of a member that is long in the front-rear direction, and is mounted across the upper side of the pair of guide rails 31. The movable platform 32 reciprocates along the guide rails 31 between a standby position on the right side shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the feeder holding unit 2.

[0022] The attachment member 33 is formed of a member having a generally square rod shape and is provided so as to extend upward from the right side surface of the movable base 32. The attachment member 33 faces the reel holding shaft 91 of the tape feeder 9 at the operation execution position. In other words, the attachment member 33 is located exactly to the right as viewed from the reel holding shaft 91. The attachment member 33 swings around a swing shaft 331 provided at a location close to the movable base 32 to an upright position shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and a horizontal position leaning to the left (see arrow SW1 in FIG. 1). A collection unit 332 is provided at the end of the attachment member 33 away from the swing shaft 331. The collection unit 332 detachably collects the reel R. As the collection unit 332, a gripping mechanism that grips the claw portion formed on the reel R or the periphery of the reel R, or a suction mechanism that sucks the reel R by using negative pressure, can be used.

[0023] The placement area 34 is provided at a position on the right side between the pair of guide rails 31. The placement area 34 is an area where the reel R to be attached next is placed in a horizontal position. The temporary placement area 35 is provided on the left side of the placement area 34 between the pair of guide rails 31. The temporary placement area 35 is an area for temporarily placing the reel R in a horizontal position and changing the use order later when the reel attachment mechanism 3 changes the use order of the reels R. The reel R placed in the temporary placement area 35 may not end up being used. The temporary placement area 35 can be formed wide so that multiple reels R can be temporarily placed therein. The moving platform 32 and the attachment member 33 move above the placement area 34 and the temporary placement area 35.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the tape loading mechanism 4 is disposed adjacent to the feeder holding portion 2 (omitted in Fig. 1). The tape loading mechanism 4 loads the carrier tape T in the tape feeder 9 and makes it ready for feeding. The tape loading mechanism 4 is, for example, configured by an articulated robot, and specifically configured by an articulated arm 41, a camera 42, and a plurality of fingers 43.

[0025] The multi-joint arm 41 can freely rotate, bend, and perform other movements, and can freely adjust the positions and orientations of the camera 42 and the fingers 43. The camera 42 is provided at the tip of the multi-joint arm 41. The camera 42 captures an image of the tape feeder 9 at the work execution position, and detects the positions and states of the reel R and the carrier tape T. The multiple fingers 43 are provided at the tip of the multi-joint arm 41 alongside the camera 42. The multiple fingers 43 can perform movements such as moving and twisting in addition to gripping and releasing the work object.

[0026] Prior to the loading operation, the fingers 43 peel off the retaining seal that secures the leading end of the carrier tape T. The fingers 43 then load the leading end of the carrier tape T until it engages with the sprocket 94, making it ready for feeding. The fingers 43 can facilitate the peeling and loading operations by rotating the reel R around the reel holding shaft 91 as necessary. The tape loading mechanism 4 takes a retracted position with the articulated arm 41 bent so as not to impede the attachment and detachment of the reel R during times other than when the tape loading mechanism 4 is in operation.

[0027] The reel removal mechanism 5 is disposed on the right side of the feeder holding section 2, and is located above the reel attachment mechanism 3. The reel removal mechanism 5 removes the reel R from the tape feeder 9 at the operation execution position. The reel removal mechanism 5 is composed of a guide rail 51, a movable table 52, a removal member 53, a collection box 54, etc.

[0028] Guide rails 51 are provided near the ceiling of device housing 12 and extend in the front-rear direction. Movable platform 52 is formed long in the left-right direction and is mounted below guide rails 51. Movable platform 52 reciprocates along guide rails 51 between a standby position near the rear shown in Figures 1 and 2 and feeder holding unit 2.

[0029] The detachment member 53 is formed of a thick plate-shaped member longer than the movable base 52, and is provided below the movable base 52, extending in the left-right direction. The detachment member 53 swings around a swing shaft 531 provided near the left end of the movable base 52 between the horizontal position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and the vertical position hanging downward (see arrow SW2 in Fig. 1). A collection unit 532 is provided at the end of the detachment member 53 away from the swing shaft 531. The collection unit 532 detachably collects the reel R. The collection method of the collection unit 532 may be the same as or different from that of the collection unit 332 of the reel attachment mechanism 3.

[0030] The collection box 54 is disposed below the detachable member 53 when the movable table 52 moves to the standby position. The collection box 54 collects the multiple detached reels R collectively. The collection box 54 is formed in a box shape that opens upward. Therefore, the collection box 54 can automatically collect the reels R that fall when the collection portion 532 of the detachable member 53 is released.

[0031] The reel supply unit 13 is provided with a detachable reel holding unit 6, and further includes a reel transfer mechanism 1A. A pair of guide plates 141 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the base 14. The reel holding unit 6 is placed between the pair of guide plates 141 of the base 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of guide plates 141 are tapered on the inner sides facing each other on the front side, and the distance between them on the front side is wider than that on the rear side. This makes it easy to insert the reel holding unit 6 toward the base 14 from the front side.

[0032] The reel holding section 6 holds a plurality of reels R (for example, 20 reels) stacked sideways. The reels R are not limited to new reels, and may be reels with the carrier tape T partially used. The reel holding section 6 has a horizontally arranged disk-shaped holding plate 61 and a round bar-shaped holding shaft 62 that is erected upward from the center of the holding plate 61 and engages with the center hole of the reel R. Therefore, even if reels R with different diameters and widths are mixed, the reel holding section 6 holds them with their center holes aligned, making it easy to remove the reel R. An identification code 63 is displayed near the outer periphery on the upper surface of the holding plate 61. The identification code 63 includes information that identifies the individual reel holding section 6. The identification code 63 is provided by printing or attaching a sticker.

[0033] Based on the work instruction data, a worker procures multiple reels R and performs a stacking work of stacking them on the reel holding unit 6. The work instruction data instructs the work content of the setup work to be performed by the feeder setup device 1. In other words, the work instruction data is data that associates type information of multiple reels R that are required in sequence according to the production progress of the component mounting machine with type information of multiple tape feeders 9 that are applicable to those reels R.

[0034] The reel transfer mechanism 1A is disposed on a plate seat 142 extending leftward from the bottom of the base 14. The reel transfer mechanism 1A functions as part of the reel attachment mechanism 3. The reel transfer mechanism 1A is composed of a support 1B, an arm 1C, and a collection unit 1E. The support 1B stands vertically upward from a position near the rear of the plate seat 142. The arm 1C is provided so as to be capable of ascending and descending relative to the support 1B. Furthermore, the arm 1C is configured so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane around a rotation axis 1D provided in a position close to the support 1B.

[0035] The collection unit 1E is provided so as to be extendable and retractable relative to the arm 1C. The collection unit 1E detachably collects the reel R on its lower side. The collection method of the collection unit 1E may be the same as or different from that of the collection unit 332 of the reel attachment mechanism 3 and the collection unit 532 of the reel removal mechanism 5. In addition, a code reader 1F (see FIG. 4) is attached to the collection unit 1E. The code reader 1F reads the identification code 63 of the reel holding unit 6. Furthermore, the code reader 1F can read the identification code of the uppermost reel R.

[0036] As described above, the reel transfer mechanism 1A functions as a part of the reel attachment mechanism 3. More specifically, the reel transfer mechanism 1A removes the reel R from the reel holding unit 6 by the operation of the arm 1C and the collection unit 1E. Furthermore, the reel transfer mechanism 1A places the removed reel R in a laid-down position in the placement area 34 or the temporary placement area 35 by the operation of the arm 1C and the collection unit 1E. The reel transfer mechanism 1A uses the multiple reels R stacked in the reel holding unit 6 in order from the top.

[0037] Feeder supply unit 15 is provided with a detachable feeder housing unit 7, and further includes a feeder transport unit 75. As shown in Fig. 2, storage space 161 at the top of device housing 16 is open to the front, and can store two feeder housing units 7 side by side. A plurality of roller conveyors 162 extending in the left-right direction are provided on the bottom surface partitioning storage space 161 (see Fig. 1), facilitating the storage operation of feeder housing units 7.

[0038] The feeder housing section 7 is formed in a box shape with an open front side. A plurality of slots having the same shape as the slots 22 of the feeder holding section 2 are formed on the bottom surface of the feeder housing section 7. The feeder housing section 7 houses a plurality of (for example, 20) tape feeders 9 arranged in a vertical position in the left-right direction. When a plurality of tape feeders 9 are housed in the feeder housing section 7 and the feeder housing section 7 is housed in the housing space 161, the connectors not shown in the figure are automatically fitted together, and the plurality of feeder control sections are connected for communication with the main control section 81 described later. An identification code for identifying the individual feeder housing section 7 is displayed on each of the feeder housing sections 7. The worker procures a plurality of tape feeders 9 to be used based on the above-mentioned work instruction data, and performs the housing work of housing the tape feeders 9 in the feeder housing section 7. The number of feeder housing sections 7 housed in the housing space 161 may be one or three or more.

[0039] A guide rail 163 is provided at the lower front portion of the storage space 161 of the device housing 16. The guide rail 163 extends over almost the entire storage space 161 in the left-right direction, and further extends to the front side of the feeder holding unit 2. A feeder conveying unit 75 is mounted on this guide rail 163. The feeder conveying unit 75 moves back and forth between the feeder accommodating unit 7 and the feeder holding unit 2 along the guide rail 163.

[0040] Feeder transport section 75 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the rear side. Feeder transport section 75 has an internal space that temporarily houses tape feeder 9, and a feeder operation mechanism that moves tape feeder 9 in and out of the internal space via the opening. Therefore, feeder transport section 75 can pull out tape feeder 9 from feeder housing section 7 or feeder holding section 2, and conversely, insert tape feeder 9 into feeder housing section 7 or feeder holding section 2. It is preferable to provide an openable safety fence (not shown) in front of reel supply section 13 and feeder supply section 15 to prevent workers from inadvertently approaching.

[0041] 2. Configuration related to control and driving of the feeder setup device 1 Next, the configuration relating to the control and drive of the feeder setup device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The feeder setup device 1 has a main control unit 81, an attachment control unit 82, a loading control unit 83, a removal control unit 84, a transfer control unit 85, and a transport control unit 86. The main control unit 81 is configured using a computer device having a communication function and a man-machine interface function. The other control units corresponding to the lower control units may be provided integrally with the main control unit 81 or may be provided separately. In Fig. 4, only one of the multiple tape feeders 9 communicatively connected to the main control unit 81 is illustrated.

[0042] The main control unit 81 is communicatively connected to the feeder control unit of the tape feeder 9 held in the feeder holding unit 2. The main control unit 81 is also communicatively connected to the feeder control units of the multiple tape feeders 9 housed in the feeder housing unit 7. Meanwhile, the main control unit 81 is communicatively connected to the host control unit 89. The host control unit 89 stores feeder correspondence data in which the identification code of the feeder housing unit 7 corresponds to the identification code of the multiple tape feeders 9 housed therein. The feeder correspondence data is created during the above-mentioned housing operation. The host control unit 89 also stores reel correspondence data in which the identification code of the reel holding unit 6 corresponds to the identification code of the multiple reels R held therein. The reel correspondence data is created during the above-mentioned stacking operation. The host control unit 89 stores feeder information in which the identification code of the tape feeder 9 corresponds to the type information of the tape feeder. The host control unit 89 stores reel information in which the identification code of the reel R corresponds to the type information of the reel R.

[0043] Before starting the setup work, the main control unit 81 acquires work instruction data from the upper control unit 89. Furthermore, the main control unit 81 acquires feeder corresponding data and reel corresponding data together with the work instruction data. The main control unit 81 may be provided with a code reader (such as a two-dimensional code reader) that reads the identification code of the feeder housing unit 7, and may inquire of the upper control unit 89 about the read identification code to acquire the feeder corresponding data.

[0044] The main control unit 81 controls the attachment control unit 82, the loading control unit 83, the removal control unit 84, the transfer control unit 85, and the transport control unit 86. Here, the reel attachment mechanism 3 (including the reel transfer mechanism 1A), the tape loading mechanism 4, and the reel removal mechanism 5 are provided separately, have different drive sources, and operate independently of each other. Therefore, the main control unit 81 controls the reel attachment mechanism 3, the tape loading mechanism 4, and the reel removal mechanism 5 to operate separately and in parallel so as to efficiently perform the setup work, and to avoid interference between the mechanisms.

[0045] The attachment control unit 82 controls starting and stopping of the first motor that drives the movement of the moving stage 32 of the reel attachment mechanism 3, and changing the direction of movement by switching the first motor between forward and reverse rotation. Furthermore, the attachment control unit 82 controls the swinging operation of the attachment material 33 and the collection operation of the collection unit 332.

[0046] The loading control unit 83 controls the operation of the articulated arm 41 and the finger 43 based on the detection result of the camera 42 of the tape loading mechanism 4. The removal control unit 84 controls the start and stop of the second motor that drives the movement of the moving platform 52 of the reel removal mechanism 5, and the change in the movement direction by switching the second motor between forward and reverse rotation. Furthermore, the removal control unit 84 controls the swinging operation of the removal material 53 and the collection operation of the collection unit 532. The transfer control unit 85 controls the lifting and rotating operation of the arm 1C of the reel transfer mechanism 1A, and further controls the extension and collection operation of the collection unit 1E.

[0047] The transfer control unit 85 also transmits the identification code 63 of the reel holding unit 6 read by the code reader 1F to the main control unit 81. The main control unit 81 queries the upper control unit 89 for the received identification code 63 to acquire reel-related data and identify all of the individual reels R in the reel holding unit 6. Alternatively, the code reader 1F may sequentially acquire the identification code displayed on each of the reels R, and the acquired identification code may be transmitted from the transfer control unit 85 to the main control unit 81. The transport control unit 86 controls the start and stop of the third motor that drives the movement of the feeder transport unit 75, and the change in the direction of movement by switching the third motor between forward and reverse rotation.

[0048] The main control unit 81 acquires work instruction data, feeder information, and reel information from the higher-level control unit 89, acquires an identification code of the tape feeder 9 held in the feeder holding unit 2, and acquires the identification code of the reel holding unit 6 or the identification code of the reel R from the transfer control unit 85. Furthermore, the main control unit 81 can select a tape feeder 9 applicable to the topmost reel R of the reel holding unit 6 based on the work instruction data, feeder information, reel information, and identification code. That is, the main control unit 81 selects a type of tape feeder 9 corresponding to the type of reel R based on the recognized identification information of reel R and identification information of the tape feeder.

[0049] 3. Operation of the Feeder Setup Device 1 Next, the operation of the feeder setup device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. In the feeder setup device 1, multiple mechanisms operate in parallel, so the operation flow is two parallel series as shown in Fig. 5. This operation flow is carried out mainly by the main control unit 81 under cooperative control with the lower control units.

[0050] Prior to executing the operational flow of FIG. 5, the worker stores the first feeder housing section 7, which stores a plurality of tape feeders 9 that are the subject of the setup work, in the storage space 161. Furthermore, the worker stores the empty second feeder housing section 7 in the storage space 161. This results in an operation in which the tape feeders 9 that have been set up are collected in the second feeder housing section 7, and the first feeder housing section 7 is finally emptied.

[0051] The above is not limiting, and an operation may be performed in which only one feeder housing section 7 is used and the tape feeder 9 for which the setup work has been completed is returned to its original housing position. Also, an operation may be performed in which the tape feeders 9 are housed tightly in two feeder housing sections 7 to perform the maximum number of setup works. In this operation, when the setup work for the first feeder housing section 7 is completed and the setup work for the second feeder housing section 7 is being performed, the first feeder housing section 7 on which the work has been performed can be replaced with the third feeder housing section 7 on which the work has not been performed. By repeating this, the setup work can be performed without interruption.

[0052] The worker further places the reel holding unit 6 holding the multiple reels R to be used in the setup work on the pedestal 14 of the reel supply unit 13. At this time, it is preferable that the multiple tape feeders 9 housed in the feeder housing unit 7 and the multiple reels R held in the reel holding unit 6 correspond one-to-one to each other, without any surplus or deficiency. When the worker performs the above-mentioned housing work and stacking work based on the work instruction data, the one-to-one correspondence is satisfied, and no surplus or deficiency occurs. The one-to-one correspondence is satisfied even when multiple types of tape feeders 9 and multiple types of reels R are used together.

[0053] In step S1 in Fig. 5, the main control unit 81 controls the feeder transport unit 75 to transport the tape feeder 9 corresponding to the topmost reel R of the reel holding unit 6. The feeder transport unit 75 pulls out the tape feeder 9 from the feeder housing unit 7, stores it inside, moves to the feeder holding unit 2 (see arrow M1 in Fig. 6), and inserts the stored tape feeder 9 into the feeder holding unit 2. As a result, the tape feeder 9 is held in the operation execution position, and the main control unit 81 reads its identification code.

[0054] In the exceptional case where there is no tape feeder 9 applicable to the top reel R, the top reel R is placed in the temporary placement area 35 by the reel transfer mechanism 1A, and a tape feeder 9 corresponding to the second reel R is inserted into the feeder holding section 2. This exception occurs, for example, when an operator removes the tape feeder 9 from the feeder housing section 7 for some reason. After this, the operation flow is divided into a first series of steps S2 to S5 and a second series of steps S11 to S14.

[0055] In step S2 of the first series, the main control unit 81 checks the state of the reel R of the tape feeder 9 based on the identification code of the tape feeder 9 or the identification code of the reel R read from the feeder control unit, and branches the operation flow. When the tape feeder 9 has been used in a component mounting machine beforehand, the reel R may be in a partially used state where a portion of the carrier tape T has been used. In this case, in step S3, the tape loading mechanism 4 performs a process of fastening the leading end of the carrier tape T with a fastening tape to suppress slack in the carrier tape T. At this time, the tape loading mechanism 4 can wind the carrier tape T onto the reel R as necessary. After this, the tape loading mechanism 4 takes a retracted position with the articulated arm 41 folded.

[0056] In the next step S4, the reel removal mechanism 5 removes the reel R from the tape feeder 9. More specifically, first, the moving platform 52 moves from the standby position to the feeder holding section 2 (see arrow M2 in FIG. 6). Next, when the removal member 53 swings from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the collection section 532 comes into contact with the reel R and collects the reel R. Next, when the removal member 53 returns from the vertical position to the horizontal position, the collection section 532 removes the reel R from the reel holding shaft 91 and holds it in the horizontal position. At this time, the main control section 81 deletes the identification code of the reel R from the storage section of the feeder control section of the tape feeder 9. Furthermore, the main control section 81 transmits the identification code of the tape feeder 9 from which the reel R was actually removed to the upper control section 89. At that time, the main control section 81 may transmit the identification code of the removed reel R together with the identification code of the tape feeder 9 to the upper control section 89.

[0057] In the next step S5, the reel removal mechanism 5 collects the reel R. More specifically, first, the movable platform 52 moves from the feeder holding unit 2 to a standby position (see arrow M4 in FIG. 7). Next, the collection unit 532 releases the reel R. As a result, the released reel R automatically drops into the collection box 54. Thereafter, the operation flow proceeds to step S6, and the system waits until the second series of operations is completed.

[0058] Also, in step S2, the reel R may be in a used state where the entire carrier tape T has been used up. In this case, the operation flow skips step S3 and proceeds to step S4, where the reel R is immediately removed. Furthermore, in step S2, there may be cases where the reel R was not originally attached to the tape feeder 9 (if it is not present). In this case, the operation flow immediately proceeds to step S6.

[0059] Meanwhile, in step S11 of the second series, the reel transfer mechanism 1A uses the collection unit 1E to collect the top reel R from the reel holding unit 6 and places it in the placement area 34 (see arrow M3 in FIG. 6). In the exceptional case where the top reel R is placed in the temporary placement area 35, the reel transfer mechanism 1A places the second reel R in the placement area 34. Thereafter, the reel transfer mechanism 1A returns the collection unit 1E to above the reel holding unit 6.

[0060] In the next step S12, the reel attachment mechanism 3 changes the position of the reel R in the placement area 34. In more detail, first, when the attachment material 33 falls from an upright position to a horizontal position, the collection unit 332 comes into contact with the reel R and collects the reel R. At this time, since the reel R is in a sideways position, the placed position and posture are stabilized. Therefore, the collection unit 332 can easily collect the reel R. If the reel R were in a vertical position, there is a risk that it would roll or change direction.

[0061] Next, when the mounting material 33 returns from the horizontal position to the upright position, the collection unit 332 changes the reel R from the sideways position to the vertical position and holds it. When using the reel R in the temporary placement area 35, the moving platform 32 moves a predetermined distance to the left before the mounting material 33 falls. After this, the execution of the operation flow is suspended until the end condition, which means the end of step S4, is satisfied. This is to avoid interference between the reel mounting mechanism 3 and the reel removing mechanism 5.

[0062] In step S13 after the end condition is satisfied, the reel attachment mechanism 3 attaches the reel R to the tape feeder 9. More specifically, while the collection unit 332 holds the reel R in a vertical position, the movable table 32 moves to the feeder holding unit 2. This causes the reel R to move forward straight toward the reel holding shaft 91 (see arrow M5 in FIG. 7) and is automatically attached to the reel holding shaft 91. The movement of the movable table 32 can be performed in parallel with the movement of the movable table 52 to the standby position.

[0063] When the attachment of the reel R is completed, the main control unit 81 stores the identification code of the reel R in the feeder control unit of the tape feeder 9. Furthermore, the main control unit 81 transmits to the host control unit 89 the identification code of the actually combined tape feeder 9 and the identification code of the reel R in association with each other. Thereafter, the movable base 32 returns to the standby position. In the next step S14, the tape loading mechanism 4 peels off the fastening tape at the tip of the carrier tape T, and loads it until it engages with the sprocket 94.

[0064] In step S6, which is executed after step S14, the feeder transport unit 75 pulls out the tape feeder 9 from the feeder holding unit 2, incorporates it, moves to the feeder housing unit 7, and inserts the incorporated tape feeder 9 into the feeder housing unit 7. This completes the setup work for one tape feeder 9. In the next step S7, the main control unit 81 determines whether the setup work for all tape feeders 9 has been completed. If not, the operation flow returns to step S1, and the setup work for the next tape feeder 9 is repeated. If the setup work for all tape feeders 9 has been completed, the operation flow ends.

[0065] Thereafter, the worker transports the feeder housing section 7 housing the set-up tape feeder 9 to the component mounting machine and changes the setup of the tape feeder 9. When a reel R is temporarily placed in the temporary placement area 35, the worker places a tape feeder 9 applicable to the reel R in the feeder housing section 7, and the reel is used. Furthermore, the reel R left unused in the temporary placement area 35 is returned to the reel holding section 6 by the reel transfer mechanism 1A and collected by the worker. In this embodiment, the worker first prepares the feeder housing section 7 and the reel holding section 6, and the setup work for multiple tape feeders 9 is automatically performed, resulting in a significant labor-saving effect.

[0066] The setup time in this embodiment is shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the time required for the fastening process of the carrier tape T is TA, the time required for removing the reel R is TB, the time required for recovering the reel R is TC, the time required for preparing (transferring and changing the posture) another reel R is TD, the time required for mounting the another reel R is TE, and the time required for loading the carrier tape T is TF. Furthermore, "loading in" means inserting the tape feeder 9 into the feeder holding section 2, and "loading out" means pulling out the tape feeder 9 from the feeder holding section 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, there is a constraint that the end condition of step S4, i.e., the removal of the reel R (required time TB) must be completed before the attachment of another reel R (required time TE) can begin. Nevertheless, as shown in the figure, the fastening process of the carrier tape T (required time TA) and the removal of the reel R (required time TB) can be performed in parallel with the preparation of another reel R (required time TD). Furthermore, the collection of the reel R (required time TC) can be performed in parallel with the attachment of another reel R (required time TE) and the loading of the carrier tape T (required time TF).

[0068] On the other hand, in the configuration with one robot unit as exemplified in Patent Document 1, the processes of the setup work are performed in sequence and cannot be processed in parallel, as shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the setup time from loading to unloading of tape feeder 9 can be significantly reduced as compared to the conventional technology.

[0069] In the feeder setup device 1 of the embodiment, the reel attachment mechanism 3 performs a setup operation of changing the reel R in a horizontal position to a vertical position and attaching it to the tape feeder 9. Therefore, the reel attachment mechanism 3 can attach the reel R held in a horizontal position by the reel holding unit 6 to the tape feeder 9 held in a vertical position by the feeder holding unit 2. At this time, the reel R whose position and posture are stabilized due to the horizontal position can be easily picked up, so the feeder setup device 1 can efficiently perform the setup operation. In addition, since the tape feeder 9 is set up in a vertical position similar to when it is used in a component mounting machine, there is no need to change the posture of the tape feeder 9 after setup when it is transported by an operator or an automated device and attached to the component mounting machine by the operator or the automated device. Therefore, the operator or the automated device can efficiently perform the work.

[0070] If the reel R is stored in a vertical position in a storage box that opens upward to prevent the reel R from rolling, it becomes difficult to remove the reel R. In particular, if reels R with different diameters or widths are mixed, it becomes even more difficult to remove the reel R. In addition, in Patent Document 1, the tape feeder 9 is in a horizontal position, and there is a concern that components may fall off after loading the partially used carrier tape T. In contrast, in this embodiment, the setup work of the tape feeder 9 is performed in the same vertical position as when in use, so that the vicinity of the peeled tip of the carrier tape T is in a roughly horizontal position at the supply position 93, and the falling off of components is suppressed.

[0071] 4. Variations Next, a modified form in which the shape of the reel holding portion 6A is different will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The reel holding portion 6A in the modified form is composed of a bottom plate 64, a holding plate 65, and a holding shaft 66. The bottom plate 64 is the portion that is placed on the base 14, and is formed in a wide rectangle for stability. The holding plate 65 is provided upright from one side of the bottom plate 64. The holding shaft 66 is provided upright in the vertical direction from the holding plate 65, and extends horizontally above the bottom plate 64. The holding shaft 66 is inserted into the center holes of the multiple reels R, in other words, holds the multiple reels R lined up in a vertical position. An identification code 67 is displayed near the outer edge of the holding plate 65.

[0072] In the modified form, the collection unit 1E of the reel transfer mechanism 1A is transformed into an upright position and collects the reel R from the reel holding unit 6A while it is still in a vertical position. Furthermore, the collection unit 1E delivers the reel R to the collection unit 332 of the reel attachment mechanism 3 in mid-air while it is still in a vertical position. The configurations and operations of the other parts in the modified form are generally the same as those in the embodiment. In the modified form as well, the setup work can be performed efficiently, as in the embodiment.

[0073] 5. Feeder setup system 1S according to an embodiment Next, a feeder setup system 1S according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. The feeder setup system 1S is configured by adding a feeder transport vehicle 9A and a reel transport vehicle 9C to a feeder setup device 1. As shown in Fig. 12, the feeder transport vehicle 9A travels carrying a feeder storage unit 7. The feeder transport vehicle 9A has a roller device 9B on its upper surface for transferring the feeder storage unit 7. The feeder transport vehicle 9A travels and transfers the feeder storage unit 7 according to a wireless command 9G from a transport control unit 9F. The feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C are unmanned transport vehicles called AGVs.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 13, the reel transport vehicle 9C travels carrying multiple reel holders 6. In the example of FIG. 13, one reel holder 6 is fully loaded with reels R, and another reel holder 6 is empty. The reel transport vehicle 9C has a circular conveyor device 9D on its upper surface for adjusting the position of the reel holder 6 to automate the reel transfer. The reel transport vehicle 9C travels and performs the reel transfer operation in accordance with wireless commands 9G from the transport control unit 9F. The reel transport vehicle 9C may be a compact vehicle that travels carrying one reel holder 6.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 11, the travel target points of the feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C are four points, namely, the feeder setup device 1, the entrance / exit 9K of the warehouse 9J, the external setup area 9L, and the component mounter 9N constituting the substrate-related work line 9M. The warehouse 9J receives, stores, and delivers tools such as the tape feeder 9 and components such as the reel R. The external setup area 9L is an area where workers perform various setup operations related to the substrate-related work line 9M. In addition, no safety fence is provided in front of the reel supply unit 13 and the feeder supply unit 15 of the feeder setup device 1. The feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C travel along a travel path 9P between the four travel target points. The travel path 9P is not limited to an actual object such as a rail, and may be virtually set on the floor surface.

[0076] Next, an example of transportation by the feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C will be described. The feeder transport vehicle 9A takes out a plurality of tape feeders 9 in a single item state from the warehouse 9J and transports them to the external setup area 9L. The reel transport vehicle 9C takes out a plurality of reels R in a single item state from the warehouse 9J and transports them to the external setup area 9L. In the external setup area 9L, a worker performs a storage operation to store the plurality of tape feeders 9 in the feeder storage section 7. Furthermore, the worker performs a stacking operation to stack the plurality of reels R in the reel holding section 6.

[0077] Next, the feeder transport vehicle 9A transports the feeder accommodation unit 7, which has been set up in the external setup area 9L, to the feeder setup device 1 and stores it in the storage space 161 of the feeder supply unit 15. In addition, the reel transport vehicle 9C transports the reel holding unit 6, which has been set up in the external setup area 9L, to the feeder setup device 1 and places it on the pedestal 14 of the reel supply unit 13. At this time, the main control unit 81 and the transport control unit 9F of the feeder setup device 1 cooperate to control the loading of the feeder accommodation unit 7 and the reel holding unit 6.

[0078] Therefore, the feeder storage section 7 being carried in will not collide with the feeder transport section 75, and there will be no case where another feeder storage section 7 is already present at the planned carrying-in position. Also, when the reel transport vehicle 9C arrives at the feeder setup device 1, there may be an empty reel holding section 6 remaining on the pedestal 14. In this case, the reel transport vehicle 9C first carries out the empty reel holding section 6 from the pedestal 14, and then places the reel holding section 6 it has carried on the pedestal 14.

[0079] Now, the feeder setup device 1 is ready for operation and executes the setup work for the multiple tape feeders 9. As a result of the execution of the setup work, the reel holding unit 6 becomes empty with no reel R. The reel transport vehicle 9C carries the empty reel holding unit 6 out and transports it to the off-site setup area 9L.

[0080] Meanwhile, the feeder transport vehicle 9A takes out the feeder housing section 7 housing the tape feeder 9 that has already been set up, and transports it to the vicinity of the component mounting machine 9N. The worker performs a setup change operation by removing the tape feeder 9 that will not be used in the next production from the component mounting machine 9N, and attaching the tape feeder 9 in the feeder housing section 7 that will be used in the next production to the component mounting machine 9N. The removed tape feeder 9 is housed in the feeder housing section 7. The feeder transport vehicle 9A transports this feeder housing section 7 to the feeder setup device 1, making it possible to replace the reel R of the tape feeder 9. Alternatively, the feeder transport vehicle 9A transports this feeder housing section 7 to the off-site setup area 9L.

[0081] Conveying operations other than those described above are also possible. For example, the feeder transport vehicle 9A may store a tape feeder 9 that is not scheduled for use in the warehouse 9J, and the reel transport vehicle 9C may store a partially used reel R in the warehouse 9J. Also, the feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C may be used as a single transport vehicle. Furthermore, the feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C may be used for transporting various tools and members used in the substrate-related work line 9M. Conversely, a part of the above-mentioned conveying operations may be performed by an operator, or one of the feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C may be omitted.

[0082] In the feeder setup system 1S of the embodiment, the feeder storage unit 7 and the reel holding unit 6 are automatically carried in and out of the feeder setup device 1. Therefore, by adding the feeder transport vehicle 9A and the reel transport vehicle 9C to the feeder setup device 1, the labor-saving effect is further enhanced.

[0083] 6. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiments The minimum configuration of the feeder setup device is a configuration in which reel supply unit 13, feeder supply unit 15, and tape loading mechanism 4 are omitted from the configuration of the embodiment. In the minimum configuration, the worker inserts tape feeder 9 into feeder holding unit 2, and places reel R in a horizontal position on placement area 34. This causes reel R to be automatically attached to tape feeder 9. The worker then removes tape feeder 9 with reel R attached, loads carrier tape T, and completes the setup work.

[0084] Furthermore, the tape loading mechanism 4 can perform a more complicated loading operation than that described above. For example, a guide tape is added to the leading end of the carrier tape T of a new reel R. When a new reel R is attached to the tape feeder 9, the tape loading mechanism 4 can cut the guide tape at a predetermined position and load the new reel R until the cut end engages with the sprocket 94. Furthermore, a reel holding section 6 may be provided instead of the recovery box 54, and the removed reel R may be recovered in the reel holding section 6, which may then be carried out by the reel transport vehicle 9C. In addition, the embodiment can be subject to various other applications and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Feeder setup device 11: Reel attachment / detachment section 13: Reel supply section 15: Feeder supply section 1A: Reel transfer mechanism 1B: Support 1C: Arm 1E Collection section 1S: Feeder setup system 2: Feeder holding section 3: Reel attachment mechanism 31: Guide rail 32: Mobile platform 33: Attachment material 332: Collection section 34: Placement area 35: Temporary placement area 4: Tape loading mechanism 41: Articulated arm 42: Camera 43: Finger 5: Reel removal mechanism 51: Guide rail 52: Mobile platform 53: Removal material 532: Collection section 54: Collection box 6, 6A: Reel holding section 61: Holding plate 62: Holding shaft 64: Bottom plate 65: Holding plate 66: Holding shaft 7: Feeder storage section 75: Feeder transport section 81: Main control section 89: Upper control unit 9: Tape feeder 91: Reel holding shaft 94: Sprocket 9A: Feeder transport vehicle 9C: Reel transport vehicle 9F: Transport control unit R: Reel T: Carrier tape

Claims

1. a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel having a carrier tape wound thereon is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work execution position; a reel holding portion that holds the reel in a horizontal position; a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding portion and changes the position of the reel to a vertical position, and further attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the operation execution position from a side of the tape feeder, the reel attachment mechanism has a movable platform which reciprocates between the tape feeder and a standby position spaced from the tape feeder on the side of the tape feeder at the operation execution position, and the reel is attached to the tape feeder from the side by the movement of the movable platform. Feeder setup device.

2. a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel having a carrier tape wound thereon is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work execution position; a reel holding portion that holds the reel in a horizontal position; a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding portion, changes the position of the reel to a vertical position, and attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the operation execution position from a side of the tape feeder; a feeder housing section that houses the plurality of tape feeders in the vertical position; a feeder transport unit that transports the tape feeder between the feeder housing unit and the feeder holding unit; A feeder setup device comprising:

3. a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel having a carrier tape wound thereon is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work execution position; a reel holding portion that holds the reel in a horizontal position; a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding portion, changes the orientation of the reel to a vertical orientation, and attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the operation execution position, The reel holding portion holds the plurality of reels stacked in the sideways position, the reel attachment mechanism uses the plurality of reels stacked on the reel holding section in order from the top, and has a temporary placement area in which, when the order of use of the reels is to be changed, the reels removed from the reel holding section are temporarily placed and the order of use is later changed. Feeder setup device.

4. 4. The feeder setup device according to claim 3, wherein the reel holding portion comprises a holding plate disposed horizontally, and a holding shaft extending upward from the holding plate and engaging with a central hole formed in the center of the reel.

5. a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel having a carrier tape wound thereon is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work execution position; a reel holding portion that holds the reel in a horizontal position; a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding portion, changes the orientation of the reel to a vertical orientation, and further attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the operation execution position; a reel removal mechanism that removes the reel from the tape feeder at the operation execution position, the reel attachment mechanism and the reel removal mechanism are operable independently of one another; Feeder setup device.

6. a feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder, to which a reel having a carrier tape wound thereon is attached and which feeds the carrier tape to supply components, in a vertical position at a work execution position; a reel holding portion that holds the reel in a horizontal position; a reel attachment mechanism that removes the reel from the reel holding portion, changes the orientation of the reel to a vertical orientation, and further attaches the reel to the tape feeder at the operation execution position; a tape loading mechanism that removes a fastening tape from a tip end of the carrier tape and loads the carrier tape into the tape feeder to make the carrier tape ready for feeding; A feeder setup device comprising:

7. 7. The feeder setup apparatus of claim 6, wherein the reel attachment mechanism and the tape loading mechanism are operable independently of one another.

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