Component Mounting System

Abstract

To provide a component mounting system capable of achieving an increase in productivity.SOLUTION: A component mounting system 100 includes: a tape feeder 5 which feeds a plurality of components P stored in a carrier tape 15; a component mounting device M which sucks one component P disposed in a component suction position by being fed by the tape feeder 5 and mounts the component P on a substrate 3; and a mode switching section 51a which, when a seam of the carrier tape reaches the component suction position, switches a mode of the tape feeder 5 from a feed permission mode into a feed inhibition mode. When the mode is the feed permission mode, the tape feeder 5 feeds components P by performing feeding in response to a feed command from the component mounting device M, while, when the mode is the feed inhibition mode, the tape feeder stops the feeding of the components P by inhibiting feeding in response to a feed command from the component mounting device M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component mounting system that mounts components on a substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] The head of the component mounting device picks up components supplied from the tape feeder, moves to the board, and mounts the components on the board. The tape feeder pulls out a carrier tape wound on a reel from the reel and supplies the components stored on the carrier tape to the component mounting device. Specifically, the tape feeder supplies multiple components to the component mounting device by repeatedly feeding the carrier tape at a certain pitch.

[0003] When the carrier tape is pulled out by the tape feeder and the number of components stored on the carrier tape decreases, the leading edge of a new carrier tape is spliced ​​to the trailing edge of the carrier tape. In other words, the carrier tape is spliced. This splicing is also called tape splicing.

[0004] When splicing a carrier tape, a carrier tape transfer occurs. During this transfer, the carrier tape from which components are picked up by suction is switched from the existing carrier tape to a new carrier tape. When this carrier tape transfer occurs, the transfer must be reflected in the trace information. The trace information is, for example, information that indicates the correspondence between each mounting point on the board and the component mounted at that mounting point or the carrier tape from which the component was picked up.

[0005] The electronic component mounting device of Patent Document 1 holds the trace information as component use history data, and when a carrier tape change occurs, the tape switching history information is reflected in the component use history data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4458015 Publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the electronic component mounting apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to improve productivity.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a component mounting system and the like that can improve productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A component mounting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tape feeder having a feed mechanism that sequentially supplies a plurality of components stored on a first carrier tape by feeding the first carrier tape, and a component mounting device that performs repeated turns of sequentially picking up a plurality of components placed at a component suction position by the tape feeder and mounting them on a board, wherein the tape feeder has a mode switching unit that switches the mode of the tape feeder from a feed permission mode to a feed prohibition mode when a seam where the first carrier tape and a second carrier tape are joined reaches the component suction position before the feed mechanism unit has supplied a predetermined number of components from the first carrier tape in one turn, and controls the feed mechanism unit to feed the first carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device when the mode is the feed permission mode, and to supply components when the mode is the feed prohibition mode. the component mounting device includes a control unit that stops the supply of components by prohibiting the feeding of the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device; a first memory unit that stores tape management data indicating identification information of a carrier tape having components currently being supplied to the component suction position by the feed mechanism unit; and a first data switching unit that switches the carrier tape currently being used for mounting, indicated in the tape management data stored in the first memory unit, from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape when the mode is the feed prohibition mode, and after the first data switching unit switches the carrier tape currently being used for mounting from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape, switches the mode from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode, and the feed mechanism unit feeds the second carrier tape in the turn after the one turn. A component mounting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tape feeder that supplies a plurality of components stored on a first carrier tape; a component mounting device that picks up components placed at a component suction position by the tape feeder and mounts them on a board; and a mode switching unit that switches the mode of the tape feeder from a feed permission mode to a feed prohibition mode when a joint where the first carrier tape and a second carrier tape are joined reaches the component suction position, and when the mode is the feed permission mode, the tape feeder feeds at least one of the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device. When the mode is the feed prohibition mode, the supply of components is stopped by prohibiting the feeding of the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device.

[0010] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), or may be realized as any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The component mounting system of the present disclosure can improve productivity.

[0012] Further advantages and effects of one aspect of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by some embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them necessarily need to be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram partially showing an example of a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a tape feeder according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of tape splicing according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the downstream portion of the tape feeder in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the timing of data switching in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each of the tape feeder and the component mounting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the suction of components by the head in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the mode and feed of the tape feeder in the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the tape feeder and the component mounting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the tape feeder in the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the component mounting apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the first mode flag and the second mode flag of the tape feeder and the feed in the modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) The present inventors have found that the electronic component mounting device of Patent Document 1 described in the "Background Art" section has the following problems.

[0015] The electronic component mounting device of Patent Document 1 determines whether a seam in the carrier tape has been detected each time a component is mounted on a board. If a seam is detected, the electronic component mounting device creates tape switching history information indicating a change in carrier tape and reflects this information in the component usage history data.

[0016] Therefore, the electronic component mounting device of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the operation of a head successively picking up and holding multiple components supplied from a single tape feeder, and then moving the head to mount the components on a board. Therefore, the electronic component mounting device of Patent Document 1 cannot prioritize the pick-up speed of multiple components, making it difficult to improve productivity.

[0017] To solve this problem, a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tape feeder that supplies a plurality of components stored on a first carrier tape, a component mounting device that picks up components placed at a component suction position by the tape feeder and mounts them on a board, and a mode switching unit that switches the mode of the tape feeder from a feed allowance mode to a feed prohibition mode when a seam where the first carrier tape and a second carrier tape are joined reaches the component suction position, wherein the tape feeder supplies components by feeding at least one of the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device when the mode is the feed allowance mode, and stops supplying components by prohibiting feeding of the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device when the mode is the feed prohibition mode. For example, the component mounting system may further include a mode determination unit that determines whether the mode of the tape feeder is the feed allowance mode or the feed prohibition mode, and the tape feeder starts or stops supplying the components based on the determination result by the mode determination unit.

[0018] As a result, when the joint reaches the component suction position, the tape feeder mode is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. Therefore, even if the component mounting device transmits feed commands multiple times to continuously pick up and hold multiple components, feeding is prohibited when the joint reaches the component suction position, and the component mounting device cannot pick up components on the second carrier tape. As a result, carrier tape transfers can be prevented during component suction, which is an operation in which the component mounting device attempts to continuously pick up multiple components. Note that carrier tape transfer refers to an event in which the carrier tape used to mount components by the component mounting device, i.e., the carrier tape from which components are removed by suction, is transferred from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape. Therefore, the component mounting device does not need to monitor or manage carrier tape transfers while one or more components are being continuously picked up, and can increase the pickup speed of those components. As a result, the productivity of mounted boards produced by mounting multiple components on boards can be improved.

[0019] In addition, the mode switching unit may switch the mode of the tape feeder from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode by switching the state of a flag from off to on when the seam reaches the component suction position, and the mode determination unit may determine that the mode is the feed permission mode when the state of the flag is off, and determine that the mode is the feed prohibition mode when the state of the flag is on.

[0020] As a result, the mode of the tape feeder is managed by the flag, so that the mode can be switched and determined appropriately with a simple configuration.

[0021] Furthermore, the component mounting system may further include a data switching unit that switches the carrier tape currently being used for mounting, as indicated in the tape management data stored in the memory unit, from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape when the mode is the feed prohibition mode.

[0022] As a result, when the seam reaches the component suction position, the tape feeder mode is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode, and if the mode is the feed prohibition mode, the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data is switched. That is, when all components stored on the first carrier tape have been removed by the component mounting device, in other words, when the component mounting device has used up all the components on the first carrier tape, the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data is switched. In other words, data switching is executed. Therefore, the carrier tape indicated in this tape management data can be appropriately synchronized with the carrier tape currently being used for mounting. As a result, by using this tape management data, trace information can be appropriately generated that associates each mounting point on the board with the component mounted at that mounting point or the carrier tape from which the component was removed. In other words, accurate traceability can be ensured.

[0023] The component mounting system may further include a communication unit that transmits a mode notification signal indicating the mode of the tape feeder to the component mounting device.

[0024] This allows the component mounting device to determine the mode of the tape feeder by receiving the mode notification signal from the tape feeder. Therefore, when the tape feeder is in the feed prohibition mode, the component mounting device can perform data switching.

[0025] The component mounting system may further include a seam detection unit that detects the seam located at a detection position upstream of the component suction position when the first carrier tape is fed from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the mode switching unit may determine whether the seam has reached the component suction position based on the length of the first carrier tape fed by the tape feeder after the seam is detected, and switch the mode of the tape feeder from the feed allow mode to the feed prohibit mode when it is determined that the seam has reached the position.

[0026] This eliminates the need to directly detect the seam at the component suction position, and allows the seam to be detected at any detection position upstream of the component suction position, thereby increasing the flexibility of the tape feeder configuration.

[0027] In addition, the component mounting system may further include a seam detection unit that detects the seam located at the component suction position, and the mode switching unit may switch the mode of the tape feeder from the feed allow mode to the feed prohibit mode when the seam is detected by the seam detection unit.

[0028] This allows the seam to be detected at the component suction position, making it possible to accurately determine whether the seam has reached the component suction position.

[0029] Furthermore, the data switching unit may switch the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data when the mode notification signal indicating the feed prohibition mode as the mode is received by the component mounting device.

[0030] This allows the component mounting device to switch data at an appropriate timing.

[0031] The mode switching section may switch the state of the flag from on to off after the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data is switched by the data switching section.

[0032] This switches the mode of the tape feeder from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode, so that the component mounting device can pick up multiple components consecutively from the second carrier tape in the next component pickup.

[0033] The data switching unit may include a first data switching unit corresponding to the tape feeder and a second data switching unit corresponding to the component mounting device, and the memory unit may include a first memory unit corresponding to the tape feeder and a second memory unit corresponding to the component mounting device, and the first data switching unit may switch the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data stored in the first memory unit when the mode is the feed prohibition mode, and the second data switching unit may switch the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data stored in the second memory unit when the mode notification signal indicating the feed prohibition mode as the mode is received by the component mounting device.

[0034] This allows data switching to be performed appropriately in each of the tape feeder and the component mounting device.

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order 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 that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0037] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0038] (Embodiment) [Component Mounting System] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a component mounting system according to the present embodiment. That is, FIG. 1 shows the internal configuration of the component mounting system as viewed from above. In this disclosure, the vertical direction is referred to as the Z-axis direction or up-down direction, one direction on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction or depth direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction on that perpendicular plane is referred to as the X-axis direction, left-right direction, or lateral direction. In this disclosure, the positive side of the Z-axis direction is upward or up, and the negative side of the Z-axis direction is downward or down. In this disclosure, the positive side of the Y-axis direction is the depth side or back, and the negative side of the Y-axis direction is the front side or near side. In this disclosure, the positive side of the X-axis direction is the right side or right, and the negative side of the X-axis direction is the left side or left.

[0039] Component mounting system 100 in this embodiment includes component mounting apparatus M and two component supply units 4. Component mounting apparatus M includes base 1, board transport mechanism 2, Y-axis tables 6A and 6B, X-axis tables 7A and 7B, two heads 64, two board recognition cameras 9, two component recognition cameras 10, and two nozzle holders 11.

[0040] The base 1 is a platform on which the substrate transport mechanism 2, Y-axis tables 6A and 6B, X-axis tables 7A and 7B, two component recognition cameras 10, and two nozzle holders 11 are arranged.

[0041] The board transport mechanism 2 has two rails along the X-axis direction and is disposed in the center of the base 1 in the Y-axis direction. The board transport mechanism 2 transports the board 3 carried in from the upstream side (for example, the negative side in the X-axis direction), and positions and holds the board 3 on a mounting stage, which is a position for performing component mounting work.

[0042] The two component supply units 4 are arranged on either side of the board transport mechanism 2 in the Y-axis direction. In the component supply unit 4, multiple tape feeders 5 are arranged in parallel along the X-axis direction. The tape feeders 5, also referred to simply as feeders, supply components. Specifically, the tape feeders 5 supply components by pitch-feeding a carrier tape containing the components in the tape feed direction.

[0043] The Y-axis tables 6A and 6B are disposed on both ends in the X-axis direction (the left and right ends in the example shown in FIG. 1) on the upper surface of the base 1 so as to extend along the Y-axis direction.

[0044] X-axis tables 7A and 7B are mounted on Y-axis tables 6A and 6B along the X-axis so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. For example, X-axis table 7A moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction by being driven by the drive mechanism of Y-axis table 6A, and X-axis table 7B moves horizontally in the Y-axis direction by being driven by the drive mechanism of Y-axis table 6B.

[0045] Head 64 is mounted on each of X-axis tables 7A and 7B so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. Therefore, head 64 moves in the X-axis and Y-axis directions by Y-axis tables 6A and 6B and X-axis tables 7A and 7B. Head 64 is detachably equipped with multiple nozzles that can pick up and hold components and move up and down. By moving in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, head 64 picks up components supplied from component supply unit 4 with the nozzles and mounts the components at mounting points on board 3 that has been positioned by board transport mechanism 2.

[0046] Each of the two board recognition cameras 9 is attached to a head 64 corresponding to that board recognition camera 9. The board recognition camera 9 moves together with the head 64 onto the board 3 positioned by the board transport mechanism 2, and captures an image of the board 3 in order to recognize the position, type, etc. of the board 3.

[0047] The two component recognition cameras 10 are disposed on the base 1 so as to sandwich the board transport mechanism 2 in the Y-axis direction. Each of the two component recognition cameras 10 captures an image of the component from the negative side in the Z-axis direction when the head 64 corresponding to that component recognition camera 10 moves over that component recognition camera 10 with the component picked up. Recognition processing is performed on the image obtained by this capture, and the position and type of the component picked up and held by the head 64 are identified.

[0048] The two nozzle holders 11, like the two component recognition cameras 10, are arranged on the base 1 so as to sandwich the board transport mechanism 2 in the Y-axis direction. These nozzle holders 11 are also called nozzle changers, and at least one nozzle is mounted on each nozzle holder 11. The at least one nozzle mounted on each nozzle holder 11 is used to replace the nozzle attached to the head 64.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a diagram partially showing an example of a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the component supply unit 4 includes a feeder base 4a, a plurality of tape feeders 5 attached to the feeder base 4a, and a carriage 12 supporting the feeder base 4a.

[0051] The carriage 12 is configured to be detachable from the base 1. The carriage 12 also has a plurality of reel holding units 13 for holding tape reels 14 on which carrier tape 15 is wound. The reel holding units 13 have holding rollers for rotatably holding the tape reels 14. The carrier tape 15 pulled out from the tape reels 14 held by the reel holding units 13 is attached to the tape feeder 5. As a result, when the tape feeder 5 performs pitch feeding of the carrier tape 15, the carrier tape 15 is sequentially pulled out from the tape reel 14 as the tape reel 14 rotates. Note that in this embodiment, the operation of the tape feeder 5 pulling out the carrier tape 15 from the tape reel 14 and feeding it downstream (for example, the positive side in the Y-axis direction) is also referred to as tape feeding. Tape feeding in which the carrier tape is fed downstream by a predetermined length is also referred to as pitch feeding. Pitch feeding is also referred to as feeding.

[0052] 2, a plurality of nozzles 64a are attached to the head 64 mounted on the X-axis table 7A or 7B. These nozzles 64a pick up components supplied from the tape feeder 5. The head 64 then moves above the board 3 with the nozzles 64a holding the components by suction, and lowers the nozzles 64a to mount the components held by the nozzles 64a onto the board 3. The components may be any electronic components that can be mounted on the board 3.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the tape feeder 5. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows the tape feeder 5, the feeder base 4a, and the nozzle 64a as viewed from the positive side in the X-axis direction.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 3, the tape feeder 5 includes a frame member 5a, a tape recovery unit 5c, an upper guide unit 18, a rotation drive mechanism 20, and a sprocket 21. The frame member 5a is attached to the feeder base 4a. The frame member 5a also has a tape running path 5b along which the carrier tape 15 runs. The carrier tape 15 pulled out from the tape reel 14 is introduced from the rear end of the frame member 5a (for example, the end on the negative side in the Y-axis direction) and fed downstream (for example, the positive side in the Y-axis direction) along the upper surface of the tape running path 5b.

[0055] The carrier tape 15 also has a base tape 16 and a top tape 17 attached to the upper surface of the base tape 16. A plurality of component pockets 16a are formed on the base tape 16 at a fixed pitch. Components P are housed in these component pockets 16a. The components P are, for example, chip-type electronic components. The upper surfaces of these component pockets 16a are covered with the top tape 17.

[0056] The rotation drive mechanism 20 drives the sprocket 21. The sprocket 21 is disposed above the downstream end of the frame member 5a. The sprocket 21 is rotated by the rotation drive mechanism 20, and feeds the carrier tape 15 downstream.

[0057] The upper guide portion 18 covers the upper surface of the downstream portion of the frame member 5a from above the carrier tape 15 and guides the feeding of the carrier tape 15. The upper guide portion 18 is provided with a suction opening 18a. The suction opening 18a is provided at a position where the component P is sucked by the nozzle 64a, i.e., at a component suction position.

[0058] As the carrier tape 15 travels below the upper guide portion 18, the top tape 17 is peeled off by the peeling portion of the upper guide portion 18 and folded back upstream (e.g., to the negative side in the Y-axis direction). As the top tape 17 is peeled off, the component pocket 16a of the carrier tape 15 is exposed from the suction opening 18a of the upper guide portion 18. The nozzle 64a picks up the component P from the component pocket 16a. The tape recovery portion 5c is a box for recovering the folded back top tape 17.

[0059] Here, for example, in a component supply operation in which components P are continuously supplied while the carrier tape 15 is being fed, the carrier tape 15 wound around the tape reel 14 is consumed. At this time, tape splicing is performed. That is, the leading end of a carrier tape 15A to be newly loaded is spliced ​​to the trailing end of the carrier tape 15 already loaded on the tape feeder 5 via a splice portion J.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of tape splicing.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4(a), in tape splicing, the tail end of carrier tape 15 already loaded on tape feeder 5 is joined to the head end of carrier tape 15A to be newly loaded via a butt line E. The butt line E is also called a joint.

[0062] 4(a) and 4(b), the base tape 16 has the above-mentioned multiple component pockets 16a formed in an array along the longitudinal direction of the base tape 16. Furthermore, at one end of the shorter side of the base tape 16, multiple feed holes 16b for feeding the carrier tape 15 or 15A by a sprocket 21 are formed in an array along the longitudinal direction of the base tape 16. The above-mentioned top tape 17 is attached to the base tape 16 in a manner that blocks the openings of the multiple component pockets 16a without blocking the multiple feed holes 16b of the base tape 16.

[0063] Tape splicing is performed using a dedicated jig, and the two carrier tapes 15 and 15A are aligned so that the pitch pa between two component pockets 16a across the butt line E is equal to the predetermined pitch pb on the base tape 16. Two splice tapes 28 and two splice tapes 29 are then attached to the tail end of the carrier tape 15 and the head end of the carrier tape 15A, straddling the butt line E. The two splice tapes 28 are attached to positions corresponding to the component pockets 16a on the base tape 16, sandwiching the tail end of the carrier tape 15 and the head end of the carrier tape 15A from above and below. The two splice tapes 29 are attached to positions corresponding to the feed holes 16b on the base tape 16, sandwiching the tail end of the carrier tape 15 and the head end of the carrier tape 15A from above and below. The splice tape 29 is also provided with a slit 29a along the longitudinal direction of the splice tape 29 so as not to interfere with tape feeding by the sprocket 21. Note that while Fig. 4(a) shows the state in which the top tape 17 has been peeled off from the base tape 16, in tape splicing, the splice tape 28 is attached from above the top tape 17. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the carrier tape 15 and the carrier tape 15A are joined at a joint J to form a single continuous carrier tape.

[0064] In (a) of Figure 4, components P are stored in all component pockets 16a, but the component pockets 16a at the end of carrier tape 15 and the beginning of carrier tape 15A do not necessarily have to store components P.

[0065] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the downstream portion of tape feeder 5. Specifically, Fig. 5(a) shows the downstream portion of tape feeder 5 as viewed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and Fig. 5(b) shows the downstream portion of tape feeder 5 as viewed from the positive side in the X-axis direction.

[0066] 5(a), the upper guide portion 18 has a first opening 18b formed upstream of the suction opening 18a (e.g., on the negative side in the Y-axis direction) and a second opening 18c formed downstream of the suction opening 18a (e.g., on the positive side in the Y-axis direction). The component pocket 16a is exposed through the suction opening 18a.

[0067] 5(b), the sprocket 21 is provided with a plurality of feed pins 21a. These feed pins 21a engage with the peripheries of the feed holes 16b in the carrier tape 15 downstream of the suction openings 18a. As the feed pins 21a engage with the peripheries of the feed holes 16b in this manner and the sprocket 21 rotates, the carrier tape 15 is fed downstream. For example, tape feeding is performed by repeating one or more pitch feeds, and in each pitch feed, the carrier tape 15 is fed downstream by the pitch between adjacent component pockets 16a in the base tape 16 (i.e., pitch pb).

[0068] When the feed pins 21a of the sprocket 21 are fitted from below into the feed holes 16b covered by the splice tape 29, the feed pins 21a protrude upward through the slits 29a of the splice tape 29. This allows the carrier tapes 15 and 15A to be fed without floating above the sprocket 21. The upper guide portion 18 is also formed with the second openings 18c described above. Therefore, the feed pins 21a protruding upward from the feed holes 16b and the slits 29a of the splice tape 29 are exposed from the second openings 18c without interfering with the upper guide portion 18.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the tape feeder 5 also includes a sensor 54 and a seam detection unit 53. The first opening 18b is used to detect the seam J of the carrier tapes 15 and 15A. The sensor 54 is a reflective optical sensor that is inserted from below into a position in the frame member 5a that corresponds to the first opening 18b. The sensor 54 emits light, detects reflected light, and outputs a detection signal based on the detection result to the seam detection unit 53. The seam detection unit 53 detects the seam J based on the detection signal from the sensor 54.

[0070] That is, when a portion of the carrier tape 15 other than the seam portion J passes above the sensor 54, if the sprocket holes 16b are positioned between the sensor 54 and the first opening 18b, the light emitted upward from the sensor 54 passes through the sprocket holes 16b and the first opening 18b. Therefore, at this timing, the sensor 54 does not detect reflected light and outputs a detection signal indicating that the sprocket holes 16b have been detected to the seam detection unit 53. When the seam detection unit 53 receives detection signals indicating that the sprocket holes 16b have been detected at a period corresponding to the pitch of the plurality of sprocket holes 16b, it determines that there is no seam portion J above the sensor 54.

[0071] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the seam J of the carrier tape 15 passes above the sensor 54, the splice tape 29 of the seam J is positioned above the sensor 54. Therefore, light emitted upward from the sensor 54 when the splice tape 29 is positioned between the sensor 54 and the first opening 18b is reflected by the splice tape 29 without passing through the sprocket holes 16b and the first opening 18b. As a result, at this timing, the sensor 54 detects the reflected light and does not output a detection signal indicating that the sprocket holes 16b have been detected to the seam detection unit 53. If the seam detection unit 53 does not receive a detection signal indicating that the sprocket holes 16b have been detected for a predetermined period of time, it determines that the seam J is present above the sensor 54. In other words, the seam detection unit 53 detects the seam J. In addition, the seam detection unit 53 may detect the seam (i.e., the butt line E) based on the length of the carrier tape 15 that has been fed from the timing when the state in which the detection signal is not received begins.

[0072] In this manner, when carrier tape 15 is fed from the upstream side to the downstream side, seam detector 53 in this embodiment detects a seam located at a detection position upstream of suction opening 18a located at the component suction position. Note that the detection position in this embodiment is the position of first opening 18b in FIG. 5.

[0073] [Data switching timing] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the timing of data switching in this embodiment.

[0074] The component mounting device M repeatedly executes processing operations including component pickup, component recognition, and component mounting. This series of processing operations including component pickup, component recognition, and component mounting is also called a turn. In component pickup, the head 64 of the component mounting device M successively picks up and holds one or more components P supplied from the tape feeder 5. In component recognition, the head 64 passes above the component recognition camera 10 while moving from the tape feeder 5 to the board 3. At this time, the component recognition camera 10 captures images of the components P picked up by each of one or more nozzles 64a of the head 64. The components P are recognized based on the captured images of the components P. In component mounting, the head 64 moves above the board 3 and mounts the components P picked up by each of the one or more nozzles 64a on the board 3. In other words, one turn is one processing operation in which the head 64 of the component mounting device M moves between the tape feeder 5 and the substrate 3 and repeatedly performs processing operations including suction, recognition, and mounting of one or more components P.

[0075] Here, the number of components P that are successively picked up from tape feeder 5 by head 64 in each turn is predetermined as a specified number based on, for example, production data. However, in this embodiment, the number of pick-ups, which is the number of components P picked up by head 64 in one turn, may be limited to less than the specified number. In other words, in this embodiment, when the seam detected by seam detection unit 53 reaches the component pick-up position, the number of pick-ups in that turn may be limited to less than the specified number.

[0076] Furthermore, in that turn, each of the component mounting device M and the tape feeder 5 executes data switching when component recognition and component mounting are performed after component pickup. Data switching is a process of switching the identification information of the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data stored in each of the first memory 56b of the tape feeder 5 and the second memory 62 of the component mounting device M. Specifically, in data switching, the identification information of the existing carrier tape is rewritten with the identification information of the new carrier tape.

[0077] In this way, the component mounting device M and tape feeder 5 in this embodiment switch the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data while the component mounting device M recognizes and mounts one or more components P. In other words, data switching, which is switching the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data, and component recognition and component mounting are performed in parallel. Therefore, compared to a case where each process is performed in the order of data switching, component recognition, and component mounting, for example, the time required for one turn can be shortened, and the productivity of mounted boards produced by mounting multiple components P on boards 3 can be improved.

[0078] [Function Configuration] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each of the tape feeder 5 and the component mounting device M.

[0079] As described above, tape feeder 5 supplies a plurality of components P stored in each of carrier tapes 15 and 15A. Carrier tape 15 is an example of a first carrier tape in this embodiment, and carrier tape 15A is an example of a second carrier tape in this embodiment. Tape feeder 5 includes mode switching unit 51a, first mode determination unit 51b, first data switching unit 52, seam detection unit 53, sensor 54, first control unit 55, flag storage unit 56a, first memory 56b, first communication unit 57, and feed mechanism unit 58. First control unit 55 controls the above-mentioned components included in tape feeder 5 except for first control unit 55. As described above, sensor 54 is a reflective optical sensor. Seam detection unit 53 detects the seam between carrier tape 15 and carrier tape 15A at the above-mentioned detection position based on a detection signal from sensor 54.

[0080] The mode switching unit 51a switches the mode of the tape feeder 5, i.e., the mode of the feed mechanism unit 58, between a feed prohibition mode and a feed permission mode. Specifically, the mode switching unit 51a switches the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode when the seam where the carrier tape 15 and the carrier tape 15A are joined reaches the component suction position. The component suction position is the position of the suction opening 18a of the upper guide unit 18. More specifically, the mode switching unit 51a switches the mode by switching the state of a mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a between on and off. That is, when the seam reaches the component suction position, the mode switching unit 51a switches the state of the mode flag from off to on, thereby switching the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. More specifically, the mode switching unit 51a determines whether the seam has reached the component suction position based on the length of the carrier tape 15 fed by the feed mechanism unit 58 after the seam detection unit 53 has detected the seam. Then, when the mode switching unit 51a determines that the seam has arrived, it switches the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode.

[0081] It should be noted that the mode flag indicates, for example, 0 or 1 as its state. When the mode flag indicates 0, the state of the mode flag is off, and when the mode flag indicates 1, the state of the mode flag is on. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the state of the mode flag will also be simply referred to as the mode flag.

[0082] The flag storage unit 56a is a recording medium that stores the above-mentioned mode flags. The flag storage unit 56a is, for example, a hard disk drive, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory. The flag storage unit 56a may be volatile or non-volatile.

[0083] The feed mechanism 58 includes the rotation drive mechanism 20 and sprocket 21 described above, and feeds the carrier tapes 15 and 15A in accordance with control by the first control unit 55. When the above-mentioned mode is the feed permission mode, the feed mechanism 58 supplies components P by feeding at least one of the carrier tape 15 and the carrier tape 15A in accordance with a feed command from the component mounting device M. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned mode is the feed prohibition mode, the feed mechanism 58 stops the supply of components P by prohibiting the feeding of the carrier tape 15 and the carrier tape in accordance with a feed command from the component mounting device M.

[0084] The first mode determination unit 51b determines the above-mentioned mode. That is, the first mode determination unit 51b determines whether the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permission mode or the feed prohibition mode. Specifically, the first mode determination unit 51b determines the above-mentioned mode by determining whether the flag mode stored in the flag storage unit 56a is on or off. That is, the first mode determination unit 51b determines that the mode is the feed permission mode when the mode flag is off, and determines that the mode is the feed prohibition mode when the mode flag is on. The above-mentioned feed mechanism unit 58 executes or stops the supply of components P based on the determination result by the first mode determination unit 51b.

[0085] The first communication unit 57 communicates with the component mounting apparatus M. For example, the first communication unit 57 transmits a mode notification signal indicating the mode of the tape feeder 5 to the component mounting apparatus M. This communication by the first communication unit 57 may be performed wirelessly or via a wire. Furthermore, the wireless communication may be performed using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or a specified low-power radio.

[0086] The first memory 56b is an example of a first storage unit corresponding to the tape feeder 5 and is a recording medium that stores the tape management data described above. The tape management data indicates the identification information of the existing carrier tape carrying the component P currently being supplied to the component suction position by the feed mechanism unit 58. Furthermore, when tape splicing is performed, the tape management data indicates not only the identification information of the existing carrier tape but also the identification information of the new carrier tape spliced ​​to the existing carrier tape. Specifically, the identification information of the existing carrier tape is the identification information of the carrier tape 15, and the identification information of the new carrier tape is the identification information of the carrier tape 15A. The first memory 56b may be, for example, a hard disk drive, RAM, ROM, or semiconductor memory. The first memory 56b may be volatile or nonvolatile.

[0087] The first data switching unit 52 is a component corresponding to the tape feeder 5, and performs the above-mentioned data switching when the above-mentioned mode is the feed prohibition mode. In this data switching, the first data switching unit 52 switches the identification information of the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data in the first memory 56b. That is, the first data switching unit 52 rewrites the identification information of the carrier tape 15 indicated as the identification information of the existing carrier tape to the identification information of the carrier tape 15A, and deletes the identification information of the carrier tape 15. In other words, when the above-mentioned mode is the feed prohibition mode, the first data switching unit 52 switches the carrier tape currently being used for implementation, indicated in the tape management data stored in the first memory 56b, from carrier tape 15 to carrier tape 15A.

[0088] As described above, the component mounting apparatus M picks up the component P placed at the component suction position by supply from the tape feeder 5 and mounts it on the board 3. Such a component mounting apparatus M includes a second control unit 61, a second memory 62, a second communication unit 63, a head 64, a second mode determination unit 66, and a second data switching unit 67. The second control unit 61 controls each of the above-mentioned components included in the component mounting apparatus M except for the second control unit 61.

[0089] The second memory 62 is an example of a second storage unit corresponding to the component mounting device M, and, like the first memory 56b, is a recording medium that stores the tape management data described above. The second memory 62 is, for example, a hard disk drive, RAM, ROM, or semiconductor memory. The second memory 62 may be volatile or non-volatile. The tape management data stored in the first memory 56b of the tape feeder 5 and the second memory 62 of the component mounting device M is reflected in the trace information. The trace information is, for example, information indicating the correspondence between each mounting point on the board 3 and the component P mounted at that mounting point or the carrier tape from which the component P was removed.

[0090] The second communication unit 63 communicates with the first communication unit 57 of the tape feeder 5. For example, the second communication unit 63 receives a mode notification signal indicating the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the first communication unit 57.

[0091] The second mode determination unit 66 determines the mode of the tape feeder 5 based on the mode notification signal transmitted from the first communication unit 57 of the tape feeder 5 to the second communication unit 63 of the component mounting device M. That is, similar to the first mode determination unit 51b, the second mode determination unit 66 determines whether the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permitted mode or the feed prohibited mode.

[0092] The head 64 successively picks up and holds together one or more components P supplied by the tape feeder 5, and mounts these components P on the board 3.

[0093] The second data switching unit 67 is a component corresponding to the component mounting apparatus M, and performs data switching similarly to the first data switching unit 52. Specifically, when a mode notification signal indicating the feed prohibition mode as the above-mentioned mode is received by the second communication unit 63 of the component mounting apparatus M, the second data switching unit 67 switches the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data stored in the second memory 62. In such data switching, the second data switching unit 67 switches the carrier tape currently being used for mounting, indicated in the tape management data, from carrier tape 15 to carrier tape 15A. In other words, the second data switching unit 67 rewrites the identification information of carrier tape 15, which is indicated as the identification information of the existing carrier tape, to the identification information of carrier tape 15A, and deletes the identification information of carrier tape 15.

[0094] [Processing Operation] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the suction of the component P by the head 64. As shown in FIG.

[0095] The second control unit 61 of the component mounting device M causes the second communication unit 63 to transmit to the tape feeder 5 feed commands instructing the tape feeder 5 to feed the carrier tape 15 by the number of components P to be picked up by the head 64 in one turn, i.e., the specified number. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode, the tape feeder 5 feeds the carrier tape 15 in accordance with the feed command transmitted from the second communication unit 63 of the component mounting device M. That is, the first control unit 55 of the tape feeder 5 causes the feed mechanism unit 58 to feed the carrier tape 15 every time the first communication unit 57 receives the feed command from the second communication unit 63. At this time, the first control unit 55 confirms that the first mode determination unit 51b has determined that the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permission mode, and then causes the feed mechanism unit 58 to feed.

[0096] Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the seam detection unit 53 detects the seam portion J (i.e., the seam) at the detection position based on the detection signal from the sensor 54. As a result, the mode switching unit 51a starts an arrival determination process to determine whether the seam has reached the component suction position. In this arrival determination process, the mode switching unit 51a determines whether the seam has reached the component suction position based on the length of the carrier tape 15 fed by the feed mechanism unit 58 after the seam was detected at the detection position. For example, each time the feed mechanism unit 58 performs feeding, the mode switching unit 51a determines the length of the carrier tape 15 fed by the feed mechanism unit 58 from the time the seam was detected. Specifically, the mode switching unit 51a counts the number of feeds (i.e., pitch feeds) performed by the feed mechanism unit 58 since the seam was detected. The mode switching unit 51a then determines the length of the carrier tape 15 fed by the feed mechanism unit 58 by multiplying the number of pitch feeds by the feed width of the pitch feeds. Next, mode switching unit 51a determines whether the seam has reached the component suction position based on whether the identified length has reached a specified distance. This specified distance is the distance from the detection position above sensor 54 to suction opening 18a at the component suction position. Note that when the seam has reached the component suction position, component pocket 16a at the end of carrier tape 15 is exposed through suction opening 18a.

[0097] 8(b), when the identified length reaches a specified distance, the mode switching unit 51a determines that the seam has reached the component suction position. At this time, the mode switching unit 51a switches the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. In other words, the mode switching unit 51a switches the mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a from off to on.

[0098] 8(c), the first control unit 55 prohibits feeding by the feed mechanism unit 58 even if the first communication unit 57 receives a feed command from the second communication unit 63 of the component mounting device M. In other words, the first control unit 55 causes the first mode determination unit 51b to determine the mode of the tape feeder 5. Then, the first control unit 55 prohibits feeding by the feed mechanism unit 58 because the first mode determination unit 51b determines that the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed prohibition mode.

[0099] As a result, when the head 64 picks up a component P in one turn, there is no transfer from the carrier tape 15 to the carrier tape 15A, i.e., no transfer of the carrier tape. As a result, the productivity of mounted boards can be improved. In other words, while one or more components P are being picked up consecutively, the component mounting device M does not need to monitor or manage the transfer of carrier tapes, and the pickup speed of those components P can be increased.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the modes and feeds of the tape feeder 5 in this embodiment.

[0101] For example, at time t1, the component mounting device M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5. At this time, the mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a of the tape feeder 5 is off. That is, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode. Therefore, the tape feeder 5 executes a feed in accordance with the feed command. The head 64 of the component mounting device M picks up the component P placed at the component pick-up position by the feed.

[0102] At time t2, the joint between the carrier tape 15 and the carrier tape 15A reaches the component suction position. At this time, the mode switching unit 51a of the tape feeder 5 switches the mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a from off to on. This switches the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed permitted mode to the feed prohibited mode. Thereafter, at time t3, the component mounting device M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5. At this time, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibited mode. Therefore, the tape feeder 5 prohibits feeding in accordance with the feed command. In other words, the tape feeder 5 ignores the feed command from the component mounting device M. As a result, feeding is not performed, and the component P on the new carrier tape 15A is not placed at the component suction position. Therefore, even if the head 64 of the component mounting device M attempts to pick up the component P, it cannot pick up the component P from the new carrier tape 15A. Furthermore, at time t4, the same process as at time t3 is repeated. In other words, even if the component mounting device M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibition mode and therefore prohibits feeding in response to the feed command. Therefore, even in this case, the head 64 of the component mounting device M cannot pick up the component P from the new carrier tape 15A.

[0103] As a result, the head 64 of the component mounting device M continuously picks up and holds together a number of components P that is less than the number of feed commands sent during component pickup in the turn performed from time t1 to t4. Then, the component mounting device M performs component recognition and component mounting for the components P held by the head 64. At this time, data switching is performed in the tape feeder 5 and the component mounting device M. Then, when the data switching is completed, the component mounting device M sends a mode switching command to the tape feeder 5 at time t5. That is, the second control unit 61 of the component mounting device M causes the second communication unit 63 to send the mode switching command to the first communication unit 57 of the tape feeder 5. When the first communication unit 57 receives the mode switching command, the mode switching unit 51a of the tape feeder 5 switches the mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a from on to off. As a result, the mode of the tape feeder 5 switches from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode. As described above, in this embodiment, the mode switching unit 51a switches the state of the mode flag from ON to OFF after the carrier tape switching indicated in the tape management data is executed by the first data switching unit 52 and the second data switching unit 67. This allows the component mounting device M to continuously pick up multiple components P from the carrier tape 15A in the next component pickup.

[0104] That is, in the next turn, the component mounting apparatus M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5 at time t6. At this time, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode. Therefore, the tape feeder 5 executes the feed in accordance with the feed command. Furthermore, at time t7, as at time t6, the component mounting apparatus M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5. At this time, the tape feeder 5 is also in the feed prohibition mode, so it executes the feed in accordance with the feed command.

[0105] As described above, in this embodiment, when the tape feeder 5 enters the feed prohibition mode as a result of the seam reaching the component suction position, it does not perform feeding according to the feed command even if it receives the feed command from the component mounting device M. As a result, it is possible to prevent the carrier tape from transferring when the head 64 picks up components in one turn.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the tape feeder 5 and the component mounting device M.

[0107] In the first turn, the component mounting device M sends feed commands N times (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example) to the tape feeder 5, thereby causing the head 64 to pick up N components P supplied from the tape feeder 5 (step S11). That is, at this time, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode and the mode is not switched, so it executes N feeds in response to the reception of N feed commands (step S12). As a result, the N components P on the carrier tape 15 are sequentially placed at the component pickup position, and the head 64 of the component mounting device M picks up and holds the N components P consecutively. Then, the component mounting device M performs component recognition and component mounting for the N components P (step S13).

[0108] In the second turn, for example, the component mounting device M also transmits feed commands N times to the tape feeder 5. However, in this second turn, the seam reaches the component suction position, so the component mounting device M uses the head 64 to pick up only K components P (K is, for example, an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N) on the carrier tape 15 supplied from the tape feeder 5 (step S21). That is, at this time, the tape feeder 5 executes K feeds in response to receiving K feed commands (step S22), and determines that the seam has reached the component suction position at the timing when these K feeds have been executed (step S23). As a result, the tape feeder 5 switches its mode from the feed permitted mode to the feed prohibited mode (step S24). Therefore, even if the tape feeder 5 receives further feed commands from the component mounting device M after receiving K feed commands, it does not execute a feed in response to the feed command. Therefore, in the second turn, the head 64 of the component mounting device M picks up only the K components P on the carrier tape 15 without picking up the components P on the carrier tape 15A.

[0109] Next, the component mounting device M performs component recognition and component mounting for the K components P held by the head 64. At this time, if the component mounting device M determines that the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibition mode by inquiring of the tape feeder 5, it performs data switching in parallel with the component recognition and component mounting (step S25). Note that the data switching is performed by the second data switching unit 67. Furthermore, when the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched to the feed prohibition mode, the first data switching unit 52 also performs data switching (step S26).

[0110] Then, when the data switching by the second data switching unit 67 is completed, the component mounting device M transmits a mode switching command to the tape feeder 5 (step S27). When the tape feeder 5 receives the mode switching command from the component mounting device M, it switches the mode from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode (step S28). As a result, in the turn following the second turn, the head 64 of the component mounting device M can successively pick up and hold multiple components P from the new carrier tape 15A.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the tape feeder 5.

[0112] The first control unit 55 of the tape feeder 5 determines whether the feed command transmitted from the component mounting device M has been received by the first communication unit 57 (step S101). If the first control unit 55 determines that the feed command has not been received (No in step S101), it repeats the process of step S101. On the other hand, if the first control unit 55 determines that the feed command has been received by the first communication unit 57 (Yes in step S101), the first mode determination unit 51b determines whether the mode flag in the flag storage unit 56a is on (step S102).

[0113] Here, when the first mode determination unit 51b determines that the mode flag is on (Yes in step S102), the first control unit 55 prohibits feeding by the feed mechanism unit 58 (step S103). That is, since the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed prohibition mode, the first control unit 55 prohibits feeding by the feed mechanism unit 58 in response to the feed command.

[0114] On the other hand, if the first mode determination unit 51b determines that the mode flag is off (No in step S102), the first control unit 55 causes the feed mechanism unit 58 to execute feeding (step S104). That is, because the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permission mode, the first control unit 55 causes the feed mechanism unit 58 to execute feeding in accordance with the feed command. Then, the mode switching unit 51a determines whether the seam has reached the component suction position (step S105). Here, if the mode switching unit 51a determines that the seam has reached the component suction position (Yes in step S105), it switches the mode flag in the flag storage unit 56a from off to on (step S106). As a result, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S105 that the seam has not reached the component suction position (No in step S105), the first control unit 55 determines whether or not the first communication unit 57 has received an inquiry signal transmitted from the component mounting device M (step S107). This inquiry signal is a signal for inquiring about the mode of the tape feeder 5. Even after the processing of step S103 or the processing of step S106 is executed, the first control unit 55 determines whether or not the first communication unit 57 has received the inquiry signal.

[0115] Here, when the first control unit 55 determines that the first communication unit 57 has not received an inquiry signal from the component mounting device M (No in step S107), it repeats the processes from step S101. On the other hand, when the first control unit 55 determines that the first communication unit 57 has received an inquiry signal from the component mounting device M (Yes in step S107), it causes the first communication unit 57 to transmit a mode notification signal to the component mounting device M (step S108). That is, the first control unit 55 causes the first communication unit 57 to transmit a signal indicating the current state of the mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a as a mode notification signal. This mode notification signal indicates whether the mode flag is off or on, i.e., whether the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permission mode or the feed prohibition mode.

[0116] Next, the first data switching unit 52 determines whether the data switching command transmitted from the component mounting device M has been received by the first communication unit 57 (step S109). If the first data switching unit 52 determines that the data switching command has been received (Yes in step S109), it executes data switching (step S110). If the first data switching unit 52 determines that the data switching command has not been received (No in step S109) in step S109, the first control unit 55 ends the processing operation of the tape feeder 5 for one turn.

[0117] After the process of step S110, the mode switching unit 51a determines whether the mode switching command transmitted from the component mounting device M has been received by the first communication unit 57 (step S111). If the mode switching unit 51a determines that the mode switching command has not been received (No in step S111), the mode switching unit 51a repeatedly executes the process of step S111. That is, the mode switching unit 51a waits until the mode switching command is received. On the other hand, if the mode switching unit 51a determines that the mode switching command has been received (Yes in step S111), the mode switching unit 51a switches the mode flag in the flag storage unit 56a from on to off (step S112). This switches the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode. Then, the first control unit 55 ends the processing operation of the tape feeder 5 for one turn.

[0118] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the component mounting apparatus M.

[0119] The second control unit 61 of the component mounting device M acquires a specified number of turns (e.g., N) from production data generated by a management device for managing the component mounting system 100 (step S201). Then, the second control unit 61 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S202 and S203 N times. That is, the second control unit 61 causes the second communication unit 63 to transmit a feed command to the tape feeder 5 (step S202). Then, the second control unit 61 causes the head 64 to perform a pickup operation of the component P (step S203). Note that, in the pickup operation of the component P, if the tape feeder 5 has performed a feed in accordance with the feed command, the component P is picked up by the nozzle 64a of the head 64. However, if the tape feeder 5 has not performed a feed in accordance with the feed command, the component P is not picked up by the nozzle 64a of the head 64 even if the head 64 performs a pickup operation of the component P. Furthermore, by repeating the processing of steps S202 and S203 N times, component pickup for one turn is completed.

[0120] Next, the second control unit 61 of the component mounting apparatus M inquires about the mode of the tape feeder 5 (step S204). That is, the second control unit 61 causes the second communication unit 63 to transmit the above-mentioned inquiry signal to the tape feeder 5. Then, the second communication unit 63 receives a mode notification signal transmitted from the tape feeder 5 in response to the inquiry signal. The second mode determination unit 66 determines whether or not the mode notification signal indicates that the mode flag of the tape feeder 5 is on (step S205). That is, the second mode determination unit 66 determines whether or not the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibition mode.

[0121] Here, if the mode notification signal indicates that the mode flag is on (Yes in step S205), that is, if the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibition mode, the component mounter M executes the processes of steps S206 to S210. That is, the second control unit 61 causes the second communication unit 63 to transmit a data switching command to the tape feeder 5 (step S206), and causes the second data switching unit 67 to switch the data (step S207). Then, when the data switching is completed, the second control unit 61 causes the second communication unit 63 to transmit a mode switching command to the tape feeder 5 (step S208). Furthermore, the second control unit 61 causes the head 64 and the component recognition camera 10 to recognize one or more components P picked up by the head 64 (step S209), and causes the head 64 to mount the one or more components P (step S210). While the processes of steps S206 to S208 are being performed, the second control unit 61 executes the component recognition of step S207 and the component mounting of step S208. For example, in step S207, the second data switching unit 67 executes data switching between the component recognition of step S209 and the component mounting of step S210.

[0122] Furthermore, if the mode notification signal indicates that the mode flag is off (No in step S205), that is, if the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode, the component mounter M executes the processes of steps S211 to S212, similar to steps S209 to S210. That is, the second control unit 61 causes the head 64 and the component recognition camera 10 to perform component recognition for one or more components P picked up by the head 64 (step S211), and causes the head 64 to mount the one or more components P (step S212). When the processes of steps S211 and S212 are performed, the processes of steps S206 to S208 are not executed.

[0123] [Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, when the seam reaches the component suction position, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. Therefore, even if the component mounting device M transmits feed commands multiple times to continuously pick up and hold multiple components P, feeding is prohibited when the seam reaches the component suction position, and the component mounting device M cannot pick up the components P on the carrier tape 15A. As a result, carrier tape transfer can be prevented while the component mounting device M is performing component suction, which is an operation in which the component mounting device M attempts to continuously pick up multiple components P. Therefore, while one or more components P are being continuously picked up, the component mounting device M does not need to monitor or manage carrier tape transfer, and can increase the pickup speed of those components P. As a result, the productivity of mounted boards produced by mounting multiple components P on the board 3 can be improved.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is managed by a mode flag, so that the mode can be switched and the mode determined appropriately with a simple configuration.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the seam reaches the component suction position, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. When the mode is the feed prohibition mode, the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data is switched. That is, when all components P stored on the carrier tape 15 have been removed by the component mounting device M, in other words, when the component mounting device M has used up all of the components P on the carrier tape 15, the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data is switched. In other words, data switching is executed. Therefore, the carrier tape indicated in this tape management data can be appropriately synchronized with the carrier tape currently being used for mounting. As a result, by using this tape management data, trace information can be appropriately generated that associates each mounting point on the board 3 with the component P mounted at that mounting point or the carrier tape from which the component P was removed. That is, accurate traceability can be ensured.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first communication unit 57 transmits a mode notification signal indicating the mode of the tape feeder 5 to the component mounting device M. As a result, the component mounting device M can determine the mode of the tape feeder 5 by receiving the mode notification signal from the tape feeder 5. Therefore, when the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed prohibition mode, the component mounting device M can perform data switching.

[0127] In this embodiment, seam detection unit 53 detects a seam located at a detection position upstream of the component suction position. Mode switching unit 51a then determines whether the seam has reached the component suction position based on the seam detection result. Therefore, it is not necessary to directly detect the seam at the component suction position; instead, it is sufficient to detect the seam at any detection position upstream of the component suction position, thereby increasing the flexibility of the tape feeder 5's configuration.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second data switching unit 67 switches the carrier tape indicated in the tape management data when a mode notification signal indicating the feed prohibition mode is received by the component mounting device M. This allows the component mounting device M to switch data at an appropriate timing.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tape feeder 5 includes the first memory 56b and the first data switching unit 52, and the component mounting device M includes the second memory 62 and the second data switching unit 67. Therefore, data switching can be performed appropriately in each of the tape feeder 5 and the component mounting device M.

[0130] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the tape feeder 5 has one flag, which is a mode flag, but may also have other flags. For example, the tape feeder 5 may have a first mode flag and a second mode flag.

[0131] The first mode flag is treated in the same manner as the mode flag in the above embodiment. On the other hand, the second mode flag is a flag indicating whether mode switching by the first mode flag is enabled or disabled. When the second mode flag is off, the second mode flag disables mode switching by the first mode flag. In other words, when the second mode flag is off, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is not switched and remains in the feed permission mode regardless of whether the first mode flag is off or on. When the second mode flag is on, the second mode flag enables mode switching by the first mode flag. In other words, when the second mode flag is on, as in the above embodiment, when the first mode flag is switched from off to on, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. Furthermore, when the first mode flag is switched from on to off, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode. In other words, when both the first mode flag and the second mode flag are on, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed prohibition mode, and in other cases, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permission mode.

[0132] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the first mode flag and the second mode flag of the tape feeder 5 and the feed in this modified example.

[0133] For example, before time t1, the first mode flag and the second mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a of the tape feeder 5 are off. Therefore, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is the feed permission mode.

[0134] Then, at time t1, the component mounting apparatus M transmits a second flag switching command to the tape feeder 5. As a result, the second mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a of the tape feeder 5 is switched from off to on by the mode switching unit 51a. However, because the first mode flag is off, the mode of the tape feeder 5 remains the feed permission mode even after time t1.

[0135] Here, at time t2, the component mounting apparatus M transmits a feed command to the tape feeder 5. At this time, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode as described above. Therefore, the tape feeder 5 executes a feed in response to the feed command. The head 64 of the component mounting apparatus M picks up the component P placed at the component pickup position by the feed.

[0136] Next, at time t3, the joint between the carrier tape 15 and the carrier tape 15A reaches the component suction position. At this time, the mode switching unit 51a of the tape feeder 5 switches the first mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a from off to on. This causes both the first mode flag and the second mode flag to be on. As a result, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. Thereafter, at time t4, the component mounting device M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5. At this time, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibition mode. Therefore, the tape feeder 5 prohibits feeding in accordance with the feed command. In other words, the tape feeder 5 ignores the feed command from the component mounting device M. As a result, feeding is not performed, and the component P on the new carrier tape 15A is not positioned at the component suction position. Therefore, even if the head 64 of the component mounting device M attempts to pick up the component P, it cannot pick up the component P from the new carrier tape 15A. Furthermore, at time t5, the same process as at time t4 is repeated. In other words, even if the component mounting device M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed prohibition mode and therefore prohibits feeding in response to the feed command. Therefore, even in this case, the head 64 of the component mounting device M cannot pick up the component P from the new carrier tape 15A.

[0137] Then, the component mounting device M performs component pickup for one turn, and when data switching is completed, transmits a first flag switching command to the tape feeder 5 at time t6. That is, the second control unit 61 of the component mounting device M causes the second communication unit 63 to transmit the first flag switching command to the first communication unit 57 of the tape feeder 5. When the first communication unit 57 receives the first flag switching command, the mode switching unit 51a of the tape feeder 5 switches the first mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a from on to off. As a result, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is switched from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode.

[0138] In the next turn, the component mounting device M sends a feed command to the tape feeder 5 at time t7. At this time, the tape feeder 5 is in the feed permission mode. Therefore, the tape feeder 5 executes the feed in accordance with the feed command. As a result, the component P on the new carrier tape 15A is placed at the component suction position, and the head 64 of the component mounting device M can pick up the component P.

[0139] Here, at time t8, the component mounting apparatus M transmits a second flag switching command to the tape feeder 5. As a result, the second mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a of the tape feeder 5 is switched from on to off by the mode switching unit 51a. Therefore, after time t8, whether the first mode flag is off or on, the mode of the tape feeder 5 is maintained in the feed permission mode.

[0140] Then, at time t9, the seam between carrier tape 15A and the next new carrier tape also reaches the component suction position. At this time, the mode switching unit 51a of tape feeder 5 switches the first mode flag stored in the flag storage unit 56a from off to on. However, as described above, the second mode flag is off, so the mode of tape feeder 5 remains in the feed permission mode. As a result, at time t10, as at time t7, tape feeder 5 executes feeding in response to the feed command transmitted from component mounting device M.

[0141] In this way, in this modification, the component mounting apparatus M can control mode switching by the first mode flag by switching the state of the second mode flag. As a result, when the component mounting apparatus M is being set up or adjusted, the second mode flag can be turned off to allow appropriate setup and adjustment. Furthermore, when the component mounting apparatus M and tape feeder 5 are producing mounted boards, the second mode flag can be turned on to achieve the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0142] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the seam detection unit 53 detects a seam located at a detection position upstream of the tape feeder 5. However, it may also detect a seam located at a component suction position. In this case, the sensor 54 may be attached below the suction opening 18a located at the component suction position. Furthermore, the tape feeder 5 may be equipped with a camera that captures an image of the component suction position instead of the sensor 54. In this case, the seam detection unit 53 detects the seam located at the component suction position by performing image recognition on the image captured by the camera. Then, when the seam detection unit 53 detects a seam, the mode switching unit 51a switches the mode of the tape feeder 5 from the feed permitted mode to the feed prohibited mode. This allows the seam to be detected at the component suction position, making it possible to accurately determine whether the seam has reached the component suction position and switch modes at the appropriate time.

[0143] (Other forms) While the component mounting system and the component mounting method according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the above embodiment may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] For example, one or more components included in the tape feeder 5 of the above embodiment may be provided in a device other than the tape feeder 5, and one or more components included in the component mounting device M may be provided in a device other than the component mounting device M. For example, if a management device for managing the tape feeder 5 and the component mounting device M is included in the component mounting system 100, the management device may include one or more of the above-mentioned components. Specifically, the management device may include at least one of a mode switching unit 51a, a first mode determination unit 51b, a first data switching unit 52, a first control unit 55, a flag storage unit 56a, a first memory 56b, and a first communication unit 57. The management device may also include at least one of a second control unit 61, a second memory 62, a second mode determination unit 66, and a second data switching unit 67. The management device is a computer including a processor and a memory.

[0145] In the above-described embodiments, each component 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. Here, the software that realizes the component mounting apparatus M and tape feeder 5 of the above-described embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 or 11.

[0146] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0147] (1) Each of the above devices is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. Each device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, a computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to a computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0148] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system configured to include a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0149] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates according to a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0150] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the methods described above, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0151] The present disclosure may also be the computer program or the digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be the digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0152] Furthermore, the present disclosure may involve transmitting the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0153] The present disclosure may also be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, the memory storing the computer program, and the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program.

[0154] The program or the digital signal may also be implemented by another independent computer system by recording it on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring it via the network or the like.

[0155] (5) The above-described embodiments and other embodiments may be combined. [Industrial Applicability]

[0156] The present disclosure can be used in a component mounting system that mounts components on a substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1 base 2. Substrate transport mechanism 3. Circuit Board 4. Parts Supply Department 4a Feeder Base 5 Tape Feeder 5a Frame member 5b Tape running path 5c Tape collection section 6A Y-axis table 6B Y-axis table 7A X-axis table 7B X-axis table 9. Circuit board recognition camera 10 Parts Recognition Camera 11 Nozzle holder 12 carts 13 Reel holder 14 Tape reel 15 Carrier tape 15A carrier tape 16 Base Tape 16a Parts pocket 16b Sprocket holes 17 Top Tape 18 Upper guide part 18a Suction opening 18b 1st opening 18c 2nd opening 20 Rotation drive mechanism 21 sprockets 21a Feed pin 28 splice tape 29 Splice Tape 29a Slit 51a Mode switching section 51b First mode determination unit 52 First data switching unit 53 Joint detection unit 54 Sensors 55 First Control Section 56a Flag storage section 56b First Memory 57 First Communications Department 58 Feed mechanism 61 Second Control Section 62 Second Memory 63 Second Communications Department 64 heads 64a nozzle 66 Second mode determination unit 67 Second data switching unit 100 Component Mounting System E Butt Wire J Seam M component mounting equipment P parts PA Pitch pb pitch

Claims

1. a tape feeder having a feed mechanism that sequentially supplies a plurality of components stored in a first carrier tape by feeding the first carrier tape; a component mounting device that repeatedly performs a turn of sequentially picking up a plurality of components that have been placed at the component pick-up positions by the supply from the tape feeder and mounting them onto a board, The tape feeder includes: a mode switching unit that switches the mode of the tape feeder from a feed permission mode to a feed prohibition mode when a seam where the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape are joined reaches the component suction position before the feed mechanism unit has fed a specified number of components from the first carrier tape in one turn; a control unit that controls the feed mechanism unit, and when the mode is the feed permission mode, feeds the first carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device to supply components, and when the mode is the feed prohibition mode, stops supply of components by prohibiting feeding of the first carrier tape and the second carrier tape in response to a feed command from the component mounting device; a first storage unit for storing tape management data indicating identification information of a carrier tape having components currently being supplied to the component suction position by the feed mechanism; a first data switching unit that switches the carrier tape currently being used for packaging, which is indicated in the tape management data stored in the first storage unit, from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape when the mode is the feed prohibition mode, the mode switching unit switches the mode from the feed prohibition mode to the feed permission mode after the first data switching unit switches the carrier tape currently being used for mounting from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape, the feed mechanism feeds the second carrier tape in a turn after the one turn. Component mounting system.

2. The tape feeder further comprises: a mode determination unit that determines whether the mode of the tape feeder is the feed permission mode or the feed prohibition mode, The feed mechanism unit includes: supplying or stopping the parts based on the determination result by the mode determination unit; The component mounting system according to claim 1 .

3. The mode switching unit when the seam reaches the component suction position, a flag is switched from OFF to ON, thereby switching the mode of the tape feeder from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode; The mode determination unit If the flag is in an off state, it is determined that the mode is the feed permission mode; If the flag is on, it is determined that the mode is the feed prohibition mode. The component mounting system according to claim 2 .

4. The tape feeder further comprises: a first communication unit that transmits a mode notification signal indicating the mode of the tape feeder to the component mounting device; The component mounting system according to claim 1 .

5. The tape feeder further comprises: a seam detection unit that detects the seam when the first carrier tape is fed from the upstream side to the downstream side and is located at a detection position that is upstream of the component suction position, The mode switching unit determining whether the seam has reached the component suction position based on the length of the first carrier tape fed by the tape feeder after the seam has been detected; when it is determined that the seam has arrived, the mode of the tape feeder is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. The component mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The tape feeder further comprises: a seam detection unit disposed at the component suction position for detecting the seam, The mode switching unit when the seam is detected by the seam detection unit, the mode of the tape feeder is switched from the feed permission mode to the feed prohibition mode. The component mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The component mounting apparatus further comprises: a second storage unit for storing tape management data indicating identification information of a carrier tape having components currently being supplied to the component suction position by the feed mechanism; a second communication unit that receives the mode notification signal; a second data switching unit that switches the carrier tape currently being used for packaging, which is indicated in the tape management data stored in the second storage unit, from the first carrier tape to the second carrier tape when the mode notification signal received by the second communication unit indicates the feed prohibition mode as the mode, The component mounting system according to claim 4 .

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