Mounting method and mounting system

Abstract

This mounting method is for a mounting system (1) comprising: a feeder (20) for which a case (10) that houses parts in bulk form is detachable, and that has an attachment (30) that houses the parts supplied from the case (10); and a mounting head (107) that holds the parts supplied by the feeder (20) and that mounts the parts on a substrate (103). The mounting method includes a mounting step for holding the parts inside the feeder (20) and mounting the parts on the substrate (103) using the mounting head (107), and parts-supplying steps (S104 to S108) for exchanging the case (10) in a state with parts remaining in the attachment (30).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mounting method and a mounting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses that when replacing a bulk cassette inserted into a bulk feeder, the bulk cassette is removed and a new bulk cassette is inserted into the bulk feeder when electronic component chips passing through a chip feed path for moving electronic component chips supplied from the bulk cassette to a predetermined position are no longer detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-335888 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a mounting method and a mounting system that can suppress a decrease in productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A mounting method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a mounting method in a mounting system including a feeder having a detachable first storage section for storing bulk components and a second storage section for storing the components supplied from the first storage section, and a component mounting section for holding the components supplied by the feeder and mounting them on an object, the method including a mounting step in which the component mounting section holds the components in the feeder and mounts them on the object, and a component supply step in which the first storage section is replaced while the components remain in the second storage section.

[0006] A mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a feeder having a detachable first storage unit for storing bulk components and a second storage unit for storing the components supplied from the first storage unit, a component mounting unit that holds the components supplied by the feeder and mounts them on an object, and a control unit that controls the replacement of the first storage unit while the components remain in the second storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the mounting method and the like according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mounting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a mounting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transfer robot according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the component mounting apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a supply unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the case, the attachment, and the feeder main body according to the embodiment are removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the case according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a first diagram for explaining opening and closing of the cover of the case according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a second diagram for explaining opening and closing of the cover of the case according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing how the transport robot grips the case according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a feeder to which a case according to an embodiment is attached, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the case. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transportation of parts by the transport unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a state in which the cover of the attachment according to the embodiment is open. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a state in which the cover of the attachment according to the embodiment is closed. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a state in which the cover of the attachment according to the embodiment is closed and locked. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the antenna and RF tag according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of replacing the case of the mounting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how the case is attached to the attachment according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of replacing the case and the feeder of the mounting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of acquiring the tag information shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of identifying an RF tag corresponding to an antenna. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the appearance of a case according to the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the case according to the first modification of the embodiment is attached to the feeder main body. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing how a case according to the second modification of the embodiment is attached to an attachment. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating opening and closing of a cover of an attachment according to the third modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the background to the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] Patent Document 1 discloses a feeder (bulk feeder) into which a case (bulk cassette) with a barcode attached is inserted. The case contains bulk electronic component chips (components). A central control device reads the barcode on the case inserted into the feeder with a barcode reader, and if the information on the electronic component chip indicated by the barcode matches the information on the specified electronic component chip, it turns on a shutter solenoid that locks the shutter in a closed state, thereby unlocking the shutter opening / closing plate that opens and closes the shutter. As a result, a shutter opening / closing lever connected to the shutter opening / closing plate is pulled (driven) by a spring, causing the shutter opening / closing plate to slide and open the shutter. As a result, the electronic component chips in the case are supplied to the chip feeding unit.

[0011] Patent document 1 also discloses that when replacing a bulk cassette inserted into a bulk feeder, the bulk cassette is removed and a new bulk cassette is inserted into the bulk feeder when electronic component chips passing through a chip feed path (conveying section) for moving electronic component chips supplied from the bulk cassette to a predetermined position are no longer detected.

[0012] As described above, in Patent Document 1, the bulk cassette is replaced when electronic component chips passing through the chip feed path are no longer detected. If the bulk cassette is replaced in this state, there are no electronic component chips in the chip feed path, and the supply of the electronic component chips stops. In other words, there is a risk of productivity decreasing during the bulk cassette replacement. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into mounting methods and the like that can prevent a decrease in productivity when replacing cases, and have devised the mounting methods and the like described below.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps (processes), and order of steps (processes) shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0014] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configuration is given the same reference numeral, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified. Furthermore, even when the same object is shown in each figure, the scale may be changed for convenience.

[0015] In this specification and drawings, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In each embodiment, the Z-axis is an axis parallel to the direction in which the feeder and the case are stacked. The X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis. The feeder is elongated, and the X-axis is an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the feeder. In this specification, "plan view" means a view from the Z-axis direction.

[0016] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as coincidence, equality, and parallelism, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as plate-like and rectangular, as well as numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, are not expressions that only express the strict meaning, but are expressions that also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0017] (Embodiment) [1-1. Overview of the implemented system] The configuration of a mounting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1A to Fig. 12. Fig. 1A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mounting system 1 according to this embodiment. First, an overview of the mounting system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1A.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1A, the mounting system 1 of this embodiment includes an integrated control device 50, a first control device 50a, a second control device 50b, a transport robot 60, a supply unit 80, a component storage W, and a mounting line 90 consisting of a plurality of component mounting devices 100. The mounting system 1 is configured to include three areas: a storage area A1, a preparation area A2, and a mounting area A3. Although details will be described later, the case 10 is an example of a component storage section and a first storage section that stores bulk components, and the attachment 30 has a function of transporting components supplied from the case 10 and is an example of a second storage section. The components are, for example, electronic components such as resistors and capacitors, but are not limited thereto and may be any components that can be mounted on a board.

[0019] The storage area A1 is an area for storing the cases 10 and the attachments 30. The storage area A1 includes, for example, a parts storage warehouse W. The parts storage warehouse W stores at least one of the cases 10 alone, the attachments 30 alone, and the attachments 30 with the cases 10 attached thereto. The parts storage warehouse W is also equipped with a reader / writer RW that reads tag information stored in the RF (Radio Frequency) tags attached to the cases 10 and the attachments 30, and writes tag information to be written to the RF tags. The reader / writer RW is fixed and can simultaneously acquire tag information transmitted from multiple RF tags. The reader / writer RW can also simultaneously transmit tag information to be written to the RF tags to multiple RF tags.

[0020] When an RF tag is attached to the case 10, the tag information includes information about the parts housed in the case 10. For example, the tag information includes at least one of information indicating the type of part (identification information), information indicating the quantity (remaining number), information indicating the expiration date, etc. The information indicating the quantity is the current quantity.

[0021] Furthermore, when an RF tag is attached to the attachment 30, the tag information includes at least one of identification information of the attachment 30, usage history, and the like.

[0022] The tag information read by the reader / writer RW is managed by the integrated control device 50.

[0023] 1A illustrates an example in which the storage area A1 is separated from the mounting area A3, but this is not limiting. For example, the storage area A1 may be provided as part of the mounting area A3. For example, a component storage warehouse W may be included within the mounting area A3. Furthermore, for example, the component storage warehouse W may be included within the mounting line 90. When the component storage warehouse W is included within the mounting line 90, the cases 10 and attachments 30 can be supplied directly from the component storage warehouse W to the devices within the mounting line 90. In other words, the cases 10 and attachments 30 can be supplied without going through the preparation area A2.

[0024] The preparation area A2 is an area for preparing in advance items to be used on the mounting line 90 in the mounting area A3. For example, a supply unit 80 to be attached to the mounting line 90 is prepared in advance. The supply unit 80 includes, for example, a carriage 70 having a holding portion 71, a feeder main body 40 held by the holding portion 71, an attachment 30 attached to the feeder main body 40, and a case 10 attached to the attachment 30. In this embodiment, the carriage 70 includes multiple holding portions 71. Note that FIG. 1A shows one of the multiple holding portions 71. In this case, for example, the carriage 70 to which the feeder main body 40 and the attachment 30 are attached is placed in the preparation area A2. The second control device 50b prepares the supply unit 80 to be used in the next production run in advance by instructing the transfer robot 60 to attach a case 10 containing components to be used in the next production run on the mounting line 90 to the attachment 30 attached to the carriage 70. In the preparation area A2, not only the dolly 70 but also a holding device connectable to the dolly 70 may be prepared as long as it can hold the case 10 or the like.

[0025] The dolly 70 also includes a reading device 130. The reading device 130 is fixed to the holder 71 of the dolly 70, for example. In the preparation area A2, the supply unit 80 may be connected to an external power source. Alternatively, the supply unit 80 may include a power source internally (for example, within the dolly 70). This allows the second control device 50b to use the reading device 130 provided on the dolly 70 to confirm whether the case 10, attachment 30, and feeder main body 40 attached to the dolly 70 are the correct combination. Furthermore, when multiple sets of case 10, attachment 30, and feeder main body 40 are arranged on one dolly 70, the second control device 50b can confirm whether the attachment positions of these sets are correct.

[0026] In addition, cases 10 containing parts that may be replenished may be transported from the parts storage warehouse W and stored in the preparation area A2. This allows the time required to replenish the cases 10 to be reduced compared to transporting the cases 10 from the storage area A1.

[0027] The mounting area A3 is an area where a mounting line 90 is arranged. The mounting area A3 and the preparation area A2 may be arranged in the same space. The mounting line 90 produces mounted boards by mounting components housed in the case 10 onto boards carried in from the upstream side, and carries the produced mounted boards out downstream. The mounting line 90 is realized by various devices that perform board supply, solder printing, component mounting, and reflow operations. The component mounting operation is performed by a component mounting device 100.

[0028] The integrated control device 50 is connected to the first control device 50a and the second control device 50b, and aggregates and manages information on each component of the mounting system 1. The first control device 50a controls each component of the mounting line 90. The first control device 50a controls production on the mounting line 90, for example, based on a production plan. Note that each component of the mounting line 90 may be controlled by the first control device 50a and a control device (not shown) provided in each component of the mounting line 90 (e.g., component mounting device 100). When the number of remaining components in the case 10 of the supply unit 80 attached to the mounting line 90 falls below a predetermined number, the first control device 50a transmits a component replenishment request to the integrated control device 50. The second control device 50b receives the component replenishment request from the integrated control device 50 and outputs a replenishment instruction to the transfer robot 60 to replenish the components. Specifically, the second control device 50b instructs the transfer robot 60 as to the position within the storage area A1 of the case 10 to be replenished, the movement path of the transfer robot 60, and the position to replenish the case 10 (for example, a position within the mounting line 90, a position within the component mounting device 100, a position within the supply unit 80, or a position within the preparation area A2). Based on the instruction from the second control device 50b, the transfer robot 60 transports the case 10 containing the component to be replenished from the storage area A1 to the mounting line 90, and replaces the case 10 of the supply unit 80 with a new case 10. Specifically, the transfer robot 60 retrieves the case 10 from the supply unit 80 and attaches the new case 10.

[0029] In addition, when the case 10 attached to the supply unit 80 is changed to a case 10 filled with a different type of component, the second control device 50b controls the transport robot 60 to replace the case 10 and attachment 30 of the supply unit 80 attached to the mounting line 90.

[0030] The transfer robot 60 is a self-propelled robot that transfers the case 10 and the attachment 30 under the control of the second control device 50b. Here, the transfer robot 60 will be described with further reference to Fig. 1C. Fig. 1C is a diagram showing the configuration of the transfer robot 60 according to this embodiment.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1C , the transport robot 60 is composed of, for example, a traveling unit 62, a storage unit 63, and a robot arm 61. The traveling unit 62 is equipped with wheels and a motor for driving the wheels. The storage unit 63 stores the cases 10 and attachments 30. The storage unit 63 is formed with, for example, holding units 63a for holding multiple cases 10 and attachments 30, respectively. The transport robot 60 can transport multiple cases 10 and attachments 30 at a time by moving with the multiple cases 10 and attachments 30 stored in the storage unit 63. In addition, a robot arm 61 is provided above the storage unit 63. The tip of the robot arm 61 is formed so as to be able to grasp the cases 10 and attachments 30. The transport robot 60 uses the robot arm 61 to mount the cases 10 and attachments 30 stored in the storage unit 63 onto the component mounting device 100. This allows the transfer robot 60 to attach cases 10 and attachments 30 to multiple component mounting apparatuses 100 in a single transfer. Note that the shape and transfer method of the transfer robot 60 are merely examples and are not limited to those described above. The transfer robot 60 may transfer an object by supporting or gripping the object with the robot arm 61. For example, the transfer robot 60 may support or grip a cart 70 or a supply unit 80 for transfer. For example, when the types of components in the cases 10 of the supply units 80 attached to the mounting line 90 are to be changed all at once, the second control device 50b controls the transfer robot 60 to transfer a supply unit 80 that has been prepared in advance and replace it with the supply unit 80 attached to the mounting line 90.

[0032] In this way, the mounting system 1 is a system in which the integrated control device 50 manages the supply of parts and changes in the type of parts.

[0033] Here, the component mounting apparatus 100 to which the supply unit 80 is attached will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the component mounting apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Note that an example of the component mounting apparatus 100 will be described as an apparatus that mounts components on a substrate 103. The component mounting apparatus 100 has a function of picking up components from a feeder that supplies components, and transferring and mounting the components on the substrate 103. Note that the substrate 103 is an example of an object on which components are to be mounted.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the component mounting apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 80, a base 101, a substrate conveying mechanism 102, a component mounting mechanism 108 including a mounting head 107, a substrate recognition camera 109, a component recognition camera 110, and a power supply unit 111 (see FIG. 1B).

[0035] The substrate transport mechanism 102 is disposed near the center of the base 101 along the X-axis (the transport direction of the substrate 103). The substrate transport mechanism 102 transports the substrate 103 carried in from the upstream side in the direction along the X-axis, and positions and holds the substrate 103 on a mounting stage set for component mounting. The supply unit 80 is detachably mounted to a supply unit mounting section (not shown) of the base 101, which is the main body of the component mounting apparatus 100. More specifically, the supply unit 80 has a carriage 70, which constitutes the supply unit 80, mounted to the supply unit mounting section. In this embodiment, the supply unit mounting sections are provided on both sides of the substrate transport mechanism 102, and the supply units 80 are also disposed on both sides of the substrate transport mechanism 102. Each supply unit 80 can have multiple feeders 20 arranged in parallel along the Y-axis, and at least one feeder 20 (bulk feeder) is mounted in parallel. The feeder 20 includes, for example, a feeder main body 40 and an attachment 30. The substrate transport mechanism 102 is an example of a substrate transport section. When the supply unit 80 is mounted on the base 101, each functional section of the supply unit 80 (for example, a vibration generating section 41, a driving section 45, and a reading device 130, which will be described later) is electrically connected to the power supply section 111, and power is supplied from the power supply section 111 to each functional section of the supply unit 80.

[0036] The feeder 20 disposed in the supply unit 80 supplies components to a pick-up position by a mounting head 107 of a component mounting mechanism 108. The mounting head 107 is an example of a component mounting section.

[0037] An X-axis moving table 105 equipped with a linear drive mechanism is disposed in the X-axis direction at the end in the negative Y-axis direction on the upper surface of base 101, and two Y-axis moving tables 106 similarly equipped with linear drive mechanisms are coupled to X-axis moving table 105 so as to be freely movable in the X-axis direction. A mounting head 107 is attached to each of the two Y-axis moving tables 106 so as to be freely movable in the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The mounting head 107 mounts components held by feeders 20 arranged in the supply unit 80 onto the board 103. The mounting head 107 is equipped with component suction nozzles (not shown) that can pick up and hold components and move up and down individually. The mounting head 107 is equipped with a Z-axis lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the component suction nozzles, and a θ-axis rotation mechanism that rotates the component suction nozzles around the nozzle axis.

[0039] By driving the X-axis moving table 105 and the Y-axis moving table 106, the mounting head 107 moves in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. As a result, the two mounting heads 107 use their component suction nozzles to pick up components from pick-up positions on the feeders 20 arranged in the corresponding supply units 80. The board transport mechanism 102, the X-axis moving table 105, the Y-axis moving table 106, and the mounting heads 107 form a component mounting mechanism 108.

[0040] A component recognition camera 110 is disposed between each of the upper and lower carriages 70 and the board transport mechanism 102. When the mounting head 107, which has picked up a component from the feeder 20 arranged in the supply unit 80, moves above the component recognition camera 110, the component recognition camera 110 captures an image of the component held by the mounting head 107. The captured image is processed by image recognition in a processing unit (not shown), thereby identifying the component and detecting its position.

[0041] The mounting heads 107 are equipped with board recognition cameras 109 that are positioned below the Y-axis moving table 106 and move integrally with the mounting heads 107. As the mounting heads 107 move, the board recognition cameras 109 move above the boards 103 positioned by the board transport mechanism 102 and capture images of the boards 103. The image capture results are similarly recognized and processed by the image recognition processing unit, thereby detecting the position of the boards 103.

[0042] The power supply unit 111 supplies power to each functional unit of the component mounting apparatus 100. The power supply unit 111 supplies power to, for example, the supply unit 80 arranged in the substrate transport mechanism 102. Specifically, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to the vibration generating unit 41, the drive unit 45, the reading device 130, and the like of the supply unit 80. The power supply unit 111 may also be connected to an external power source. Note that the power supply unit 111 may supply power to each functional unit under the control of the first control device 50a, but is not limited to this.

[0043] [1-2. Implementation system configuration] Among the components described in the overview of the mounting system 1 above, the following describes in detail those that are particularly important in this disclosure. FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a supply unit 80 according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state in which the case 10, attachment 30, and feeder main body 40 according to this embodiment have been removed. Note that FIG. 3 also shows a mounting head 107 that, when the supply unit 80 is attached to the mounting line 90, holds and removes components transported on the transport section 34 of the attachment 30 by vibrations generated by the vibration generating section 41. Holding includes at least one of suction and gripping. Also, FIG. 3 shows the cover 11 of the case 10 in an open state.

[0044] 1B, 3, and 4, the mounting system 1 includes, as functional components, a vibration generating unit 41, a driving unit 45, an integrated control device 50, a first control device 50a, a second control device 50b, a transport robot 60, a mounting head 107, a power supply unit 111, a reading device 130, a sensor 140, a component detection unit 141, an RF tag T, and a reader / writer RW provided in a component storage warehouse W. As shown in FIG. 3, the vibration generating unit 41 and the driving unit 45 are provided in the feeder main body 40, the power supply unit 111 is provided in the component mounting apparatus 100, and the reading device 130 is provided in the cart 70. The RF tag T includes an RF tag T2 provided in the case 10, an RF tag T3 provided in the attachment 30, an RF tag T1 provided in the feeder main body 40, and an RF tag T4 provided in the roll body case 120.

[0045] [1-2-1.Case] Case 10 will be further described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of case 10 according to this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 5, engagement portion 13 is not shown.

[0046] 3 to 5, the case 10 has a cover 11, a case main body 12, an engagement portion 13, a first protrusion 14, a cover 17 (see FIG. 6), a second protrusion 18, and an RF tag T2. The case main body 12 has an opening 15 and a notch 19 formed therein.

[0047] The cover 11 covers the opening 15 and prevents other components from getting mixed into the case 10. The cover 11 is provided at the opening 15 for supplying components from the storage chamber 12a to the feeder 20. The cover 11 covers the opening 15 when the case 10 is not attached to the attachment 30. Furthermore, the cover 11 is opened when the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30 and a check is performed to determine whether the case 10 is a case that can be attached to the attachment 30. The check further prevents components from getting mixed into the feeder 20. The cover 11 is an example of a first cover.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a first diagram for explaining opening and closing of cover 11 of case 10 according to this embodiment.

[0049] 6(a) is an enlarged view of the dashed line area R in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the cover 11 of the case 10 is closed (closed state). For example, when the case 10 is detached from the attachment 30, or when the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30 but verification is in progress, or when verification has failed, the cover 11 is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the cover 11 is supported by the case main body 12 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis J. The case main body 12 also has a cover 17 that covers one end 11a of the cover 11 from the outside of the case 10. The cover 17 is provided to prevent the one end 11a of the case 10 from being touched from the outside of the case 10, that is, to prevent workers and the like from easily opening the cover 11 of the case 10. This makes it possible to prevent other parts from getting mixed into the case 10. The cover 17 is, for example, plate-shaped.

[0051] A through-hole 17a is formed in the cover 17. The through-hole 17a penetrates the cover 17 in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the feeder 20). The through-hole 17a is provided at a position corresponding to the rod 33 of the attachment portion 32 of the attachment 30, and may be of any size that allows the rod 33 to be inserted therethrough. The through-hole 17a may be of such a size that, for example, an operator's finger cannot be inserted therethrough. A sticker may be attached to the cover 11 at a position corresponding to the through-hole 17a. When the rod 33 is inserted into the through-hole 17a of the cover 11, a hole is made in the sticker. In other words, the sticker is provided so that it can be determined whether the case 10 has been used or not.

[0052] 6(b) is an enlarged view of the dashed line region R in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the case 10 is attached to the attachment portion 32 and the cover 11 of the case 10 is open (open state). For example, when the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30 and the verification is successful, the cover 11 is in the open state as shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0053] When the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30 and the verification is successful, the first control device 50a controls the drive unit 45 to move the rod 33 toward the case 10. As a result, the rod 33 passes through the through-hole 17a of the cover 17 and pushes one end 11a of the cover 11 toward the negative side of the X-axis. As a result, in the example of FIG. 6, the cover 11 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis J. In other words, the rod 33 presses against the cover 11, causing the cover 11 to rotate around the rotation axis J.

[0054] In this way, the cover 11 changes from the closed state to the open state by the physical action of the rod body 33 of the attachment portion 32 to which the case 10 is attached or detached.

[0055] The transition of cover 11 from the open state to the closed state may be achieved by moving rod 33 toward the positive side of the X-axis (rod 33 being housed inside mounting portion 32). In this case, cover 11 can be closed simply by first control device 50a controlling drive unit 45 to move rod 33 toward the positive side of the X-axis. When cover 11 is ready to be closed, drive unit 45 automatically transitions cover 11 from the open state to the closed state, improving operability.

[0056] The cover 11 may be biased toward the closed state by an elastic body (not shown), such as a spring. For example, the other end of the cover 11 opposite to the one end 11a is pressed toward the negative side of the X-axis by the elastic body, and the cover 11 is biased in a direction of rotation clockwise (as viewed from the direction of FIG. 6) about the rotation axis J. When the rod body 33 moves toward the positive side of the X-axis (is housed inside the mounting portion 32), the cover 11 changes from the open state to the closed state, and the cover 11 is biased toward the negative side of the X-axis. This makes it possible to prevent the cover 11 from opening and closing due to shaking when the case 10 is being transported by the transport robot 60.

[0057] The open state of the cover 11 may have multiple stages. In other words, the opening 15 may have multiple degrees of opening. For example, the first control device 50a controls the stages of the open state of the cover 11 according to the amount of parts supplied, etc. FIG. 7 is a second diagram for explaining the opening and closing of the cover 11 of the case 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram partially illustrating an example of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6(b). The rod 33 is not shown in FIG. 7.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the case body 12 has a plurality of locking portions 12b protruding from the inner surface of the case body 12 at a portion where the case body 12 and the cover 17 surround the one end 11a. While FIG. 7 illustrates an example having five locking portions 12b1 to 12b5, the number of locking portions 12b is not particularly limited. In FIG. 7, the one end 11a of the cover 11 is fixed by the locking portions 12b4 and 12b5. Note that when the cover 11 is in the closed state, the one end 11a of the cover 11 may be fixed by the locking portion 12b1 and the inner surface of the cover 17 (the surface on the negative side of the X-axis). This makes it possible to prevent the cover 11 from opening and closing due to shaking or the like when the case 10 is being transported by the transport robot 60.

[0059] When the cover 11 is opened, the elastic body provided to bias the cover 11 toward the closed state is locked. For example, the movement of the elastic body toward the negative X-axis is restricted so that the other end of the cover 11 opposite the one end 11a is not biased toward the negative X-axis by the elastic body. Thus, by providing the locking portion 12b, the cover 11 can maintain the desired open state without being continuously pressed by the rod 33. The first control device 50a may return the rod 33 to the mounting portion 32 after opening the cover 11 to the desired degree with the rod 33. This reduces the power consumption required for the rod 33 to continue pressing the one end 11a. Furthermore, deterioration of the rod 33 can be suppressed.

[0060] When the case 10 is detached from the attachment 30, the elastic body is unlocked and the cover 11 is biased to the closed state. The mechanism for closing the cover 11 is not limited to this. A rod (not shown) may be provided to push the end of the cover 11 opposite to the end 11a in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0061] Furthermore, when locking portion 12b is provided, cover 11 does not need to be biased to the closed state by an elastic body such as a spring. In other words, when locking portion 12b is provided, an elastic body for closing cover 11 does not need to be provided. In this case, cover 11 may be locked by locking portion 12b so that the degree of opening of opening 15 becomes smaller when case 10 is detached from attachment 30.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 5, case body 12 is a container that stores bulk components. Case body 12 is, for example, a long box. Case body 12 has storage chamber 12a therein that stores bulk components. Storage chamber 12a has inclined surface 16 that slopes downward (in the negative Z-axis direction in the example of FIG. 5) toward opening 15. The inclination angle of inclined surface 16 is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient that vibration generating unit 41 vibrates so that the components in storage chamber 12a can move along inclined surface 16 and be supplied to attachment 30.

[0063] The inclined surface 16 of the storage chamber 12a makes it easier to supply components to the attachment 30, and also forms a space between the storage chamber 12a and the outer wall of the case main body 12. In this embodiment, the RF tag T2 is placed in this space. The RF tag T2 is placed, for example, inside the case main body 12, below the storage chamber 12a. The RF tag T2 is elongated, and is placed in the case main body 12 so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the case main body 12. This makes it easier to attach the elongated RF tag T2 to the attachment surface 12c without increasing the area of ​​the attachment surface 12c to which the RF tag T2 is attached.

[0064] The engagement portion 13 is a recess formed on the lower surface (the surface on the negative Z-axis side) of the case main body 12 in order to fix the case 10 to the attachment 30. The engagement portion 13 is provided at a position corresponding to the claw portion 37 of the attachment receiving portion 32 of the attachment 30, and engages with the claw portion 37. In other words, the engagement portion 13 and the claw portion 37 engage with each other, thereby fixing the case 10 to the attachment 30.

[0065] In order to prevent other parts from getting mixed in with the case 10 and the attachment 30, it is preferable that the case 10 cannot be easily removed after it is attached to the attachment 30. For example, after the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30, movement of the claws 37 (e.g., movement in the Z-axis direction) may be restricted by the drive unit 45. This prevents a worker from accidentally removing the case 10 from the attachment 30, which could result in parts getting mixed in. For example, after a worker removes the case 10 from the attachment 30, it prevents a case 10 containing parts other than those corresponding to the attachment 30 from being attached to the attachment 30. The attachment 30 can be removed from the case 10 by releasing the restriction of the drive unit 45.

[0066] The first protrusion 14 is a portion that is grasped by the robot arm 61 when the transport robot 60 attaches the case 10 to the attachment 30 of the supply unit 80. The first protrusion 14 is provided, for example, so as to protrude from the wall surface on the negative X-axis side of the case main body 12 toward the negative X-axis side. The first protrusion 14 has a positioning portion 14a that determines the gripping position when the robot arm 61 grips the first protrusion 14. The positioning portion 14a is, for example, a pair of recesses formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first protrusion 14. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the transport robot 60 grips the case 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 8(a) is a schematic diagram showing the case 10 and the robot arm 61 as viewed from the negative Y-axis side to the positive Y-axis side, and FIG. 8(b) is a schematic diagram showing the case 10 and the robot arm 61 as viewed from the positive X-axis side to the negative X-axis side.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8(a), in this embodiment, the positioning portion 14a, which is a recess, has a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the innermost portion of the hole, such as a square pyramid. Also, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), in this embodiment, the robot arm 61 has a fitting portion 61a that fits into the positioning portion 14a. The fitting portion 61a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the recess in the positioning portion 14a, for example, a shape that contacts the side surface of the hole in the positioning portion 14a. As a result, when the transport robot 60 attempts to grasp the case 10 with the robot arm 61, even if the positions of the positioning portion 14a and the fitting portion 61a are not perfectly aligned, the gripping force of the robot arm 61 moves the center of the fitting portion 61a to align with the center of the positioning portion 14a. Therefore, the transport robot 60 can accurately grasp the case 10. Furthermore, by providing the positioning portion 14a on the case 10, the transport robot 60 can prevent the case 10 from falling during transport.

[0068] 5, as long as the transport robot 60 can grasp the case 10. The first protrusion 14 may be provided, for example, so as to protrude from the wall surface (top surface) on the positive side of the Z axis of the case main body 12 toward the positive side of the Z axis. Furthermore, the positioning portion 14a is not limited to being a recess, and may be a protrusion or a portion having a different coefficient of friction from other portions.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 5, second protrusion 18 is a portion that engages with a guide portion (guide portion 39 shown in FIG. 9) provided on attachment 30 when case 10 is attached to attachment 30. As shown in FIG. 9, second protrusion 18 is provided to protrude from the underside of case 10 toward the negative Z-axis side. When case 10 is attached to attachment 30, second protrusion 18 engages with guide portion 39 of attachment 30 of feeder 20. This causes case 10 to be fixedly attached to attachment 30. Second protrusion 18 is formed, for example, by forming notch 19 that is long in the longitudinal direction of case 10 on the underside of case main body 12. Furthermore, the length of second protrusion 18 in the longitudinal direction of case 10 (length in the X-axis direction) is shorter than the length of case 10 in the longitudinal direction, but is not limited to this. Further, the second protrusion 18 is arranged on the opening 15 side of the lower surface of the case 10. For example, the second protrusion 18 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the RF tag T2 in a plan view. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a feeder 20 to which the case 10 according to the present embodiment is attached, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the case 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram partially illustrating an example of a cross section taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 3.

[0070] 9, second protrusion 18 engages with guide portion 39 of attachment 30 of feeder 20. When attaching case 10 to the attachment, attaching second protrusion 18 along guide portion 39 improves the workability when attaching case 10 to attachment 30.

[0071] Furthermore, the width w1 of the second protrusion 18 is shorter than the width w2 of the case 10. This allows the width w2 of the case 10 to be larger than when the width w1 of the second protrusion 18 is the same as the width w2 of the case 10. For example, the width w2 of the case 10 can be made equal to the width of the attachment 30. This allows the capacity of the storage chamber 12a to be increased. Furthermore, the width w1 of the second protrusion may be smaller than the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of a holding portion 71 of the carriage 70, which will be described later. In this case, for example, the width w2 of the case 10 may be the same as the width of the holding portion 71. This allows the width of the opening 15 to be larger, thereby preventing components from clogging the opening 15.

[0072] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of second protrusion 18 may be rectangular or T-shaped (T-slot shape). When second protrusion 18 has a T-shaped cross-sectional shape, case 10 can also be fixed in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). Note that the cross-sectional shape of second protrusion 18 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, wedge-shaped (a wedge shape that tapers toward the negative Z-axis side) or another shape.

[0073] In addition, although an example has been described in which the cutout portion 19 is formed on both end sides (positive side and negative side of the Y axis) of the underside of the case 10 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the case 10, this is not limited to this and the cutout portion 19 may be formed on only one end side or at a central position in the Y axis direction.

[0074] The RF tag T2 stores information about the parts housed in the case 10 to which the RF tag T2 is attached. The RF tag T2 stores tag information such as information indicating the type of part (identification information), information indicating the quantity (remaining number), and information indicating the expiration date. The RF tag T2 may be attached to the case 10 when it is delivered from the parts manufacturer. By storing the delivered case 10 in the parts storage warehouse W, information about the parts in the case 10 can be obtained via the reader / writer RW. Information such as the date of receipt and the control number may be written to the RF tag T2 by the reader / writer in the parts storage warehouse W. Furthermore, cases 10 with no remaining parts may be processed so that the information stored in the RF tag T2 cannot be read and then transported to a disposal area. This prevents parts from being mixed in when the cases 10 are reused. The RF tag T2 is an example of a second RF tag.

[0075] [1-2-2. Attachment] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , feeder 20 includes an attachment 30 to which case 10 is detachably (e.g., detachably) attached, which transports components, and a feeder main body 40 to which attachment 30 is detachably attached. Feeder 20 can also be described as comprising feeder main body 40 and attachment 30 detachably attached to feeder main body 40, with attachment 30 having a mounting portion 32 to which case 10 is detachably attached. Feeder 20 can also be described as being separable into attachment 30 and feeder main body 40. For example, if a transport unit (equivalent to transport unit 34 in this embodiment) that transports components and a feeder main body (equivalent to feeder main body in this embodiment) are integrated, the transport unit is shared regardless of the type of component. In this case, components used in a previous production run may remain in the transport unit, and components in a case newly attached to a feeder (equivalent to feeder 20 in this embodiment) may be mixed with the components remaining in the transport unit. Such mixing is likely to be a problem particularly when the parts supplied by feeder 20 are changed to different types of parts for production. On the other hand, feeder 20 according to this embodiment has attachment 30 with conveying section 34 that can be separated from feeder main body 40. Therefore, by providing conveying section 34 (attachment 30) exclusively for parts, mixing of parts can be prevented when feeder 20 supplies multiple different types of parts. Feeder 20 can prevent mixing of parts even when the parts are small in size. Feeder 20 is elongated, and the longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction.

[0076] 3 and 4, the attachment 30 has a mounting portion 32, a cover 32a, a rod body 33, a transport portion 34, a cover 35, a claw portion 37, a protrusion 38, a guide portion 39 (see FIG. 9), and an RF tag T3. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 32 and the transport portion 34 are integrally formed. The attachment 30 also has an opening 32b formed at a position corresponding to the opening 15 of the case 10, and an opening 35a formed at a position where the component is picked up by the mounting head 107.

[0077] The rod body 33 is an example of an acting part that is moved along the X-axis direction by a driving part 45 provided in the feeder main body part 40 and acts on the cover 11 provided in the opening 15 of the case 10.

[0078] The mounting portion 32 is a portion to which the case 10 is attached and detached, and serves to fix the case 10 and open and close the cover 11 of the case 10. The mounting portion 32 is provided with a cover 32a, a rod body 33, a claw portion 37, and a guide portion 39.

[0079] Cover 32a covers opening 32b to prevent other parts from entering attachment 30. Cover 32a is provided between opening 15 and conveying section 34. Cover 32a covers opening 32b when case 10 is not attached to attachment 30. When case 10 is attached to attachment 30, cover 32a checks whether the case 10 is a case that can be attached to the attachment 30, and opens if the check is successful. Cover 32a may be opened and closed by, for example, drive section 45. Cover 32a may be closed when attachment 30 to which case 10 is attached is removed from feeder main body 40. This prevents parts from entering case 10 into conveying section 34.

[0080] In this way, the mounted portion 32 has a cover 32a provided in an opening 32b formed at a position corresponding to the opening 15 of the case 10 when the case 10 is mounted on the mounted portion 32. The cover 32a is an example of a second cover.

[0081] The rod 33 is an example of an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the cover 11. In this embodiment, pressing the cover 11 rotates the cover 11 around the rotation axis J, thereby opening and closing the cover 11. For example, pressing the cover 11 makes it possible for the components of the case 10 to be supplied to the conveying unit 34. The rod 33 is disposed, for example, in a position where it can press the one end 11a of the cover 11. The shape of the rod 33 is not particularly limited. When the one end 11a is not being pressed, the rod 33 may be housed inside the attachment portion 32. This prevents the rod 33 from coming into contact with the one end 11a when, for example, attaching the case 10 to the attachment 30.

[0082] As described above, the attachment 30 according to this embodiment has an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the cover 11 of the case 10.

[0083] The claw portion 37 is a protrusion provided on the mount portion 32 at a position where the underside of the case 10 comes into contact in order to secure the case 10 to the attachment 30. The claw portion 37 engages with the engaging portion 13 of the case 10, thereby securing the case 10 to the attachment 30. As will be described in detail below, the claw portion 37 is movable between a first position where it is housed in the mount portion 32 and a second position where it protrudes from the mount portion 32. In other words, the claw portion 37 is movable in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the claw portion 37 is fixed at the second position. The movement of the claw portion 37 between the first position and the second position may be performed by, for example, a drive unit 45 or an elastic body such as a spring.

[0084] The shape of the claw portion 37 when viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, a triangle, and in Fig. 4, a right-angled triangle. The claw portion 37 may be formed so that, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the inclination becomes steeper toward the opening 32b (in the example of Fig. 4, the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle slopes upward to the right).

[0085] When the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30, the guide portion 39 securely attaches the case 10 to the attachment 30 and also functions as a guide when attaching the case 10 to the attachment 30. The guide portion 39 is configured to include support portions 39a that support both ends of the case 10 in the width direction, and groove portions 39b between the support portions 39a. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the support portions 39a support the underside of the case 10, the second convex portions 18 protruding from the underside of the case 10 engage with the guide portion 39. The support portions 39a have a shape corresponding to the cutout portions 19. The width w3 of the groove portions 39b is shorter than the width w2 of the case 10. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the support portions 39a are provided to protrude from both ends of the attachment portion 32 toward the positive side of the Z-axis.

[0086] Conveying unit 34 conveys components supplied from case 10 to a position where they are picked up by mounting head 107. In this embodiment, conveying unit 34 conveys the components by vibrations generated by vibration generating unit 41. Conveying unit 34 is an example of a component conveying unit.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance of components P by the conveyance unit 34 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows the conveyance unit 34 as viewed from the positive side of the Z axis.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10 , the conveying unit 34 conveys the components P supplied from the case 10 so that they are aligned as they move toward the opening 35a. Specifically, the conveying unit 34 has a guide unit 34a for aligning the components P, and aligns the components P by conveying the components P along the guide unit 34a using vibration from the vibration generating unit 41. Here, alignment means that the components P are oriented in the same direction and lined up in a single row. Note that the conveying unit 34 does not need to align the components P as long as the components P can be removed by the mounting head 107 even if they are not aligned. For example, the conveying unit 34 does not need to have a guide unit 34a.

[0089] 3 and 4, cover 35 covers opening 35a. Cover 35 is opened when a component is removed by mounting head 107. Cover 35 is opened after covers 11 and 32a are opened. Cover 35 may be opened and closed by drive unit 45, for example.

[0090] Fig. 11A is a diagram showing a state in which cover 35 of attachment 30 according to the present embodiment is open, Fig. 11B is a diagram showing a state in which cover 35 of attachment 30 according to the present embodiment is closed, and Fig. 11C is a diagram showing a state in which cover 35 of attachment 30 according to the present embodiment is closed and locked.

[0091] 11A, cover 35 is opened by sliding in the positive direction of the X axis. That is, the component is exposed from opening 35a. In this state, mounting head 107 removes the component that has been transported to the position of opening 35a.

[0092] The surface of the attachment 30 on the positive side of the Y axis is formed with a first portion 30a, a second portion 30b, and a third portion 30c, which have different thicknesses in the negative direction of the Y axis. The first portion 30a is the surface that comes into contact with the inner surface of the cover 35 when the cover 35 slides. The second portion 30b is a portion that is thicker than the first portion 30a. The third portion 30c is a portion that is thicker than the second portion 30b. For example, the first portion 30a, the second portion 30b, and the third portion 30c are formed in a stepped shape. The first portion 30a, the second portion 30b, and the third portion 30c may be formed on at least one of the surface of the attachment 30 on the positive side of the Y axis and the surface of the attachment 30 on the negative side of the Y axis.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 11B, the cover 35 slides in the negative X-axis direction, closing the opening 35a. That is, the cover 35 transitions from an open state to a closed state. At this time, the abutment portion 35b of the cover 35 abuts against the second portion 30b, restricting movement in the negative X-axis direction. The cover 35 is formed to cover the opening 35a when the abutment portion 35b abuts against the second portion 30b. At this time, the cover 35 is movable in the positive X-axis direction. That is, when the abutment portion 35b abuts against the second portion 30b, the cover 35 can be easily opened. It can also be said that the cover 35 functions as a shutter to prevent components from popping out of the transport unit 34. For example, when the cover 35 needs to be opened and closed frequently, the states shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are repeated. For example, while the mounting head 107 is not removing components, the cover 35 transitions from the open state to the state shown in FIG. 11B.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 11C, when cover 35 slides (is pushed) further in the negative X-axis direction from the state shown in FIG. 11B, abutment portion 35b abuts against third portion 30c. At this time, cover 35 and second portion 30b engage with each other, so cover 35 cannot be easily moved. In other words, cover 35 cannot be easily opened. This state can also be said to be one in which cover 35 functions as a lid covering opening 35a. For example, when attachment 30 is removed from feeder main body 40, cover 35 transitions to the state shown in FIG. 11C. The transition of the state of cover 35 shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C is performed by first control device 50a.

[0095] 3 and 4 again, engagement portion 36 is a recess formed on the underside (the surface on the negative Z-axis side) of attachment 30 in order to fix attachment 30 to feeder main body 40. Engagement portion 36 is provided at a position corresponding to claw portion 43 provided on feeder main body 40, and engages with claw portion 43. In other words, engagement portion 36 and claw portion 43 engage with each other, thereby fixing attachment 30 to feeder main body 40.

[0096] The protrusion 38 is a portion that is grasped by the robot arm 61 when the transport robot 60 attaches the attachment 30 to the feeder main body 40 of the supply unit 80. The protrusion 38 is provided, for example, so as to protrude from the wall surface on the negative X-axis side of the attachment 30 toward the negative X-axis side. The protrusion 38 may have a positioning portion that determines the gripping position when the robot arm 61 grips the protrusion 38. The positioning portions are, for example, a pair of recesses formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the protrusion 38. For example, the protrusion 38 may have a positioning portion similar to the positioning portion 14a of the first protrusion 14.

[0097] The RF tag T3 stores tag information such as the identification information of the attachment 30, its usage history, and the parts corresponding to the attachment 30. Furthermore, when a case 10 is attached to the attachment 30, the RF tag T3 may store information about the parts of the case 10. That is, at least a portion of the information stored in the RF tag T2 may be stored in the RF tag T3. Information such as the date of entry and the control number may be written to the RF tag T3 via a reader / writer in the parts storage warehouse W. In the following, for example, an example will be described in which the attachment 30 is dedicated to each type of part, i.e., the part and the attachment 30 are linked, but this is not limiting. Furthermore, the type of part includes at least one of the following: the type of element (resistor, capacitor, etc.), the part size (0402, 0603, 1005, etc., including not only actual dimensions but also standard and data dimensions), the part model number, the size of the case 10, and the part manufacturer. The RF tag T3 is an example of a third RF tag.

[0098] In the above, an example has been described in which the rod body 33 (acting portion) is provided on the mounted portion 32 to open and close the cover 11 of the case 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rod body 33 may be provided on the case 10, and after the case 10 is attached to the mounted portion 32, the rod body 33 may press the cover 32a of the mounted portion 32 to open and close the cover 32a. In other words, the acting portion provided on the case 10 may open and close the cover 32a of the mounted portion 32.

[0099] In the above description, the cover 11 is opened and closed by the rod 33 after the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30 and verified, but the cover 11 of the case 10 may be opened and closed in conjunction with the attachment of the case 10 to the attachment 30. For example, this can be achieved by having the rod 33 protrude from the attachment portion 32 in advance when the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30.

[0100] [1-2-3. Feeder body] 3 and 4, feeder main body 40 is an object to which attachment 30 is detachably attached. In other words, feeder main body 40 has attachment portion 32 and conveying portion 34 detachably attached thereto.

[0101] 2 to 4, the feeder main body 40 has a vibration generating unit 41, claws 43, protrusions 44, a drive unit 45, and an RF tag T1. The feeder main body 40 is a container that houses the vibration generating unit 41, claws 43, and RF tag T1, and is, for example, box-shaped.

[0102] The vibration generating unit 41 vibrates the attachment 30 to transport the components to the opening 35a. The vibration generating unit 41 vibrates the attachment 30, for example, along the X-axis direction, but is not limited to this and any vibration conditions may be used as long as the components can be transported to the opening 35a. The vibration generating unit 41 can also control the amount of components supplied from the case 10 to the attachment 30 based on the vibration conditions. The vibration conditions may be determined depending on the amount of components being supplied. The vibration generating unit 41 is realized, for example, by an actuator (vibrator).

[0103] The claw portion 43 is a protrusion provided at a position where the underside of the attachment 30 comes into contact in order to secure the attachment 30 to the feeder main body 40. The claw portion 43 secures the attachment 30 to the feeder main body 40 by engaging with the engaging portion 36 of the attachment 30. The claw portion 43 is movable between a third position where it is housed in the feeder main body 40 and a fourth position where it protrudes from the feeder main body 40. In other words, the claw portion 43 may be movable in the Z-axis direction. In FIG. 4, the claw portion 37 is fixed at the fourth position. The movement of the claw portion 43 between the third position and the fourth position may be performed, for example, by a drive unit (not shown) provided in the feeder main body 40.

[0104] The protrusion 44 is a portion that is grasped by the robot arm 61 when the transport robot 60 attaches the feeder main body 40 to the carriage 70 of the supply unit 80. The protrusion 44 is provided, for example, so as to protrude from the wall surface on the negative X-axis side of the feeder main body 40 toward the negative X-axis side. The protrusion 44 may have a positioning portion that determines the gripping position when the robot arm 61 grips the protrusion 44. The positioning portions are, for example, a pair of recesses formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the protrusion 44. In other words, the protrusion 44 may have a positioning portion similar to the positioning portion 14a of the first protrusion 14.

[0105] The drive unit 45, under the control of the first control device 50a, moves the rod 33 provided on the attachment portion 32 to which the case 10 of the attachment 30 is attached, along the X-axis direction. It can also be said that the drive unit 45 moves the rod 33 in and out of the attachment portion 32. With the case 10 attached to the attachment portion 32, the drive unit 45 physically acts on the rod 33 to move the cover 11 from the closed state to the open state. Furthermore, with the case 10 attached to the attachment portion 32, the drive unit 45 stops physically acting on the rod 33 to move the cover 11, for example, by transitioning the rod 33 from a state of contact with the cover 11 to a state of no contact, thereby moving the cover 11 from the open state to the closed state. The drive unit 45 is realized, for example, by an actuator.

[0106] In this way, the rod 33, which physically acts on the cover 11, is driven by the drive unit 45 provided in the feeder main body 40. Furthermore, as described above, for example, the case main body 12 has a cover 17 that covers one end 11a of the cover 11 from the outer side of the case 10 and has a through hole 17a through which the rod 33 can be inserted. That is, in the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment, the cover 11 cannot be opened or closed from outside the feeder 20, which prevents the cover 11 from being opened or closed due to an erroneous operation by the operator or the transport robot 60. For example, in the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment, the cover 11 cannot be opened or closed unless the case 10 and the attachment 30 are attached to the feeder main body 40, which prevents the cover 11 from being opened or closed due to an erroneous operation by the operator or the transport robot 60.

[0107] The RF tag T1 stores information such as identification information and usage history of the feeder main body 40. Information such as the date of entry and control number may be written to the RF tag T1 via a reader / writer in the parts storage warehouse W. The RF tag T1 may be built into the feeder main body 40. The RF tag T1 is an example of a first RF tag.

[0108] [1-2-4. Control device] 1A and 1B, the integrated control device 50 sends instructions to a first control device 50a and a second control device 50b. The first control device 50a controls each component of the mounting system 1. The integrated control device 50 has a control unit 51 and a storage unit 52.

[0109] The control unit 51 sends instructions to the first control device 50a and the second control device 50b. The control unit 51 outputs, for example, instructions to the first control device 50a regarding production on the mounting line 90. The control unit 51 also outputs, for example, instructions to the second control device 50b regarding the supply of parts (for example, a supply request). The control unit 51 also performs collating tag information acquired from the reading device 130 and the reader / writer RW, various determination processes, etc.

[0110] The first control device 50a is communicatively connected to the vibration generating unit 41, the driving unit 45, the mounting head 107, the power supply unit 111, the reading device 130, and the component detection unit 141, and controls each component based on instructions from the integrated control device 50. The second control device 50b is communicatively connected to the transfer robot 60, and controls the transfer robot 60 based on instructions from the integrated control device 50. The first control device 50a controls the driving unit 45 to move the rod 33 in and out. The first control device 50a controls the driving unit 45 to push the rod 33 toward the negative side of the X-axis, thereby opening the cover 11 of the case 10 attached to the attachment 30. The first control device 50a also controls the driving unit 45 to return the rod 33 to the positive side of the X-axis, thereby closing the cover 11 of the case 10 attached to the attachment 30.

[0111] Furthermore, the first control device 50a controls the vibration generating unit 41 to vibrate the attachment 30 when the component is transported to a position where the mounting head 107 can pick it up. This vibration is also transmitted to, for example, the case 10. As a result, the component is supplied from the case 10 to the attachment 30, and the vibration transports the component to the opening 35a. It can also be said that the first control device 50a transports the component supplied to the attachment 30 from the opening 15 of the case 10 to the opening 35a via the transport unit 34 of the attachment 30 by the vibration of the vibration generating unit 41. The first control device 50a may also control the power supply unit 111 to supply power to the vibration generating unit 41, the drive unit 45, and the like as needed.

[0112] The control unit 51 also controls the reading device 130 attached to the dolly 70 to acquire tag information stored in the RF tags T1 to T4 from each of the cases 10, attachments 30, and feeder main bodies 40 attached to the dolly 70, thereby checking whether there are any errors in the cases 10, attachments 30, and feeder main bodies 40 attached to the dolly 70. The control unit 51 can also perform the above-mentioned check on the supply units 80 prepared in the preparation area A2, for example, to check for placement errors in advance. The control unit 51 can also acquire tag information from the RF tag T4 of the roll body case 120 stored in the waiting area A21 (empty space) of the dolly 70. Note that the parts stored in the empty space of the dolly 70 are not limited to the roll body cases 120.

[0113] Furthermore, the first control device 50a controls the mounting head 107 to pick up the components transported to the opening 35a and mount them on the target object. At this time, the first control device 50a may count the number of components mounted on the target object by the mounting head 107.

[0114] The RF tag T1 stores tag information such as the usage history and identification information of the feeder main body 40.

[0115] The RF tag T4 stores tag information including information about the component stored in the roll body case 120 to which the RF tag T4 is attached. The roll body case 120 stores, for example, a tape roll formed by winding a carrier tape into a roll.

[0116] Furthermore, the integrated control device 50 may instruct the second control device 50b to prepare in advance the supply units 80 to be used in the next production run, for example, based on production data. The second control device 50b acquires information about parts to be used in the next production run, for example, based on the production data, and controls the transport robot 60 to transport cases 10 containing the acquired parts and attachments 30 corresponding to the cases 10 from the parts storage warehouse W to the preparation area A2. At this time, if there are multiple cases 10 containing parts to be used in the next production run, the second control device 50b may, for example, cause the transport robot 60 to transport a case 10 whose inventory exceeds the number of parts to be used in the next production run. The second control device 50b can identify a case 10 whose inventory exceeds the number of parts to be used in the next production run by acquiring information about parts from each of the multiple cases 10 via the reader / writer RW.

[0117] The second control device 50b may attach a single case 10 that contains a part to be used in the next production run to the attachment 30 that corresponds to that case 10, and have the transfer robot 60 transfer the attachment 30 with the attached case 10, or, if an attachment 30 with a case 10 already attached is stored, may have the transfer robot 60 transfer that attachment 30. The case where an attachment 30 with a case 10 already attached is stored may occur when there are a predetermined number or more cases 10 remaining that were used in a previous production run, and the attachment 30 with the case 10 attached from the mounting line 90 is stored in that state in the parts storage warehouse W.

[0118] Then, the second control device 50b attaches the case 10 and the attachment 30 transported by the transport robot 60 to the feeder main body 40 that has been placed in advance on the cart 70. Specifically, the second control device 50b attaches the attachment 30 to the feeder main body 40.

[0119] The storage unit 52 stores various programs for the control unit 51 to perform the above-mentioned control, production data for producing mounting boards, information on the acquired RF tags T, information indicating the correspondence between components and attachments 30, etc. The storage unit 52 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory, but is not limited to this. The production data is, for example, a table in which the type and number of components used, the arrangement of the cases 10 on the cart 70, etc. are associated with each other.

[0120] [1-2-5. Dolly] The carriage 70 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the component mounting apparatus 100. The main body of the component mounting apparatus 100 is, for example, the portion of the component mounting apparatus 100 excluding the carriage 70. The carriage 70 has a holding unit 71 that holds the feeder 20, a carriage main body that supports the holding unit 71, and a reading device 130. The carriage 70 has, for example, multiple holding units 71, which are arranged on the carriage main body along the Y-axis direction. In this case, each of the multiple holding units 71 holds a feeder 20. A reading device 130 is provided for each of the multiple holding units 71. The holding unit 71 is also called, for example, a feeder slot. The carriage 70 is also an example of a feeder arrangement unit.

[0121] The reader 130 reads tag information from the feeder 20 held in the holder 71 where the reader 130 is disposed and the case 10 fixed to the feeder 20. Specifically, the reader 130 reads tag information from each of the RF tag T2 attached to the case 10, the RF tag T3 attached to the attachment 30, and the RF tag T1 attached to the feeder main body 40. Furthermore, if an object is present in the waiting area A21 of the dolly 70, the reader 130 may also read tag information related to the object from an RF tag (an example of a fourth RF tag) attached to the object. In the example of FIG. 3, a roll body case 120 is stored in the waiting area A21, and an RF tag T4 is attached to the roll body case 120. The reader 130 may also read tag information from the RF tag T4. The RF tag T4 is an example of a fourth RF tag.

[0122] The objects waiting in waiting area A21 are objects related to production by mounting system 1, and may be, for example, feeders, cases, or tape feeders. A tape feeder supplies components from a component tape that stores the components. The objects may also be tray feeders, stick feeders, bulk feeders, etc. A tray feeder supplies components from a tray that stores the components. A stick feeder supplies components from a stick case that stores the components.

[0123] The tag information read by the reader 130 is output to the integrated control device 50 via the first control device 50a.

[0124] Here, the arrangement of the antenna and RF tags for the reader 130 to read tag information from each RF tag will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the antenna and RF tags according to this embodiment.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 12, the reading device 130 includes a reading unit 131, a switching unit 132, and antennas a1 to a7.

[0126] The reading unit 131 reads tag information from each RF tag via antennas a1 to a7. The reading unit 131 reads tag information from the RF tag corresponding to the antenna via the antenna selected by the switching unit 132. The reading unit 131 is realized by, for example, a reader / writer that reads tag information from each RF tag.

[0127] The switching unit 132 selects one of the antennas a1 to a7 connected to the reading unit 131 in order to switch the RF tag from which the reading unit 131 reads tag information. It can also be said that the switching unit 132 selects an antenna capable of reading tag information from the RF tag to be read in order to read tag information from the RF tag.

[0128] The antenna a1 is provided on the dolly 70 and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T1. The antenna a1 is disposed in the vicinity of the RF tag T1 so as to face the RF tag T1. The antenna a1 and the switching unit 132 are connected by, for example, a cable C1. The antenna a1 is an example of a first antenna.

[0129] The antenna a2 is provided on the dolly 70 and is an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T2. The antenna a2 and the switching unit 132 are connected by, for example, a cable C2. The antenna a1 is an example of a second antenna.

[0130] The antenna a3 is provided on the feeder 20 and is arranged to face the RF tag T2. Specifically, the antenna a3 is arranged on the feeder main body 40. More specifically, the antenna a3 is arranged on the surface of the feeder main body 40 facing the attachment 30. In other words, the antenna a3 is arranged in the vicinity of the RF tag T2. The antenna a3 is an example of a third antenna.

[0131] The antenna a3 may transmit a signal including tag information stored in the RF tag T2 to the RF tag T3. That is, the antenna a3 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from each of the RF tags T2 and T3.

[0132] Antenna a4 is provided on feeder 20 and is arranged to face antenna a2. Specifically, antenna a4 is arranged on feeder main body 40. More specifically, antenna a4 is arranged on the surface of feeder main body 40 opposite attachment 30. Antenna a4 is arranged near antenna a2 and faces antenna a2. Antenna a4 is an example of a fourth antenna. Furthermore, antennas a3 and a4 are connected by, for example, cable C3. Cable C3 is housed in feeder main body 40.

[0133] Antenna a4 is disposed opposite antenna a2, thereby forming a coupled antenna. In other words, antenna a4 and antenna a2 are disposed so as to be electromagnetically coupled. No object that blocks the propagation of electromagnetic waves, such as metal, is disposed between antenna a4 and antenna a2. For example, there may or may not be a space between antenna a4 and antenna a2.

[0134] This allows the antenna a2 to transmit and receive signals to and from the RF tag T2 via the antenna a4, the cable C3, and the antenna a3. The antenna a4, the cable C3, and the antenna a3 are an example of a transmission unit that transmits signals from the antenna a2.

[0135] The antenna a5 is provided on the dolly 70 and is an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T3. The antenna a5 and the switching unit 132 are connected by, for example, a cable C4. The antenna a5 is an example of a fifth antenna.

[0136] Antenna a6 is provided on feeder 20 and arranged to face RF tag T3. Specifically, antenna a6 is arranged on feeder main body 40. More specifically, antenna a6 is arranged on the surface of feeder main body 40 facing attachment 30. In other words, antenna a6 is arranged near RF tag T3. In this embodiment, antenna a6 and antenna a3 are arranged in positions where they do not overlap in a planar view, but antenna a6 and antenna a3 may be arranged so that they at least partially overlap in a planar view.

[0137] Antenna a7 is provided on feeder 20 and is positioned opposite antenna a5. Specifically, antenna a7 is positioned on feeder main body 40. More specifically, antenna a7 is positioned on the surface of feeder main body 40 opposite attachment 30. Antenna a7 is positioned near antenna a5. Antennas a6 and a7 are connected by, for example, cable C5. Cable C5 is housed in feeder main body 40.

[0138] The antenna a7 is arranged opposite the antenna a5 to form a coupled antenna. This allows the antenna a5 to transmit and receive signals to the RF tag T3 via the antenna a7, cable C5, and antenna a6. The antenna a7, cable C5, and antenna a6 are an example of a transmission unit that transmits the signal from the antenna a5.

[0139] As described above, the antenna disposed on the carriage 70 and the antenna disposed on the feeder main body 40 constitute a coupled antenna. The antennas inside the feeder main body 40 are connected using a cable. Note that if the two antennas inside the feeder main body 40 can be arranged so as to be electromagnetically coupled, it is not necessary to use a cable for connection.

[0140] The cables C1 to C5 are, for example, coaxial cables, but are not limited to this. Furthermore, the case 10 and the attachment 30 do not have, for example, any cables or antennas arranged thereon.

[0141] The RF tag T2 placed in the case 10 and the RF tag T3 placed in the attachment 30 are preferably arranged so as not to overlap at least partially in a plan view. The RF tag T2 and the RF tag T3 are preferably arranged so as not to overlap at least partially in a plan view, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the feeder 20. In this embodiment, the RF tag T2 and the RF tag T3 are arranged at positions so as not to overlap each other in a plan view.

[0142] This prevents the RF tag T2 and RF tag T3 from overlapping, making it difficult to read the tag information of the RF tag T2. Even when two RF tags overlap, the two RF tags may overlap as long as at least one antenna is placed between the two RF tags. In this embodiment, the RF tag T1 and RF tag T2 overlap in plan view, but since the antenna a3 is placed between the RF tag T1 and RF tag T2, there is no problem with reading.

[0143] When an object such as a roll case 120 is stored in the waiting area A21, the reader 130 may have an antenna (not shown) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T4 attached to the object. The antenna is provided on the dolly 70 and positioned near the RF tag T4 so as to face the antenna. The antenna is an example of a sixth antenna.

[0144] [1-2-6. Sensors and part detection units] The sensor 140 detects components supplied from the case 10 to the attachment 30 in a non-contact manner. The sensor 140 may be any existing sensor that can detect components in a non-contact manner. The sensor 140 may be, for example, an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. If the sensor 140 is an optical sensor, it outputs to the component detection element 141 according to the amount of light received by the light-receiving element. The sensor 140 is provided, for example, inside the attachment portion 32 near the opening 32b, but is not limited to this, and may also be provided near the opening 15 of the case 10.

[0145] Component detection unit 141 receives the output of sensor 140 and detects the presence or absence of components. It can also be said that component detection unit 141 receives the output of sensor 140 and detects whether or not components have been supplied from case 10 to attachment 30. Furthermore, component detection unit 141 may detect the number of components supplied from case 10 to attachment 30, or may detect whether or not components have been supplied from case 10 to attachment 30. Component detection unit 141 is provided in component mounting apparatus 100, for example.

[0146] [1-3. Operation of the implemented system] Next, the operation of the mounting system 1 as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17. First, the operation of replacing the case 10 of the carriage 70 attached to the component mounting apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of replacing the case 10 of the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is performed during production (while components are being mounted on the board 103). In other words, the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is executed while components are being continuously mounted on the board 103 in the mounting process in which the mounting head 107 holds components in the feeder 20 and mounts them on the board 103. In other words, the operations shown below are executed in parallel with the mounting process.

[0147] 13, the first control device 50a causes the feeder 20 to supply the components in the case 10 (S101). Specifically, the first control device 50a vibrates the vibration generating unit 41, thereby causing the feeder 20 (the attachment 30 in this embodiment) to supply the amount of components corresponding to the vibration.

[0148] Next, the first control device 50a acquires the remaining number of components in the case 10 (S102). The first control device 50a acquires the remaining number by calculating the current remaining number of components in the case 10 based on, for example, the number of components in the case 10 (initial number) acquired from the RF tag T2 affixed to the case 10 when the case 10 was attached to the attachment 30 and the number of components supplied to the attachment 30 in the mounting process. The number of components supplied to the attachment 30 can be acquired, for example, from the detection result of a sensor 140 installed near the opening 32b of the attachment 30. In this way, the first control device 50a also functions as a confirmation unit that confirms the remaining number of components.

[0149] The method by which the first control device 50a obtains the remaining number of components is not limited to the above. For example, the first control device 50a may calculate the number of components based on the initial number of components and the number of components mounted (used) by the mounting head 107. For example, the first control device 50a may calculate the number of components supplied from the case 10 to the attachment 30 based on the number of components mounted in the mounting process (e.g., the number of times the mounting head 107 performed the mounting operation). The first control device 50a may also obtain the remaining number of components based on the initial number of components in the case 10 and the mounting time. In this case, the sensor 140 may not be provided. Furthermore, when the sensor 140 detects whether components are being supplied from the case 10 to the attachment 30, the first control device 50a may determine that the remaining number of components in the case 10 is zero when no components are being supplied. In this case, the first control device 50a can obtain the remaining number of components in the case 10 based on the detection result from the sensor 140. Specifically, the first control device 50a can obtain, based on the detection result from the sensor 140, that the number of remaining parts in the case 10 has become zero.

[0150] Next, the first control device 50a determines whether or not there are any remaining parts in the case 10 based on the remaining number of parts in the case 10 acquired in step S102 (S103). In step S103, the first control device 50a may determine whether or not the remaining number of parts in the case 10 has become zero, or may determine whether or not the remaining number of parts in the case 10 has become equal to or less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, set in advance and stored in the storage unit 52.

[0151] If there are no parts remaining in the case 10 (No in S103), the first control device 50a proceeds to step S104. That is, if the number of parts remaining in the case 10 becomes zero or if the number of parts remaining in the case 10 becomes a predetermined number or less, the first control device 50a proceeds to step S104. Also, if there are parts remaining in the case 10 (Yes in S103), the first control device 50a returns to step S101 and continues supplying parts. That is, the first control device 50a keeps the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attachment 30 open based on the remaining number acquired in step S102. It can also be said that the first control device 50a keeps the cover 11 open when there are parts remaining in the case 10.

[0152] The first control device 50a may make the determination in step S103 based on, for example, the number of parts remaining in the attachment 30 (for example, in the conveying section 34) or a detection result indicating that parts remain in the attachment 30. In this case, when the first control device 50a acquires information indicating that a predetermined number or more of parts are present in the attachment 30 or that parts remain in the attachment 30, the first control device 50a determines "Yes" in step S103. The information may be, for example, a detection result from the sensor 140. The sensor 140 may be disposed, for example, midway along the conveying section 34. For example, the sensor 140 may be provided in the conveying section 34 so as to be able to detect whether parts are being supplied from the upstream side (case 10 side) of the conveying section 34.

[0153] The above steps S101 to S103 may be performed as part of the mounting process.

[0154] Next, the first control device 50a changes the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attachment 30 from the open state to the closed state in order to replace the case 10 (S104). That is, the first control device 50a changes the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attachment 30 from the open state to the closed state based on the remaining number acquired in step S102. It can also be said that the first control device 50a closes the cover 11 when there are no remaining parts in the case 10.

[0155] At the time of step S104, there are still components remaining in the transport section 34 of the attachment 30. Therefore, the steps from step S104 onwards can be performed in parallel with the mounting process. In other words, the case 10 can be replaced while the components in the transport section 34 are being held and mounted on the board 103.

[0156] Note that cases 10 with no remaining quantity are transported to a disposal area by transport robot 60. Therefore, in step S104, cover 11 of case 10 does not need to be closed. That is, in step S104, cover 32a of attachment 30 only needs to be closed. In this case, when case 10 is removed from attachment portion 32 of feeder 20, opening 32b of attachment portion 32 is closed by cover 32a.

[0157] The second control device 50b also outputs a replenishment instruction to the transport robot 60, causing it to replace the case 10 (S105). The transport robot 60 transports the case 10 containing the exhausted parts from the storage area A1 or the preparation area A2 to the position of the exhausted case 10, and replaces the case 10. The replenishment instruction may include information identifying the case 10 to be transported from the storage area A1 or the preparation area A2, and information identifying the position where the case 10 is to be replaced (for example, the position of the feeder 20).

[0158] Here, the operation of the transport robot 60 to attach the case 10 to the attachment 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the manner in which the case 10 is attached to the attachment 30 according to this embodiment. Although the movement of the case 10 shown in Fig. 14 is performed by the transport robot 60, the transport robot 60 is not shown. In Fig. 14, the case in which only the engagement portion 13 and the claw portion 37 are hidden is shown by dashed lines.

[0159] 14(a) shows a state in which a part of the case 10 is placed on the attached portion 32 of the attachment 30. At this time, the claw portions 37 are in a second position in which they protrude from the attached portion 32.

[0160] 14(b) shows a state in which the transport robot 60 has moved the case 10 to the position of the claw 37. At this time, the claw 37 is, for example, pushed by the case 10 and moves into the mounted portion 32. That is, the claw 37 moves to a first position where it is housed in the mounted portion 32. This movement of the claw 37 may be performed by the drive unit 45. Furthermore, at least a portion of the claw 37 may be housed in the mounted portion 32. The position of the claw 37 where at least a portion is housed in the mounted portion 32 is also included in the first position.

[0161] 14(c) shows a state in which the engaging portion 13 of the case 10 engages with the claw portion 37, and the case 10 is fixed to the attachment 30. At this time, the claw portion 37 is in the second position. In this state, the tag information of the RF tag T2 of the replaced case 10 has not been verified, so it is preferable, but not limited to, that the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attached portion 32 remain closed. As long as the case 10 is fixed to the attachment 30, the cover 32a of the attached portion 32 may be open.

[0162] In this way, the claw portion 37 is movable between a first position where at least a portion of the claw portion 37 is housed in the mounted portion 32, and a second position where the claw portion 37 protrudes from the mounted portion 32. In the second position, the claw portion 37 engages with an engaging portion 13 provided on the underside of the case 10, thereby fixing the case 10 to the mounted portion 32. The first position may be any position on the negative Z-axis side of the second position.

[0163] 13 again, next, the first control device 50a controls the reading device 130 to read the tag information of the RF tag T2 of the replaced case 10 (S106). The first control device 50a controls the switching unit 132 to establish electrical continuity between the reading unit 131 and the antenna a2. The reading unit 131 reads the tag information from the RF tag T2 via the antenna a2 and outputs the read tag information to the integrated control device 50 via the first control device 50a. This allows the integrated control device 50 to obtain the tag information of the RF tag T2 of the replaced case 10.

[0164] Next, the integrated control device 50 determines whether the replaced case is appropriate (S107). The integrated control device 50 may, for example, determine whether the tag information acquired in step S106 matches the production data. The integrated control device 50 may, for example, determine whether the type of parts included in the tag information matches the type of parts corresponding to the feeder 20 included in the production data. The integrated control device 50 may also determine whether the quantity of parts included in the tag information is equal to or greater than the number of parts required for production included in the production data. In this case, "matching" includes whether the quantity of parts satisfies the production data.

[0165] Note that the determination in step S107 may be made without using the production data. For example, the integrated control device 50 may make the determination in step S107 based on whether the types of parts in the case 10 before and after replacement match. Furthermore, in addition to the determination based on the types of parts included in the production data, the determination in step S107 may also be made based on whether the types of parts in the attachment 30 match.

[0166] If the replaced case 10 is appropriate (Yes in S107), the integrated control device 50 proceeds to step S108. If the replaced case 10 is not appropriate (No in S107), the integrated control device 50 returns to step S105 and causes the case to be replaced again. Note that a Yes determination in step S107 is an example of successful matching, and a No determination in step S107 is an example of unsuccessful matching.

[0167] Next, when the integrated control device 50 determines Yes in step S107, the first control device 50a changes the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attachment 30 from the closed state to the open state (S108). That is, based on the determination result of step S107, the first control device 50a changes the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attachment 30 from the closed state to the open state.

[0168] 14(d) shows a state in which the cover 11 of the case 10 and the cover 32a of the attachment 30 have changed from a closed state to an open state. In this way, the first control device 50a compares the tag information of the replaced case 10 with the production data, and if the comparison is successful, for example, if the tag information matches the production data, the first control device 50a opens the covers 11 and 32a and starts supplying parts to the attachment 30.

[0169] By replacing the case 10 in this manner, it is possible to replace the case 10 without stopping the mounting process and while preventing components from being mixed in. Note that the above steps S104 to S108 are an example of a component supply process. The component supply process is performed while components remain in the transport section 34.

[0170] Next, the operation when replacing the entire carriage 70 attached to the component mounting apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of replacing the case 10 and the feeder 20 of the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows the operation of preparing the carriage 70 for replacement in the preparation area A2 in advance. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of acquiring the tag information shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 16, an example will be described in which the RF tag is a long-distance RF tag. A long-distance RF tag is an RF tag capable of communication over a distance of, for example, about 1 to 2 meters. Note that the RF tag may also be a short-distance RF tag. A short-distance RF tag has a shorter communication distance than a long-distance RF tag, for example, about several tens of centimeters.

[0171] 15, the second control device 50b attaches the case 10 and the attachment 30 to the cart 70 arranged in the preparation area A2 (S201). For example, based on production data, the second control device 50b controls the transfer robot 60 to attach the case 10 that stores the parts to be used in the next production run and the attachment 30 corresponding to the case 10 to the feeder main body 40 held by the cart 70. It is assumed that the feeder main body 40 has been attached to the feeder slot of the cart 70 in advance.

[0172] A plurality of feeder main bodies 40 are attached to the cart 70, and in step S201, a case 10 and an attachment 30 corresponding to the case 10 are attached to each of the plurality of feeder main bodies 40. An antenna is disposed on each of the plurality of feeder main bodies 40.

[0173] Next, the first control device 50a acquires tag information stored in each of the multiple RF tags T2 and T3 from the multiple RF tags T2 and T3 (S202). Because the RF tags T2 and T3 are long-distance RF tags, the first control device 50a simultaneously acquires signals from each of the multiple RF tags T2 and T3. Therefore, the first control device 50a cannot identify the RF tags T2 and T3 corresponding to the antenna a1 from the acquired tag information. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first control device 50a identifies the RF tags T2 and T3 corresponding to the antenna a1 based on the radio wave intensity of the signals received from each of the multiple RF tags T2 and T3. Note that, in step S202, it is sufficient to acquire tag information for at least one of the RF tags T2 and T3, for example. The following describes the case where the first control device 50a identifies the RF tag T2, but the same process may be performed to identify the RF tag T3. In step S202, the control unit 51 of the integrated control device 50 may acquire the tag information stored in the RF tags T2 and T3 from each of the RF tags T2 and T3. That is, the tag information may be acquired by the first control device 50a or the control unit 51.

[0174] 16, the first control device 50a acquires the radio wave intensity of the signal from each of the multiple RF tags T2 (S301). The first control device 50a calculates the radio wave intensity (signal intensity) of the signal based on the signal acquired from the RF tag T2.

[0175] Next, the first control device 50a identifies the RF tag T2 corresponding to the antenna a1 based on the multiple radio wave intensities (S302). Specifically, the first control device 50a determines that the RF tag T2 corresponding to the signal with the strongest radio wave intensity among the multiple radio wave intensities is the RF tag T2 corresponding to the antenna a1. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of identifying the RF tag T2 corresponding to the antenna a1. The width of the double-headed arrows shown in FIG. 17 indicates the strength of the signal transmitted from each RF tag T2 to the antenna a1 located on the left side. The wider the width, the higher the signal strength.

[0176] As shown in Fig. 17, the radio wave intensity changes depending on the distance between the antenna a1 and the RF tag T2, so by identifying the RF tag T2 based on the radio wave intensity, it is possible to accurately identify the RF tag T2 corresponding to the antenna a1. In the example of Fig. 17, it can be seen that the RF tag T2 corresponding to the antenna a1 on the positive side of the Y axis is the RF tag T2 on the positive side of the Y axis.

[0177] In order to ensure isolation, the side surfaces (surfaces on the Y-axis side) of each feeder 20 are preferably made of metal.

[0178] Referring again to FIG. 16, the first control device 50a next determines whether or not the RF tag T2 has been identified for all antennas a1 (S303). If the first control device 50a has identified the RF tag T2 for all antennas a1 (Yes in S303), the process proceeds to step S203 shown in FIG. 15. If the first control device 50a has not identified the RF tag T2 for all antennas a1 (No in S303), the process returns to step S301 and continues the processing from step S301 onwards for the remaining antennas a1. Specifically, the first control device 50a controls the switching unit 132 to switch the antenna a1 connected to the reading unit 131, and performs the processing from step S301 onwards for the switched antenna a1. The first control device 50a outputs the acquired tag information to the integrated control device 50.

[0179] 15 again, next, the integrated control device 50 determines whether the case 10 and the attachment 30 attached to the feeder main body 40 are appropriate based on the tag information (S203). The integrated control device 50 may make the determination in step S203, for example, by comparing the tag information with production data. For example, if the type of component included in the tag information of the case 10 and the attachment 30 attached to the feeder main body 40 matches the type of component attached to the feeder main body 40 included in the production data, the integrated control device 50 determines that the attachment positions of the case 10 and the attachment 30 are appropriate (the case 10 and the attachment 30 are attached to the appropriate feeder main body 40), and therefore determines that the case 10 and the attachment 30 are appropriate (Yes in S203). Furthermore, for example, if the types of components included in the tag information of the case 10 and the attachment 30 attached to the feeder main body 40 do not match the types of components attached to the feeder main body 40 included in the production data, the integrated control device 50 determines that the attachment positions of the case 10 and the attachment 30 are inappropriate (No in S203). The integrated control device 50 performs the determination in step S203 for each feeder main body 40. The determination of whether the attachment attachment positions are appropriate may be performed without using the production data. The integrated control device 50 may perform the determination in step S203 based on, for example, whether the component types in the tag information of the attachment 30 and the tag information of the case 10 match. The determination of whether the attachment attachment positions are appropriate may also be performed using the production data.

[0180] Next, when the integrated control device 50 determines Yes in step S203, the first control device 50a changes the cover 32a on the case 10 side of the attachment 30 attached to the carriage 70 of the component mounting device 100 from the open state to the closed state (S204). At this time, the first control device 50a may also change the cover 11 of the case 10 from the open state to the closed state.

[0181] Next, the second control device 50b removes the carriage 70 from the component mounting device 100, and attaches the carriage 70 for which the answer to step S203 in each feeder main body 40 is Yes (the carriage 70 for which the case 10 and attachment 30 are appropriate) to the component mounting device 100 (S205). The first control device 50a changes the cover 32a on the case side of the attachment 30 of the newly attached carriage 70 from the closed state to the open state (S206). At this time, the first control device 50a may also change the cover 11 of the case 10 from the closed state to the open state.

[0182] By exchanging the carriage 70 to which the case 10 and the feeder 20 are attached in this manner, it is possible to quickly exchange the carriage 70 while suppressing the mixing of parts. Note that the above steps S201 to S206 are an example of a parts supplying process.

[0183] [1-4. Effects, etc.] As described above, the mounting method according to this embodiment is a mounting method in mounting system 1 that includes feeder 20 having detachable case 10 for storing bulk components and attachment 30 for storing components supplied from case 10, and mounting head 107 that holds the components supplied by feeder 20 and mounts them on board 103. This mounting method includes a mounting step in which mounting head 107 holds the components in feeder 20 and mounts them on board 103, and a component supply step (S104 to S108) in which case 10 is replaced while components remain in attachment 30.

[0184] The case 10 is an example of a first housing portion, and the attachment 30 is an example of a second housing portion.

[0185] This allows the case 10 to be replaced while components remain in the attachment 30 (specifically, the transport section 34). For example, when replacing the case 10 during the mounting process, the case 10 can be replaced while continuing mounting with the components remaining inside the attachment 30. In other words, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity in the mounting process when replacing the case 10. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity in the mounting process compared to when replacing the case 10 after the components inside the attachment 30 have run out.

[0186] The component supply process is carried out while components are being mounted on board 103 continuously in the mounting process.

[0187] This allows the mounting process and the component supply process to be carried out in parallel. The case 10 can be replaced while the mounting process continues, that is, while components are being mounted on the board 103 continuously in time. In other words, the case 10 can be replaced without stopping the mounting process. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent a decrease in productivity compared to when the mounting process is stopped to replace the case 10.

[0188] In addition, in the parts supply process, the cover 11 provided on the opening 15 of the case 10 is opened or closed based on the output of the integrated control device 50 which confirms the number of remaining parts.

[0189] The integrated control device 50 is an example of a confirmation unit. The output of the integrated control device 50 may be a determination result regarding the remaining number.

[0190] This allows the cover 11 of the case 10 to be opened and closed based on the remaining number of parts (for example, the remaining number of parts in the case 10 or in the attachment 30), thereby preventing other parts from being mixed into the case 10, for example, when replacing the case 10.

[0191] In addition, in the component supply process, the cover 11 is opened and closed based on the type of component housed in the case 10.

[0192] As a result, for example, if a case containing a different type of part from the part to be used is mistakenly attached to the attachment 30, the cover 11 of the case can remain closed, thereby preventing parts from getting mixed up inside the attachment 30. In other words, it is possible to prevent the need for response work when parts get mixed up inside the attachment 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity that would accompany such response work.

[0193] In the component supply process, the case 10 is removed from the mount portion 32 of the feeder 20, and the opening 32b of the mount portion 32 is closed by the cover 32a.

[0194] This makes it possible to prevent other parts from being mixed into the attachment 30 during the part supply process, after the case 10 is removed from the attachment 30 and before a new case 10 is attached. In other words, it is possible to prevent the need for response work when parts are mixed into the attachment 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity that would accompany such response work.

[0195] As described above, the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment includes a feeder 20 having a detachable case 10 for storing components in bulk and an attachment 30 for storing components supplied from the case 10, a mounting head 107 for holding the components supplied by the feeder 20 and mounting them on a substrate 103, and a control unit 51 for controlling the replacement of the case while components remain in the attachment 30.

[0196] This provides the same effect as the above mounting method, i.e., it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity in the mounting process compared to when the case 10 is replaced after the components inside the attachment 30 are used up.

[0197] As described above, feeder 20 according to this embodiment includes mounting portion 32 to which case 10, which stores parts in bulk, is detachably attached. Mounting portion 32 has rod 33 that acts on cover 11 provided at opening 15 of case 10. Rod 33 physically acts on cover 11 when case 10 is mounted on mounting portion 32, thereby changing cover 11 from a closed state to an open state.

[0198] The case 10 is an example of a housing, the opening 15 is an example of a first opening, the cover 11 is an example of a first cover, and the rod body 33 is an example of an action portion.

[0199] As a result, rod 33 for opening and closing cover 11 is provided on mount 32 of feeder 20. Therefore, with case 10 mounted on mount 32, cover 11 can be opened by a physical action (for example, pressing) of rod 33. In other words, feeder 20 can open and close cover 11 without driving a shutter opening / closing plate with a shutter opening / closing lever, as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, feeder 20 according to this embodiment can prevent a decrease in workability when opening and closing cover 11.

[0200] The mounted portion 32 also has a guide portion 39 that engages with a second protrusion 18 that protrudes from the underside of the case 10. The guide portion 39 has support portions 39a that support both ends of the case 10 in the width direction, and a groove portion 39b that is provided between the support portions 39a, and the width direction length (width w3) of the groove portion 39b is shorter than the width direction length (width w2) of the case 10.

[0201] The second protrusion 18 is an example of a protrusion.

[0202] This allows the width w2 of case 10 to be wider than when second protrusion 18 is formed on the side surface (for example, the surface in the Y-axis direction) of case 10, thereby increasing the number of components that can be accommodated in case 10. This reduces the frequency of replacing case 10 during the mounting process, improving productivity.

[0203] Furthermore, the mounted portion 32 has claw portions 37 that are movable between a first position where the claw portions 37 are housed in the mounted portion 32 and a second position where the claw portions 37 protrude from the mounted portion 32. When in the second position, the claw portions 37 engage with engaging portions 13 provided on the underside of the case 10, thereby fixing the case 10 to the mounted portion 32.

[0204] This allows the case 10 to be fixed to the attachment portion 32 by a simple fixing method of engaging the claw portions 37 of the attachment portion 32 with the engagement portions 13 of the case 10. Furthermore, because the claw portions 37 are movable between the first position and the second position, the case 10 can be easily fixed to the attachment portion 32. This improves the workability when fixing the case 10 to the attachment portion 32.

[0205] The cover 11 is supported rotatably about a rotation axis J relative to the case 10. The rod body 33 presses the cover 11, thereby rotating the cover 11 about the rotation axis J.

[0206] As a result, the rod body 33 can open the cover 11 simply by pressing the cover 11. This improves the workability when opening the cover 11.

[0207] The feeder 20 further includes a conveying section 34 that conveys the parts supplied from the case 10, and a feeder main body 40 to which the mounting section 32 and the conveying section 34 are detachably attached.

[0208] The conveying unit 34 is an example of a part conveying unit.

[0209] This allows a mounting portion 32 and a conveying portion 34 to be provided for each component housed in the case 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent components from being mixed in the conveying portion 34, compared to when the conveying portion 34 is shared by all components.

[0210] Furthermore, the mount portion 32 of the feeder 20 has a cover 32a provided on an opening 32b formed at a position corresponding to the opening 15 of the case 10 when the case 10 is mounted on the mount portion 32.

[0211] The opening 32b is an example of a second opening, and the cover 32a is an example of a second cover.

[0212] This allows the opening 32b to be closed by the cover 32a, for example, when replacing the case 10 attached to the attachment portion 32. This makes it possible to prevent parts from getting mixed in the conveying portion 34 when replacing the case 10.

[0213] As described above, case 10 according to this embodiment is a case that is attached to feeder 20, and includes storage chamber 12a that stores bulk components, and cover 11 that is provided on opening 15 for supplying components from storage chamber 12a to feeder 20. Cover 11 changes from a closed state to an open state by the physical action of rod 33 of mounting portion 32, to which case 10 is attached or detached.

[0214] This provides the same effect as the above-described feeder 20. In other words, the case 10 can prevent the workability of opening and closing the cover 11 from being reduced.

[0215] The case 10 further includes a first protrusion 14 provided on the wall surface of the case 10. The first protrusion 14 has a positioning portion 14a that determines the gripping position when the first protrusion 14 is gripped.

[0216] The first protrusion 14 is an example of a protrusion.

[0217] This increases the reliability with which the robot arm 61 of the transport robot 60 can properly grip the case 10 when the case 10 is transported by the transport robot 60 or the like.

[0218] The storage chamber 12 a also has an inclined surface 16 that slopes downward toward the opening 15 .

[0219] This makes it easier for components to be supplied from the case 10 to the conveying section 34.

[0220] Furthermore, as described above, the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment may include the above-mentioned feeder 20, a substrate transport mechanism 102 that transports the substrate 103, and a mounting head 107 that picks up components from the feeder 20 and mounts them on the substrate 103.

[0221] The substrate transport mechanism 102 is an example of a substrate transport section, the mounting head 107 is an example of a component mounting section, and the substrate 103 is an example of an object.

[0222] This makes it possible to realize a mounting system 1 in which the deterioration of workability in opening and closing the cover 11 is suppressed.

[0223] Furthermore, as described above, the mounting system 1 according to this embodiment may include a feeder 20 to which a detachable case for storing components in bulk can be attached, a cart 70 on which the feeder 20 is placed, a mounting head 107 that holds the components supplied by the feeder 20 and mounts them on an object, and a reading device 130 provided on the cart 70 that can read information contained in the RF tag T1 provided on the feeder 20 and the RF tag T2 provided on the case 10.

[0224] The cart 70 is an example of a feeder arrangement unit, the RF tag T1 is an example of a first RF tag, and the RF tag T2 is an example of a second RF tag.

[0225] This allows the reader 130 to acquire information (tag information) from each of the two RF tags. For example, compared to the case where a barcode is read, the effort required to acquire tag information can be reduced. This improves the workability when acquiring tag information.

[0226] The reader 130 also has an antenna a1 capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T1, and an antenna a2 capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T2.

[0227] The antenna a1 is an example of a first antenna, and the antenna a2 is an example of a second antenna.

[0228] As a result, an antenna is provided for each of the two RF tags, and tag information can be acquired more efficiently from each RF tag than if the antenna were shared.

[0229] The mounting system 1 may further include a transmission unit capable of transmitting a signal from the antenna a2 to the RF tag T2 provided in the case 10.

[0230] As a result, even if the antenna a2 cannot directly transmit and receive signals to and from the RF tag T2, it can transmit and receive signals via the transmission section.

[0231] In addition, the transmission section of the mounting system 1 has an antenna a3 provided on the feeder 20 and arranged opposite the RF tag T2, an antenna a4 provided on the feeder 20 and arranged opposite the antenna a2, and a cable C3 connecting the antenna a3 and the antenna a4.

[0232] The antenna a3 is an example of a third antenna, and the antenna a4 is an example of a fourth antenna.

[0233] As a result, even if the antenna a2 cannot directly transmit or receive signals to or from the RF tag T2, it can transmit or receive signals via the antenna a4, the cable C3, and the antenna a3. Furthermore, since the antennas a3 and a4 are connected by the cable C3, there is more freedom in the placement of the antennas a3 and a4.

[0234] The cart 70 is configured to accommodate a plurality of feeders 20. The reader 130 has an antenna a1 for each of the plurality of feeders 20, and determines the RF tag T1 corresponding to the antenna a1 based on the strength of the signal received from the RF tag T1 of each of the plurality of feeders 20 at each of the plurality of antennas a1.

[0235] This makes it possible to easily and accurately identify the corresponding RF tag T1 by using the signal strength.

[0236] Furthermore, feeder 20 may have feeder main body 40 and attachment 30 that is detachable from feeder main body 40 and has attachment portion 32 to which case 10 is detachably attached.

[0237] This allows feeder 20 to be separated into feeder main body 40 and attachment 30. For example, by setting attachment 30 for each part, it is possible to prevent parts from being mixed up within attachment 30.

[0238] The RF tag T1 is provided on the feeder main body 40, and the reader 130 has an antenna a4 capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RF tag T3 provided on the attachment 30.

[0239] The RF tag T3 is an example of a third RF tag, and the antenna a5 is an example of a fifth antenna.

[0240] This makes it possible to more reliably acquire tag information from the RF tag T3 attached to the attachment 30 via the antenna a5.

[0241] Furthermore, the antenna a3 transmits a signal including the information stored in the RF tag T2 to the RF tag T3.

[0242] This allows tag information to be collected in the RF tag T3, which means that the time and effort required to read tag information can be saved, and therefore the decrease in work efficiency can be suppressed.

[0243] The feeder 20 may be long, and the RF tags T2 and T3 may be arranged so that they do not overlap at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the feeder 20.

[0244] This increases the reliability of being able to read tag information from each of the RF tags T2 and T3.

[0245] The cart 70 also has a waiting area A21 where feeders, cases or tape feeders with RF tags T4 are waiting. The reader 130 has an antenna a6 that can transmit and receive signals to and from the RF tags T4.

[0246] The RF tag T4 is an example of a fourth RF tag, and the antenna a6 is an example of a sixth antenna.

[0247] As a result, if there is an object stored in the waiting area A21 of the cart 70, tag information (for example, identification information, remaining number information, etc.) relating to the object can be obtained.

[0248] (First Modification of the Embodiment) Next, the configuration of case 210 according to this modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the appearance of case 210 according to this modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a schematic view of case 210 according to this modified example attached to feeder main body 240. Case 210 according to this modified example differs from case 10 according to the embodiment mainly in that it has conveying section 234. Hereinafter, case 210 according to this modified example will be described, focusing on the differences from case 10 according to the embodiment. Furthermore, components that are the same as or similar to those of case 10 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of case 10 according to the embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0249] 18 and 19, case 210 includes a conveying unit 234 in addition to the components of case 10 according to the embodiment. That is, case 210 is formed such that case main body 12 and conveying unit 234 are integrally formed. This is an example of a case in which a conveying unit 234 is provided for each component housed in case 210.

[0250] The transport unit 234 transports components supplied from the case main body 12 to a position where they are picked up by the mounting head 107. In this modification, the transport unit 234 transports the components from the case main body 12 to the opening 235a. The transport unit 234 transports the components by vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 41. The transport unit 234 is an example of a component transport unit. The cover 235 covers the opening 235a and remains closed until mounting is performed.

[0251] The case 210 may have a cover 11 at the boundary between the case main body 12 and the transport section 234. Note that the cover 11 is not shown in Fig. 18. Note that the cover 11 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0252] The second protrusion 218 is an elongated protrusion provided from the case main body 12 to the lower surface of the conveying section 234. For example, the second protrusion 218 is formed by forming a notch 219 that is long in the longitudinal direction of the case 210 from the case main body 12 to the lower surface of the conveying section 234.

[0253] Feeder main body 240 is an object to which case 210 is detachably attached.

[0254] 19, feeder main body 240 includes rod body 246 in addition to feeder main body 40 according to the embodiment. Also, feeder main body 240 includes drive unit 245 instead of drive unit 45.

[0255] Under the control of the control unit 51, the driving unit 245 moves a rod 246, which is provided to press one end of the cover 11, along the X-axis direction. With the case 210 attached to the feeder main body 240, the driving unit 245 causes the rod 246 to physically act on the cover 11, thereby changing the cover 11 from a closed state to an open state. The driving unit 245 is realized by, for example, an actuator. The rod 246 is an example of an acting unit that acts on the cover 11 and is provided at the opening 15 of the case 10. The driving unit 245 may have the function of the driving unit 45 according to the embodiment.

[0256] In this way, even when using case 210 with integrated conveying unit 234, it is possible to suppress a decrease in workability when opening and closing cover 11 of case 210. Furthermore, because conveying unit 234 is integrated with case 210, the step of attaching the case and the attachment can be omitted, further suppressing a decrease in workability.

[0257] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) Next, the configuration of an attachment 330 according to this modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating how a case 10 according to this modified example is attached to the attachment 330. The attachment 330 according to this modified example differs from the attachment 30 according to the embodiment mainly in that it has a cover 333 that changes from a closed state to an open state in conjunction with the attachment of the case 10 to the attachment 330. Hereinafter, the attachment 330 according to this modified example will be described, focusing on the differences from the attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Furthermore, components that are the same as or similar to those of the attachment 30 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the attachment 30 according to the embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0258] 20(a) shows the state in the middle of attaching the case 10 to the attachment 330. As shown in FIG. 20(a), the attachment 330 has a cover 333 that is provided in the opening 32b (see FIG. 20(b)) and opens and closes by moving in the X-axis direction. The cover 333 moves along the direction in which the case 10 extends (the X-axis direction) when physically acted upon by the case 10. The cover 333 has an inclined surface 333a that corresponds to the inclined surface 330a formed inside the attachment portion 332. At least portions of the inclined surfaces 330a and 333a abut against each other.

[0259] FIG. 20(b) shows a state in which the case 10 is attached to the attachment 330. As shown in FIG. 20(b), as the case 10 moves toward the positive side of the X-axis, the cover 333 moves along the slope of the sloped surface 330a. For example, in the example of FIG. 20(b), the cover 333 moves to the upper right. As a result, an opening 32b appears below the cover 333. Components from the case 10 are supplied to the conveying section 34 of the attachment 330 through the opening 32b.

[0260] As described above, the attachment 330 includes a mounting portion 332 to which the case 10, which houses components in bulk, is detachably attached. The case 10 has a side surface 10a (an example of an acting portion) that acts on a cover 333 provided in the opening 32b of the mounting portion 332. The side surface 10a physically acts on the cover 333 in response to the action of attaching the case 10 to the attachment 330, thereby changing the cover 333 from a closed state to an open state. For example, the cover 333 changes from a closed state to an open state in conjunction with the action of attaching the case 10 to the attachment 330. Note that the side surface 10a may be configured to include, for example, the cover 11.

[0261] Furthermore, when case 10 is detached from attachment 330, cover 333 moves downward and leftward along inclined surface 333a, and opening 32b is automatically closed. Note that a spring may be provided on the attachment to bias cover 333 downward, and cover 333 may move along inclined surface 333a due to the biasing force of the spring.

[0262] This allows the cover 333 of the attachment 330 to be changed from a closed state to an open state simply by attaching the case 10 to the attachment 330 without performing any operations to open or close the cover 333, thereby further preventing a decrease in workability.

[0263] The attachment 330 may have a relay chamber 334 formed between the case 10 and the conveying unit 34 through which the components are conveyed. The relay chamber 334 is provided on a supply path through which the components are supplied from the opening 15 of the case 10 to the conveying unit 34. The sensor 140 may be provided to be able to detect a component in the relay chamber 334, for example.

[0264] In an implementation system having such an attachment 330, when the operation shown in FIG. 13 of the embodiment is performed, the cover 11 provided at the opening 15 of the case 10 (an example of a first storage section) may be opened and closed based on the output of the sensor 140 provided in the relay chamber 334 (corresponding to steps S104 and S108 shown in FIG. 13).

[0265] As described above, the attachment 30 of the mounting system 1 according to this modification has the relay chamber 334 between the transport section 34, to which the components are transported, and the case 10. In the mounting method according to this modification, the integrated control device 50 checks the remaining number of components in the relay chamber 334 in the component supply process.

[0266] The attachment 30 is an example of a second storage unit, the transport unit 34 is an example of a part transport unit, and the integrated control device 50 is an example of a confirmation unit.

[0267] This makes it possible to replace the case 10 depending on the remaining number of parts or the presence or absence of parts in the relay chamber 334 located upstream (on the case 10 side) of the transport section 34. For example, the case 10 can be replaced when there are few or no parts in the case 10 but many parts remain in the transport section 34. This increases the certainty that the replacement of the case 10 will be completed before the parts in the transport section 34 run out.

[0268] (Third Modification of the Embodiment) Next, the configuration of an attachment 430 according to this modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing of a cover 433 of an attachment 430 according to this modified example. FIG. 21 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the case 10 and attachment 430 according to the modified example taken along the XZ plane. The attachment 430 according to this modified example differs from the attachment 30 according to the embodiment mainly in that the cover 433 of the attachment 430 is configured to open and close in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover 11 of the case 10. Hereinafter, the attachment 430 according to this modified example will be described, focusing on the differences from the attachment 30 according to the embodiment. Furthermore, components that are the same as or similar to those of the attachment 30 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the attachment 30 according to the embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0269] 21(a) shows a state in which the case 10 is attached to the attachment 430 and a verification operation is being performed. In this state, the rod body 33 is housed in the attachment portion 432, so the cover 11 remains closed.

[0270] The cover 433 is provided to cover the opening 433a. In this modification, the cover 433 abuts against the cover 11 due to the biasing force of the elastic body 434. The elastic body 434 is, for example, but is not limited to, a coil spring. A part of the lower surface (the surface on the negative Z-axis side) of the cover 433 covers the opening 433a (is exposed to the conveying unit 34). The cover 433 is an example of a second cover.

[0271] 21(b) shows a state in which the verification is successful, the rod 33 is pushed out by the drive unit 45, and the cover 11 is rotated clockwise by the rod 33. Here, the cover 11 and the cover 433 are in contact with each other, so when the cover 11 rotates, the cover 433 moves (slides) toward the positive side of the X-axis against the biasing force of the elastic body 434. As a result, in conjunction with the cover 11 changing from the closed state to the open state, the cover 433 also changes from the closed state to the open state.

[0272] It is preferable that elastic body 434 has a spring constant that allows cover 433 to move by rotation of cover 11. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing components from clogging opening 433a, it is preferable that cover 433 be configured so that cover 433 can move in the positive direction of the X-axis by cover 11 within a length L of the portion of the underside exposed to conveyance unit 34 when cover 433 is closed.

[0273] Furthermore, when the cover 11 is closed, the rod 33 is pushed back by the drive unit 45, causing the cover 11 to rotate counterclockwise. Here, the cover 433 receives the biasing force of the elastic body 434 and moves (slides) toward the negative X-axis side. As a result, in conjunction with the cover 11 changing from the open state to the closed state, the cover 433 also changes from the open state to the closed state. From the viewpoint of preventing parts from being mixed in, the cover 11 is configured to drop parts adhering to the side of the cover 433 into the conveying unit 34 as it changes from the open state to the closed state.

[0274] In this way, the cover 433 according to this modification opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover 11 (an example of an action portion) by the cover 11. It can also be said that the cover 433 opens and closes by the physical action of the cover 11.

[0275] As described above, in the feeder according to this modification, cover 433 opens and closes in conjunction with cover 11 being opened and closed by rod 33. Cover 433 is an example of a second cover, rod 33 is an example of an action portion, and cover 11 is an example of a first cover.

[0276] As a result, when there are covers on both the case 10 and the mounting portion 432, the cover 433 can be opened and closed without performing any operation (or control) to open or close the cover 433, thereby further reducing the decrease in workability.

[0277] While the above describes an example in which the acting portion is provided on the mounted portion 432, the present invention is not limited to this, and the acting portion may be provided on the case 10. The acting portion provided on the case 10 physically acts on the cover 433 of the mounted portion 432 to open the cover 433. The cover 11 of the case 10 abuts against the cover 433 and may open in conjunction with the opening of the cover 433. In this case, the cover 11 may rotate inward of the case 10. Furthermore, the cover 11 may close in conjunction with the closing of the cover 433. Furthermore, in this case, the cover 433 is an example of a first cover, and the cover 11 is an example of a second cover.

[0278] (Other embodiments) The embodiments and modifications (hereinafter also referred to as embodiments, etc.) have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, etc.

[0279] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the control device uses the transport robot to replace the case and prepare and replace the supply unit in advance, but this is not limited to this. The control device may present the case replacement and prepare and replace the supply unit in advance to the worker via a presentation device. The presentation device may be, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, but may also be a sound output device.

[0280] Furthermore, communication between the control device in the above embodiments and the components to be controlled (for example, a drive unit, a vibration generating unit, a power supply unit, a transport robot, etc.) is not particularly limited, and may be performed by wired communication or wireless communication. Wireless communication may be performed using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee, optical communication, or specified low-power radio.

[0281] In the above-described embodiment, the attachment is fixed to the case and the feeder body by engaging the hooks with the engaging portions, but the fixing method is not limited to the above. Any known fixing method may be used.

[0282] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an example of the feeder arrangement unit is a carriage, but the present invention is not limited to this. The feeder arrangement unit may be a fixed support table (for example, a support table attached to a mounting line). In other words, the feeder arrangement unit is not limited to a movable one.

[0283] In the above-described embodiment, the conveying unit conveys the components by vibration generated by the vibration generating unit, but the method of conveying the components is not limited to this. For example, the conveying unit may convey the components by air supply, magnetic force, a conveyor, or the like.

[0284] In addition, the reading device installed on the trolley in the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized by a reader / writer that can simultaneously acquire tag information transmitted from multiple RF tags and simultaneously transmit information to be written to the RF tags to the multiple RF tags.

[0285] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the acting portion has been shown to press the cover as an example of the acting portion acting on the cover provided at the opening of the case, but the acting is not limited to pressing. The acting portion may also be pulling the cover while the acting portion and the cover are engaged (pulling in the positive direction of the X-axis in the example of FIG. 6). In this case, in the example of FIG. 6, the cover rotates clockwise around the rotation axis J, thereby exposing the opening 15. The acting portion acting on the cover also includes the acting portion indirectly acting on the cover.

[0286] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0287] The order of the processes described in the flowcharts of the above embodiments is merely an example. The order of the processes may be changed, or the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0288] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0289] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, each component (for example, a processing unit such as a control unit) may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Also, for example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0290] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments, etc. that a person skilled in the art would conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0291] The present disclosure is applicable to a system and method for producing a mounted board by mounting components on a board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0292] 1. Mounting system 10,210 cases 10a Side 11, 17, 32a, 35, 235, 333, 433 Cover 11a One end 12 Case body 12a Containment Cell 12b, 12b1, 12b2, 12b3, 12b4, 12b5 Locking part 12c Mounting surface 13, 36 Engagement portion 14 First protrusion 14a Positioning part 15, 32b, 35a, 235a, 433a opening 16, 330a, 333a sloped surface 17a Through hole 18, 218 Second convex part 19, 219 Notch 20 Feeder 30, 330, 430 attachments 30a Part 1 30b 2nd part 30c 3rd part 32, 332, 432 Mounted part 33, 246 rod 34, 234 Conveyor 34a, 39 Guide part 35b Contact part 37, 43 Claws 38, 44 Convex part 39a Support part 39b Groove 40, 240 Feeder body 41 Vibration generating unit 45, 245 drive unit 50 Integrated control device 50a First control device 50b Second control device 51 Control section 52 Storage section 60 Transport Robot 61 Robot Arm 61a Engagement part 62 Running part 63 Storage area 63a Holding part 70 carts 71 Holding part 80 supply units 90 Mounting Line 100 Component mounting equipment 101 Foundation 102 Substrate transport mechanism 103 Substrate 105 X-axis moving table 106 Y-axis moving table 107 Mounting head 108 Component Mounting Mechanism 109 Circuit Board Recognition Camera 110 Parts Recognition Camera 111 Power supply section 120 roll case 130 Reading device 131 Reading unit 132 Switching section 140 sensors 141 Part detection unit 334 Relay Room 434 Elastic Body A1 Storage Area A2 Preparation Area A21 Waiting Area A3 Mounting area a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7 antennas C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 cables J rotation axis L length P parts R dashed area RW reader / writer T, T1, T2, T3, T4 RF Tags W Parts Storage w1, w2 width

Claims

1. A mounting method for a mounting system including a feeder having a detachable first storage unit for storing bulk components and a second storage unit for storing the components supplied from the first storage unit, and a component mounting unit that holds the components supplied by the feeder and mounts them on an object, comprising: a mounting step in which the component mounting unit holds the components supplied from the feeder and mounts them on the object; a component supplying step of supplying the component from the first container newly attached to the feeder to the second container while the component remains in the second container, The component supply process is performed based on the type of the component to be accommodated in the newly installed first accommodation unit, and based on the output of a confirmation unit that confirms the remaining number of the component. How to implement it.

2. the component supply step is performed while the components are being mounted on the target object continuously in time in the mounting step. The mounting method according to claim 1 .

3. the second storage unit has a component transport unit to which the component is transported and an intermediate chamber between the second storage unit and the first storage unit, In the part supplying step, the confirmation unit confirms the remaining number of the parts in the relay room. The mounting method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a first cover is provided on an opening of the first storage portion; In the component supplying step, the first cover is changed from a closed state in which the component cannot be moved from the opening of the first accommodating section to the second accommodating section to an open state in which the component can be moved from the opening of the first accommodating section to the second accommodating section. The mounting method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the component supplying step, an opening of the mount portion of the feeder is closed by a second cover when the first accommodation portion is removed from the mount portion. The mounting method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a feeder having a detachable first storage section for storing bulk components and a second storage section for storing the components supplied from the first storage section; a component mounting unit that holds the components supplied from the feeder and mounts them on an object; a control unit that controls the supply of the components from the first container newly attached to the feeder to the second container while the components remain in the second container, The control unit executes the control based on the type of the component to be accommodated in the newly attached first accommodation unit, and also executes the control based on an output of a confirmation unit that confirms the remaining number of the components. Implementation system.

7. An assembly method in an assembly system comprising a feeder having a detachable first storage section for storing components in a bulk state, a second storage section for storing the components supplied from the first storage section, and a component mounting section for holding the components supplied by the feeder and mounting them on an object, comprising: a mounting step in which the component mounting unit holds the components supplied from the feeder and mounts them on the object; a component supplying step of supplying the component from the first container newly attached to the feeder to the second container while the component remains in the second container, the component supply step is performed based on the type of the component to be accommodated in the newly installed first accommodation section, In the component supplying step, an opening of the mount portion of the feeder is closed by a second cover when the first accommodation portion is removed from the mount portion. How to implement it.

8. A feeder having a detachable first storage section for storing parts in bulk and a second storage section for storing the parts supplied from the first storage section; a component mounting unit that holds the components supplied from the feeder and mounts them on an object; a control unit that controls the supply of the components from the first container newly attached to the feeder to the second container while the components remain in the second container, The control unit closes the opening of the receiving portion of the feeder with a second cover when the first storage unit is removed from the receiving portion. Implementation system.

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