Component supply equipment and circuit board production system

Abstract

To improve production efficiency while saving labor and space for a component mounting machine on a production line for a component mounting board.SOLUTION: In a board production line 1 including a transport path F for transporting a board P and a component mounting machine 13 disposed on the transport path F, a component supply device 2 supplies a component unit that holds a component to the component mounter 13. The component supply device 2 includes a storage unit 21 that is placed in a vacant space of the board production line 1 and stores a reel holder 60 on which a reel component 6 is mounted as a component unit, and a supply path 22 that is disposed above the component mounter 13 and has a conveyance function that guides the component unit 21 taken out from the storage unit 21 to a predetermined location of the component mounter 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a component supply device that supplies a component unit to a component mounting machine in a production line of a substrate on which components are mounted, and a substrate production system to which the component supply device is applied.

Background Art

[0002] In a production line of a mounting substrate for electronic components, at least one component mounting machine for mounting components on the substrate is arranged on a conveyance path of the substrate. The component mounting machine has a component supply unit such as a feeder that supplies components to a component mounting position. It is necessary to replenish the component supply unit with a component unit such as a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound.

[0003] As a mode of component replenishment, there is a method in which an operator manually transports the component unit from a component storage to the component supply unit. Alternatively, there is also a mode in which an automatic transfer robot transports the component unit and an operator attaches and detaches it to and from the component supply unit. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a mode in which a movement area of an exchange robot is set on the side of a production line, and the exchange robot performs the transportation of a reel component and the attachment and detachment to and from the component supply unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The practice of workers manually replenishing parts goes against the current trend of labor shortages. While the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and exchange robots contributes to labor savings, it requires securing space for robot movement and monitoring areas with numerous sensors. As a result, factories with limited floor space may face problems such as restrictions on the number of circuit board production lines that can be installed. Furthermore, there are concerns that production efficiency may decrease because production lines may have to be stopped due to the need to temporarily stop robots to ensure worker movement.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a component supply device and a circuit board production system that can improve production efficiency while reducing manpower and space requirements for component mounting machines in a circuit board production line on which components are mounted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A component supply device according to one aspect of the present invention is a component supply device that supplies component units for holding components to a component mounting machine in a substrate production line which includes a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components on the substrates, and comprises a storage unit disposed in an empty space in the substrate production line for storing the component units, and a supply path disposed above the component mounting machine and equipped with a transport function for guiding the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine.

[0008] This component supply system makes it possible to supply component units from the storage unit to the component mounting machine in a timely manner via a supply path. Furthermore, since the supply path is located above the component mounting machine, it is not necessary to secure space for component replenishment on the side of the PCB production line. Consequently, it becomes possible to install the PCB production line at a high density.

[0009] In the above-described parts supply device, the parts unit may be a reel part around which a parts storage tape is wound, and may be equipped with a reel holder for mounting the reel part, and the reel part may be guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the parts mounting machine while mounted on the reel holder.

[0010] In this embodiment, the reel components are moved while mounted on the reel holder, rather than the reel components themselves being moved. Therefore, the reel components are less likely to be damaged during the supply process from the storage unit to the predetermined location.

[0011] In the above-described parts supply device, it is desirable to further include a transfer device for removing the reel holder on which the reel parts are mounted from the storage unit and transferring it to the supply path.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the removal of reel components from the storage unit and the transfer of reel components to the supply path can be automated.

[0013] In the above-described parts supply device, it is desirable to further include a first controller for controlling the operation of the transfer device, and a management unit for managing matching data that compares the reel part with the reel holder on which it is mounted, based on identification elements assigned to the reel part and the reel holder, respectively, wherein the first controller refers to the matching data to identify the reel holder on which the reel part matching the supply request from the parts mounting machine is mounted, and controls the transfer device to retrieve the reel holder from the storage unit.

[0014] In this embodiment, the transfer device retrieves reel components from the storage unit in response to replenishment requests from the component mounting machine or production plans, and transfers them to the supply line. Therefore, it is possible to respond to the replenishment requests in a timely manner.

[0015] In the above-described parts supply device, the reel holder holds the reel parts in an upright position, and the storage unit may be configured to include a storage area in which storage shelves for accommodating a plurality of reel holders holding the reel parts side by side are arranged in multiple tiers in the vertical direction, and an axial movement area in which an axial movement mechanism for moving the transfer device in at least one direction of up and down, left and right, and front and back is provided.

[0016] According to this embodiment, for example, setup work such as pre-arranging reel parts to be used in accordance with the production plan can be performed using storage shelves in the storage area. Then, a transfer device made movable by an axis movement mechanism can automatically retrieve the reel holder holding the required reel parts from the storage area. Therefore, the movement of workers to replenish parts in the circuit board production line can be reduced.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the storage unit preferably has an opening into which the reel components can be inserted into and removed from the storage area, and a storage door that can change its orientation between a sealed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening to the outside, wherein the storage door preferably has a positioning engagement portion that engages with a part of the reel holder in the open position to position the reel holder in the storage shelf, and disengages the engagement in the sealed position to allow the reel holder to be pulled out from the storage shelf.

[0018] According to this embodiment, when the storage door is in the open position, the reel holder can be positioned using the engaging portion. Therefore, when the storage door is in the open position, the worker can easily and reliably place the reel holder, which has the reel components mounted on it, into the storage shelf. On the other hand, when the storage door is in the closed position, the engagement between the reel holder and the engaging portion is released, so the reel holder can be removed by the transfer device without any problems.

[0019] In the above-described parts supply device, the reel holder may have a locking portion, and the transfer device may be configured to include a transfer stage on which the reel holder equipped with the reel parts can be mounted, and a pull-out mechanism having an engaging piece that engages with the locking portion of the reel holder housed in the storage unit, and which mounts the reel holder onto the transfer stage by pulling out the engaging piece.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the reel holder can be removed from the storage unit by engaging the engaging piece of the drawer mechanism with the locking portion of the reel holder to perform a drawer operation and mounting the reel holder onto the transfer stage. By mounting the reel holder on the transfer stage, the reel holder can be easily moved after removal.

[0021] In the above embodiment, the locking portion is located at the bottom of the reel holder, the transfer stage is movable between a position that fits under the bottom of the reel holder and a position that does not interfere with the reel holder in the vertical direction, and is a pull-out conveyor equipped with a belt that moves circumferentially, the engaging piece of the pull-out mechanism is a pull-out claw protruding from the belt, and it is desirable that the reel holder is mounted on the pull-out conveyor by the belt moving circumferentially with the pull-out claw engaged with the locking portion.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the reel holder can be mounted onto the transfer stage simply by moving the transfer stage forward and backward relative to the bottom of the reel holder, and by moving the belt of the pull-out conveyor around it. Therefore, the device configuration can be simplified.

[0023] In the above-described parts supply device, the supply path includes a supply conveyor that transports the reel holder on which the reel parts are mounted, and the transfer device may include a relay conveyor that receives the reel holder from the withdrawal conveyor and passes it to the supply conveyor.

[0024] According to this aspect, by means of the intervening relay conveyor, the transfer of the reel holder between conveyors from the extraction conveyor to the supply conveyor of the supply path can be surely performed.

[0025] In the above component supply device, the reel holder may have the shape of a holding housing that accommodates the lower region of the reel component in a standing state, and the holding housing may include a pair of side plates that hold the side surface of the reel component and a width adjustment mechanism that adjusts the interval between the pair of side plates according to the width of the reel component.

[0026] According to this aspect, since the reel holder holds the reel component in a standing state, the storage property in the storage unit can be improved. Further, by forming the reel holder into the shape of a holding housing that accommodates the lower region of the reel component, the reel component can be stably held. Furthermore, since the interval between the pair of side plates can be adjusted by the width adjustment mechanism, a reel holder corresponding to the component size, that is, the width of the reel component can be easily created.

[0027] In the above aspect, the holding housing is provided with a locking portion that is engaged with another member when the reel holder moves, and it is desirable that the locking portion includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion that are symmetrically arranged with respect to the holding center of the reel component in the holding housing.

[0028] According to this aspect, even if an operator sets the reel holder in an arbitrary direction in the storage unit, the reel holder can be taken out and conveyed by using either the first locking portion or the second locking portion.

[0029] In the above component supply device, it may further include a mounting portion for mounting the supply path to the housing of the component mounter, and the mounting portion may include a fixing mechanism capable of adjusting the height position of the supply path.

[0030] According to this aspect, the supply path can be retrofitted to the upper part of an existing substrate production line equipped with a component mounter by using the mounting portion.

[0031] In the above embodiment, it is preferable that the housing includes a magnetic material in at least part of it, and the fixing mechanism includes a magnet that forms a fixed state with the magnetic material through magnetic force.

[0032] According to this embodiment, since the supply path can be attached to the housing of the component mounting machine using magnetic force, retrofitting the supply path to a circuit board production line becomes even easier.

[0033] In the above-described parts supply device, the supply path may include a supply conveyor that transports the reel holder on which the reel parts are mounted, and a sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from a predetermined position on the supply conveyor to the predetermined location.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the sub-supply path makes it possible to guide the reel holder to a location where it is easy for the worker to supply reel components to the component mounting machine.

[0035] In the above embodiment, it is desirable to further provide a moving unit that is arranged in correspondence with the sub-supply path and guides the reel holder, which has been transported to the predetermined position on the supply conveyor, to the sub-supply path.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the moving unit can reliably guide the reel holder, which has been transported to a predetermined position by the supply conveyor, to the sub-supply path.

[0037] In the above-described component supply device, the component mounting machine may be configured to include a first component loading section on one side of a second direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane from the first direction in which the substrate production line extends, where the reel components are mounted, and a similar second component loading section on the other side, the supply conveyor being positioned on the upper surface of the component mounting machine, midway between the first component loading section and the second component loading section, and the sub-supply path including a first sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from the supply conveyor to a predetermined location close to the first component loading section, and a second sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from the supply conveyor to a predetermined location close to the second component loading section.

[0038] In this embodiment, a reel holder equipped with reel parts to be used in either the first or second parts loading section is transported by a supply conveyor. Then, the required reel parts can be distributed to each of the first and second parts loading sections via the first and second sub-supply paths.

[0039] In the above-described parts supply device, the reel parts or the reel holder may be provided with an externally readable identification element, and the device may further include a reading unit located in the supply path that reads the identification element to detect the presence of the reel holder on which the reel parts are mounted on the supply path.

[0040] According to this embodiment, by adding identification elements, it is possible to suppress errors in setting up reel components or reel holders, and errors in loading reel components into component mounting machines.

[0041] In the above-described parts supply device, the reel part or the reel holder is provided with an externally readable identification element, and the device includes a reading unit located in the supply path that reads the identification element to detect the presence of the reel holder on which the reel part is mounted on the supply path, and a second controller that controls the operation of the supply conveyor and the moving unit, wherein the second controller may, based on the detection result of the reading unit, detect when the reel holder has reached the predetermined position on the supply conveyor and stop the supply conveyor, and then operate the moving unit to guide the reel holder to the sub-supply path.

[0042] According to this embodiment, by reading the identification elements, it is possible to compare the reel components required by the component mounting machine with the reel components currently being transported on the supply conveyor. Then, by operating the moving unit according to the reading result, the required reel components can be reliably delivered to the sub-supply path.

[0043] In the above embodiment, it is desirable to further include a display unit that can be controlled by the second controller, and when the reel holder on which the reel component is mounted reaches the predetermined location in the sub-supply path, the second controller will display information regarding the loading position of the reel component in the component mounting machine on the display unit.

[0044] According to this embodiment, information regarding the loading position of reel parts that have reached a predetermined location can be presented to the operator through the display unit. Therefore, the efficiency of parts replenishment work can be improved.

[0045] In the component supply device described above, the substrate production line includes a first component mounting machine and a second component mounting machine arranged in tandem, and the supply path may include a first supply path disposed above the first component mounting machine and a second supply path connected to the first supply path and disposed above the second component mounting machine.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the component supply device according to the present invention can be applied to a substrate production line in which multiple component mounting machines are arranged in tandem. That is, by connecting the first and second supply paths, component units can be supplied to multiple component mounting machines.

[0047] In the above-described parts supply device, it is preferable that the supply path further includes a transfer section for transferring part units from the first supply path to the second supply path.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the installation of a transfer section can prevent defects in the transfer of component units from the first supply path to the second supply path.

[0049] In the above embodiment, it is preferable that the first supply path comprises a first supply conveyor for transporting the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted, the second supply path comprises a similar second supply conveyor, and the transfer section comprises a transfer conveyor arranged such that its transport area partially overlaps with the transport areas of the first supply conveyor and the second supply conveyor.

[0050] In this embodiment, the transfer conveyor is positioned so that a portion of it overlaps with the transport areas of the first and second supply conveyors. Therefore, the transport force on the reel holder is not interrupted at the point where the first and second supply conveyors are connected. Consequently, the reel holder can be reliably transported across multiple component mounting machines.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the storage unit preferably includes a first storage unit located downstream of the first component mounting machine and a second storage unit located upstream of the second component mounting machine, and further comprises a conveyor shift device capable of changing the supply range of the component units from the first storage unit or the second storage unit by moving the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor away from the transport area of ​​the first supply conveyor or the transport area of ​​the second supply conveyor.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the first and second storage units can supply component units from either the upstream or downstream side of the first and second component mounting machines. Furthermore, the retraction operation of the transfer conveyor allows selection of which of the first and second storage units to supply the component units. In addition, one or more component mounting machines may be interposed between the first and second component mounting machines, with transfer conveyors placed between each component mounting machine, and these transfer conveyors may be retracted as appropriate in accordance with the change in the supply range.

[0053] A substrate production system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components on the substrates, and a component supply device according to any of the above embodiments for supplying component units that hold the components to the component mounting machine.

[0054] This PCB production system allows for the timely supply of component units from a storage unit to a component mounting machine via a supply path. Furthermore, since the supply path is located above the component mounting machine, there is no need to secure space for component replenishment on the side of the PCB production line. Consequently, it becomes possible to install the PCB production line at a high density. [Effects of the Invention]

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a component supply device and a circuit board production system that can improve production efficiency while reducing manpower and space requirements for component mounting machines in a circuit board production line on which components are mounted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of a substrate production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a component supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a component mounting machine. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a component supply device and a component mounting machine, with a different perspective orientation than that of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the substrate production system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view of the storage unit, and Figure 5(B) is a perspective view of the storage unit with the storage door in the open position. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a perspective view of the reel holder equipped with a small reel, and Figure 6(B) is a side view of the reel holder with one side plate removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is a perspective view of the reel holder equipped with a large reel, and Figure 7(B) is a side view of the reel holder with one side plate removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a side view of the storage unit, and Figure 8(B) is a side view of the storage unit with the storage door in the open position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 8(B). [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the transfer device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a top view plan of the transfer device and storage unit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the top of the storage unit and the supply path. [Figure 13] Figures 13(A) to (C) are side views showing the pulling-out operation of the reel holder by the pull-out conveyor within the storage unit. [Figure 14] Figures 14(A) to (C) are side views showing the pulling-out operation of the reel holder by the pull-out conveyor within the storage unit. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a side view showing the operation of the reel holder after it has been pulled out by the pull-out conveyor. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the withdrawal conveyor, the intermediate conveyor, and the supply conveyor in the supply path. [Figure 17] Figure 17(A) is a perspective view showing the transfer operation of the reel holder from the drawer conveyor to the intermediate conveyor, and Figure 17(B) is a side view thereof. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the transfer operation of the reel holder from the drawer conveyor to the intermediate conveyor. [Figure 19] Figures 19(A) to (D) are cross-sectional views showing the transfer operation of the reel holder from the relay conveyor to the supply conveyor. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the reel holder being transferred to the supply conveyor. [Figure 21] Figures 21(A) and (B) are perspective views showing the transport of reel holders through the supply path. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a magnified perspective view showing the mounting section of the supply path to the component mounting machine. [Figure 23] Figure 23(A) is a perspective view showing the reel holder reaching the reading section of the supply path, and Figure 23(B) is a side cross-sectional view thereof. [Figure 24]Figures 24(A) to (C) are side views showing the operation of feeding the reel holder from the supply conveyor to the sub-supply path. [Figure 25] Figure 25(A) shows the display operation after the reel holders are distributed to the sub-supply path, and Figure 25(B) shows the display operation on the tape feeder side. [Figure 26] Figures 26(A) and (B) are side views showing a trolley for loading reel components into a component mounting machine. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the parts supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a perspective view showing a component supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a component mounting machine with components arranged in tandem. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a top view of Figure 28. [Figure 30] Figure 30(A) is a top view showing the component supply device according to the third embodiment mounted on a component mounting machine with components arranged in tandem, and Figure 30(B) is a schematic diagram of the supply conveyor. [Figure 31] Figures 31(A) and (B) are perspective views of a conveyor shift device. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a substrate production system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a top view showing an example of transporting reel holders from two storage units using a parts supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a top view showing an example of transporting reel holders from two storage units using a parts supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a top view showing an example of transporting reel holders from two storage units using a parts supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The component supply device according to the present invention is a device that supplies component units for holding replenishment components to a component mounting machine in a component mounting substrate production line which includes a component mounting machine for mounting electronic components onto a substrate. The substrate production system according to the present invention is a system which includes the component supply device and the substrate production line. The component unit is, for example, a reel component on which a component storage tape is wound, a tray component in which components are arranged in an orderly manner on a tray, a stick component in which components are housed in a stick-shaped holder, and so on. In the embodiments described below, the case in which the component unit is a reel component will be used as an example. Some drawings are marked with XYZ direction indicators. The X direction is the transport direction of the substrate in the substrate production line, the Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is the direction perpendicular to the XY direction. In the following description, as shown in Figure 2, the directions +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z may be described as left, right, front, back, up, and down, respectively. These directional indicators are for explanatory purposes only and do not limit the direction in any way.

[0058] [Overall Configuration of the PCB Production System] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the substrate production system MS according to this embodiment. The substrate production system MS includes a substrate production line 1 for mounting electronic components onto substrates P such as printed circuit boards, and a component supply device 2 attached to the substrate production line 1.

[0059] Figure 1 shows the block configuration of the substrate production line 1 and the transport path F for the substrate P, schematically indicated by arrows. The transport path F transports the substrate P, on which electronic components are mounted, from right to left in Figure 1. The substrate production line 1 includes the transport path F and work devices positioned on this transport path F to perform predetermined operations on the substrate P. In the example in Figure 1, the work devices are shown as a printing press 11, a printing inspection machine 12, a component mounting machine 13, a substrate inspection machine 14, a reflow oven 15, and a visual inspection machine 16, arranged in tandem from the upstream (-X) side to the downstream (+X) side of the transport path F. In addition to these work devices, the substrate production line 1 includes an intermediate conveyor 17 that relays the substrate P between the work devices. At the upstream end of the substrate production line 1, there is a loader 18 that loads the substrate P into the printing press 11, and at the downstream end, there is an unloader 19 that removes the produced substrate P from the visual inspection machine 16.

[0060] The printing press 11 applies solder to the pad portion of the substrate P. For example, the printing press 11 places a mask with openings for solder application on the substrate P and applies solder paste from above the mask. The printing inspection machine 12 images the substrate P with the solder applied to determine the two-dimensional and three-dimensional shape of the solder and inspects whether the position, amount, and height of the solder applied to the substrate P are appropriate. If necessary, a dispenser for applying adhesive to a predetermined position on the substrate P is placed upstream of the printing inspection machine 12.

[0061] The component mounting machine 13 is equipped with a head for mounting components and mounts the required electronic components onto the circuit board P. Figure 1 shows an example of a circuit board production line 1 in which three component mounting machines 13 are arranged in a row. That is, the first component mounting machine 13-1, the second component mounting machine 13-2, and the third component mounting machine 13-3 are arranged in tandem from the upstream side. In general, in production lines for circuit boards P with a large number of components, multiple component mounting machines 13 are arranged in a row.

[0062] The board inspection machine 14 images the board P after it has passed through the component mounting machine 13 and inspects for misalignment of electronic components mounted on the board P, component lifting, mounting omissions, soldering defects, etc. The reflow oven 15 heats the board P with the electronic components mounted on it to melt the solder and fix the electronic components to the board P. The visual inspection machine 16 images the board P after the heating treatment in the reflow oven 15 and inspects for misalignment of electronic components, component lifting, mounting omissions, soldering defects, etc., in the same way as the board inspection machine 14.

[0063] The intermediate conveyor 17 is a conveyor that transfers substrates P between work equipment in the substrate production line 1. The intermediate conveyor 17 is placed in the layout of the work equipment in the substrate production line 1 where relay transport is necessary or where substrates P need to be held for transport. In the example in Figure 1, a first intermediate conveyor 17A is placed between the printing inspection machine 12 and the first component mounting machine 13-1, and a second intermediate conveyor 17B is placed between the third component mounting machine 13-3 and the substrate inspection machine 14. In addition to these, intermediate conveyors 17 may also be placed upstream and downstream of the reflow oven 15.

[0064] The component supply device 2 is a device that supplies reel components (component units) for replenishment to the component mounting machine 13, and includes a storage unit 21, a supply path 22, and a supply control device 23. The storage unit 21 stores the reel components to be supplied to the component mounting machine 13. The storage unit 21 is placed in an empty space in the circuit board production line 1. An empty space refers to, for example, a relatively narrow area in the circuit board production line 1 where a series of work devices are arranged in series, in a direction perpendicular to the transport path F. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the storage unit 21 is placed at the location of the second intermediate conveyor 17B. The intermediate conveyor 17 does not have a work section for the circuit board P, and only has the function of transporting the circuit board P. For this reason, the width and height of the intermediate conveyor 17 are smaller than those of the work devices, and there is extra space to the sides and above the intermediate conveyor 17. The storage unit 21 is placed in such an empty space in the circuit board production line 1.

[0065] The supply path 22 is located above the component mounting machine 13 and has a transport function that guides reel components taken out from the storage unit 21 to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine 13. In other words, the supply path 22 is located above the component mounting machine 13, rather than to the side of the PCB production line 1. The supply control device 23 controls the operation of power sources such as motors and cylinders located in the storage unit 21 and the supply path 22. Details of the supply control device 23 will be described later based on Figure 4.

[0066] According to this parts supply device 2, the storage unit 21 is installed within the PCB production line 1. Therefore, if refillable reel parts are collected in advance from the parts warehouse based on the production plan and stored in the storage unit 21, the reel parts can be supplied to the component mounting machine 13 in a timely manner through the supply path 22. Furthermore, since the supply path 22 is located above the component mounting machine 13, it is not necessary to secure space for parts replenishment on the side of the PCB production line 1. Consequently, the PCB production line 1 can be installed at a high density. Note that multiple storage units 21 may be installed in the PCB production line 1. For example, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 1, a storage unit 21 may also be placed at the location of the first intermediate conveyor 17A, and reel parts may be supplied to the supply path 22 from the upstream and downstream storage units 21. A more specific example of the parts supply device 2 is shown below.

[0067] [First Embodiment] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the component supply device 2 according to the first embodiment mounted on the component mounting machine 13. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the component mounting machine 13 from the front at an angle, and Figure 3 is a perspective view from the rear at an angle. The component mounting machine 13 has a pair of component loading sections 131 and 132 into which reel components are loaded, arranged in the Y direction (second direction) which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the X direction (first direction) in which the substrate production line 1 extends. That is, the component mounting machine 13 has the first component loading section 131 on the +Y side and the second component loading section 132 on the -Y side of the mounting machine main frame 130.

[0068] The top surface of the mounting machine main frame 130 is covered by a front cover 133 and a rear cover 134 that open and close in a wing-like manner. A first L-shaped bar 135 is erected at the +X end of the top surface of the component mounting machine 13, and a second L-shaped bar 136 is erected at the -X end. An indicator light 137 that displays the operating status of the component mounting machine 13 is attached to the first L-shaped bar 135. As shown in Figure 3, the transport path F for the substrate P is set to penetrate the mounting machine main frame 130 in the X direction. The component mounting machine 13 receives the substrate P from the -X side of the mounting machine main frame 130, mounts components on the substrate P, and then sends the substrate P to the intermediate conveyor 17 from the +X side.

[0069] The storage unit 21 of the component supply device 2 has a rectangular prism housing shape and is positioned on the +X side of the mounting machine main frame 130, adjacent to the -Y side of the intermediate conveyor 17. The X-direction width of the storage unit 21 is the same as the X-direction width of the intermediate conveyor 17. The supply path 22 is arranged on the upper surface of the component mounting machine 13 in a manner that does not obstruct the opening and closing operation of the front cover 133 and the rear cover 134. The supply path 22 includes a supply conveyor 221, a first sub-supply path 25, and a second sub-supply path 26. Figures 2 and 3 show a state in which two reel holders 60, each loaded with reel components 6, are being transported in the supply path 22.

[0070] The supply conveyor 221 is positioned on the upper surface of the component mounting machine 13, extending in the X direction between the first component loading section 131 and the second component loading section 132. The supply conveyor 221 is housed in a U-shaped guide frame 222, which also extends in the X direction. The front cover 133 and rear cover 134 of the component mounting machine 13 open upward using hinges located on the outside of the -Y and +Y sides of the guide frame 222 as pivot points, so they do not interfere with the guide frame 222. The supply conveyor 221 transports the reel holder 60, which is loaded with reel components 6, from the +X side to the -X direction.

[0071] The first sub-supply path 25 and the second sub-supply path 26 are sub-supply paths that guide the reel holder 60 from a predetermined position on the supply conveyor 221 to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine 13, which is designated as a component replenishment location. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is the arrangement position of the first L-shaped bar 135 and the second L-shaped bar 136. The predetermined location is the upper +X side of the first component loading section 131 and the upper -X side of the second component loading section 132. The first sub-supply path 25 extends from the arrangement position of the first L-shaped bar 135 on the supply conveyor 221 in the +Y direction along the main frame 130 of the mounting machine to a position close to the first component loading section 131. The second sub-supply path 26 extends from the position where the second L-shaped bar 136 of the supply conveyor 221 is located, along the mounting machine main frame 130 in the -Y direction, to a position close to the second component loading section 132.

[0072] The reel component 6, mounted on the reel holder 60, is guided from the storage unit 21 through the supply path 22 described above to a position close to the first and second component loading sections 131 and 132. A relay conveyor 24 is positioned between the storage unit 21 and the supply conveyor 221 for the transfer of the reel holder 60 from the storage unit 21 to the supply conveyor 221. In addition, a first distribution cylinder 42A that guides the reel holder 60 from the supply conveyor 221 to the first sub-supply path 25 and a second distribution cylinder 42B that guides it to the second sub-supply path 26 are attached to the supply path 22.

[0073] [Electrical configuration of a circuit board production system] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a substrate production system MS according to the first embodiment. The substrate production system MS includes a line control device 10 and a supply control device 23 as control units. The line control device 10 controls the operation of each work device on the substrate production line 1: a printing press 11, a printing inspection machine 12, a component mounting machine 13, a substrate inspection machine 14, a reflow oven 15, and a visual inspection machine 16, to produce substrates P with electronic components mounted on them. Details of the control are omitted from this explanation.

[0074] The parts supply device 2 includes a transfer device 3. The transfer device 3 is responsible for removing the reel holder 60, on which the reel parts 6 are mounted, from the storage unit 21 and transferring it to the supply path 22. The transfer device 3 includes a Z motor 31, an X motor 32, a Y shift cylinder 33, a draw motor 34, and a first leader 35, which are assembled in the storage unit 21, and a relay conveyor motor 36, which is located outside the storage unit 21. The supply path 22 also includes a supply conveyor motor 41, a distribution cylinder 42 (movement unit), and a second leader 43 (reading unit). Furthermore, the parts supply device 2 includes a display unit 44 that displays information regarding the mounting position of the reel parts 6. These will be described in detail below based on the drawings of each part.

[0075] The supply control device 23 consists of a processor that operates according to a predetermined program, for example, and functionally includes a replenishment instruction unit 231, a management unit 232, a transfer control unit 233 (first controller), a supply control unit 234 (second controller), a display control unit 235, and a data storage unit 236.

[0076] The replenishment instruction unit 231 identifies the reel component 6 that needs to be replenished to the component mounting machine 13 and issues a replenishment request signal. The management unit 232 manages verification data to match the reel component 6 with the reel component 60 on which it is mounted, based on identification elements such as identification IDs and management numbers assigned to the reel component 6 and the reel holder 60, respectively. The transfer control unit 233 controls the operation of the transfer device 3. The transfer control unit 233 refers to the verification data from the management unit 232 to identify the reel holder 60 on which the reel component 6 matching the replenishment request from the replenishment instruction unit 231 is mounted, and controls the transfer device 3 to retrieve the reel holder 60 from the storage unit 21. The supply control unit 234 controls the operation of the supply conveyor motor 41 that drives the supply conveyor 221 and the operation of the distribution cylinder 42. The display control unit 235 controls the display of the display unit 44. The data storage unit 236 stores various data related to the electronic components to be mounted on the substrate P, various information related to the reel components 6 and the reel holder 60, and information related to the production plan of the substrate production line 1.

[0077] [Storage Unit] The hardware configuration and operation of each part of the parts supply device 2 will be described below. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views of the storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 5, multiple storage shelves 55 arranged inside the housing 5, and a reel holder 60 transfer device 3.

[0078] The housing 5 includes a bottom plate 51 that partitions the bottom surface, an X-side plate 52 that partitions the -X side, and a Y-side plate 53 that partitions the +Y side. Note that there are also X-side plates that partition the +X side of the housing 5 and a top plate that partitions the top surface, but these are not shown in Figure 5. The -Y side of the housing 5 is partitioned by rectangular storage doors 56 arranged in two rows and three columns. The storage doors 56 have a pivot axis extending in the X direction near their lower edge, and can change position between the sealed position shown in Figure 5(A) and the open position shown in Figure 5(B).

[0079] The -Y-side half of the space within the housing 5 is a storage area 5A where storage shelves 55 are arranged in multiple tiers vertically. On the other hand, the +Y-side half of the space is an axial movement area 5B where an axial movement mechanism for moving the transfer device 3 up and down is installed. In the storage area 5A, partition plates 54 made of horizontal plates are arranged in two tiers vertically, and storage shelves 55 are placed on top of these two tiers of partition plates 54 and on top of the bottom plate 51, respectively.

[0080] The storage shelf 55 has multiple divider strips 551 arranged at equal intervals in the X direction on its upper surface and extending in the Y direction. Between a pair of divider strips 551 is a slot 55S capable of accommodating one reel holder 60. The reel holder 60 holds a disc-shaped reel component 6 in an upright position and is housed in the storage shelf 55 in such a manner that it fits into each slot 55S. Figure 5 shows a state in which multiple reel holders 60, each holding a reel component 6, are housed side by side in the X direction in the uppermost of the three storage shelves 55. By arranging storage shelves 55 that house reel holders 60 side by side in this manner, the storage capacity of the reel component 6 in the storage unit 21 can be improved.

[0081] Let's explain the reel holder 60. The reel holder 60 can hold either a small reel 6A with a relatively small reel diameter (e.g., 7 inches) or a large reel 6B with a relatively large reel diameter (e.g., 13 inches) as a reel component 6. Figure 6(A) is a perspective view of the reel holder 60 with the small reel 6A mounted, and Figure 6(B) is a side view thereof. Figure 7(A) is a perspective view of the reel holder 60 with the large reel 6B mounted, and Figure 7(B) is a side view thereof. A narrow component storage tape T1 is wound around the small reel 6A, and a wide component storage tape T2 is wound around the large reel 6B.

[0082] The reel holder 60 comprises a pair of side plates 61, a support plate 62, a connecting body 63 (width adjustment mechanism), a hook portion 64 (locking portion), and an identification IC 65 (identification element). Overall, the reel holder 60 has the shape of a holding housing that accommodates the lower region of the small reel 6A or the large reel 6B in an upright position. When mounted on the reel holder 60, approximately the lower half of the small reel 6A and approximately the lower one-third of the large reel 6B are accommodated. By giving the reel holder 60 the shape of a holding housing in this manner, tipping over during movement is suppressed and the reel component 6 can be held stably.

[0083] The pair of side plates 61 are a pair of flat plates that hold the sides of the reel component 6. The side plates 61 have a horizontally elongated rectangular shape. The support plate 62 is a member that supports the reel component 6 from below and includes a bottom plate 621 and an inclined plate 622. The bottom plate 621 constitutes the bottom 60B of the reel holder 60 and the lowest part of the reel component 6 in an upright position contacts it. The inclined plate 622 extends diagonally upward from one end and the other end of the bottom plate 621, respectively. The space above the support plate 62 between the pair of side plates 61 is the housing space for the reel component 6.

[0084] The connecting body 63 connects a pair of side plates 61. The connecting body 63 is positioned at the two upper corners of the side plates 61, sandwiched between the pair of side plates 61. The connecting body 63 has an adjustment screw 631 and a nut 632, and functions as a width adjustment mechanism that adjusts the distance between the pair of side plates 61 according to the width of the reel component 6. That is, the width of the connecting body 63 can be changed by changing the screwing position of the nut 632 with respect to the adjustment screw 631. Changing the width of the connecting body 63 also changes the distance between the pair of side plates 61. Since the connecting body 63 has the function of a width adjustment mechanism, a reel holder 60 can be easily made according to the size of the component, i.e., the width of the reel component 6.

[0085] The hook portion 64 is the part that engages with the engaging piece (other member) of the pull-out conveyor 38 or the relay conveyor 24 of the transfer device 3, which will be described later, when the reel holder 60 is moved by these conveyors. The hook portion 64 is positioned at the two lower corners of the side plate 61, sandwiched between the pair of side plates 61. In other words, the two hook portions 64 (first locking portion and second locking portion) are positioned symmetrically with respect to the holding center of the reel component 6 in the reel holder 60. As a result, even if the reel holder 60 is set in the slot 55S of the storage shelf 55 in any direction, the reel holder 60 can be removed or transported using either of the hook portions 64.

[0086] The hook portion 64 consists of a pair of cylindrical pieces separated in the middle to accommodate the width change by the connecting body 63. One cylindrical piece is attached to one side plate 61, and the other cylindrical piece is attached to the other side plate 61, with these cylindrical pieces facing each other. A receiving space 66 is provided below the inclined plate 622 between the pair of side plates 61. In other words, the radial periphery of the hook portion 64 is an open space free of obstacles. The receiving space 66 is a space that allows the engaging piece of the conveyor to access the hook portion 64.

[0087] The identification IC 65 stores an identification number uniquely assigned to each reel holder 60. This identification number is a unique value that cannot be overwritten. The identification IC 65 is positioned near both ends of the bottom plate 621, that is, near the rising positions of the pair of inclined plates 622. This is so that the information of the identification IC 65 can be read by the first reader 35, which will be described later, regardless of the direction in which the reel holder 60 is set in the slot 55S of the storage shelf 55.

[0088] Each reel component 6 is equipped with an IC tag or barcode, and assigned a component ID (identification element). Based on the production plan for the circuit board P, the worker collects the reel components 6 to be used from the parts warehouse. Then, in order to link the reel components 6 with the reel holder 60, the worker compares the component ID of the reel component 6 with the identification number of the arbitrarily selected reel holder 60 and creates matching data. This matching data is managed by the management unit 232 of the supply control device 23. After completing this linking work, the worker places the reel components 6 onto the reel holder 60 and sets it in the storage shelf 55. Alternatively, during the linking work, the remaining number of reel components 6 may be written to the identification IC 65 to manage the remaining number of components.

[0089] The function of the storage door 56 will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8(A) is a side view of the storage unit 21 with the storage door 56 in the sealed position, and Figure 8(B) is a side view of the storage unit with the storage door 56 in the open position. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 8(B). The storage unit 21 has an opening 57 on the -Y side of the housing 5 that allows reel parts 6 to be inserted into and removed from each storage shelf 55 in the storage area 5A. The storage door 56 is a door that opens and closes the opening 57 and has a pivot shaft 561 extending in the X direction near its lower end. The storage door 56 can change its position between a sealed position that seals the opening 57 and an open position that opens the opening 57 to the outside by rotating around the axis of the pivot shaft 561. Figure 9 shows both the storage door 56-A in the open position and the storage door 56-B in the sealed position. In the open position, the storage door 56-A and the storage shelf 55 are aligned flush.

[0090] The storage door 56 has a positioning engagement portion 58 for positioning the reel holder 60. The positioning engagement portion 58 is located below the pivot axis 561 in the sealed position and is a recessed groove extending in the X direction. This recessed groove is sized to fit a cylindrical hook portion 64. When the storage door 56 is in the open position, the positioning engagement portion 58 becomes a recessed groove that opens upward. Therefore, when the reel holder 60 is inserted into the slot 55S of the storage shelf 55 from the -Y direction, the hook portion 64 (part of the reel holder) fits into the positioning engagement portion 58 and the two engage. This positions the reel holder 60 in the storage shelf 55. On the other hand, when the storage door 56 is in the sealed position, the positioning engagement portion 58 opens to the side, and the engagement between the hook portion 64 and the positioning engagement portion 58 is released. This allows the reel holder 60 to be pulled out of the storage shelf 55 in the +Y direction.

[0091] Thus, when the storage door 56 is in the open position, the reel holder 60 can be positioned using the positioning engagement part 58. Therefore, when the storage door 56 is in the open position, the worker can easily and reliably place the reel holder 60, which is loaded with reel components 6, into the storage shelf 55. On the other hand, when the storage door 56 is in the closed position, the engagement between the reel holder 60 and the positioning engagement part 58 is released, so the reel holder 60 can be removed by the transfer device 3 without any problems.

[0092] As shown in Figure 9, a first reader 35 is installed in the storage shelf 55. The first reader 35 is a contactless device that reads information from the identification IC 65 equipped on the reel holder 60, and is located at the bottom of each slot 55S in the storage shelf 55. Through the reading operation of the first reader 35, the management unit 232 of the supply control device 23 determines which reel holder 60 with which identification number is set in which slot 55S. As described above, the reel holder 60 is also linked to the reel component 6 mounted on the reel holder 60. Therefore, the management unit 232 can also determine which reel component 6 is set in which slot 55S.

[0093] [Transfer device] Next, the transfer device 3 will be described in detail. Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the transfer device 3 shown in Figure 5. Figure 11 is a top view plan of the transfer device 3 and the storage unit 21. The transfer device 3 pulls out the reel holder 60 from the storage area 5A where the storage shelves 55 are arranged vertically, and lifts the reel holder 60 to the top surface of the housing 5 using the axial movement area 5B. After that, the reel holder 60 is transferred to the supply path 22 using the relay conveyor 24. The transfer device 3 includes a Z motor 31, an X motor 32, a Y shift cylinder 33, a draw-out motor 34, and a relay conveyor motor 36 as power equipment. The axial movement mechanism of this transfer device 3 includes a Z guide rail 531, a Z movement frame 532, a Y movement frame 37, and a draw-out conveyor 38 (draw-out mechanism).

[0094] The Z guide rail 531 is a protrusion extending in the Z direction on the +Y side of the Y side plate 53 of the housing 5. As shown in Figure 5, the Z guide rail 531 extends along the entire length of the Y side plate 53 and is provided in pairs on the +X side and the -X side. The Z moving frame 532 is a frame that moves in the Z direction along the Z guide rail 531. The power source for this movement is the Z motor 31. A pair of guide pieces 533 are attached to the +Y side of the Z moving frame 532, and these guide pieces 533 are fitted into the Z guide rail 531, respectively. A cylinder fixing piece 534 to which the Y shift cylinder 33 is attached is attached to the +X end of the Z moving frame 532, and a conveyor fixing piece 535 to which the relay conveyor 24 is attached is attached to the -X end.

[0095] The Y-movement frame 37 is positioned below the Z-movement frame 532 and is capable of moving forward and backward in the Y direction relative to the Z-movement frame 532. The power source for this forward and backward movement is the Y-shift cylinder 33. The Y-movement frame 37 comprises a base plate 371 made of a horizontal plate extending in the X direction, and +X side pieces 372 and -X side pieces 373 located at both ends of the base plate 371 in the X direction. A pressing piece 374 is provided protruding from the upper surface of the +X side piece 372, to which movement force is supplied by the Y-shift cylinder 33.

[0096] A drive roller 375 and a driven roller 376 are provided protruding from the -Y side of each of the +X side piece 372 and -X side piece 373. An X drive belt 377 is installed between the drive roller 375 and the driven roller 376. The -Y ends of the +X side piece 372 and -X side piece 373 are connected by a connecting plate 378. A relay block 379 is provided protruding from near the -X end of the connecting plate 378, at a position corresponding to the relay conveyor 24.

[0097] The Z motor 31 is mounted at the upper end of the Y side plate 53, midway between a pair of Z guide rails 531. A ball screw 311 extending in the Z direction is connected to the output shaft of the Z motor 31. The ball screw 311 has a length that extends along the entire Z-direction of the Y side plate 53 and is screwed into a nut member attached to the +Y side of the Z moving frame 532. When the Z motor 31 is rotationally driven, the ball screw 311 rotates around its axis, causing the Z moving frame 532 to move up and down.

[0098] The X motor 32 is mounted on the upper surface of the +X side piece 372 of the Y moving frame 37. A drive belt 321 is stretched between the output shaft of the X motor 32 and the drive roller 375. When the X motor 32 is rotationally driven, the X drive belt 377 moves in a circular motion between the drive roller 375 and the driven roller 376.

[0099] The Y-shift cylinder 33 is mounted on the +X side edge of the upper surface of the +X side piece 372 and has a cylinder bar 331 (see Figures 13 and 14) that moves back and forth in the Y direction. The tip of the cylinder bar 331 is connected to a pressing piece 374 which is integrated with the Y-movement frame 37. When the Y-shift cylinder 33 is driven, the cylinder bar 331 pushes or pulls the pressing piece 374, causing the Y-movement frame 37 to move back and forth in the Y direction.

[0100] The drawer motor 34 is the drive source for the drawer conveyor 38 and is mounted on the drawer conveyor 38 itself. The drawer conveyor 38 comprises a drawer conveyor belt 381 (transfer stage), drawer claws 382 (engaging pieces), and a guide plate 383. The drawer conveyor 38 is attached to the X drive belt 377. As the X drive belt 377 moves in a circular motion, the drawer conveyor 38, together with the drawer motor 34, moves in the X direction between the +X side piece 372 and the -X side piece 373 while being supported by the base plate 371. As shown in Figure 11, when the drawer conveyor 38 is moved furthest to the +X side, the drawer motor 34 is positioned adjacent to the +Y side of the +X motor 32. Also, as the Y movement frame 37 moves back and forth in the Y direction, the drawer conveyor 38 also moves back and forth in the Y direction.

[0101] The pull-out conveyor 38 pulls out the reel holder 60, which is loaded with reel components 6, from the storage shelf 55, and uses the axis movement area 5B to transport the reel holder 60 to a transfer position to the relay conveyor 24 set at the upper end of the housing 5. The pull-out conveyor belt 381 acts as a transfer stage that loads the reel holder 60 and moves it to the transfer position. The pull-out conveyor belt 381 has a belt width slightly larger than the width of the reel holder 60 and moves in a circular motion driven by the pull-out motor 34.

[0102] The pull-out claws 382 are provided protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the pull-out conveyor belt 381. The pull-out claws 382 engage with a hook portion 64 located on the bottom portion 60B of the reel holder 60. With the pull-out claws 382 engaged with the hook portion 64, the pull-out operation moves the pull-out conveyor belt 381 in a circular motion, thereby mounting the reel holder 60 of the storage shelf 55 onto the pull-out conveyor belt 381. A pair of guide plates 383 are arranged on both sides of the pull-out conveyor belt 381 and support the lower side ends of the mounted reel holder 60.

[0103] The intermediate conveyor 24 is located at the -X+Y corner of the upper end of the housing 5. The intermediate conveyor 24 receives the reel holder 60 from the withdrawal conveyor 38 and passes it to the supply conveyor 221 in the supply path 22. The intermediate conveyor 24 includes a conveyor belt 241 and engaging claws 242. The conveyor belt 241 moves in a circular motion driven by an intermediate conveyor motor 36 (see Figures 4 and 12), which is not shown in Figures 10 and 11. The engaging claws 242 protrude from the outer surface of the conveyor belt 241. These engaging claws 242 can also engage with the hook portion 64 of the reel holder 60. When receiving the reel holder 60 from the withdrawal conveyor 38, the withdrawal conveyor 38 is moved by the X motor 32 so that the withdrawal conveyor 38 and the engaging claws 242 of the conveyor belt 241 are aligned in a straight line in the Y direction.

[0104] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the upper part of the storage unit 21 and the supply path 22, showing the conveyor arrangement when the reel holder 60 is transferred from the drawer conveyor 38 to the supply conveyor 221. During the transfer, the upper surface of the drawer conveyor belt 381 of the drawer conveyor 38, the upper surface of the conveyor belt 241 of the relay conveyor 24, and the upper surface of the supply conveyor 221 are aligned in the Y direction at approximately the same height. A relay block 379 is interposed in the gap between the drawer conveyor 38 and the relay conveyor 24. The upper surface of the relay block 379 is also at approximately the same height as the upper surfaces of each conveyor.

[0105] [Transfer device operation] Next, with reference to Figures 13 to 20, the transfer operation of the reel holder 60 by the transfer device 3 will be explained. Figures 13(A) to 14(C) are side views showing the operation of the reel holder 60 being pulled out from the storage shelf 55 by the pull-out conveyor 38 within the storage unit 21.

[0106] Figure 13(A) shows the transfer device 3 in its lowest position along the Z guide rail 531. This is the height position of the transfer device 3 when pulling out the reel holder 60 stored in the lowest storage shelf 55. The pull-out conveyor 38 is at a height that allows it to fit under the bottom 60B of the reel holder 60. In the state shown in Figure 13(A), the pull-out conveyor 38 does not interfere with the reel holder 60 in the vertical direction, so the pull-out conveyor 38 can move freely in the vertical direction. In other words, the pull-out conveyor 38 can be similarly adjusted in height relative to the upper storage shelf 55. The position of the pull-out conveyor 38 in the X direction is aligned with the target reel holder 60 by the circular movement of the X drive belt 377.

[0107] Figure 13(B) shows the state in which the pull-out conveyor 38 has advanced to the pull-out position where it fits under the bottom 60B of the reel holder 60. The Y-shift cylinder 33 extends the cylinder bar 331 in the -Y direction, and moves the Y-movement frame 37 in the -Y direction via the pressing piece 374. Consequently, the pull-out conveyor 38 also moves to the aforementioned pull-out position in the -Y direction. The aforementioned pull-out position is the position where the -Y end of the pull-out conveyor belt 381 is moved in the -Y direction beyond the +Y side hook portion 64 of the reel holder 60.

[0108] The pull-out claw 382 is positioned on the underside of the pull-out conveyor belt 381 so as not to interfere with the hook portion 64 when the pull-out conveyor 38 moves in the -Y direction. When the pull-out conveyor 38 moves to the pull-out position, the pull-out conveyor belt 381 is moved clockwise by the drive of the pull-out motor 34, as shown by arrow f1 in the figure. Since the reel holder 60 has a receiving space 66, the pull-out claw 382 can approach the hook portion 64 from the -Y side.

[0109] Figure 13(C) shows the state in which the pull-out conveyor belt 381 has been moved clockwise around until the pull-out claw 382 contacts the hook portion 64. If the pull-out conveyor belt 381 moves further around from this state, the pull-out claw 382 will press against the hook portion 64 in the direction of arrow a1. This pressing causes the reel holder 60 to move in the +Y direction and transfer onto the pull-out conveyor belt 381. In this way, the reel holder 60 can be mounted onto the pull-out conveyor 38 simply by the movement of the pull-out conveyor belt 381 around.

[0110] Figure 14(A) shows the state where approximately half of the reel holder 60 on the +Y side has moved onto the pull-out conveyor 38. Even in this state, the pull-out claw 382 continues to press the hook portion 64 in the direction of arrow a1. Figure 14(B) shows the state where the reel holder 60 has completely moved onto the pull-out conveyor 38. Even at this point, the pull-out claw 382 is still in contact with the hook portion 64 and can further press the hook portion 64 in the direction of arrow a1. In this state, the circumferential movement of the pull-out conveyor belt 381 is stopped. Figure 14(C) shows the state where the Y-shift cylinder 33 moves the cylinder bar 331 backward in the +Y direction and pulls the Y-movement frame 37 in the +Y direction via the pressing piece 374. At this time, the position of the pull-out conveyor 38 is the same as in Figure 13(A), and is in the axial movement area 5B (Figure 8) region where it does not interfere with the other reel holders 60 of the storage shelf 55 in the vertical direction.

[0111] Figure 15 shows the transfer device 3, which includes a pull-out conveyor 38 equipped with a reel holder 60, moving in the +Z direction along the Z guide rail 531 by the drive of the Z motor 31. During this movement, the X motor 32 drives the X drive belt 377, causing the pull-out conveyor 38 to move toward the -X end, that is, toward the position of the intermediate conveyor 24.

[0112] Figure 16 shows the state in which the drawer conveyor 38 has been moved to the transfer position at the top of the storage unit 21. As described above based on Figure 12, at this transfer position the drawer conveyor 38, relay block 379, relay conveyor 24, and supply conveyor 221 are aligned at approximately the same height in the Y direction. From this state, the circumferential movement of the drawer conveyor belt 381 resumes. As a result, the drawer claw 382 presses the hook portion 64 in the direction of arrow a2. The pressing in the direction of arrow a2 continues until the drawer claw 382 wraps around to the underside of the drawer conveyor belt 381. Due to this pressing, as shown in Figure 17(A), the +Y tip of the reel holder 60 comes into contact with the relay block 379.

[0113] Figure 17(A) shows the position of the pull-out claw 382 for further movement of the reel holder 60 in the +Y direction. After the contact with the hook portion 64 on the +Y side is released, the pull-out conveyor belt 381 continues to move around. Eventually, the pull-out claw 382 comes into contact with the hook portion 64 on the -Y side, and becomes capable of pressing the -Y side hook portion 64 in the direction of arrow a3 toward the +Y direction. This state is shown in Figure 17(A).

[0114] Figure 17(B) shows the state in which the pull-out conveyor belt 381 is moving in a circular motion in the direction of arrow f1, and the pull-out claw 382 is pressing the hook portion 64 on the -Y side in the direction of arrow a3. In Figure 17(B), the +Y end of the reel holder 60 is placed on the relay block 379. The reel holder 60 moves in the +Y direction, guided by the guide plates 383 of the pull-out conveyor 38 on both sides. As shown in Figures 17(A) and (B), the relay conveyor 24 has conveyor guides 243 on the side of the conveyor belt 241. In addition, the guide frame 222 of the supply path 22 is provided with a receiving port 223 for receiving the reel holder 60. A swinging guide 224 is attached to the receiving port 223.

[0115] Figure 18 shows the state in which the pull-out claw 382 has completed pressing the hook portion 64 on the -Y side. The reel holder 60 is riding on the conveyor belt 241 of the intermediate conveyor 24, and the +Y tip has entered the supply conveyor 221 from the receiving port 223. The swing guide 224 is a rod-shaped member that can swing around a pivot axis by a rotation mechanism (not shown). The swing guide 224 comes into contact with the side of the reel holder 60, which helps to prevent the reel holder 60 from tipping over and maintains its posture. The engaging claw 242 of the intermediate conveyor 24 is in a waiting state on the underside of the conveyor belt 241.

[0116] Next, as shown in Figures 19(A) to (D), the reel holder 60 is further transported in the +Y direction by the intermediate conveyor 24. Figure 19(A) shows the state in which the engaging claw 242 of the intermediate conveyor 24 is in contact with the inclined plate 622 on the -Y side of the reel holder 60. That is, the engaging claw 242, which was waiting on the lower side of the conveyor belt 241, moves to the upper side as the conveyor belt 241 moves clockwise around, enters the receiving space 66, and comes into contact with the inclined plate 622. As a result, the engaging claw 242 is in a state in which it can press the inclined plate 622 on the -Y side in the direction of arrow a4 toward the +Y direction.

[0117] Figure 19(B) shows the state in which the engaging claw 242 is actually pressing the inclined plate 622 in the direction of arrow a4. The -Y end of the reel holder 60 has moved away from the relay block 379, and the -Y end has further advanced onto the supply conveyor 221. The pressing of the inclined plate 622 by the engaging claw 242 ends at this point, but the clockwise rotational movement of the conveyor belt 241 continues.

[0118] Figure 19(C) shows the state in which the engaging claw 242 has moved in a circular motion on the upper side of the conveyor belt 241 and is in contact with the hook portion 64 on the -Y side of the reel holder 60. This allows the engaging claw 242 to press the hook portion 64 on the -Y side in the direction of arrow a5 toward the +Y direction. Figure 19(D) shows the state in which the engaging claw 242 is actually pressing the hook portion 64 toward arrow a5. When the conveyor belt 241 moves in a circular motion from this state, the engaging claw 242 further pushes the hook portion 64 toward arrow a5. After pressing toward arrow a5, the swing guide 224, which is in the position with the receiving port 223 open as shown in Figure 17(A), rotates around its axis and pushes the -Y end face of the reel holder 60 to send it out. As a result, the reel holder 60 is completely transferred onto the supply conveyor 221. After the aforementioned delivery, the rocking guide 224 maintains a position that seals the receiving port 223 and guides the reel holder 60 as it moves along the supply conveyor 221 together with the guide frame 222.

[0119] Figure 20 shows the state after the reel holder 60 has been transferred to the supply conveyor 221. The reel holder 60 is now positioned within the guide frame 222 and is ready to move in the -X direction by the supply conveyor 221. The drawer conveyor 38 descends into the storage unit 21, preparing to draw out the next reel holder 60.

[0120] [Supply route] Figures 21(A) and (B) are perspective views showing the configuration of the supply path 22 and the transport of the reel holder 60 by the supply path 22. Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the supply path 22 includes a main transport path extending in the X direction, which is composed of a supply conveyor 221 and a guide frame 222. Furthermore, the supply path 22 includes a first sub-supply path 25 extending in the +Y direction from near the +X end of the guide frame 222 of the main transport path, and a second sub-supply path 26 extending in the -Y direction from near the -X end of the guide frame 222.

[0121] At the point where the first sub-supply path 25 extends from the guide frame 222, a first delivery port 225 is provided, which is a notch that allows the reel holder 60 to be sent from the upper surface of the supply conveyor 221 to the first sub-supply path 25. A first distribution cylinder 42A is mounted on the guide frame 222 at a position opposite the first delivery port 225, with the supply conveyor 221 in between. The first distribution cylinder 42A is equipped with a pressing head 421 that pushes the reel holder 60 toward the first sub-supply path 25.

[0122] The first sub-supply path 25 has a sloped passage in which a large number of driven rollers 25R are arranged in a downward-sloping manner, and both ends of these driven rollers 25R are rotatably held by a pair of frames. The reel holder 60, on which the reel component 6 is mounted, can slide along the sloped passage made up of driven rollers 25R. A stopper 251 is attached to the tip of the first sub-supply path 25. The tip of the reel holder 60, which moves as it slides down the sloped passage, comes into contact with the stopper 251.

[0123] A second dispensing port 226 is provided in the guide frame 222 at the point where the second sub-supply passage 26 extends, and this port consists of a notch through which the reel holder 60 can pass. The second sub-supply passage 26 also includes a sloping passage formed by a number of driven rollers 26R and a stopper, which is not shown in Figure 21. A second distribution cylinder 42B is mounted on the guide frame 222 at a position opposite the second dispensing port 226, with the supply conveyor 221 in between. The second distribution cylinder 42B is equipped with a pressing head 421 that pushes the reel holder 60 toward the second sub-supply passage 26.

[0124] Figure 21(A) shows the state in which the reel holder 60, which has been brought into the guide frame 222 from the receiving port 223, has been transported by the supply conveyor 221 to the position of the first delivery port 225. In this state, the first distribution cylinder 42A is activated, and the reel holder 60 is guided to the first sub-supply path 25. Figure 21(B) shows the state in which the reel holder 60 has been guided to the first sub-supply path 25, and the tip of the reel holder 60 is in contact with the stopper 251. Also in Figure 21(B), another reel holder 60 has been transported by the supply conveyor 221 to the position of the second delivery port 226. In this state, the second distribution cylinder 42B is activated, and the other reel holder 60 is guided to the second sub-supply path 26.

[0125] Here, we will explain how the supply path 22 is attached to the component mounting machine 13. Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing the mounting portion 27 of the supply path 22 to the mounting machine main frame 130 (the housing of the component mounting machine). The mounting machine main frame 130 is a frame that constitutes the frame body that holds the various work devices of the component mounting machine 13, and its main constituent material is a magnetic material such as iron. The mounting portion 27 is attached to a flat area on the upper surface of the mounting machine main frame 130.

[0126] The mounting section 27 is attached to the bottom surface of the guide frame 222 and includes a height adjustment section 271 and a magnet 272 (fixing mechanism). The height adjustment section 271 includes a screw and a nut, and the height and leveling of the guide frame 222 can be adjusted by rotating the screw. The magnet 272 supports the height adjustment section 271 and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The magnet 272 is fixed in place by magnetic attraction to the upper surface of the mounting machine main frame 130. The first sub-supply path 25 and the second sub-supply path 26 are also fixed to the upper surface of the mounting machine main frame 130 by magnets not shown in the figure.

[0127] The mounting section 27 of this embodiment is fixed to the mounting machine main frame 130 by magnetic force and is height adjustable. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency not only when equipping the supply path 22 during the initial assembly of the PCB production line 1, but also when retrofitting the supply path 22 to an existing PCB production line 1. The mounting section 27 may also be configured to have a mechanical connection using fixing screws or mounting jigs. Figure 22 shows a supply conveyor motor 41 that generates the driving force to move the supply conveyor 221 in a circular motion, a drive roller 412 of the supply conveyor 221, and a drive belt 411 stretched between the output shaft of the supply conveyor motor 41 and the drive roller 412.

[0128] [Transportation operation in the supply line] Next, the transport operation of the reel holder 60 in the supply path 22 will be explained with reference to Figures 23 to 25. When the reel holder 60 holding the reel components 6 is transferred to the supply conveyor 221 via the relay conveyor 24 through the receiving port 223, the supply conveyor 221 is activated and transports the reel holder 60 in the -X direction. Immediately after the start of transport, the reel holder 60 reaches the position of the first L-shaped bar 135 to which the second reader 43 (reading unit) is attached.

[0129] Figure 23(A) is a perspective view showing the state in which the reel holder 60 has reached the position of the second reader 43, and Figure 23(B) is a side cross-sectional view thereof. The second reader 43 is a device capable of wireless communication with the identification IC 65 equipped on the reel holder 60, and is capable of reading the unique identification number (identification element) recorded on the identification IC 65 from the outside. The second reader 43 acts as a load sensor that detects whether an item called "reel holder 60" to which a certain identification number has been assigned is present at a predetermined position on the supply conveyor 221, in this case at the position of the first discharge port 225 of the first sub-supply path 25. If an IC tag or the like is attached to the reel component 6, the load may be detected by reading the component ID etc. stored in the IC tag with the second reader 43. Alternatively, an optical sensor or the like may be used instead of the second reader 43 to detect the load of the reel holder 60.

[0130] The destination of the reel parts 6 pulled out from the storage unit 21 is recognized by the supply control device 23 (Figure 4). Based on the detection result of the second leader 43, it is determined whether the reel parts 6 mounted on the reel holder 60 are reel parts 6 to be distributed to the first sub-supply path 25, that is, whether they are reel parts 6 to be supplied to the first parts loading unit 131 (Figure 2). If it is a reel part 6 for the first parts loading unit 131, the supply conveyor 221 is immediately stopped, and the reel holder 60 is guided to the first sub-supply path 25 by the operation of the first distribution cylinder 42A.

[0131] On the other hand, when the reel component 6 is for the second component loading section 132, the supply conveyor 221 continues to transport the reel holder 60. Eventually, the reel holder 60 reaches the position of the second discharge port 226 of the second sub-supply path 26. This arrival, that is, the presence of the reel holder 60, is recognized when the second reader 43, which is attached to the second L-shaped bar 136 erected at the position corresponding to the second discharge port 226, reads the identification IC 65 of the reel holder 60. Once the presence is recognized, the supply conveyor 221 stops, and the second distribution cylinder 42B operates, guiding the reel holder 60 to the second sub-supply path 26.

[0132] Figures 24(A) to (C) are side views showing the feeding operation of the reel holder 60 from the supply conveyor 221 to the first sub-supply path 25. The same applies to the second sub-supply path 26. Figure 24(A) shows the state in which the reel holder 60 is being introduced from the supply conveyor 221 to the first sub-supply path 25. The piston 422 extends from the first distribution cylinder 42A in the +Y direction, and the pressing head 421 at the tip of the piston 422 is pressing the -Y end of the reel holder 60. About half of the reel holder 60 from the +Y end has entered the first sub-supply path 25. As the piston 422 extends further, the reel holder 60 enters the first sub-supply path 25 further.

[0133] Figure 24(B) shows the state in which the piston 422 extends to its maximum length from the first distribution cylinder 42A. Pushed by the pressing head 421, most of the reel holder 60 enters the first sub-supply passage 25. The first sub-supply passage 25 is equipped with a sloped passage in which a large number of driven rollers 25R are arranged to form a downward slope toward the +Y direction. Following the slope of this sloped passage, the reel holder 60 also has its +Y end tilted downward. In addition, the -Y end of the reel holder 60 is lifted up relative to the upper surface of the supply conveyor 221, and the reel holder 60 is in contact only with the driven rollers 25R. As a result, the driven rollers 25R roll under the load of the reel holder 60, and the reel holder 60 slides down the first sub-supply passage 25 toward the +Y direction.

[0134] Figure 24(C) shows the state in which the reel holder 60 has finished sliding down in the first sub-supply path 25. Figure 25(A) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 24(C). The +Y end of the reel holder 60 is in contact with the stopper 251 installed at the extended end of the first sub-supply path 25. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the reel holder 60 with the reel component 6 loaded on it has been transported to a position close to the first component loading section 131 of the component mounting machine 13. In the case of the second sub-supply path 26, the reel component 6 has been transported to a position close to the second component loading section 132.

[0135] The subsequent loading of the reel components 6 into the first component loading section 131 or the second component loading section 132 is done manually by an operator. To facilitate the operator's loading process, a display unit 44 is provided at the extended end of the first sub-supply path 25 (and the second component loading section 132), as shown in Figure 25(A). The display unit 44 has a display screen 44G that displays information regarding the loading position of the reel components 6 in the component mounting machine 13. Here, a 7-segment display capable of displaying two-digit numbers is shown as an example of the display screen 44G.

[0136] When the reel holder 60, which is equipped with the reel component 6, reaches the extended end (predetermined location) of the first sub-supply path 25, the display screen 44G displays the slot number (information regarding the loading position) to which the reel component 6 will be loaded into the first component loading section 131. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the reel component 6 replenishment work by the operator.

[0137] Instead of the display unit 44, or in addition to the display unit 44, as shown in Figure 25(B), the tape feeder 7 assembled to the first component loading unit 131 may also display some kind of indication of a loading request. The tape feeder 7 has an operation panel 71, which is equipped with multiple indicator lamps 72. When a reel component 6 is delivered to the first sub-supply path 25 or the second sub-supply path 26, the indicator lamp 72 of the tape feeder 7 where the reel component 6 will be loaded is illuminated. This allows the operator to quickly find out where the reel component 6 will be loaded.

[0138] In this embodiment, the first sub-supply path 25 and the second sub-supply path 26 are shown to have a Y-direction length that can accommodate two reel holders 60. For example, referring to Figure 21(B), with one reel holder 60 already being transported in the first sub-supply path 25, another reel holder 60 holding a reel component 6 can be introduced into the first sub-supply path 25. The additional reel holder 60 fits into the first sub-supply path 25 so as to be aligned with the preceding reel holder 60 in the Y-direction. When the preceding reel holder 60 is removed by the operator, the additional reel holder 60 slides down on the driven roller 25R until it hits the stopper 251 and reaches the end of the first sub-supply path 25.

[0139] The first component loading section 131 and the second component loading section 132 of the component mounting machine 13 may be fitted with a trolley supporting multiple tape feeders. Reel holders 60 or reel components 6 may be set on the trolley. Figure 26(A) shows a trolley 73 supporting a tape feeder 70 with an externally mounted reel. The reel holders 60, which have been transported to the first sub-supply path 25 or the second sub-supply path 26, are then set directly onto the trolley 73 by the operator. In this case, since the reel holders 60 and reel components 6 have already been matched, the reel holders 60 and tape feeders 70 are matched to manage component replenishment.

[0140] Figure 26(B) also shows a trolley 73 supporting the tape feeder 70. The difference from Figure 26(A) is that the reel component 6 is removed from the reel holder 60 and set in the reel mounting section 74 on the trolley 73. In this case, the reel component 6 and the tape feeder 70 are matched to manage component replenishment. After the reel component 6 is removed, the link between the reel component 6 and the reel holder 60 is released, and later, the reel holder 60 is matched with the newly mounted reel component 6.

[0141] [Operation Flow] Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the parts supply device 2 according to the first embodiment. The operation will be explained with reference to the block diagram in Figure 4. Before processing begins, reel parts 6 that are expected to require replenishment are collected from the parts warehouse based on a work plan created in advance for the circuit board production line 1. These are then mounted on reel holders 60 and stored in the storage shelves 55 of the storage unit 21. The management unit 232 of the supply control device 23 manages the matching data between the reel holders 60 and the reel parts 6 stored in the storage unit 21.

[0142] The replenishment instruction unit 231 of the supply control device 23 checks, via the line control device 10, whether or not there is a request for parts replenishment from the parts mounting machine 13 (step S1). The replenishment request is a signal that includes, for example, an identification code for a part whose remaining quantity has fallen below a predetermined threshold, an identification code for the tape feeder supplying that part to the mounting machine head, and a flag indicating a replenishment request. If there is a replenishment request (YES in step S1), the replenishment instruction unit 231 refers to the management unit 232 to identify the reel part 6 to be withdrawn from the storage unit 21 and the reel holder 60 on which the reel part 6 is mounted (step S3).

[0143] If there is no replenishment request from the component mounting machine 13 (NO in step S1), the replenishment instruction unit 231 determines whether there are any components for which the replenishment timing has arrived based on the production plan (step S2). If the replenishment timing has not arrived (NO in step S2), the process returns to step S1. If the replenishment timing has arrived (YES in step S2), the replenishment instruction unit 231 identifies the reel holder 60 that holds the reel component 6 that holds the component for which the replenishment timing has arrived as the reel holder 60 that should be pulled out from the storage unit 21 (step S3).

[0144] Next, the transfer control unit 233 determines, based on the verification data from the management unit 232, which slot 55S of the storage shelf 55 the reel holder 60 identified by the replenishment instruction unit 231 is housed in, and sets the destination of the transfer device 3's pull-out conveyor 38 (step S4). Then, the transfer control unit 233 drives the Z motor 31 and X motor 32 to move the transfer device 3, which is located in a predetermined home position, to the pull-out position. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13(A), the transfer device 3 is moved so that the pull-out conveyor 38 faces the slot 55S that supports the pull-out target reel holder 60.

[0145] Next, the transfer control unit 233 operates the Y-shift cylinder 33 and the extraction motor 34 to bring the extraction conveyor 38 closer to the target reel holder 60 and to remove the reel holder 60 onto the extraction conveyor 38 (step S5). The mechanical operation during this extraction is as previously explained based on Figures 13(B) to 14(C).

[0146] Furthermore, the transfer control unit 233 moves the transfer device 3 so that the pull-out conveyor 38 carrying the reel holder 60 is heading towards the exit at the upper end of the storage unit 21, that is, the position where the relay conveyor 24 is located, as shown in Figure 15 (step S6). As shown in Figure 16, when the pull-out conveyor 38 reaches the exit of the storage unit 21 (YES in step S6), the transfer control unit 233 performs the transfer operation of the reel holder 60 from the pull-out conveyor 38 to the relay conveyor 24 (step S7). Specifically, the transfer control unit 233 operates the pull-out motor 34 to push the reel holder 60 onto the conveyor belt 241 with the pull-out claws 382 of the pull-out conveyor belt 381. This mechanical operation is as described with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

[0147] Next, the transfer control unit 233 performs the transfer operation of the reel holder 60 from the relay conveyor 24 to the supply conveyor 221 of the supply path 22 (step S8). Specifically, the transfer control unit 233 operates the relay conveyor motor 36 to push the reel holder 60 onto the supply conveyor 221 with the engaging claws 242 of the conveyor belt 241. This mechanical operation is as described with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

[0148] After the reel holder 60 is transferred to the supply conveyor 221, the supply control unit 234 operates the supply conveyor motor 41 to transport the reel holder 60 to the position of the first L-shaped bar 135. The second reader 43 attached to the first L-shaped bar 135 reads the identification number stored in the identification IC 65 of the reel holder 60 (step S9).

[0149] The supply control unit 234 determines, based on the reading result from the second reader 43 and the matching data from the management unit 232, whether the reel component 6 mounted on the reel holder 60 is to be supplied to the first component loading unit 131 (front loading unit) or the second component loading unit 132 (rear loading unit) (step S10). Figure 23 shows the situation in which this determination is being performed.

[0150] If it is the "front side", the supply control unit 234 stops the supply conveyor motor 41 while operating the first distribution cylinder 42A to guide the reel holder 60 from the supply conveyor 221 to the first sub-supply path 25 (step S11). The mechanical operation at this time is as shown in Figure 19.

[0151] On the other hand, if it is the "rear side", the supply control unit 234 operates the supply conveyor motor 41 to further transport the reel holder 60 on the supply conveyor 221 (step S12). Then, when another second leader 43 positioned on the second L-shaped bar 136 detects the presence of the reel holder 60, the supply control unit 234 stops the supply conveyor motor 41. Subsequently, the supply control unit 234 operates the second distribution cylinder 42B to guide the reel holder 60 from the supply conveyor 221 to the second sub-supply path 26 (step S13). This completes the distribution transport of one reel holder 60.

[0152] Subsequently, the display control unit 235 displays information regarding the loading destination of the transported reel components 6, such as the slot number of the tape feeder 7, on the display unit 44 attached to the extended end of the first sub-supply path 25 or the second sub-supply path 26 (step S14). The line control device 10 also displays the indicator lamp 72 of the tape feeder 7 on the component mounting machine 13 that should load the transported reel components 6. The operator then manually replenishes the reel components 6 by referring to these displays.

[0153] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the component supply device according to the present invention is installed on a substrate production line including tandem-arranged component mounting machines. Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the component supply device 2A according to the second embodiment installed across the tandem-arranged first component mounting machine 13A and second component mounting machine 13B. Figure 29 is a top view of Figure 28.

[0154] The first component mounting machine 13A and the second component mounting machine 13B are aligned in the X direction along the extension direction of the transport path F (see Figure 1) of the substrate P. The component supply device 2A includes a first supply path 22A located above the first component mounting machine 13A and a second supply path 22B connected to the first supply path 22A and located above the second component mounting machine 13B, as supply paths for the reel holder 60 on which the reel components 6 are mounted. The storage unit 21 is located on the X side of the first component mounting machine 13A.

[0155] The first supply path 22A includes a first guide frame 222A extending in the X direction and a first supply conveyor 221A positioned on the first guide frame 222A and transporting the reel holder 60 in the -X direction. Similarly, the second supply path 22B also includes a second guide frame 222B and a second supply conveyor 221B. The -X end of the first supply conveyor 221A and the +X end of the second supply conveyor 221B are adjacent, forming a conveyor connection section 22JT (transfer section). That is, the reel holder 60, which is equipped with reel components 6, is transferred from the first supply conveyor 221A to the second supply conveyor 221B via the conveyor connection section 22JT.

[0156] The configuration of the first supply path 22A is substantially the same as that of the supply path 22 described in the first embodiment. A first sub-supply path 25 extends in the Y direction from the +Y side of the +X end of the first guide frame 222A, and a second sub-supply path 26 extends in the Y direction from the -Y side of the -X end. The first guide frame 222A is provided with a receiving port 223 for receiving the reel holder 60 from the relay conveyor 24, and a first discharge port 225 and a second discharge port 226, which are notches for sending the reel holder 60 to the first sub-supply path 25 and the second sub-supply path 26, respectively. A first distribution cylinder 42A is positioned opposite the first sub-supply path 25, and a second distribution cylinder 42B is positioned opposite the second sub-supply path 26. Except for the receiving port 223, the second supply path 22B has the same configuration as the first supply path 22A.

[0157] Second leaders 43 are attached to the first L-shaped bar 135 on the +X side and the second L-shaped bar 136 on the -X side of the first supply path 22A, respectively, to detect the presence of the reel holder 60. Similarly, second leaders 43 are attached to the first L-shaped bar 135 and the second L-shaped bar 136 of the second supply path 22B. In other words, if any of the four second leaders 43 detect the presence of the reel holder 60, any of the four distribution cylinders 42A and 42B will operate, making it possible to transport the reel holder 60 to any of the four sub-supply paths 25 and 26.

[0158] Referring to Figure 29, for example, suppose that the reel holder 60 pulled out from the storage unit 21 is carrying the reel component 6 that will be supplied to the first sub-supply path 25 of the second component mounting machine 13B. The reel holder 60, which has been passed from the relay conveyor 24 through the receiving port 223 onto the first supply conveyor 221A, is transported by the first supply conveyor 221A to the -X end of the first supply path 22A. Furthermore, the reel holder 60 is transferred from the conveyor connection section 22JT to the second supply conveyor 221B and transported to the position of the first discharge port 225. At this point, the presence of the reel holder 60 is detected by the second leader 43, and transport by the second supply conveyor 221B is stopped. Subsequently, the first distribution cylinder 42A operates to push out the reel holder 60, completing the delivery of the reel holder 60 and the reel parts 6 to the first sub-supply path 25 of the second parts mounting machine 13B.

[0159] According to the component supply device 2A of the second embodiment, by connecting the first supply path 22A and the second supply path 22B, reel components 6 can be supplied from a single storage unit 21 located in an empty space on the PCB production line 1 to two component mounting machines 13A and 13B. In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which two supply paths, the first supply path 22A and the second supply path 22B, are connected. However, in the case of a PCB production line 1 in which three or more component mounting machines 13 are arranged in tandem, the component supply device 2 may have three or more supply paths 22 connected.

[0160] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment and is suitable when the -X end of the first supply conveyor 221A and the +X end of the second supply conveyor 221B are relatively far apart. Figure 30(A) is a perspective view showing the parts supply device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present invention mounted across the tandem-arranged first parts mounting machine 13A and second parts mounting machine 13B. The only difference from the second embodiment is the configuration of the first supply conveyor 221A and the second supply conveyor 221B, so a description of other configurations will be omitted.

[0161] The first supply conveyor 221A and the second supply conveyor 221B, which transport the reel holder 60 equipped with reel components 6, are composed of a pair of conveyors arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the Y direction. Specifically, the first supply conveyor 221A consists of a narrow conveyor 28A on the +Y side and a narrow conveyor 28B on the -Y side, extending in the X direction with a strip-shaped gap 28S between them. The second supply conveyor 221B is similar. A transfer conveyor 29 (transfer section) is provided at the conveyor connection section 22JT. The transfer conveyor 29 is positioned to straddle the gap 28S of the first supply conveyor 221A and the gap 28S of the second supply conveyor 221B. In addition, another transfer conveyor 290 is provided at the gap 28S of the -X end of the second supply conveyor 221B.

[0162] In the first supply channel 22A, a first supply conveyor motor 41A is provided to drive a pair of narrow conveyors 28A and 28B that constitute the first supply conveyor 221A. Similarly, in the second supply channel 22B, a second supply conveyor motor 41B is provided to drive a pair of narrow conveyors 28A and 28B that constitute the second supply conveyor 221B. A transfer conveyor motor 45 for driving the transfer conveyor 29 is also provided.

[0163] Figure 30(B) schematically shows the transport areas of the first supply conveyor 221A, the second supply conveyor 221B, and the transfer conveyor 29. The transport area of ​​the first supply conveyor 221A and the transport area of ​​the second supply conveyor 221B are separated so far apart that the transfer of the reel holder 60 cannot be stably performed at the conveyor connection section 22JT. To compensate for this, the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor 29 is arranged so as to partially overlap with the transport areas of the first supply conveyor 221A and the second supply conveyor 221B. According to this configuration, the transport force on the reel holder 60 is not interrupted at the conveyor connection section 22JT. Therefore, the reel holder can be reliably transported across multiple component mounting machines.

[0164] As shown by the dotted line in Figure 30(A), a third component mounting machine 13C may be installed on the -X side of the second component mounting machine 13B. In this case, a third supply conveyor is provided above the third component mounting machine 13C. A transfer conveyor 290 provided at the -X end of the second supply conveyor 221B can be used to transfer the reel holder 60 from the second supply conveyor 221B to the third supply conveyor. Alternatively, another storage unit 210 may be provided on the -X side of the second component mounting machine 13B. In this case, the reel holder 60 can be supplied to the first supply path 22A and the second supply path 22B from both the storage unit 21 on the +X side, which is downstream of the PCB production line 1, and the storage unit 210 on the -X side, which is upstream.

[0165] When three or more component mounting machines 13 are connected in tandem, and storage units 21 are placed on both the upstream and downstream sides of the connection, it is desirable to provide a device that shifts the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor 29. As explained in the example in Figure 30(A), the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor 29 is moved away from the transport area of ​​the first supply conveyor 221A or the transport area of ​​the second supply conveyor 221B, thereby intentionally interrupting the transport force between the first supply conveyor 221A and the second supply conveyor 221B. This makes it possible to change the supply range of the reel holder 60 from the upstream first storage unit 21A or the downstream second storage unit 21B, as will be described later based on Figures 33 to 35.

[0166] Figure 31 shows an example of a conveyor shift device 46 for shifting the transport area of ​​a transfer conveyor 29. The conveyor shift device 46 includes a cylinder 461, a rack 462, and a pinion 463. The cylinder 461 is a hydraulic drive source having a piston 464 that moves back and forth. The rack 462 is connected to the piston 464 and moves linearly in accordance with the movement of the piston 464. The pinion 463 is mounted on the drive shaft of the transfer conveyor 29 by a transfer conveyor motor 45 and meshes with the rack 462.

[0167] Figure 31(A) shows the piston 464 of cylinder 461 in its unextended state. When piston 464 extends, as shown in Figure 31(B), rack 462 moves in the direction of extension, causing pinion 463 to rotate around the axis of the drive shaft. As a result, the transfer conveyor 29 rotates 180 degrees around the axis of the drive shaft. In other words, the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor 29 shifts.

[0168] For example, suppose the orientation of the transfer conveyor 29 in Figure 31(A) is the same as the orientation of the transfer conveyor 29 in Figure 30(A). In this state, the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor 29 overlaps with a portion of both the first supply conveyor 221A and the second supply conveyor 221B, and the reel holder 60 can be transferred between these conveyors. Now, if the conveyor shift device 46 is activated and the orientation of the transfer conveyor 29 is reversed as shown in Figure 31(B), the transfer conveyor 29 moves away from the second supply conveyor 221B and fits between the narrow conveyors 28A and 28B of the first supply conveyor 221A. As a result, the reel holder 60 cannot be transferred between the conveyors.

[0169] Figure 32 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the PCB production system MST according to the third embodiment. Figure 33 is a top view showing an example of transporting reel holders 60 from two storage units by the component supply device 2B according to the third embodiment. Here, a PCB production line 1 is illustrated in which four component mounting machines 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are connected in tandem, and a first storage unit 21A on the downstream side (+X side) and a second storage unit 21B on the upstream side (-X side) are arranged as storage units for storing reel components 6. The component supply device 2B is equipped with a first supply path 22A, a second supply path 22B, a third supply path 22C, and a fourth supply path 22D, corresponding to each of the four component mounting machines 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. Each of these supply lines 22A to 22D is equipped with a first, second, and third connecting conveyor 29A, 29B, and 29C, respectively.

[0170] In the block diagram of Figure 32, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in the block diagram of Figure 4, and these parts will not be explained. The parts supply device 2B includes a first transfer device 3A for taking out reel parts 6 from the first storage unit 21A, and a second transfer device 3B for taking out reel parts 6 from the second storage unit 21B. The equipment provided by the first transfer device 3A and the second transfer device 3B is the same as that of the transfer device 3 shown in Figure 4. Reel holders 60, on which reel parts 6 are mounted, can be supplied from both the first storage unit 21A and the second storage unit 21B to the first to fourth supply paths 22A to 22D.

[0171] The first supply path 22A is equipped with a first supply conveyor motor 41A, a distribution cylinder 42, and a second leader 43. Although not shown in Figure 32, the second supply path 22B is also equipped with a second supply conveyor motor 41B, as well as a distribution cylinder 42 and a second leader 43. The same applies to the third supply path 22C and the fourth supply path 22D. These are identical to the supply path 22 shown in Figure 4. In addition, the parts supply device 2B includes transfer conveyor motors 45 that drive the first to third transfer conveyors 29A to 29C, respectively, and a conveyor shift device 46 that shifts the transport area of ​​these transfer conveyors 29A to 29C. Furthermore, the supply control device 23 functionally includes a transfer control unit 237 that controls the operation of the transfer conveyor motors 45 and the conveyor shift device 46.

[0172] Figure 33 shows the state in which the transfer control unit 237 has set the second transfer conveyor 29B to a retracted position, and the supply paths are separated between the second supply path 22B and the third supply path 22C. In this case, the first supply range AE1, which is the supply range of the reel holder 60 from the first storage unit 21A, is the first supply path 22A and the second supply path 22B. Also, the second supply range AE2, which is the supply range of the reel holder 60 from the second storage unit 21B, is the third supply path 22C and the fourth supply path 22D. In other words, the first and second component mounting machines 13A and 13B are supplied with reel components 6 from the first storage unit 21A, and the third and fourth component mounting machines 13C and 13D are supplied with reel components 6 from the second storage unit 21B. This configuration is selected, for example, when the supply frequency of reel components 6 from the first and second storage units 21A and 21B is approximately equal.

[0173] Figure 34 shows the state in which the transfer control unit 237 has set the third transfer conveyor 29C to a retracted position, and the supply paths between the third supply path 22C and the fourth supply path 22D have been separated. In this case, the first supply range AE1 of the first storage unit 21A is the first supply path 22A, the second supply path 22B, and the third supply path 22C. The second supply range AE2 of the second storage unit 21B is only the fourth supply path 22D. This configuration is selected, for example, when the consumption rate of parts in the fourth component mounting machine 13D is particularly fast and a rapid replenishment of reel parts 6 is required. By making the second storage unit 21B adjacent to the fourth component mounting machine 13D a dedicated parts replenishment unit for the fourth component mounting machine 13D, the parts supply speed can be increased.

[0174] Figure 35 shows a state in which the transfer control unit 237 is not retracting any of the first to third transfer conveyors 29A to 29C, and the conveyor operation is being performed. In this state, reel parts 6 can be supplied to all of the first to fourth supply paths 22A to 22D from either the first or second storage unit 21A or 21B. Figure 35 illustrates a state in which the second storage unit 21B is idle and reel parts 6 are supplied only from the first storage unit 21A. In other words, the first supply range AE1 of the first storage unit 21A includes all of the first to fourth supply paths 22A to 22D, and the second supply range AE2 of the second storage unit 21B is zero. This mode is selected, for example, when it is time for the second storage unit 21B to replenish the reel parts 6 from the parts warehouse. By having the first storage unit 21A cover all of the first to fourth supply paths 22A to 22D, there is the advantage of not having to stop the circuit board production line 1.

[0175] [Effects and Effects] As described above, according to the component supply device 2 or substrate production system MS of this embodiment, the reel holder 60 loaded with reel components 6 can be supplied to the component mounting machine 13 in a timely manner from the storage unit 21 through the supply path 22. In particular, the supply path 22 for the reel holder 60 loaded with reel components 6 is located above the component mounting machine 13. Furthermore, the storage unit 21 for the reel components 6 is also located near the intermediate conveyor 17, which makes it easy to secure space in the substrate production line 1. As a result, it is not necessary to secure space on the side of the substrate production line 1 for component replenishment or monitoring by sensors, and it becomes possible to install the substrate production line 1 at a high density.

[0176] Furthermore, the integration of the storage unit 21 into the PCB production line 1 offers the advantage of reducing the time required for collecting parts. Referring to Figure 36, in a comparative example not based on this embodiment, each time the next PCB to be produced is prepared, the worker moves to the parts warehouse to collect the necessary parts, then moves to the location of each component mounting machine 13 to set up the parts replenishment. After production begins, the worker repeatedly moves to the parts warehouse to collect parts that are likely to run out, and then moves to the component mounting machine 13 where replenishment is needed. In contrast, according to this embodiment, at the production preparation stage, the reel parts 6 are collected from the parts warehouse according to the production plan, and these are stored in the storage unit 21 as part of the parts setup. Therefore, the time required for collecting and moving the reel parts 6 can be reduced both during the production preparation stage and during PCB production.

[0177] [Modified Embodiment] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, the following modified embodiments can be taken.

[0178] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the reel component 6 is mounted on the reel holder 60 in an upright position and transported from the storage unit 21 to the supply path 22. Alternatively, a horizontal reel holder that can hold the reel component 6 in a horizontal position may be used. In this case, the horizontal reel holder is stored in the storage unit 21 in a vertically stacked state. The transfer device 3 pulls the horizontal reel holder out of the storage unit 21 and transfers it to the supply path 22. The first and second sub-supply paths 25 and 26 are set to a size larger than the diameter of the reel component 6 to enable distribution.

[0179] (2) Alternatively, the use of the reel holder 60 may be omitted, and the reel component 6 may be stored in the storage unit 21 in a horizontal position. In this case, the transfer device 3 takes out the reel component 6 in a horizontal position and transfers it to the supply path 22. Furthermore, recognition by the first reader 35 and the second reader 43 is performed by reading and recognizing the barcode or IC tag attached to the reel component 6.

[0180] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a transfer device 3 equipped with a pull-out conveyor 38 performs the transfer of the reel holder 60, on which the reel components 6 are mounted, from the storage unit 21 to the supply path 22. Instead of the transfer device 3, a 6-axis robot arm may be used to perform the transfer. Alternatively, a SCARA robot may be placed instead of the relay conveyor 24 to transfer the reel holder 60 from the pull-out conveyor 38, which has risen to the top surface of the storage unit 21, to the supply conveyor 221. Alternatively, instead of a SCARA robot, an operator may perform the transfer manually. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0181] 1. PCB production line 13 Component mounting machine 13A, 13B First component mounting machine, Second component mounting machine 130 Mounting machine main frame (housing / magnetic material) 131, 132 First component loading section, second component loading section 2, 2A, 2B parts supply device 21 Storage Units 21A, 21B First storage unit, second storage unit 22 Supply route 22A, 22B 1st supply route, 2nd supply route 221 Supply conveyor 221A, 221B First supply conveyor, Second supply conveyor 22JT Conveyor Linkage Section (Transfer Section) 23 Supply control device 232 Management Department 233 Transfer Control Unit (First Controller) 234 Supply Control Unit (Second Controller) 24 Conveyor belt 27 Mounting part 271 Height adjustment section 272 Magnet (fixing mechanism) 29 Transfer conveyor (transfer section) 3 Transfer equipment 3A, 3B 1st transfer device, 2nd transfer device 35 First Leader 38. Drawer conveyor (drawer mechanism) 381 Pull-out conveyor belt (transfer stage) 382 Pull-out claw (engaging piece) 42 Distribution Cylinder (Movement Unit) 43. Second Reader (Reading Unit) 44 Display section 46 Conveyor shift device 5A Storage Area 5B Axis movement area 55 storage shelves 56. Retractable Door 57 Aperture 58 Positioning engagement part 6 Reel parts 60 Reel holder 61 Pair of side panels 63 Connector (width adjustment mechanism) 64. Hooking part (locking part) 65 Identification IC (Identification Element) MS PCB Production System F Conveyor path P board T1, T2 Parts Storage Tape

Claims

1. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine to a component mounting machine, in a circuit board production line including a transport path for transporting circuit boards and a component mounting machine positioned on the transport path for mounting components to the circuit boards, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. A reading unit arranged in the supply path, Equipped with, The aforementioned component unit is provided with an externally readable identification element. The reading unit is a component supply device that detects the presence of the component unit on the supply path by reading the identification element.

2. In the parts supply device according to claim 1, The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and comprises a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted. A component supply device in which the reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine.

3. In the component supply device according to claim 2, A parts supply device further comprising a transfer device for removing the reel holder on which the reel parts are mounted from the storage unit and transferring it to the supply path.

4. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, A transfer device for removing the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted from the storage unit and transferring it to the supply path, A first controller that controls the operation of the transfer device, A management unit manages matching data for comparing the reel component with the reel holder on which it is mounted, based on identification elements assigned to the reel component and the reel holder, respectively. Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The first controller is a component supply device that, by referring to the matching data, identifies the reel holder on which the reel component is mounted that matches the replenishment request from the component mounting machine, and controls the transfer device to remove the reel holder from the storage unit.

5. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, A transfer device for removing the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted from the storage unit and transferring it to the supply path, Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The reel holder is for holding the reel component in an upright position. The aforementioned storage unit is A storage area is provided in which multiple reel holders, each holding the aforementioned reel component, are arranged side by side in a storage rack, with multiple shelves arranged in the vertical direction. A parts supply device including an axial movement area where an axial movement mechanism is provided for moving the transfer device in at least one direction: up and down, left and right, and front and back.

6. In the parts supply device according to claim 5, The storage unit has an opening that allows the reel components to be inserted into and removed from the storage area, and a storage door that can change its orientation between a sealed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening to the outside. A parts supply device wherein the storage door has a positioning engagement portion that engages with a part of the reel holder in the open position to position the reel holder in the storage shelf, and disengages the engagement in the sealed position to allow the reel holder to be pulled out from the storage shelf.

7. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, A transfer device for removing the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted from the storage unit and transferring it to the supply path, Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The reel holder has a locking portion, The transfer device is, A transfer stage on which the reel holder equipped with the reel components can be mounted, A parts supply device comprising: an engaging piece that engages with the locking portion of the reel holder housed in the storage unit, and a pull-out mechanism that mounts the reel holder onto the transfer stage by pulling out the engaging piece.

8. In the parts supply device according to claim 7, The locking portion is located at the bottom of the reel holder. The transfer stage is a pull-out conveyor equipped with a belt that moves in a circular motion and is movable between a position that fits under the bottom of the reel holder and a position that does not interfere with the reel holder in the vertical direction. The engaging piece of the pull-out mechanism is a pull-out claw protruding from the belt, and the reel holder is mounted on the pull-out conveyor as the belt moves circumferentially with the pull-out claw engaged with the locking portion, in a parts supply device.

9. In the component supply device according to claim 8, The supply path includes a supply conveyor that transports the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted. The transfer device is a parts supply device that includes a relay conveyor that receives the reel holder from the drawer conveyor and passes it to the supply conveyor.

10. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The reel holder has the shape of a retaining housing that accommodates the lower region of the reel component in an upright position. The retaining housing includes a pair of side plates for holding the sides of the reel component, and a width adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the pair of side plates according to the width of the reel component, in a component supply device.

11. In the parts supply device according to claim 10, The retaining housing is provided with a locking portion that engages with other members when the reel holder moves, The component supply device includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the holding center of the reel component in the holding housing.

12. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The supply path includes a mounting section for attaching it to the housing of the component mounting machine, Equipped with, The mounting portion includes a fixing mechanism that allows adjustment of the height position of the supply path, and is a component supply device.

13. In the parts supply device according to claim 12, The housing includes a magnetic material in at least part of it. The fixing mechanism is a component supply device that includes a magnet that forms a fixed state with the magnetic material member by magnetic force.

14. In the component supply device according to claim 2, The supply path includes a supply conveyor for transporting the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted, and a sub-supply path for guiding the reel holder from a predetermined position on the supply conveyor to the predetermined location, in a parts supply device.

15. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, Mobile unit and Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The supply path includes a supply conveyor that transports the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted, and a sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from a predetermined position on the supply conveyor to the predetermined location. The moving unit is arranged in correspondence with the sub-supply path and is a parts supply device that guides the reel holder, which has been transported to the predetermined position on the supply conveyor, to the sub-supply path.

16. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The supply path includes a supply conveyor that transports the reel holder on which the reel components are mounted, and a sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from a predetermined position on the supply conveyor to the predetermined location. The component mounting machine is equipped with a first component loading section on one side of a second direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the first direction in which the substrate production line extends, where the reel components are mounted, and a similar second component loading section on the other side. The supply conveyor is located on the upper surface of the component mounting machine, and is positioned between the first component loading section and the second component loading section. A parts supply device, wherein the sub-supply path includes a first sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from the supply conveyor to a predetermined location close to the first parts loading section, and a second sub-supply path that guides the reel holder from the supply conveyor to a predetermined location close to the second parts loading section.

17. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The aforementioned component unit is a reel component around which a component storage tape is wound, and includes a reel holder on which the reel component is mounted, A reading unit arranged in the supply path, Equipped with, The reel component, mounted on the reel holder, is guided from the storage unit through the supply path to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. The reel component or the reel holder is provided with an externally readable identification element. The reading unit detects the presence of the reel holder on which the reel component is mounted on the supply path by reading the identification element, in the component supply device.

18. In the parts supply device according to claim 15, The reel component or the reel holder is provided with an externally readable identification element. A reading unit is positioned in the supply path and detects the presence of the reel holder on which the reel component is mounted by reading the identification element, The system includes a second controller that controls the operation of the supply conveyor and the moving unit, The second controller, based on the detection result of the reading unit, detects that the reel holder has reached the predetermined position on the supply conveyor and stops the supply conveyor, and then operates the moving unit to control the reel holder to the sub-supply path, thereby enabling a parts supply device.

19. In the parts supply device according to claim 18, The system further includes a display unit that can be controlled by the second controller, The second controller is a component supply device that, when the reel holder on which the reel component is mounted reaches the predetermined location in the sub-supply path, displays information regarding the loading position of the reel component in the component mounting machine on the display unit.

20. In the parts supply device according to claim 1, The aforementioned circuit board production line includes a first component mounting machine and a second component mounting machine arranged in tandem. The component supply device includes a first supply path disposed above the first component mounting machine and a second supply path connected to the first supply path and disposed above the second component mounting machine.

21. A component supply device for supplying component units that hold components to the component mounting machine, in a substrate production line including a transport path for transporting substrates and a component mounting machine disposed on the transport path for mounting components to the substrates, A storage unit is placed in the empty space of the aforementioned circuit board production line and stores the aforementioned component units, A supply path is provided above the component mounting machine and has a transport function that guides the component units removed from the storage unit to a predetermined location on the component mounting machine. Equipped with, The aforementioned circuit board production line includes a first component mounting machine and a second component mounting machine arranged in tandem. The supply path includes a first supply path disposed above the first component mounting machine and a second supply path connected to the first supply path and disposed above the second component mounting machine. The supply path further includes a transfer section for transferring a component unit from the first supply path to the second supply path, in a component supply device.

22. In the parts supply device according to claim 21, The first supply path is equipped with a first supply conveyor for transporting a reel holder equipped with reel components, and the second supply path is equipped with a similar second supply conveyor. The transfer section comprises a transfer conveyor arranged such that its transport area partially overlaps with the transport areas of the first supply conveyor and the second supply conveyor, respectively, in a parts supply device.

23. In the component supply device according to claim 22, The storage unit includes a first storage unit located downstream of the first component mounting machine and a second storage unit located upstream of the second component mounting machine. A parts supply device further comprising a conveyor shift device capable of changing the supply range of the parts units from the first storage unit or the second storage unit by moving the transport area of ​​the transfer conveyor away from the transport area of ​​the first supply conveyor or the transport area of ​​the second supply conveyor.

24. A circuit board production line including a transport path for transporting circuit boards and a component mounting machine positioned on the transport path for mounting components onto the circuit boards, A component supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, which supplies a component unit for holding the component to the component mounting machine, A circuit board production system equipped with the following features.

Images