Equipment Management System

Abstract

To provide a tool management system that enables continuous management of a plurality of tools and, at the same time, can suppress cost increase of the respective tools.SOLUTION: A tool management system comprises: a tool magazine that includes a plurality of housing units for respectively housing tools to be used after replacement by a component loading machine, an acquisition unit for acquiring individual identification information on the tool from the tool housed in the housing unit, a transmission unit for transmitting the acquired individual identification information, and a battery for driving the acquisition unit and the transmission unit and is used for transferring the plurality of tools; and a management unit for managing the plurality of tools by receiving and storing the transmitted individual identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a tool management system for managing a plurality of tools that are used by and exchanged in a component mounting machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for mass-producing circuit board products by performing substrate-related operations on circuit boards is becoming widespread. A typical example of a substrate-related operation machine that performs substrate-related operations is a component mounting machine that mounts components on a circuit board. Many component mounting machines are equipped with multiple tape feeders that feed components by feeding carrier tapes, and replenish components by replacing tape feeders that have run out of carrier tape. Tape feeders are often used interchangeably by multiple component mounting machines. For this reason, by managing the status and location of multiple tape feeders and operating them appropriately, it is possible to increase production efficiency and contribute to labor saving. A management system that manages multiple tape feeders using wireless communication has been put into practical use, and an example of such a system is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the component management system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a battery and a wireless communication unit are mounted on the tape feeder, and power is supplied from the battery to the wireless communication unit when the tape feeder is in a stand-alone state and not set in the component mounting machine. Therefore, even when the tape feeder is being transported by a dolly, for example, feeder information such as the number of remaining components and the location of the tape feeder can be transmitted between the wireless communication unit and the management device. This is said to expand the range in which components can be managed and prevent erroneous mounting during mounting work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 125382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, each of the stand-alone tape feeders transmits information, so the management system can continuously manage the tape feeders regardless of whether they are set in a component mounting machine and in use. However, installing a battery and a wireless communication unit in each tape feeder leads to a significant increase in costs. In addition to tape feeders, the management system is also expected to manage various devices such as other types of component supply units that are replaced and used in the component mounting machine, suction nozzles, and mounting heads.

[0006] Therefore, an object of this specification is to provide an appliance management system that enables continuous management of a plurality of appliances while suppressing increases in the cost of each appliance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses an instrument management system comprising: a plurality of storage sections each storing an instrument to be replaced and used in a component mounting machine; an acquisition section for acquiring individual identification information of the instrument from the instrument stored in the storage section; a transmission section for transmitting the acquired individual identification information; and a battery for powering the acquisition section and the transmission section; an instrument magazine used to transport the plurality of instruments; and a management section for managing the plurality of instruments by receiving and storing the transmitted individual identification information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the disclosed appliance management system, the appliance magazine acquires and transmits individual identification information from each of the appliances stored in the multiple storage units, and has a battery to maintain the above-mentioned acquisition and transmission functions. Therefore, the management unit can continuously receive the individual identification information and continuously manage the multiple appliances. In addition, since the appliance magazine has a transmitter and a battery, each appliance does not need a transmitter or a battery, which suppresses cost increases. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an expandable instrument management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an instrument magazine and a transport vehicle that transports the instrument magazine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a buffer station and an instrument magazine set therein; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to power supply and control of the tool management system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a first operational example of the extended tool management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1.Minimum configuration of equipment management system1 First, an embodiment of a tool management system 1 with a minimum configuration will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The tool management system 1 manages a plurality of tools that are exchanged and used in a component mounting machine 91. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned tool is a tape feeder 8. The tape feeder 8 supplies the components by pulling out a carrier tape holding a plurality of components from a reel 81 (see Fig. 3). Without being limited to this, the tool management system 1 may also manage various tools such as stick feeders that supply components using a cylindrical stick, suction nozzles, mounting heads, etc.

[0011] When the component mounting machine 91 progresses in mounting components on circuit boards and the carrier tape is used up to the end, the tape feeder 8 is removed from the component mounting machine 91. Thereafter, a reel 81 wound with a new carrier tape is set in the tape feeder 8, and the tape feeder 8 is attached to the component mounting machine 91 again for use. The setup work of setting and removing the reel 81 from the tape feeder 8 is performed in an external setup station 5 that is arranged away from the component mounting machine 91. Furthermore, when the type of circuit board to be mounted is changed, a setup change work is performed in which the multiple tape feeders 8 of the component mounting machine 91 are replaced.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the minimum configuration of the tool management system 1 includes a tool magazine 2 and a management unit 3. The tool magazine 2 is configured by assembling various components to a box-shaped housing 21 that opens to the front (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The tool magazine 2 has a plurality of storage units 22, an acquisition unit 23, a transmission unit 24, a battery 25, and a power switch 27 (see Fig. 4). In Fig. 3, the housing 21 of the tool magazine 2 is drawn with a thick line. Also, in Fig. 4, the power supply system is indicated by a thick line (single-line connection diagram), and the information transmission system is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0013] The multiple storage sections 22 correspond, for example, to the upper spaces of multiple slot grooves formed in the bottom surface of the housing 21. The multiple slot grooves extend in the front-rear direction and are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the left-right direction. The tape feeder 8, which is formed to be thin in the width direction, has its bottom inserted into the slot groove. As a result, each of the storage sections 22 stores the tape feeder 8.

[0014] 2 to 4, the tool magazine 2 accommodates a tape feeder 8 in each of the two accommodation sections 22. In reality, the tool magazine 2 can accommodate a greater number of tape feeders 8. The tool magazine 2 is suitable for use in transferring a plurality of tape feeders 8 together between the component mounting machine 91 and the off-site setup station 5. Usually, a plurality of tool magazines 2 are used.

[0015] Acquiring unit 23 acquires individual identification information of tape feeder 8 from the tape feeder 8 stored in storage unit 22. Acquiring unit 23 may be provided individually corresponding to a plurality of storage units 22, or may be shared. Acquiring unit 23 may take any of the following forms (1) to (3). In any form, acquiring unit 23 requires a power source, and power is supplied from battery 25 (see FIG. 4).

[0016] (1) On tape feeder 8, a barcode, two-dimensional code, character string, or the like representing individual identification information is displayed. A code reader that reads barcodes or two-dimensional codes can be used as acquisition unit 23. Alternatively, acquisition unit 23 is configured to include a camera that captures an image of character strings or the like to acquire image data, and an image processing unit that processes the image data to obtain individual identification information. By providing a mechanism for moving one code reader or camera, acquisition unit 23 can be shared by multiple storage units 22.

[0017] (2) Tape feeder 8 is provided with a non-volatile memory that stores individual identification information. A memory reader that reads out the individual identification information from the non-volatile memory can be used as acquisition unit 23. The memory reader includes, for example, one reader main body and a selection connection circuit (multiplexer) that selects one of the non-volatile memories of multiple tape feeders 8 and connects it to the reader main body.

[0018] (3) Tape feeder 8 is provided with a feeder control unit that stores the individual identification information in a non-volatile memory and is supplied with power to perform communications. The feeder control unit controls the component supply operation of tape feeder 8, and manages information on the type and remaining number of components held by the carrier tape. Acquisition unit 23 may be a communication device or computer device that acquires the individual identification information through communications while supplying power to the feeder control unit of a variably selected tape feeder 8. The following explanation focuses on the form (3).

[0019] The transmitting unit 24 is incorporated in the top plate of the housing 21 (see Figs. 2 and 3), and may be provided in another position. The transmitting unit 24 transmits the individual identification information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 to the managing unit 3. As a specific transmitting means, for example, wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used. As a transmitting method, for example, periodic transmission at regular time intervals may be used. Alternatively, as needed transmission in which the transmitting unit 24 transmits according to an irregular command from the managing unit 3 may be used. Furthermore, it is possible to use both periodic transmission and needed transmission. The transmitting unit 24 may be separate from the acquiring unit 23, or may be a computer device or the like integrated with the acquiring unit 23. The transmitting unit 24 is powered by a battery 25 (see Fig. 4).

[0020] The battery 25 is incorporated in the top plate of the housing 21 and is arranged next to the transmission unit 24 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The battery 25 outputs a predetermined DC power supply voltage to supply power to the acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24. The battery 25 has a pair of charging terminals 26 protruding above the top plate of the housing 21 (shown in black in Figs. 2 and 3). The battery 25 is charged by a charger connected to the charging terminals 26. The charger is provided in the off-site setup station 5, for example. Without being limited thereto, the battery 25 may have a non-contact power receiving unit (not shown) instead of the charging terminals 26 and be charged by a non-contact power supply unit (not shown).

[0021] A power switch 27 is provided between the battery 25 and the acquisition unit 23 and transmission unit 24 (see FIG. 4). The operator turns on the power switch 27 when starting to use the tool magazine 2, and turns off the power switch 27 when finishing use. This prevents the battery 25 from being wasted (reduced charge amount) during the time period when the tool magazine 2 is not in use. When the tool magazine 2 is not in use for a long period of time, the battery 25 is fully charged and the power switch 27 is turned off and the tool magazine 2 is stored in the off-site setup station 5.

[0022] The management unit 3 is configured using a computer device having a wireless communication function. The management unit 3 receives the individual identification information transmitted from the transmission unit 24 and stores it in the tool database 31 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the management unit 3 associates related information with the individual identification information and stores it in the tool database 31. The related information includes one or more items of information of the current state of the tape feeder 8 specified by the individual identification information, the current location, the operation history and maintenance history up to now, and a future use plan. The information on the current state of the tape feeder 8 includes information on whether it is in a usable state, information on whether the reel 81 is set, and information on the type and remaining number of parts to be supplied when the reel 81 is set.

[0023] The management unit 3 updates the related information in the tool database 31 as needed. The management unit 3 can receive related information associated with the individual identification information from the transmission unit 24 and reflect it in updating the related information in the tool database 31. In the above (3), information on the type and remaining number of parts to be supplied is transmitted from the feeder control unit via the acquisition unit 23 and transmission unit 24 to the management unit 3. Therefore, the management unit 3 updates the information on the type and remaining number of parts for the tape feeder 8 in the tool database 31.

[0024] Furthermore, the management unit 3 updates the related information based on usage history information received from the component mounting machine 91 that is using the tape feeder 8. The usage history information includes the remaining number of components in the tape feeder 8 and the latest operation history, such as the continuous operation time and the occurrence history of component supply errors. Furthermore, the management unit 3 updates the related information based on information input by the worker. The information input by the worker includes work information when the reel 81 is set in the tape feeder 8, maintenance information when maintenance is performed on the tape feeder 8, and the like.

[0025] It should be noted that a computer device or the like other than the management unit 3 may be in charge of part of the related information update process. For example, the usage history information of the component mounting machine 91 may be updated by a method in which the control unit of the component mounting machine 91 directly accesses the tool database 31, other than a method in which the usage history information is transferred from the control unit of the component mounting machine 91 to the management unit 3.

[0026] The tool management system 1 with a minimum configuration operates, for example, as follows. First, an operator sets reels 81 in a plurality of tape feeders 8 at the off-site setup station 5. The operator then places the plurality of set-up tape feeders 8 in the tool magazine 2. At this point, the acquisition unit 23 and transmission unit 24 of the tool magazine 2 operate. Therefore, the management unit 3 receives the individual identification information and related information of the tape feeders 8 stored in the tool magazine 2. Furthermore, the management unit 3 updates the latest related information to indicate that the current position of the tape feeder 8 is the position stored in the tool magazine 2, as well as information on the type of part and the remaining number.

[0027] The worker then transports the tool magazine 2 to a position close to the component mounting machine 91 by placing it on a cart or other method. After this, the worker performs a tape feeder 8 replacement operation on the component mounting machine 91. That is, the worker removes a tape feeder 8 that has used up the carrier tape or is no longer scheduled for use from the component mounting machine 91, and instead installs a tape feeder 8 removed from the tool magazine 2 to the component mounting machine 91. At this point, the control unit of the component mounting machine 91 obtains individual identification information of the installed tape feeder 8 and passes it to the management unit 3. Therefore, the management unit 3 updates the current position of the tape feeder 8 to the position where it was installed in the component mounting machine 91.

[0028] Meanwhile, the tape feeder 8 removed from the component mounting machine 91 is stored in the tool magazine 2 by the worker. At this point, the acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24 are operated. Therefore, the management unit 3 updates the current position of the tape feeder 8 to the position stored in the tool magazine 2. The worker then transports the tool magazine 2 from the position close to the component mounting machine 91 to the off-site setup station 5 by a method such as placing it on a cart, and returns it.

[0029] At the off-site setup station 5, the worker removes a plurality of tape feeders 8 from the tool magazine 2, and further removes the reel 81 from each of the tape feeders 8. At this point, the acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24 operate to transmit to the management unit 3 that the tape feeders 8 have been removed from the tool magazine 2. Therefore, the management unit 3 updates the information that the tape feeder 8 removed from the tool magazine 2 is in a single item state, and that the current position is unknown.

[0030] The acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24 may operate during the transportation of the instrument magazine 2. The instrument magazine 2 may have a GPS function to detect the current geographical position. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 24 transmits the current geographical position of the tape feeder 8 to the management unit 3, and the management unit 3 can manage the current geographical position of the tape feeder 8.

[0031] In the minimum configuration of the tool management system 1, the tool magazine 2 acquires and transmits the individual identification information from each of the tape feeders 8 housed in the plurality of housing sections 22, and has the battery 25, thereby enabling the above-mentioned functions of acquisition and transmission to be maintained. Therefore, the management section 3 can continuously receive the individual identification information and continuously manage the plurality of tape feeders 8. In addition, since the tool magazine 2 has the transmitter 24 and the battery 25, each of the tape feeders 8 does not require the transmitter 24 or the battery 25, thereby suppressing an increase in costs.

[0032] 2. Configuration of the expanded instrument management system 1S Next, the configuration of the expanded tool management system 1S will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the expanded tool management system 1S includes a buffer station 4, an off-site setup station 5, an attachment / detachment transport section 6, and a transport vehicle 7 in addition to an tool magazine 2 and a management section 3.

[0033] The buffer station 4 is disposed adjacent to the component mounting machine 91. More specifically, the buffer station 4 is disposed next to the end of the substrate-related work line 9, which is composed of a plurality of types of substrate-related work machines including the component mounting machine 91. The buffer station 4 may be disposed in a different manner from the above, for example, between the component mounting machine 91 and the substrate-related work machine upstream of it. As shown in FIG. 3, the buffer station 4 is composed of a lower base section 41, a set section 43 of approximately intermediate height, and an upper top panel section 46. The base section 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped pedestal. The base section 41 has a plurality of height adjustment legs 42 for adjusting the height position.

[0034] The setting section 43 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space that is defined above the base section 41 and opens to the front. The setting section 43 is defined between a right side plate 44R erected from the right edge of the base section 41 and a left side plate 44L erected from the left edge of the base section 41. The height dimension of the space in the setting section 43 is slightly larger than the height dimension of the instrument magazine 2. The width dimension of the space in the setting section 43 is slightly larger than twice the width dimension of the instrument magazine 2. The setting section 43 has two setting positions aligned on the left and right, and the instrument magazine 2 can be detachably set at each of the setting positions. A roller conveyor 45 is provided below the two setting positions of the setting section 43 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the instrument magazine 2.

[0035] The top plate 46 is a rectangular thick plate-shaped member covering the upper side of the setting section 43. The top plate 46 has two sets of charging sections 47 facing the two setting positions of the setting section 43. Each charging section 47 has a pair of power supply terminals 48 protruding downward from the lower surface of the top plate 46. When the instrument magazine 2 is set in the setting section 43, the pair of power supply terminals 48 automatically come into contact with the pair of charging terminals 26 of the instrument magazine 2 to ensure electrical conduction. This allows the charging section 47 to charge the battery 25 of the instrument magazine 2 in a contact-type manner. In addition, when the battery 25 has a configuration having a non-contact power receiving section, the charging section 47 has the configuration of a non-contact power supply section.

[0036] The external setup station 5 is disposed away from the component mounting machine 91. In the external setup station 5, various setup operations related to the substrate-related work line 9 are carried out. The setup operations include an operation of setting the reel 81 in the tape feeder 8 and an operation of storing the tape feeder 8 in the tool magazine 2. The external setup station 5 is provided with a charger (not shown) for charging the battery 25 of the tool magazine 2. The configuration of the charger may be the same as or different from that of the charging unit 47 of the buffer station 4.

[0037] The attachment / detachment transport unit 6 attaches / detaches and transports the tape feeders 8 between the tool magazine 2 set in the buffer station 4 and the component mounting machine 91. In other words, the attachment / detachment transport unit 6 automates the attachment / detachment work of the tape feeders 8 that is performed by an operator when using a tool management system 1 with a minimum configuration. The attachment / detachment transport unit 6 may attach / detach and transport the tape feeders 8 one by one, or may transport a plurality of tape feeders 8 together and attach / detach them one by one. The attachment / detachment transport unit 6 is formed in a vertically long box shape with an open rear side.

[0038] A plurality of middle rails 61 and lower rails 62 are provided to enable movement of the attachment / detachment transport section 6. The middle rail 61 is provided at approximately the middle height of the front faces of the plurality of substrate-related operation machines constituting the substrate-related operation line 9, and at approximately the middle height of the front face of the buffer station 4. The lower rail 62 is provided at a height toward the lower parts of the front faces of the plurality of substrate-related operation machines, and at a height toward the lower parts of the front face of the buffer station 4. The plurality of middle rails 61 and lower rails 62 are all at the same height position, and form an extending track.

[0039] On the other hand, the detachable transport unit 6 has a middle stage running unit and a lower stage running unit (not shown) on the rear side. The middle stage running unit is engaged with the middle stage rail 61 so as to be able to run. The lower stage running unit is engaged with the lower stage rail 62 so as to be able to run. The middle stage running unit further includes a driving source that generates power for running, for example, a motor that drives a running wheel. As a result, the detachable transport unit 6 is mounted on the middle stage rail 61 and the lower stage rail 62, and moves by running on the extending track. In addition, the detachable transport unit 6 has an attachment / detachment operation unit (not shown) that performs the attachment / detachment operation of the tape feeder 8, and an internal space (not shown) that accommodates one or more tape feeders 8. The applicant of the present application has disclosed a detailed configuration example of the detachable transport unit 6 in International Publication No. 2019 / 239475.

[0040] The transport vehicle 7 transports the tool magazine 2 between the off-site setup station 5 and the buffer station 4. In other words, the transport vehicle 7 automates the task of transporting the tool magazine 2 that is performed by an operator when using a tool management system 1 with a minimum configuration. The transport vehicle 7 travels with the tool magazine 2 loaded on its upper surface 71. A transfer device (not shown) that drives the transfer of the tool magazine 2 is provided on the upper surface 71 of the transport vehicle 7. The transport vehicle 7 travels and performs the transfer task according to wireless commands. An automated guided vehicle called an AGV can be used as the transport vehicle 7.

[0041] 1, the travel target points of the transport vehicle 7 are three locations: the off-site setup station 5, the buffer station 4, and an entrance / exit gate 76 of the automated warehouse 75. The automated warehouse 75 receives, stores, and delivers tools such as tape feeders 8 and materials such as reels 81. The transport vehicle 7 travels along a travel path 77 between the three travel target points. The travel path 77 is not limited to an actual object such as a rail, and may be a virtual object set on a floor surface.

[0042] 3. First operation example of the extended instrument management system 1S Next, a first operation example of the extended tool management system 1S will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the first operation example and the second operation example described later, the following operation conditions are assumed to be satisfied. That is, the component mounting machine 91 proceeds with the mounting work based on mounting work data that specifies the detailed work procedure and work guidelines of the mounting work. The mounting work data specifies the type and number of components to be mounted on one circuit board, and the management unit 3 can refer to the mounting work data. In addition, the management unit 3 sends commands to the mounting / detaching transport unit 6, the carrier vehicle 7, and the automated warehouse 75 directly or via another control unit, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, it is assumed that the maximum number of tape feeders 8 that can be attached to the component mounting machine 91 is 40, and the tool magazine 2 has a capacity to accommodate 20 tape feeders 8, which is half of that. The transport vehicle 7 has a function of transporting not only the tool magazine 2, but also a plurality of individual tape feeders 8 or reels 81 collectively. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 7 that transports the tool magazine 2 and a transport vehicle that transports a plurality of individual tape feeders 8 or reels 81 collectively are used in combination.

[0044] In the first operation example, the tool management system 1S supports the supply of components as the mounting work of the component mounting machine 91 progresses. In step S1 of FIG. 5, the management unit 3 creates a usage plan for the tape feeders 8. In detail, the management unit 3 first refers to the mounting work data to predict the order in which multiple types of components will run out, and determines the individual identification information of multiple reels 81 to be used and the order of their use as the supply plan. The management unit 3 then selects a tape feeder 8 to be applied to the multiple reels 81 to be used from those currently available, determines its individual identification information, and associates it with the individual identification information of the reels 81.

[0045] In the next step S2, the management unit 3 transmits a command to the automated warehouse 75 to retrieve 20 or more pairs of tape feeders 8 and reels 81, including at least the first to twentieth pairs in the order of earliest use. The automated warehouse 75 references the individual identification information contained in the command and retrieves the corresponding reels 81 and tape feeders 8 in order to the in / out port 76. The management unit 3 further transmits a command to the transport vehicle 7 to transport the corresponding 20 or more pairs of reels 81 and tape feeders 8 to the off-site setup station 5. The transport vehicle 7 transports the reels 81 and tape feeders 8 in accordance with the command, making as few round trips as possible.

[0046] In the next step S3, the worker sets the reels 81 in each of the tape feeders 8 at the off-site setup station 5. In the next step S4, the worker places the tape feeders 8 that are numbered 1 to 20 in the usage order into the first tool magazine 2. At this point, the acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24 of the tool magazine 2 operate. Therefore, the management unit 3 acquires the individual identification information of the tape feeders 8 stored in the tool magazine 2 and the information on the type of parts supplied by the tape feeder 8, and determines whether the correspondence between the two is correct. If not, the management unit 3 requests the worker to repeat step S3.

[0047] When 20 tape feeders 8 are contained in the tool magazine 2 and the correspondence is correct, the execution of the operation flow proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the operator loads the first tool magazine 2, which is fully loaded with tape feeders 8, onto the transport vehicle 7. The transport vehicle 7 travels from the off-site setup station 5 to the buffer station 4, and sets the first tool magazine 2 in one of the setting positions of the setting unit 43.

[0048] Thereafter, the transport vehicle 7 returns to the off-site setup station 5, where an empty second instrument magazine 2 is loaded by an operator. The transport vehicle 7 travels again to the buffer station 4, where the second instrument magazine 2 is set at the other set position of the setting unit 43. The transport order of the first and second instrument magazines 2 may be reversed. In the first and second instrument magazines 2 set in the setting unit 43, the batteries 25 are automatically charged by the charging unit 47.

[0049] Here, when the mounting work of the component mounting machine 91 progresses and a component shortage occurs, in step S6, the mounting / detaching transport unit 6 performs a component replenishing operation in accordance with a command from the management unit 3. In detail, the mounting / detaching transport unit 6 first moves to the component mounting machine 91 and removes the tape feeder 8 that has run out of components from the component mounting machine 91. The tape feeder 8 that has run out of components means a tape feeder 8 whose carrier tape has been used up and whose reel 81 is empty. The mounting / detaching transport unit 6 then moves to the buffer station 4 and stores the tape feeder 8 that has run out of components in the second tool magazine 2.

[0050] The attachment / detachment transport unit 6 then takes out a new tape feeder 8 (first in the order of use) from the first tool magazine 2, stores it in the internal space, and moves it to the component mounting machine 91. Finally, the attachment / detachment transport unit 6 attaches the new tape feeder 8 to the component mounting machine 91. This completes one component supply operation. During the component supply operation, the acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24 operate in the first and second tool magazines 2. Therefore, the management unit 3 can successively grasp the movement status of the tape feeder 8. In addition, the charging unit 47 charges the battery 25 while the tape feeder 8 is being attached, detached, and transported between the tool magazine 2 and the component mounting machine 91. In this way, the battery 25 is hardly consumed because it is charged while driving the acquisition unit 23 and the transmission unit 24.

[0051] In the next step S7, the management unit 3 determines whether it is time to return the second tool magazine 2. Specifically, the management unit 3 determines that it is time to return the second tool magazine 2 when the number of tape feeders 8 contained in the second tool magazine 2 reaches a predetermined number. In the first operation example, the predetermined number is set to 15. Therefore, after the component supply operation of step S6 is repeated 15 times, the execution of the operation flow proceeds to step S8. At this point, the second tool magazine 2 contains 15 tape feeders 8 that have been removed from the component mounting machine 91.

[0052] In the next step S8, the management unit 3 sends a command to the transport vehicle 7 to transport the second tool magazine 2 to the external setup station 5. The transport vehicle 7 follows the command to transport the second tool magazine 2 to the external setup station 5 and returns it. After that, in the buffer station 4, the tape feeder 8 removed from the component mounting machine 91 is stored in the first tool magazine 2, and a new tape feeder 8 of the first tool magazine 2 is attached to the component mounting machine 91. This component supply operation can be performed five times, from the 16th to the 20th component mounting machine.

[0053] In the next step S9, the worker removes the empty reels 81 from each of the tape feeders 8 at the external setup station 5. Thereafter, the execution of the operation flow is returned to step S2. In the second step S2, the 21st to 40th tape feeders 8 and reels 81 in the usage order are taken out from the automated warehouse 75 and transported to the external setup station 5 by the transport vehicle 7. Note that if 40 or more pairs of tape feeders 8 and reels 81 have been taken out and transported in the first step S2, the second step S2 is omitted, and the execution of the operation flow is returned to step S3 (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 5). Also, when the tape feeders 8 from which the empty reels 81 have been removed in step S9 are reused, the number of tape feeders 8 taken out from the automated warehouse 75 can be reduced by the number of tape feeders 8 that are reused.

[0054] In the second step S3, the worker sets reels 81 in each of the 21st to 40th tape feeders 8 in the usage order at the off-site setup station 5. If the work of setting reels 81 in 40 or more tape feeders 8 has been completed in the first step S3, the second step S3 is omitted, and the execution of the operation flow is returned to step S4 (see the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 5).

[0055] In step S4 of the second operation, the worker places the tape feeders 8 that are 21st to 40th in the order of use in the second tool magazine 2. If the third tool magazine 2 is used, steps S2 to S4 of the second operation can be performed in advance. In step S5 of the second operation, the worker places the second tool magazine 2, which is fully loaded with the tape feeders 8, on the transport vehicle 7. The transport vehicle 7 travels to the buffer station 4 and sets the second tool magazine 2 in the other set position of the setting unit 43. The operations up to this point are performed until the 20th part supply operation using the tape feeder 8 that is 20th in the order of use is completed. In step S6 of the 21st operation after the 20th part supply operation is completed, removal of the tape feeders 8 from the second tool magazine 2 begins.

[0056] That is, in step S6 for the 21st time, the attachment / detachment transport unit 6 removes the tape feeder 8 that has run out of components from the component mounting machine 91 and stores it in the first tool magazine 2. The attachment / detachment transport unit 6 then takes out a new tape feeder 8 (the 21st in the order of use) from the second tool magazine 2 and attaches it to the component mounting machine 91. After this, the first and second tool magazines 2 alternately perform the role of transporting the multiple tape feeders 8 that have been set up at the external setup station 5 to the buffer station 4 and the role of returning the multiple tape feeders 8 that have been removed from the component mounting machine 91 to the external setup station 5. Therefore, the attachment / detachment transport unit 6 can perform the component supply operation without stagnation.

[0057] As described above, according to the expanded tool management system 1S, the component supply operation is performed without stagnation, and the operating efficiency of the component mounting machine 91 is improved. In addition, the operator only needs to perform the tasks of attaching and detaching the reel 81 to and from the tape feeder 8, and attaching and detaching the tape feeder 8 to and from the tool magazine 2. The other tasks are performed by the attachment / detachment transport section 6 and the carrier 7, and the operator does not need to move from the off-site setup station 5. This achieves a significant reduction in labor.

[0058] 4.Second operation example Next, a second operation example of the extended tool management system 1S will be described. In the second operation example, the tool management system 1S supports a changeover operation when the circuit board to be mounted is changed from the current board type to the next board type. The management unit 3 first compares mounting operation data of the current board type and the next board type to grasp the first type tape feeder 8 that will become unnecessary in the component mounting machine 91. The management unit 3 then determines a newly required reel 81 and a second type tape feeder 8 to be applied to the reel 81. The management unit 3 then controls the newly required reel 81 and the second type tape feeder 8 to be taken out of the automated warehouse 75 and transported to the external setup station 5 by the transport vehicle 7.

[0059] The operator sets a reel 81 on each of the second type of tape feeders 8 at the outer setup station 5. Next, the operator accommodates the multiple setup second type of tape feeders 8 in the tool magazine 2. Since the tool magazine 2 has a storage capacity of half the maximum number of tape feeders 8 that can be attached to the component mounter 91, two are sufficient. After this, the two tool magazines 2 are transferred by the transport cart 7 to the buffer station 4 and set at two set positions of the setting unit 43.

[0060] Next, the attachment / detachment transfer unit 6 performs a setup change operation according to a command from the management unit 3. Specifically, the attachment / detachment transfer unit 6 removes the first type of tape feeder 8 from the component mounter 91 and accommodates it in the tool magazine 2. The attachment / detachment transfer unit 6 then takes out the second type of tape feeder 8 from the tool magazine 2 and attaches it to the component mounter 91. Further, the attachment / detachment transfer unit 6 repeats the removal of the first type of tape feeder 8 and the attachment of the second type of tape feeder 8. When the setup change operation is completed, the component mounter 91 is ready for the mounting operation on the circuit board of the next substrate type.

[0061] Also, the management unit 3 sequentially receives the individual identification information and related information of the tape feeder 8 from the transmission unit 24 of the tool magazine 2 and the control unit of the component mounter 91. Therefore, the management unit 3 can grasp the movement status of all the tape feeders 8 and manage the progress of the setup change operation. After the setup change operation is completed, the tool management system 1S executes the first operation example described above. Also in the second operation example, significant labor savings are achieved as in the first operation example.

[0062] 5. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiment When the acquisition unit 23 is in the form of (1) or (2), the management unit 3 receives the individual identification information from the transmission unit 24 and acquires related information from other than the tool magazine 2. In addition, the system configuration can be simplified by omitting one of the attachment / detachment transport unit 6 and the transport vehicle 7 from the extended tool management system 1S. However, the proportion of the work done by the worker increases. In addition, the tool magazine 2 may have a capacity equal to the maximum number of tape feeders 8 that can be attached to the component mounting machine 91. This allows the second operation example to be performed with one tool magazine 2. On the other hand, it becomes necessary to enlarge the transport vehicle 7. The embodiment can be applied and modified in various other ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1, 1S: tool management system 2: tool magazine 22: storage section 23: acquisition section 24: transmission section 25: battery 27: power switch 3: management section 31: tool database 4: buffer station 43: setting section 47: charging section 5: external setup station 6: attachment / detachment transfer section 7: transport vehicle 75: automated warehouse 8: tape feeder 81: reel 91: component placement machine

Claims

1. a tool magazine for transporting a plurality of tools, the tool magazine having a plurality of storage units for storing tools that are replaced and used in a component mounting machine, an acquisition unit for acquiring individual identification information of the tools stored in the storage units, a transmission unit for transmitting the acquired individual identification information, and a battery for driving the acquisition unit and the transmission unit; a management unit that manages a plurality of the devices by receiving and storing the transmitted individual identification information; An instrument management system comprising:

2. 2. The tool management system according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer station arranged adjacent to the component mounting machine and configured to detachably set the tool magazine.

3. The instrument management system according to claim 2 , wherein the buffer station has a charging unit that charges the battery of the instrument magazine set therein.

4. The tool management system according to claim 3 , wherein the charging unit charges the battery while the tool is being mounted, removed, or transferred between the tool magazine and the component mounting machine.

5. 5. The tool management system according to claim 2, further comprising an attachment / detachment transport unit that attaches, detaches and transports the tools between the tool magazine set in the buffer station and the component mounting machine.

6. an off-site setup station arranged away from the component mounting machine, where an operation of placing the tool in the tool magazine is performed; a transport vehicle that transports the tool magazine between the off-site setup station and the buffer station; The device management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising:

Images