Management system, feeder, management method, and mounting machine

Abstract

A management system (1) manages a bulk feeder (40) that supplies a component with an attachment (41) for supplying the component to a supply position mounted to the bulk feeder (40), the management system comprising: the bulk feeder (40), which is held by a holding unit (12a); and a management unit for managing type information indicating a component that can be supplied by the bulk feeder (40). The attachment (41) is provided with, e.g., a part (41a) to be detected. The bulk feeder (40) held by the holding unit (12a) outputs, to the management unit, the type information based on information acquired via the part (41a) to be detected of the attachment (41) mounted to the bulk feeder (40).

Description

Management system, feeder, management method and mounting machine

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, a feeder, a management method, and a mounting machine.

[0002] A component mounting device uses a feeder to supply components. A component mounting device may have multiple feeders attached, making it necessary to manage the feeders. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for managing information (e.g., information indicating the type of electronic component) acquired by reading a barcode attached to a reel set in the feeder, in association with the feeder.

[0003] In addition to the tape feeders described above, bulk feeders equipped with a case for storing bulk components are also known. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a bulk feeder that includes a supply member having a supply position that supplies components ejected from a case for storing components to a component mounting head, and a feeder main body to which the supply member is detachably attached.

[0004] Patent No. 6825146 Patent No. 5406682

[0005] The management of feeders that supply components with supply members attached can easily become complicated, and it is desirable to make this management easier. However, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 leave room for improvement in terms of making feeder management easier.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a management system, a feeder, a management method, and a mounting machine that can easily manage feeders that supply components with supply members attached.

[0007] A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a management system that manages a feeder that supplies parts to a supply position while a supply member that supplies the parts is attached, and includes the feeder held in a holding unit and a management unit that manages type information indicating the parts that can be supplied by the feeder, wherein the supply member is provided with a detectable part, and the feeder held in the holding unit outputs the type information to the management unit based on information obtained via the detectable part of the supply member attached to the feeder.

[0008] A feeder according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a feeder that supplies parts to a supply position while a supply member that supplies the parts is attached, and includes a communication unit that outputs type information indicating the parts that can be supplied by the feeder to a management unit, a feeder main body to which the supply member can be attached, and the supply member attached to the feeder main body, wherein the supply member is provided with a detectable part, and the communication unit outputs the type information based on information obtained via the detectable part to the management unit.

[0009] A management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a management method for managing a feeder that supplies parts while a supply member that supplies the parts to a supply position is attached, the supply member being provided with a detectable portion, and the management method outputs type information based on information acquired via the detectable portion of the supply member attached to the feeder held in a holding portion, the type information indicating the parts that can be supplied by the feeder.

[0010] A mounting machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a feeder that supplies components with a supply member attached to the feed position, the feeder having a shutter opening mechanism that allows components to be discharged from a component discharge port of a case that stores the components by moving a shutter provided on the case; a holding unit that holds the feeder; and a control unit that controls the shutter opening mechanism when the supply member attached to the feeder is determined to be appropriate based on type information that indicates the components that can be supplied by the feeder, wherein the type information includes information based on information obtained via a detectable portion of the supply member attached to the feeder held in the holding unit.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a management system or the like that can easily manage feeders.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for identifying an attachment according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a table showing the relationship between the detection result of a detection unit and the type of attachment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the concept of a communication line in the management system according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management system according to an embodiment.

[0013] (Background to the present disclosure) As described in the above "Problem to be solved by the invention," the technologies of Patent Documents 1 and 2 leave room for improvement in terms of facilitating feeder management. For example, in the bulk feeder management of Patent Document 2, if a storage unit that stores unique identification information for each supply member is provided and the supply member is managed based on the stored identification information, the reliability of management would be improved, but this would likely be more complicated than the management of the supply device described in Patent Document 1. In other words, conventional methods make it difficult to easily manage feeders, and particularly difficult to easily manage bulk feeders. Note that the feeder can supply components with the supply member attached.

[0014] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into a management system, feeder, management method, and mounting machine that can facilitate feeder management, and have devised the management system, feeder, management method, and mounting machine described below.

[0015] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0016] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0017] Furthermore, in this specification, numerical values ​​and numerical ranges are not expressions that express only the strict meaning, but are expressions that mean that they also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent (or about 10%).

[0018] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, a management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0019] [1. Configuration of the Management System] First, a management system including a feeder according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Management system 1 is a system that manages bulk feeders 40 that include attachments 41 (an example of a supply member) that include supply positions to which components are supplied. Note that the feeders managed by management system 1 are not limited to bulk feeders 40, but may be any feeders that require switching of accessory components such as supply members depending on the type of component. The feeder may be, for example, a tape feeder.

[0020] 1, the management system 1 includes a mounting line 10, a line management device 20, and a comprehensive management device 30. The number of mounting lines 10, line management devices 20, and comprehensive management devices 30 included in the management system 1 is not particularly limited, and may be plural.

[0021] The mounting line 10 produces mounted boards by mounting components housed in cases 50 onto boards carried in from the upstream side, and carries the produced mounted boards downstream. The mounting line 10 is, for example, a production line for manufacturing mounted boards and the like, and has one or more (e.g., multiple) component mounting devices 11. In addition to the component mounting devices 11, the mounting line 10 is also realized by various devices that supply boards, perform solder printing operations, reflow operations, and the like. The boards are an example of a target object.

[0022] The component mounting device 11 is a device that mounts components supplied from a bulk feeder 40 (for example, a supply unit 12 provided in the bulk feeder 40) onto a substrate. The component mounting device 11 includes the supply unit 12, a base having a supply unit mounting section to which the supply unit 12 is attached, a component mounting mechanism including a mounting head that loads (mounts) the components supplied by the bulk feeder 40 onto the substrate, various sensors, a power supply section, a control section, etc. The component mounting device 11 is an example of a mounting device and a mounting machine.

[0023] The supply unit 12 is detachably mounted to a supply unit mounting portion (not shown) of the component mounting device 11, and is a device for supplying components (e.g., electronic components) used in the component mounting device 11. The supply unit 12 is configured to include a carriage 12b having a holding portion 12a to which a bulk feeder 40 is attached. One or more (e.g., multiple) bulk feeders 40 are attached to the holding portion 12a.

[0024] In this specification, the term "detachable" means that one object can be attached to and detached from the other object without destroying either object.

[0025] The mounting head has one or more component suction nozzles for suctioning components supplied to the supply position of the bulk feeder 40 .

[0026] In the above, an example has been described in which the holding unit 12a is provided in the component mounting device 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The holding unit 12a may also be provided in a setup device (not shown) for performing preparation work for the bulk feeder 40 before use in production. The setup device may be realized, for example, by the supply unit 12 before it is attached to the component mounting device 11. The setup device is, for example, temporarily stored in a position different from the mounting line in the production area, and when the supply unit 12 being used by the component mounting device 11 runs out of components, it is replaced with the supply unit 12 or the bulk feeder 40.

[0027] The line management device 20 is an information processing device that controls each component of the mounting line 10. The line management device 20 controls production on the mounting line 10 based on, for example, a production plan acquired from the overall management device 30. The line management device 20 is realized by, for example, a personal computer. Furthermore, the line management device 20 is placed, for example, on the same production floor as the mounting line 10 or in the vicinity of the production floor.

[0028] The line management device 20 may be communicably connected to both the mounting line 10 and the overall management device 30, and may relay information from one to the other. The line management device 20 may also be configured to allow workers on the production floor to input information such as the production status, and may also be configured to present the production status to the workers.

[0029] The total control device 30 is communicably connected to the line control device 20, and is an information processing device that aggregates and manages information on each component of the mounting line 10. The total control device 30 manages type information output from the communication unit 43 of the bulk feeder 40. In this embodiment, the total control device 30 acquires type information based on the attachment 41 from the bulk feeder 40 to which the attachment 41 is attached, and executes predetermined processing using the acquired type information.

[0030] The type information is information based on information detected from the attachment 41, and includes, for example, identification information (e.g., an identification number) for identifying the bulk feeder 40 corresponding to the attachment 41. The type information includes, for example, information regarding at least one of the size, shape, type, and tolerance (vendor) of parts that can be supplied by the attachment 41 (e.g., both size and shape). Information regarding at least one of the part dimensions and type (e.g., both) is information indicating the type (kind) of the attachment 41. Note that, when there are multiple attachments 41 of the same type, the type information does not include detailed information about the attachment 41, such as which attachment 41 of the same type is attached. The information about the attachment 41 is sufficient as long as it includes at least information indicating the type of the attached attachment 41, and may, for example, include only information indicating the type of the attached attachment 41.

[0031] The predetermined processing includes, for example, determining, based on the type information, whether the parts stored in the case 50 of the bulk feeder 40 can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40 (for example, whether the combination of the parts in the case 50 and the attachment 41 is correct). For example, with the case 50 containing parts attached to the bulk feeder 40, the total management device 30 determines, based on the type information, whether the parts stored in the case 50 can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40.

[0032] The total management device 30 stores the feeder type (type information) used to make this determination. The feeder type (type information) is information that associates the slot position, which is the position of the holder 12a, with the type of bulk feeder 40 for each type of board to be produced, and is information that can be acquired based on, for example, a production plan. The example in FIG. 1 shows a plan to install a "type A" bulk feeder 40 at slot positions "P1" and "P2," a plan to install a "type B" bulk feeder 40 at slot position "P3," a plan to install a "type C" bulk feeder 40 at slot position "P4," a plan to install a "type D" bulk feeder 40 at slot position "P5," and a plan to install a "type E" bulk feeder 40 at slot position "P6."

[0033] The type of feeder (type information) is generated, for example, before the bulk feeder 40 is held in the holding unit 12a and stored in the total control device 30. The type of feeder (type information) may be generated by the total control device 30 based on a production plan or the like, or may be generated by human input.

[0034] The total control device 30 does not store attachment identification information (e.g., the ID of the attachment 41) for identifying the attachment 41. In the example of Fig. 1, only "Type A" to "Type E" exist as identification information, so the type information indicates one of "Type A" to "Type E."

[0035] The total control device 30 is disposed apart from the mounting line 10. For example, the total control device 30 may be disposed in a space different from the production floor in the factory, or may be disposed remotely outside the factory. The total control device 30 may be realized by a server device. The total control device 30 is an example of a management unit.

[0036] Bulk feeder 40 is an object to which case 50 is detachably attached, and includes attachment 41 and feeder main body 42. Case 50 is attached to feeder main body 42. Bulk feeder 40 is an example of a feeder.

[0037] The attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42 and transports the components (e.g., multiple components) stored in the case 50 to a supply position. The attachment 41 is detachably attached to the feeder main body 42. The attachment 41 is an example of a supply member.

[0038] The attachment 41 is designed according to the dimensions of the part, and multiple types are prepared according to the shape, size, etc. The type of attachment 41 corresponds to the dimensions of the part that the attachment 41 can transport, and different types of attachment 41 mean that the dimensions of the parts that the attachment 41 can transport are different.

[0039] For example, if the attachment 41 does not correspond to the component stored in the case 50 attached to the attachment 41, it will be difficult for the attachment 41 to transport the component to the supply position. Therefore, in the management system 1, the comprehensive management device 30 determines whether the type of attachment 41 corresponds to the type of component stored in the case 50 attached to the attachment 41. Note that the dimensions of a component refer to the length, width, and height, respectively, if the component is a cube or rectangular parallelepiped, for example. Note that the size of a component refers to the length, width, and height, respectively. The shape of a component refers to the ratio of the length, width, and height, respectively.

[0040] The feeder main body 42 is a portion that is positioned relative to the holding portion 12a of the component mounting device 11. In other words, the feeder main body 42 is a portion that is held by the holding portion 12a. Also, any one of a plurality of different types of attachments 41 can be attached to the feeder main body 42.

[0041] The bulk feeder 40 further includes a communication unit 43, a shutter opening mechanism 44, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 45. The bulk feeder 40 also includes a control unit (not shown) that executes various components, various processes, various controls, etc. The communication unit 43, the shutter opening mechanism 44, the RFID reader 45, and the control unit may be built into the bulk feeder 40 (for example, the feeder main body 42).

[0042] The communication unit 43 is a device for communicating with each device included in the management system 1. The communication unit 43 outputs, for example, type information indicating parts that can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40 to the overall management device 30. The communication unit 43 is configured to include a communication circuit (communication module).

[0043] The shutter-opening mechanism 44 is a mechanism for moving the shutter 52 of the case 50 from a closed position that does not allow components to be discharged from the component discharge port (a position where the shutter 52 is closed and components cannot be supplied to the bulk feeder 40) to an open position that allows components to be discharged from the component discharge port (a position where the shutter 52 is open and components can be supplied to the bulk feeder 40). The shutter-opening mechanism 44 moves the shutter 52 by engaging a pin (not shown) with the shutter 52 and moving the pin along the bottom surface of the case 50 using a drive unit (not shown, for example, a motor), but the configuration of the shutter-opening mechanism 44 is not limited to this.

[0044] RFID reader 45 reads tag information from RFID tag 51 included in case 50 attached to feeder main body 42. RFID reader 45 reads tag information from RFID tag 51 using an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals to RFID tag 51. The tag information stored in RFID tag 51 includes information indicating at least the size of the component, and at least one of information indicating the type of component (identification information) and an identification code of the tag itself (e.g., Electronic Product Code: EPC). The tag information may also include information indicating the quantity (remaining number) of the component, information indicating the expiration date of the component, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, attachment 41 and feeder main body 42 are configured to be able to detect the type of attachment 41. Attachment 41 has a detectable portion (for example, detectable portions 41a, 41b, and 41c shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later), and feeder main body 42 has a detecting portion (for example, detecting portions 42a, 42b, and 42c shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later). The detectable portion and detecting portion will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. Note that hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between detectable portions 41a, 41b, and 41c, they will also be simply referred to as detected portion 41a, etc., and when there is no need to distinguish between detecting portions 42a, 42b, and 42c, they will also be simply referred to as detecting portion 42a, etc.

[0046] The control unit outputs type information indicating parts that can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40 to the overall management device 30 in accordance with the detection result of the detection unit 42a. The control unit determines the type information by considering the state in which the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42 as the type of one bulk feeder 40. The type information is different for each type of attachment 41 attached to the feeder main body 42. For example, if the feeder main body 42 is the same but the type of attachment 41 changes, the control unit determines different type information. For example, if the type of attachment 41 attached to each of multiple feeder main bodies 42 is the same, the control unit determines the same type information.

[0047] The control unit may determine one piece of identification information (type information) based on the identification information of the feeder (for example, the identification information of the feeder main body 42) and the detection result of the detection unit 42a, and output the determined type information to the comprehensive control device 30. In this case, the type information will be different for each combination of attachment 41 and feeder main body 42.

[0048] The control unit may output both the feeder identification information (e.g., the identification information of the feeder main body 42) and type information based on the detection results of the detection unit 42a to the total control device 30. The total control device 30 may then store the type information acquired from the control unit and the feeder identification information in the memory unit in association with each other. Although the attachment 41 is detachable from the feeder main body 42, bulk feeders 40 that are not used for production are often stored with the attachment 41 attached to the feeder main body 42. Furthermore, the attachment 41 is often used for production without being detached from the feeder main body 42 until the parts in the case 50 are used up. Therefore, storing the bulk feeders 40 in combination with the attachment 41 and the feeder main body 42 in the memory unit makes it possible to create a usage plan for the bulk feeders 40, calculate production time, calculate and simulate production downtime due to a shortage of bulk feeders 40, and so on.

[0049] The comprehensive management device 30 may use the type information acquired from the control unit as lower-side type information, and use the type information in the storage unit associated with the feeder identification information acquired from the control unit together with the lower-side type information as upper-side type information, and if the lower-side type information and the upper-side type information differ, may update the upper-side type information stored in the storage unit based on the lower-side type information. In this way, when the bulk feeder 40 is attached to the component mounting device 11, the lower-side type information acquired from the control unit is the latest type information, so the upper-side type information stored in the storage unit can be kept up to date.

[0050] Here, the type of attachment 41 refers to the size and shape of parts that can be supplied by the attachment 41. In other words, attachments 41 that have the same "dimensions," which are determined by the size and shape of parts that can be supplied by the attachment 41, are considered to be the same type of attachment 41, and attachments 41 that have different sizes and shapes are considered to be different types of attachments 41. Furthermore, even if the "dimensions" are the same, if the tolerances are different, there is a risk that parts will not be transported properly to the supply position. Therefore, attachments 41 that have the same "dimensions" but different "tolerances" (differences from the standard) may be considered to be different types of attachments 41. Furthermore, because "tolerances" tend to vary depending on the vendor of the parts, parts that can be supplied by the attachment 41 that have the same "dimensions" but are from different "vendors" may be considered to be different types of attachments 41.

[0051] Meanwhile, the correct type of feeder (for example, the correct type of attachment 41 to be attached to the feeder main body 42) is stored in the memory of the arithmetic device (collation unit). The arithmetic device compares the correct type of feeder stored in the memory with the type of feeder output from the bulk feeder 40 (control unit) to confirm whether the type of bulk feeder 40 held in the holding unit 12a is correct. The arithmetic device may be included in the comprehensive management device 30 or the control unit 11a of the mounting machine. The arithmetic device is not limited to having a memory unit, and another device that can communicate with the arithmetic device may have a memory unit. Furthermore, for example, the memory unit may be realized by a storage area on the cloud.

[0052] As a comparative example, a case will be described in which the identification information of the feeder main body 42 and the identification information of the attachment 41 are managed in the total management device 30.

[0053] The calculation device compares the combination of the identification information of the feeder main body 42 and the identification information of the attachment 41 with the correct combination stored in the memory. In this case, the total control device 30 needs to manage the identification information of the feeder main body 42 and the identification information of the attachment 41, respectively.

[0054] In contrast, the total control device 30 of this embodiment only controls the type of bulk feeder 40 (e.g., the type of attached attachment 41), which reduces the amount of information (number of data) that needs to be controlled in order to check whether the type of bulk feeder 40 is correct (e.g., a comparison operation in a computing device).

[0055] Specifically, the control unit is realized by a microcomputer or a processor. Each function of the control unit is realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit executing a computer program stored in the storage unit.

[0056] Case 50 is a hollow box that stores parts in a loose (bulk) state. Case 50 is detachably attached to attachment 41 and supplies the stored parts to bulk feeder 40. For example, while attached to attachment 41, case 50 is shaken by vibration or the like to supply the stored parts to bulk feeder 40. The storage space is the internal space of case 50.

[0057] The component may be, for example, an electronic component such as a resistor or a capacitor, but is not limited thereto, and may be any object that can be mounted on an object such as a substrate. The component may have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape (e.g., a rectangular shape in a plan view), but is not limited thereto.

[0058] 1, the case 50 is attached to the feeder main body 42 at an angle, but the attachment angle is not limited to this. The case 50 may also be attached to the feeder main body 42 so that the bottom surface of the case 50 is aligned horizontally.

[0059] The case 50 has an RFID tag 51 and a shutter 52 .

[0060] RFID tag 51 stores tag information and is disposed, for example, on the bottom side of case 50 (on the feeder main body 42 side).

[0061] The shutter 52 is configured to be movable from a closed position that does not allow components to be discharged from the component discharge port to an open position that allows components to be discharged from the component discharge port.

[0062] Here, the method for identifying the type of attachment 41 by the feeder main body 42 will be further described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the method for identifying the attachment 41 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows an example of the detected parts 41a etc. and the detecting parts 42a etc. The detecting parts 42a etc. may be built into the bulk feeder 40 (e.g., the feeder main body 42), for example.

[0063] FIG. 2A shows an example in which the detection target portion 41 a and the detection portion 42 a come into contact with each other, causing the detection portion 42 a to detect (obtain) information about the attachment 41 .

[0064] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the attachment 41 has a plurality of detectable portions 41a on one side surface that serves as the mating surface (bottom surface) with the feeder main body 42, and the feeder main body 42 has a plurality of detecting portions 42a on one side surface that serves as the mating surface (top surface) with the attachment 41. In the example of Fig. 2(a), six detectable portions 41a and six detecting portions 42a are provided, but the numbers of detectable portions 41a and detecting portions 42a are not limited to this. Also, for example, when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42, the detectable portions 41a and the detecting portions 42a are arranged so as to face each other.

[0065] When the detectable portions 41a and the detecting portions 42a are each made of a conductive material, the multiple detectable portions 41a may be configured, for example, so that when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder body 42, at least one detectable portion 41a corresponding to the type of attachment 41 contacts (is electrically conductive with) the detecting portion 42a corresponding to the detected portion 41a. For example, the detectable portion 41a that contacts the detecting portion 42a may be configured to protrude. Alternatively, each of the multiple detectable portions 41a may contact the corresponding detecting portion 42a, but the detectable portions 41a corresponding to the type of attachment 41 may be electrically conductive with each other. In the case of (a) in FIG. 2, the detectable portions 41a labeled "1" and "2" are electrically conductive, and the detectable portions 41a labeled "3" and "4" are electrically conductive. In this case, current flows between the detecting portions 42a labeled "1" and "2" and between the detecting portions 42a labeled "3" and "4." The control unit can detect, via the detection unit 42a, which positions of the detection target portions 41a are conductive. Note that the detection target portions 41a at "5" and "6" are not conductive to any of the other detection target portions 41a.

[0066] When the detected portion 41 a and the detecting portion 42 a are each made of a conductive material, the attachment 41 can be identified by determining which of the six detecting portions 42 a (probes) is in electrical conduction with the detected portion 41 a when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42. In other words, the type of the attachment 41 can be identified by determining which of the six detecting portions 42 a is in electrical conduction with the detected portion 41 a.

[0067] The control unit identifies the type of attachment 41 currently attached, for example, based on a table in which combinations of conducting detection units 42a correspond to types of attachments 41, and on the combination of detection units 42a that are actually conducting.

[0068] Furthermore, when the detecting unit 42a constitutes a mechanical switch or a pressure sensor, the attachment 41 can be identified by determining which of the three detecting units 42a is operated (pressed) by the detected unit 41a while the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42. In other words, the type of the attachment 41 can be identified by determining which of the three detecting units 42a is operated.

[0069] The control unit identifies the type of the currently attached attachment 41, for example, based on a table in which combinations of operated detectors 42a are associated with types of attachments 41, and the combination of detectors 42a that were actually operated. Note that the configuration may be such that only the detected portion 41a that corresponds to the detector 42a being operated protrudes.

[0070] FIG. 2B shows a first example in which the detected portion 41b and the detecting portion 42b detect (obtain) information about the attachment 41 without contacting each other.

[0071] As shown in (b) of Figure 2, the attachment 41 has a detectable portion 41b on one side surface which serves as the connecting surface (bottom surface) with the feeder main body portion 42, and the feeder main body portion 42 has a detecting portion 42b, etc. which is capable of detecting light projected from the detectable portion 41b in the feeder main body portion 42.

[0072] 2B, three detection target portions 41b and three detection units 42b are provided, but the number of detection target portions 41b and three detection units 42b is not limited to this. Also, for example, when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42, the detection target portions 41b, etc. and the detection units 42b, etc. are arranged to face each other.

[0073] The detection target portion 41b is configured to be able to emit light. The detection target portion 41b is configured to include a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element. The light emitted from the detection target portion 41b may be irradiated only onto the detection portion 42b corresponding to the detection target portion 41b. Furthermore, the multiple detection target portions 41b may emit light of different colors.

[0074] For example, the detected part 41b emits light when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42 and receives a supply of power from the feeder main body 42. For example, the detected part 41b may emit light for only a predetermined period (e.g., several seconds) after receiving a supply of power from the feeder main body 42 and may turn off after the predetermined period has elapsed. Note that the power supply to the detected part 41b may be controlled by the control unit.

[0075] Furthermore, the plurality of detectable parts 41a are configured so that, for example, when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42, at least one detectable part 41a corresponding to the type of the attachment 41 emits light. In other words, it is set in advance which of the plurality of detectable parts 41b is to emit light for each type of attachment 41.

[0076] The detecting unit 42b is a sensor (photosensor) capable of detecting light emitted from the detected unit 41b. The detecting unit 42b includes a light receiving element such as a phototransistor. At least a part of the detecting unit 42b may be formed of an optical fiber.

[0077] The configurations of the detected portion 41b and the detecting portion 42b are not limited to this. For example, the detecting portion 42b may be a reflective photoelectric sensor or a transmissive photoelectric sensor. For example, the detected portion 41b may be a reflecting plate or the like, and the detected portion 41b may have a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element (reflective photoelectric sensor). The reflecting plate may be detachable from the attachment 41.

[0078] When the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder main body 42, the attachment 41 can be identified based on which of the three detecting units 42b receives light from the corresponding detected unit 41b. In other words, the type of the attachment 41 can be identified based on which of the three detecting units 42b receives light.

[0079] The control unit identifies the type of attachment 41 currently attached, for example, based on a table in which combinations of light-receiving detection units 42b correspond to the types of attachments 41, and the combination of detection units 42b that actually received light.

[0080] 3 is a table showing the relationship between the output of the detector 42b and the type of the attachment 41. The table shown in FIG.

[0081] 3 indicates the output of each of the three detecting units 42b, and specifically, "0" indicates that the detecting unit 42b is not receiving light, and "1" indicates that the detecting unit 42b is receiving light. Because there are three pairs of the detected unit 41b and the detecting unit 42b, it is possible to distinguish eight types (types 1 to 8) as shown in FIG.

[0082] In (b) of Figure 2, an example has been described in which the bulk feeder 40 has three sets of detectable parts 41b and detecting parts 42b, but it may also have only one set of detectable parts 41b and detecting parts 42b, and the detectable part 41b may emit light in an emission pattern (e.g., frequency, emission color) according to the type of attachment 41.

[0083] Referring again to FIG. 2, (c) of FIG. 2 shows a second example in which the detected portion 41c and the detecting portion 42c detect (obtain) information about the attachment 41 without contacting each other.

[0084] The detected portion 41c is made of, for example, a conductor, and is made of, for example, a conductive material.

[0085] For example, which of the plurality of detection target portions 41c is to be a conductor is set in advance for each type of attachment 41. In other words, which of the detection target portions 41c is to be a conductor is set in advance for each attachment 41.

[0086] The detector 42c is a touch sensor, and in this embodiment, is a capacitance-type touch sensor. The detector 42c detects a change in capacitance that occurs when the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder body 42.

[0087] The configuration of the detected portion 41c and the detecting portion 42c is not limited to this, and the detected portion 41c may be a magnetic material, and the detecting portion 42c may be a sensor (magnetic sensor) capable of detecting magnetism from the detected portion 41c.

[0088] The attachment 41 may have an RFID tag (not shown) as the detectable portion 41c or the like instead of the detectable portions 41a, 41b, and 41c shown in FIG. 2 . The RFID reader 45 of the feeder main body 42 may read tag information from the RFID tag of the attachment 41 using an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals to the RFID tag. The tag information includes information indicating the type of the attachment 41. Even if the tag information includes identification information (ID) that uniquely identifies the attachment 41, the total control device 30 only needs to acquire the type of the attachment 41, and the bulk feeder 40 (e.g., a control unit) only needs to output to the total control device 30 the information indicating the type of the attachment 41 from the identification information and the information indicating the type of the attachment 41. For example, the bulk feeder 40 (e.g., a control unit) only needs to output to the total control device 30 the information indicating the type of the attachment 41. The RFID tag of the attachment 41 is an example of a detectable portion. In this case, the RFID reader 45 is an example of a detection unit.

[0089] The detection target portion 41c may be a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. In this case, the management system 1 may be provided with a reading device (for example, a camera) that reads the barcode, the two-dimensional code, etc.

[0090] Here, the signal path from the bulk feeder 40 to the total control device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the concept of a communication line in the control system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 4, in the management system 1, the feeder main body 42 (e.g., the communication unit 43) and the trolley 12b are communicatively connected via communication path R1, the trolley 12b and the mounting line 10 are communicatively connected via communication path R2, the mounting line 10 and the line management device 20 are communicatively connected via communication path R3, and the line management device 20 and the overall management device 30 are communicatively connected via communication path R4.

[0092] The communication paths R1 to R4 may be communication paths for wireless communication, communication paths for wired communication, or a mixture of these.

[0093] The type information output from the communication unit 43 is input to the overall management device 30 via a communication line including communication path R1, the trolley 12b, communication path R2, the mounting line 10, communication path R3, the line management device 20, and communication path R4.

[0094] The communication line from the cart 12b to the general control device 30 may be, for example, a communication line for outputting information about a feeder, such as a tape feeder, other than the bulk feeder, to the general control device 30. In this way, when the cart 12b also holds a feeder such as a tape feeder, the bulk feeder 40 can output type information about the bulk feeder 40 to the general control device 30 by utilizing a communication line that has been established in advance.

[0095] The communication line is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, and the communication unit 43 may be capable of directly outputting type information to the line management device 20 or the overall management device 30.

[0096] The type information output from the communication unit 43 may also be output to a control unit 11a (see FIG. 1) provided in a mounter (component mounting device 11) constituting the mounting line 10 shown in FIG. 1 or 4. The control unit 11a of the mounter controls the operation of a bulk feeder 40 attached to the mounter (e.g., a bulk feeder 40 held by the holding unit 12a). Specifically, the control unit 11a controls a shutter opening mechanism 44 provided in the bulk feeder 40. The bulk feeder 40 (control unit) outputs type information of the bulk feeder 40 to the control unit 11a of the mounter via the communication line. The comprehensive management device 30 then outputs the correct feeder type to the control unit 11a of the mounter. The control unit 11a of the mounter collates this information and determines whether the feeder type is appropriate. If the control unit 11a of the mounter determines that the feeder type is appropriate, it controls the shutter opening mechanism 44. Specifically, the shutter opening mechanism 44 moves the shutter 52 to an open position that allows components to be discharged from the component discharge port of the case 50. This prevents the mixing of different types of components due to the wrong type of attachment 41 being attached to the bulk feeder 40 (for example, supplying components to the attachment 41 that are different in size and shape from those that can be supplied by the attachment 41). As a result, it is possible to prevent the mounting machine from being shut down.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 11a of the mounting machine may acquire information about the components housed in the case 50 attached to the bulk feeder 40. The control unit 11a of the mounting machine may determine whether the bulk feeder 40 can supply the components housed in the case 50, and if it determines that the components can be supplied, may control the shutter opening mechanism 44. Specifically, the shutter opening mechanism 44 moves the shutter 52 to an open position that allows the components to be discharged from the component discharge port of the case. This prevents the mixing of different types of components due to an incorrect combination of the case 50 and the attachment 41 attached to the bulk feeder 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mounting machine from being shut down.

[0098] Specifically, the control unit 11a is realized by a microcomputer or a processor. Each function of the control unit 11a is realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit executing a computer program stored in the storage unit.

[0099] The above-mentioned determination may be performed by the total control device 30 , and the control unit 11 a of the mounting machine may be configured to only control the shutter opening mechanism 44 in accordance with the determination result of the total control device 30 .

[0100] The information about the parts housed in the case 50 may be acquired by the total management device 30 .

[0101] [2. Operation of the Management System] Next, the operation of the management system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the processing executed by the bulk feeder 40 below is processing executed by a processing unit (control unit, etc.) such as a CPU provided in the bulk feeder 40.

[0102] 5, first, the bulk feeder 40 (feeder) is set on the holder 12a (S10). For example, a lamp provided at the position of the holder 12a where the bulk feeder 40 is to be attached is turned on, and the bulk feeder 40 is attached to the position of the holder 12a corresponding to the turned on lamp. This causes the component mounting device 11 to turn on power to the bulk feeder 40. The bulk feeder 40 is set by an operator or an autonomous robot, etc.

[0103] Next, the bulk feeder 40 requests communication from the total control device 30 (S20). The bulk feeder 40 requests communication from the total control device 30 via the communication unit 43.

[0104] Next, the total control device 30 detects the installation position (slot position) of the bulk feeder 40 for which the communication request has been made (S30). The method for detecting the installation position is not particularly limited, but the total control device 30 may, for example, detect the most recently installed slot as the installation position of the bulk feeder 40 for which the communication request has been made.

[0105] Next, the bulk feeder 40 that has requested communication with the overall control device 30 determines whether or not an attachment 41 is attached to the bulk feeder 40 (S40). The method of determination is not particularly limited, but the bulk feeder 40 may determine whether or not an attachment 41 is attached based on a sensor provided in the feeder main body 42, an image captured of the bulk feeder 40, or the like.

[0106] If it is determined that the attachment 41 is attached to the bulk feeder 40 (Yes in S40), the bulk feeder 40 identifies the type of the attachment 41 based on the detection results of the detector 42a, etc. (S50). For example, if the detection results of the detector 42a, etc. are 3-bit information as shown in FIG. 2(b) or 2(c), the type of the attachment 41 is identified as one of types 1 to 8, for example.

[0107] Furthermore, if it is determined that the attachment 41 is not attached to the bulk feeder 40 (No in S40), the bulk feeder 40 issues an error indicating that the attachment 41 is not attached (S100). The bulk feeder 40 issues an error notification using light, sound, or the like, but may also output information indicating that an error has occurred to the total control device 30 or the user's mobile terminal, for example.

[0108] Next, the bulk feeder 40 determines the type of feeder according to the type of attachment 41 (S60). The bulk feeder 40 determines one type of feeder that includes the type of attachment 41. For example, when the type of feeder is indicated by first information, the bulk feeder 40 may determine information obtained by adding second information according to the type of attachment 41 to the first information as information indicating the type of feeder (type information), or may determine third information that is different from the first information and second information and that is determined based on the first information and second information as information indicating the type of feeder (type information).

[0109] Next, the bulk feeder 40 notifies the total control device 30 of the determined feeder type (type information) (S70). The bulk feeder 40 outputs the type information to the total control device 30 via, for example, the communication line shown in Fig. 4. This allows information regarding the identification of each of the attachment 41 and the bulk feeder 40 (e.g., the feeder main body 42) to be transmitted in a single transmission, thereby reducing the number of transmissions compared to when the information is transmitted separately.

[0110] The notification of the feeder type may be performed at a predetermined timing, may be performed based on an instruction from the total management device 30, or may be performed when a new bulk feeder 40 is set. The predetermined timing may be, for example, before production starts, or when the attachment 41 or case 50 is replaced.

[0111] The mounting machine is provided with a safety cover (not shown) that covers the feeder's upper supply position. The safety cover is closed when the carriage 12b equipped with the holding unit 12a is removed from the mounting machine to prevent an operator's hands from entering the work area where the head moves. The safety cover is closed when the carriage 12b equipped with the holding unit 12a is attached to the mounting machine, and the safety cover is opened after the carriage 12b is attached. With the safety cover open, the head can access the feeder's supply position, pick up components from the feeder held by the carriage 12b, and mount the picked-up components on the board. The mounting machine is provided with a sensor that detects whether the safety cover is open or closed, and the opening or closing of the safety cover can be detected based on the sensor output. Specifically, the safety cover can detect whether it is closed or open. Upon detecting the opening or closing of the safety cover (closed to open), the bulk feeder 40 may output the feeder type (type information) to the comprehensive management device 30. In this way, by outputting the feeder type to the comprehensive control device 30 each time the opening or closing of the safety cover is detected, it is possible to prevent incorrect components (components whose size and shape differ from those that can be supplied by the attachment 41) from being supplied to the attachment 41. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mounting line from being stopped.

[0112] The type of feeder is notified when the feeder body 42 is attached to the holder 12 a and the attachment 41 is attached to the feeder body 42 .

[0113] Next, the total control device 30 performs a check based on the type information (feeder type) acquired from the bulk feeder 40 (S80) to determine whether the attachment 41 is appropriate. If the check result is correct (if the attachment 41 is appropriate) (Yes in S80), the shutter opening mechanism 44 moves the shutter 52 from the closed position to the open position, thereby starting production (S90). If the check result is incorrect (No in S80), an error message indicating that the check result is incorrect is displayed (S100). In step S100, the total control device 30, for example, displays on a display unit that the bulk feeder 40 is not supplying components. For example, the display unit may be a display unit provided on the component mounting device 11, an indicator lamp provided on the bulk feeder 40 (e.g., the feeder main body 42), or a display unit provided on a device carried by the operator. The display may be in the form of text, a lit or flashing indicator lamp, or the like. In step S90, the shutter 52 is moved to the open position by the shutter opening mechanism 44, and the supply of components from the case 50 begins.

[0114] The comparison performed in step S80 may be, for example, determining whether or not type information (feeder type (type information) shown in FIG. 1) for each slot (predetermined position where a feeder is attached in holding unit 12a) specified based on the production plan matches the type information acquired by executing step S70. This makes it possible to confirm whether the correct type of feeder is held in the predetermined position in holding unit 12a.

[0115] The comprehensive management device 30 may also acquire information about the components stored in the case 50 attached to the bulk feeder 40. Then, in the verification performed in step S80, it may be determined whether the components stored in the case 50 can be supplied by the feeder (attachment 41) based on the acquired type information (feeder type). This makes it possible to confirm whether the combination of the feeder type and the components stored in the case 50 is correct. As a result, it is possible to prevent incorrect components (components whose size and shape differ from those that can be supplied by the attachment 41) from being supplied to the attachment 41. An incorrect verification result may occur when the case 50 attached to the bulk feeder 40 is incorrect or when the feeder type is incorrect. The operator may be notified of these in different ways (S100). This allows the operator to recognize which case or feeder (e.g., attachment 41) is incorrect and replace it with the correct case and feeder (e.g., attachment 41). For example, if the comprehensive management device 30 acquires the tag information of the RFID tag 51 of the case 50 attached to the bulk feeder 40, the comparison performed in step S80 may be to determine whether the part indicated in the tag information is a part corresponding to the type of feeder.

[0116] Note that steps S10 to S80 may be performed with the shutter 52 of the case 50 closed.

[0117] If there are multiple bulk feeders 40 set, steps S40 to S80 are performed for all bulk feeders 40 individually.

[0118] The bulk feeder 40 may output the type information to the control unit 11a of the mounting machine in step S70. The collation performed in step S80 may be performed by the control unit 11a of the mounting machine.

[0119] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, management system 1 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a management system that manages bulk feeders 40 (an example of a feeder) that supply parts with attachments 41 (an example of a supply member) attached thereto that supply the parts to a supply position, and includes bulk feeder 40 held in holding unit 12a and a management unit (e.g., comprehensive management device 30) that manages type information indicating parts that can be supplied by bulk feeder 40. Attachment 41 is provided with detectable parts 41a, etc., and bulk feeder 40 held in holding unit 12a outputs type information to the management unit based on information acquired via detectable parts 41a, etc. of attachment 41 attached to bulk feeder 40.

[0120] As a result, type information according to the type of attachment 41 is output from bulk feeder 40, so the amount of information (number of data) managed for the task of checking whether there is an error in the type of bulk feeder 40 (for example, the type of attached attachment 41) (for example, a comparison task in a computing device) can be reduced compared to managing attachments 41 individually by assigning identification information (ID) that uniquely identifies each attachment 41. Therefore, management system 1 can easily manage bulk feeders 40 that supply parts with attachments 41 attached.

[0121] In addition, the management system 1 according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the first aspect, and when a case 50 containing parts is attached to the bulk feeder 40, the management unit determines, based on the type information, whether the parts stored in the case 50 can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40.

[0122] This makes it possible to automatically determine whether the type of attachment 41 attached to bulk feeder 40 corresponds to the type of part in case 50 attached to bulk feeder 40. Therefore, according to management system 1, it is possible to easily determine whether attachment 41 corresponds to the part in case 50 while attachment 41 is attached. In other words, management system 1 can easily manage bulk feeders 40.

[0123] Furthermore, the management system 1 relating to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a management system relating to the first or second aspect, in which the bulk feeder 40 has a feeder main body 42 to which an attachment 41 can be attached, and the feeder main body 42 has a detection unit 42a etc. that detects information from the detected unit 41a etc.

[0124] This allows information about the attachment 41 to be easily acquired via the detector 42a, etc. This leads to easier management of the bulk feeder 40 from the viewpoint of easy acquisition of information.

[0125] Furthermore, since the feeder main body 42 has the detector 42a, etc., it is possible to prevent the type information of another adjacent bulk feeder 40 from being read erroneously. Furthermore, when information obtained from a bulk feeder 40 to which an attachment 41 is set is managed, it is possible to prevent mis-setting (detecting information about the attachment 41 and bulk feeder 40 and then mistakenly setting the attachment 41 on another bulk feeder 40). These features lead to easier management of bulk feeders 40 from the viewpoint of preventing management of incorrect information.

[0126] Furthermore, a management system 1 according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the type information includes information relating to the dimensions of parts that can be supplied.

[0127] This prevents clogging in the conveying path of attachment 41 due to the dimensions of the parts supplied by bulk feeder 40 being different from the dimensions of the parts that attachment 41 can supply.

[0128] Furthermore, a management system 1 according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the third aspect, in which the attachment 41 has a detectable portion 41 a etc. on one side surface that serves as a coupling surface with the feeder main body 42, and the detectable portion 42 a etc. has a probe provided on the feeder main body 42 so as to face the detectable portion 41 a etc., and the probe detects information about the attachment 41 by contacting the detectable portion 41 a etc. Examples of the probe include an electrode of a connector and a mechanical switch.

[0129] This allows the detection unit 42a etc. to acquire information by electrical or mechanical contact, thereby preventing the type information of another adjacent bulk feeder 40 from being mistakenly read. This leads to easier management of the bulk feeders 40 from the viewpoint of preventing incorrect information from being managed.

[0130] Furthermore, a management system 1 according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the third aspect, and the detecting unit 42 a etc. may have a sensor capable of detecting light projected from the detectable unit 41 a etc. Furthermore, a management system 1 according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the management system according to the third aspect, and the detecting unit 42 a etc. may have a sensor capable of detecting magnetism from the detectable unit 41 a etc.

[0131] This makes it possible to easily obtain information about the attachment 41 using a versatile sensor.

[0132] Furthermore, the management system 1 according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the holding unit 12a may be provided in a setup device for performing preparatory work on the bulk feeder 40 before it is used in production.

[0133] This allows the bulk feeder 40 to be managed in the preparation stage before it is mounted on the component mounting device 11. Therefore, management of the bulk feeder 40 can be started early.

[0134] Furthermore, the management system 1 according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the holding unit 12a may be provided in a component mounting device 11 (an example of a mounting device) that picks up components from a bulk feeder 40 and mounts the picked-up components on a substrate.

[0135] This allows the bulk feeder 40 to be managed at the time it is attached to the component mounting device 11. For example, even if the bulk feeder 40 is replaced in the component mounting device 11, the bulk feeder 40 can still be managed.

[0136] Furthermore, the management system 1 relating to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a management system relating to any of the first to ninth aspects, and the management unit (e.g., the comprehensive management device 30) manages identification information that uniquely identifies the bulk feeder 40 in association with type information.

[0137] This means that the management unit does not need to manage both the identification information of the feeder main body 42 and the identification information of the attachment 41, thereby reducing the amount of information (number of data) managed for the task of checking whether there are any errors in the type of bulk feeder 40.

[0138] Furthermore, the management system 1 according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a management system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which the feeder is a bulk feeder 40 to which a case 50 for storing parts in bulk is attached.

[0139] This allows the management system 1 to easily manage the bulk feeder 40.

[0140] Furthermore, bulk feeder 40 (an example of a feeder) according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a feeder that supplies components with attachment 41 attached to supply the components to a supply position, and includes a communication unit 43 that outputs type information indicating the components that can be supplied by bulk feeder 40 to a management unit (e.g., comprehensive management device 30), a feeder main body 42 to which attachment 41 can be attached, and attachment 41 attached to feeder main body 42. Attachment 41 is provided with detectable parts 41a, etc., and communication unit 43 outputs type information based on information acquired via detectable parts 41a, etc. to the management unit. Furthermore, a management method according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a management method for managing a bulk feeder 40 that supplies parts while an attachment 41 that supplies the parts to a supply position is attached, the bulk feeder 40 being provided with a detectable portion 41a, etc., and the management method outputs type information based on information acquired via the detectable portion 41a, etc. of the attachment 41 attached to the bulk feeder 40 held by the holding portion 12a, and indicating the parts that can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40 (S70).

[0141] This provides the same effects as those of the management system 1 described above.

[0142] Furthermore, a component mounting device 11 (an example of a mounting machine) according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a bulk feeder 40 (an example of a feeder) that supplies components with an attachment 41 (an example of a supply member) attached thereto, the attachment 41 supplying the components to a supply position, the bulk feeder 40 including a shutter-opening mechanism 44 that moves a shutter 52 provided on a case 50 storing the components to allow the components to be discharged from a component discharge port of the case 50, a holding unit 12a that holds the bulk feeder 40, and a control unit 11a that controls the shutter-opening mechanism 44 when the attachment 41 attached to the bulk feeder 40 is determined to be appropriate based on type information indicating the components that can be supplied by the bulk feeder 40. The type information includes information based on information acquired via, for example, a detection target 41a of the attachment 41 attached to the bulk feeder 40 held by the holding unit 12a.

[0143] This provides the same effects as those of the management system 1 described above.

[0144] (Other Embodiments) While the management systems according to one or more aspects have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments and embodiments constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0145] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the object is a substrate, but this is not limited to this, and it may be any object on which a component can be mounted, for example, other components on which a component can be mounted.

[0146] Furthermore, the cases according to the above embodiments are not limited to those having RFID tags, and may have a sticker with an identifier such as a barcode printed on it affixed to the case. Then, the worker may read the information indicated by the identifier using a barcode reader or the like, then attach the case to the feeder body and output the read information to the comprehensive control device. This allows the comprehensive control device to obtain information such as the size of the parts attached to the bulk feeder.

[0147] The feeder main body according to the above embodiment may store information acquired from the attachment in a storage unit (not shown), thereby enabling the bulk feeder to quickly output type information even if it acquires a request for outputting type information from the comprehensive control device at any time.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the bulk feeder may also transmit type information, including the content of tag information acquired from the RFID tag of the case, to the comprehensive management device. In other words, the type information may be different for each combination of bulk feeder (e.g., feeder body), attachment, and part.

[0149] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0150] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used. Some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, or some of the steps may not be executed.

[0151] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the management system includes a line management device and a comprehensive management device, but it may also be realized as a single device having the functions of both the line management device and the comprehensive management device.

[0153] Furthermore, each component described in the above embodiments may be implemented as software or, typically, as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These components may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip. Here, the term "LSI" is used, but depending on the level of integration, it may also be referred to as an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. Furthermore, the integrated circuit implementation method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor. After LSI fabrication, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections or settings of circuit cells within the LSI may also be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or a derivative technology, that technology may naturally be used to integrate the components.

[0154] A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units on a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system that includes a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Computer programs are stored in the ROM. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0155] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic steps included in the data generation method shown in FIG.

[0156] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or circulated. For example, the distributed program may be installed in a device having another processor, and the program may be executed by the processor, thereby causing the device to perform each of the above processes.

[0157] The present disclosure is useful for systems that manage feeders used in component mounting devices that mount components on boards.

[0158] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Management system 10 Mounting line 11 Component mounting device (mounting device, mounting machine) 11a Control unit 12 Supply unit 12a Holding unit 12b Cart 20 Line management device 30 General management device (management unit) 40 Bulk feeder (feeder) 41 Attachment (supply member) 41a, 41b, 41c Detected unit 42 Feeder main body 42a, 42b, 42c Detecting unit 43 Communication unit 44 Shutter opening mechanism 45 RFID reader 50 Case 51 RFID tag 52 Shutter R1, R2, R3, R4 Communication path

Claims

1. A management system for managing a feeder that supplies a component to a supply position while a supply member that supplies the component is attached, the management system comprising: the feeder held by a holding section; a management unit that manages type information indicating the parts that can be supplied by the feeder, The supply member is provided with a plurality of detection portions, the feeder has a detection unit that detects information from the detection target unit, the plurality of detection target parts are configured so that at least one of the detection target parts comes into contact with the detection part when the supply member is attached to the feeder, the feeder held by the holding unit outputs the type information based on a combination of the at least one detectable part that has come into contact with the detection unit to the management unit. Management system.

2. When the case containing the parts is attached to the feeder, the management unit determines whether the parts contained in the case can be supplied by the feeder based on the type information. The management system according to claim 1 .

3. the feeder includes a feeder main body to which the supply member can be attached, The feeder main body has the detection unit. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The type information includes information about dimensions of the parts that can be supplied. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the supply member includes the detection portion on one side surface that is a coupling surface with the feeder main body, the detection unit has a probe provided in the feeder main body so as to face the detection target unit, The probe detects information about the supply member by contacting the detection portion. The management system according to claim 3 .

6. the holding unit is provided in a setup device for performing preparation work on the feeder before use in production; The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the holding unit is provided in a mounting device that picks up the components from the feeder and mounts the picked-up components on a board, The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the management unit manages identification information that uniquely identifies the feeder in association with the type information; The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the feeder is a bulk feeder to which a case for storing the parts in a bulk state is attached, The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A feeder that supplies a component to a supply position while a supply member that supplies the component is attached, a communication unit that outputs type information indicating the parts that can be supplied by the feeder to a management unit; a feeder main body to which the supply member can be attached; the supply member attached to the feeder main body, the supply member is provided with a detection target portion, the communication unit outputs the type information based on the information acquired via the detected unit to the management unit. feeder.

11. A management method for managing a feeder that supplies a component to a supply position while a supply member that supplies the component is attached, comprising: The supply member is provided with a plurality of detection portions, the feeder has a detection unit that detects information from the detection target unit, the plurality of detection target parts are configured so that at least one of the detection target parts comes into contact with the detection part when the supply member is attached to the feeder, The management method includes: outputting type information based on a combination of the at least one detection target portion of the supply member attached to the feeder held in a holding portion, the type information indicating the components that can be supplied by the feeder; Management method.

12. a feeder that supplies components to a supply position while being equipped with a supply member that supplies the components to the supply position, the feeder including a shutter opening mechanism that moves a shutter provided on a case that stores the components to allow the components to be discharged from a component discharge port of the case; a holding section that holds the feeder; a control unit that controls the shutter opening mechanism when it is determined that the supply member attached to the feeder is appropriate based on type information that indicates the parts that can be supplied by the feeder, the type information includes information based on information acquired via a detection target portion of the supply member attached to the feeder held by the holding portion, Mounting machine.