Operation management apparatus and operation management method for feeder

Abstract

This operation management apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the device type of a device in which a feeder for supplying a component is set; and a mode setting unit that sets operation modes for the feeder on the basis of the acquired device type, said operation modes including a normal mode in which a component supply operation can be executed and an electric power saving mode in which electric power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode.

Description

Feeder operation management device and operation management method

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder operation management device and an operation management method.

[0002] The feeder operation management device manages the operation of a feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and used to supply components. As shown in Patent Document 1, the component mounting machine, together with other substrate-related operation machines, a management device, a warehouse, and an external setup device, constitutes a production system that produces circuit board products. When a feeder is prepared for use by external setup, it is transported, for example, from the external setup device to a specific component mounting machine via a predetermined waiting area and then used.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 115915

[0004] In order to grasp the current position of each feeder, the management device of the production system is able to communicate with the feeder when the feeder is set in, for example, a component placement machine or a buffer device used as a waiting area. However, if the feeder is kept powered on so that it can communicate, it will consume power even when it is in a waiting state, and the greater the number of feeders owned, the greater the impact on production costs.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a feeder operation management device and operation management method that can reduce the power consumed by feeders in a production system, thereby reducing production costs.

[0006] This specification discloses a feeder operation management device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires the type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set, and a mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the feeder based on the acquired type of device, including a normal mode in which the parts supply operation can be performed, and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode.

[0007] This specification discloses a feeder operation management method including an acquisition step of acquiring the type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set, and a mode setting step of setting an operation mode of the feeder based on the acquired type of device, the operation mode including a normal mode in which the parts supply operation can be performed, and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than that of the normal mode.

[0008] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 4 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 6 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5." This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 8 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5," the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 9 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8" in claim 10 originally filed.

[0009] With this configuration, the operation mode of the feeder can be switched depending on the type of device to which the feeder is attached, thereby reducing the power consumed by the feeder in the production system, and as a result, reducing production costs.

[0010] 5 is a diagram showing a production system equipped with an operation management device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a production line. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of the loader and component mounting machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the feeder in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a production system to which an operation management device is applied. FIG. 10 is a table showing the state of each part corresponding to an operation mode. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing operation control processing. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a first modified embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a second modified embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0011] 1. Production System 10 An embodiment of an operation management device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the operation management device is installed in a component placement machine that constitutes a production line, and manages the operation of a feeder used to supply components. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the production system 10 is composed of multiple production lines Ln, a host computer 11, a management warehouse 12, a work area 13, etc.

[0012] 1-1. Production Line Ln In this embodiment, the production system 10 includes multiple production lines Ln, including a first production line Ln1 and a second production line Ln2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each production line Ln includes multiple component placement machines 30 arranged side by side in the conveyance direction of a board 91 (see FIG. 3). Each production line Ln includes a line management device 21, a line buffer device 22, and a loader 23.

[0013] The line management device 21 is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple production devices (such as the component placement machines 30) that make up the production line Ln, the line buffer device 22, the loader 23, and the self-propelled work robot 70 via a network. The line management device 21 monitors the operating status of the production line Ln and performs overall control of the multiple component placement machines 30, etc. The line management device 21 records the control programs used in the placement processes by the component placement machines 30, the progress status of each placement process, etc.

[0014] The line buffer device 22 is used to store cassette-type feeders 50. The line buffer device 22 temporarily holds feeders 50 loaded with components to be used in the mounting process for producing product boards, as well as feeders 50 that have been used in the mounting process. When the line buffer device 22 holds a feeder 50 using a plurality of slots (not shown), it supplies power to the feeder 50 and makes it ready for communication. This allows the line buffer device 22 to read an identification code (ID) unique to the feeder 50 held in the slot. The line buffer device 22 is installed, for example, on the board carry-in side of the production line Ln (left side in FIG. 1 ).

[0015] The loader 23 transports the feeders 50 between each of the component mounting machines 30 and the line buffer device 22. Specifically, the loader 23 is provided so as to be able to travel along a travel path formed by rails that extend across the entire area in the transport direction of the board 91 in front of the component mounting machines 30. The configurations of the component mounting machines 30 and the loader 23 will be described later.

[0016] Furthermore, the configuration of the production line Ln may be appropriately added or changed depending on, for example, the type of product board to be produced. Specifically, the production line Ln may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related processing machines such as a solder printer, an inspection machine, and a reflow oven. The first production line Ln1 and the second production line Ln2 may have different configurations and feeders 50 installed depending on the type of product board to be produced. Furthermore, the production system 10 may be configured to have three or more production lines.

[0017] 1-2. Host Computer 11 The host computer 11 is a management device that monitors the operating status of each device and work robot 70 that make up the production system 10 and provides overall control of these. The host computer 11 stores various data for controlling the production line Ln, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 11 is configured to be able to communicate with the line management device 21 of the production line Ln, the management warehouse 12, the automatic loading device 132 installed in the work area 13, and the like via a network.

[0018] 1-3. Management Warehouse 12 The management warehouse 12 ships parts based on an external shipping command. The management warehouse 12 is configured to be able to store reels 45 around which carrier tapes 46 containing multiple parts are wound, and feeders 50 into which the carrier tapes 46 are loaded. The management warehouse 12 may also store feeders 50 in a state in which the carrier tapes 46 are loaded.

[0019] The management warehouse 12 has a transport device that transports the feeders 50 and the like between a predetermined storage position on a storage shelf that holds the feeders 50 and the like and a work table on which the feeders 50 and the like are temporarily placed when they are being received or removed from the warehouse. When a part is being removed from the warehouse, the transport device grasps the reel or the like that is in the predetermined storage position and checks whether the part is genuine by, for example, reading an identification code (ID) affixed to the reel or the like. The transport device then places the held reel or the like on the work table.

[0020] 1-4. Work Area 13 Between the multiple production lines Ln and the management warehouse 12, there is provided a work area 13 where production setup work is carried out. The setup work in the work area 13 includes the work of loading parts into the feeders 50. The work area 13 is provided with a work table 131 for transferring the feeders 50 and the reels 45, and an automatic loading device 132. The automatic loading device 132 is a device that automatically loads the reels 45 into the set feeders 50.

[0021] The loading operation of loading the carrier tape 46 into the feeder 50 may be performed using an automatic loading device 132 or manually by an operator 85. The operator 85 performs various operations in the work area 13. The various operations include, for example, removing the carrier tape 46 loaded into the feeder 50 that was used in the mounting process. The association information between the feeder 50 and the reel 45 is updated when the carrier tape 46 is loaded into the feeder 50, and is discarded when the reel 45 is removed.

[0022] 2. Component Mounting Machine 30 As shown in Fig. 3, the multiple component mounting machines 30 that make up the production line Ln each include a board transport device 31, a component supply device 32, a main buffer device 34, and a head drive device 35. In the following description, the horizontal width direction of the component mounting machine 30, which is the direction in which the board 91 is transported, is defined as the X direction, the horizontal depth direction of the component mounting machine 30 is defined as the Y direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (the up and down direction in Fig. 3) is defined as the Z direction.

[0023] The board transport device 31 is composed of a belt conveyor, a positioning device, etc. The board transport device 31 sequentially transports the board 91 in the transport direction and positions the board 91 at a predetermined position within the machine. After the mounting process by the component mounting machine 30 is completed, the board transport device 31 transports the board 91 out of the machine.

[0024] The component supply device 32 supplies components to be mounted on the board 91. The component supply device 32 has a slot into which the feeder 50 can be set. The component supply device 32 is disposed at the top of the front side of the component mounting machine 30, and holds the set feeder 50 in an operable state. In other words, the operation of the feeder 50 set in the slot of the component supply device 32 is controlled in the mounting process by the component mounting machine 30, and the feeder 50 supplies components at a take-out section provided at a specified position above the feeder 50.

[0025] The main buffer unit 34 is provided in the component mounting machine 30 and is configured to be able to accommodate spare feeders 50. Specifically, the main buffer unit 34 is disposed below the slots of the component supply devices 32 and stocks the set feeders 50. In other words, the main buffer unit 34 stores spare feeders 50 to be used in production, or temporarily stores used feeders 50 that have been used in production. Note that the exchange of feeders 50 between the component supply devices 32 and the main buffer unit 34 is performed automatically by the loader 23 or manually by an operator.

[0026] Furthermore, when the feeder 50 is set in a slot of the component supply device 32 or a slot of the main buffer device 34, power is supplied to the feeder 50 from the component mounting machine 30 via a connector. The feeder 50 is then able to communicate with the component mounting machine 30. The feeder 50 set in the component supply device 32 controls the feeding operation of the carrier tape 46 containing the components based on control commands from the component mounting machine 30. As a result, the feeder 50 supplies the components at a take-out section provided above the feeder 50 so that the components can be picked up by a holding member of the mounting head 37, which will be described later.

[0027] The head driving device 35 transfers the components supplied by the component supply device 32 to a predetermined mounting position on the board 91 carried into the machine by the board transport device 31. The head driving device 35 moves the movable table 36 in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) using a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 37 is replaceably fixed to the movable table 36 by a clamp member (not shown). The mounting head 37 picks up the component and mounts it on the board 91 by adjusting the vertical position and angle of the component.

[0028] More specifically, a holding member for holding components supplied by the feeder 50 is attached to the mounting head 37. The holding member may be, for example, a suction nozzle that holds components by supplying negative pressure air, or a chuck that grips and holds components. The mounting head 37 holds the holding member so that it can move in the Z direction and rotate around a θ axis parallel to the Z axis. The mounting head 37 is moved in the X and Y directions by a linear motion mechanism of the head drive device 35.

[0029] The component mounting machine 30 configured as described above performs a mounting process to mount components on the board 91. During the mounting process, the component mounting machine 30 sends control signals to the head driver 35 based on the results of image processing, the results of detection by various sensors, a pre-stored control program, etc. This controls the positions and angles of the multiple suction nozzles supported by the mounting head 37.

[0030] The suction nozzle held by the mounting head 37 is changed as appropriate depending on the type of component to be mounted on the board 91 during the mounting process. When the mounting head 37 does not hold the suction nozzle to be used in the mounting process to be executed, the component mounting machine 30 causes the mounting head 37 to hold a suction nozzle housed in a nozzle station (not shown). The nozzle station is detachably set at a predetermined position within the component mounting machine 30.

[0031] 3. Line Buffer Device 22 As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the line buffer device 22 has a first storage section 221 and a second storage section 222. Magazines 41 for feeders 50 are detachably mounted in the first storage section 221 and the second storage section 222. The magazines 41 are formed with a plurality of slots, and are configured to be able to hold feeders 50 in each slot. In this way, the line buffer device 22 holds the feeders 50 using the mounted magazines 41.

[0032] The first storage unit 221 and the second storage unit 222 are arranged next to each other in order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the substrate 91. In this embodiment, the first storage unit 221 and the second storage unit 222 are configured to be able to mount one magazine 41 each. The feeders 50 set in the magazines 41 mounted in the line buffer device 22 are supplied with power and are able to communicate with the line management device 21 via the control device of the line buffer device 22. As a result, the slots in the line buffer device 22 and the identification codes (IDs) of the feeders 50 set in those slots are associated with each other and recorded in the line management device 21.

[0033] 4. Configuration of Loader 23 The loader 23 is provided so as to be movable along the conveyance direction of the board 91 relative to a plurality of production devices (in this embodiment, the component mounting devices 30 and the line buffer device 22). The loader 23 performs a predetermined task relative to a predetermined production device. In this embodiment, the loader 23 performs, as the predetermined task, an exchange task of exchanging the feeder 50 between the plurality of component mounting devices 30 and the line buffer device 22.

[0034] Furthermore, when the work area 13 is installed adjacent to the production line Ln, the loader 23 can perform the above-mentioned replacement work between a plurality of component mounting machines 30, the line buffer device 22, the work table 131, and the automatic loading device 132. Additionally, the loader 23 may be used to replace a replacement element that is detachably set on a substrate-related operation machine such as the component mounting machine 30, with the substrate-related operation machine.

[0035] 2, the loader 23 moves along a travel path formed by rails 238 provided in front of the multiple component mounting machines 30 and the line buffer device 22. The rails 238 extend over substantially the entire area of ​​the production line Ln in the conveying direction of the boards 91. The loader 23 receives contactless power supply via the rails 238 from the opposing production device depending on the position of the loader 23.

[0036] The loader 23 has a main body 231. The main body 231 is provided so as to be able to travel along a travel path formed by rails 238. Specifically, the main body 231 has travel rollers and guide rollers that are rotatably engaged with the rails 238. This allows the main body 231 to maintain its posture, move in the X direction, and restrict movement in the Y and Z directions. The main body 231 may also be provided with a feeder holding unit that can hold multiple feeders 50. The feeder holding unit holds the multiple feeders 50 lined up in the X direction. Note that the loader 23 is configured so that the feeder holding unit can supply power to the feeders 50, for example, and can function as a device Vc on which the feeders 50 are set.

[0037] The loader 23 has a feeder exchange device 232. The feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeders 50 between the device in which the feeder 50 is set. In this embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeders 50 between the multiple component mounting machines 30 that make up the production line Ln and between the line buffer device 22. The exchange of the feeders 50 includes the recovery and replenishment of the feeders 50. In this embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeders 50 between the various devices including the component supply devices 32 of the component mounting machines 30, the main buffer device 34, and the line buffer device 22.

[0038] The feeder exchange device 232 is configured to be able to move the held feeder 50 relative to the main body 231 in the attachment / detachment direction of the feeder 50 (Y direction in this embodiment) and in the up / down direction (Z direction). With this configuration, the feeder exchange device 232 raises and lowers the held feeder 50 to a height corresponding to the device slot. In this embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 is used to exchange feeders 50 between the component supply device 32 and the main buffer device 34 of the component mounting machine 30, and to transport used feeders 50 from the component mounting machine 30 to the line buffer device 22.

[0039] The loader 23 has a loader moving device 233. The loader moving device 233 is driven by externally supplied power to move the main body 231. If a battery is mounted on the main body 231, the loader moving device 233 may be driven by power supplied from the battery. The loader moving device 233 is combined with, for example, a rail 238 to form a linear motor. At this time, the loader moving device 233 generates a propulsive force in the X direction between itself and the rail 238 by supplying power to a moving coil (not shown), thereby moving the loader 23 in the X direction.

[0040] The loader 23 has a loader control device (not shown). The loader control device is a controller mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. The loader control device is communicably connected to the multiple component mounting machines 30, the line buffer device 22, and the line management device 21. The loader control device controls the operations of the loader moving device 233, the feeder exchange device, etc.

[0041] The loader control device detects the current position of the main body 231 on the travel path based on a detection signal from a position detection sensor (not shown). Specifically, the position detection sensor is disposed, for example, facing a linear scale provided on the rail 238 and detects the graduations of the linear scale. Alternatively, the position detection sensor may use an optical detection method or a detection method using electromagnetic induction to detect the position of the main body 231. In this way, the loader 23 is configured to move to a predetermined position along the rail 238 and to be able to replace the feeder 50 at a stopped position.

[0042] 5. Configuration of Feeder 50 The configuration of the feeder 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The left-right direction in FIG. 4 is the transport direction of the carrier tape 46, with the left side of FIG. 4 being the upstream side in the transport direction and the right side of FIG. 4 being the downstream side in the transport direction. In this embodiment, the feeder 50 is a tape feeder that performs a supply operation to supply components by feeding and moving the carrier tape 46. The feeder 50 includes a feeder main body 51. The feeder main body 51 is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder main body 51 is formed with a component supply position 511 that supplies components at an upper portion on the downstream side in the transport direction of the carrier tape 46.

[0043] The feeder body 51 is formed with a tape transport path 512 that guides the carrier tape 46 unwound from the reel 45 to the component supply position 511. The tape transport path 512 is formed, for example, in a rectangular cylindrical shape using a bottom plate, two side plates, and a ceiling plate. The tape transport path 512 may have a tape presser that presses the carrier tape 46 against the bottom plate. Also, part of the cylindrical shape of the tape transport path 512 may be omitted. The tape transport path 512 starts at a position close to the reel 45, extends diagonally upward in the downstream direction, extends approximately horizontally in the downstream direction from halfway, and ends at an upper part of the downstream end of the feeder body 51. A position close to the end of the tape transport path 512 is the component supply position 511.

[0044] Detachable rails 513 are provided on the underside of feeder body 51. Detachable rails 513 mate with slots provided in various devices such as component supply devices 32 and magazines 41 to maintain the orientation of feeder 50 and assist movement of feeder 50. Positioning pins 514 and connectors 515 are provided on the end faces of feeder body 51. Positioning pins 514 are inserted into positioning holes in the device in which feeder 50 is set, and position feeder 50 relative to the device. If the device is provided with a receiving connector, connector 515 mates with the receiving connector to connect feeder 50 so as to enable power supply and communication.

[0045] The feeder 50 includes a tape guide 52. The tape guide 52 is detachably mounted on the upper part of the feeder main body 51. The tape guide 52 peels one widthwise end of the cover tape 462 from the base tape 461 that constitutes the carrier tape 46, thereby opening cavities that individually accommodate components. The base tape 461, with the cavities opened, is transported to the component supply position 511 to supply the components. The base tape 461 is then discharged below the feeder 50 together with the cover tape 462 that has passed above the tape guide 52.

[0046] The feeder 50 includes a reel holding section 53. The reel holding section 53 holds the reel 45 around which the carrier tape 46 is wound so as to be replaceable. The reel holding section 53 rotatably holds the outer periphery of the reel 45 or the center of the reel 45. The reel holding section 53 is provided with an openable / closable holding cover, which prevents the reel 45 from slipping out of position.

[0047] The feeder 50 includes a drive unit 54 that feeds and moves a tape containing multiple components during a component supply operation. The drive unit 54 has a sprocket 541 rotatably supported on the feeder body 51. Teeth of the sprocket 541 protrude from grooves formed in the bottom plate of the tape transport path 512 and engage with feed holes formed at predetermined intervals in the carrier tape 46. The drive unit 54 has an electric motor 542 that generates driving force that is transmitted to the sprocket 541 via a not-shown reducer. The electric motor 542 is capable of intermittent and continuous operation and can switch between forward and reverse rotation. The drive unit 54 rotates the sprocket 541 using the electric motor 542 to feed and move the carrier tape 46.

[0048] The drive unit 54 feeds the carrier tape 46 at a fixed pitch in the feed direction, and can supply components in order at the component supply position 511. The drive unit 54 can also continuously feed a newly set carrier tape 46 in the feed direction. Furthermore, the drive unit 54 can also continuously feed a partially used carrier tape 46 in the reverse direction, and can play a part in the removal operation.

[0049] The feeder 50 includes a feeder control device 56. The feeder control device 56 controls the operation of the drive device 54. When the feeder 50 is set in the component supply device 32 of the component mounting machine 30, the feeder 50 receives power from the component mounting machine 30 via a connector 515. This enables the feeder control device 56 to communicate with the component mounting machine 30. With this configuration, the feeder 50 can detect that it has been set in the component supply device 32 or the main buffer device 34 of the component mounting machine 30.

[0050] In addition, various control information is pre-stored in the feeder control device 56. The control information includes the identification code (ID) of the feeder 50, programs and correction values ​​used to control the drive device 54, and device information D1 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) relating to devices to which the feeder 50 can be set. Details of operation management using the device information D1 will be described later.

[0051] 6. Operation Management Device 60 for Feeder 50 When feeder 50 is used to produce product boards in production system 10 as described above, it is removed from management warehouse 12 and loaded with carrier tape 46 in work area 13. After being pre-set up in this manner, feeder 50 is carried into line buffer device 22 of a predetermined production line Ln by work robot 70 or worker 85, and is moved by loader 23 at a predetermined timing to component supply device 32 of component mounting machine 30 or main buffer device 34.

[0052] In this way, the feeders 50 pass through the management warehouse 12 while being set in various devices Vc on their way from the component mounting machine 30 to the component mounting machine 30. When the feeders 50 are used for production processing by the component mounting machine 30, they are transported from the component mounting machine 30 to the management warehouse 12 and stored there in roughly the reverse order of the above steps. The host computer 11, which serves as a management device for the production system 10, is able to communicate with the feeders 50 when the feeders 50 are set in the component mounting machine 30 or the line buffer device 22 serving as a waiting area, for example, in order to grasp the current position of each feeder 50.

[0053] However, if the feeder 50 is kept powered on so that it can communicate, it will consume power even when it is in standby mode. The greater the number of feeders 50 used in production in the production system 10, the greater the impact on production costs. Therefore, this embodiment employs a feeder 50 operation management device 60 and operation management method that can reduce the power consumed by the feeders 50 in the production system 10, thereby reducing production costs. Note that this embodiment illustrates an example in which the operation management device 60 is incorporated into a feeder control device 56, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 5, the operation management device 60 includes an acquisition unit 61 and a mode setting unit 62. The operation management device 60 executes an operation management method for the feeder 50 in the operation management process shown in Fig. 7. The acquisition unit 61 executes an acquisition step (S12). The mode setting unit 62 executes a mode setting step (S13).

[0055] 6-1. Acquisition Unit 61 The acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of device Vc to which the feeder 50 that supplies components is set. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 61 is incorporated into the feeder control device 56, and therefore acquires the type of device Vc identified by the feeder control device 56. Specifically, when the feeder 50 is set to any of the devices Vc, the feeder control device 56 executes a startup process (S11).

[0056] The startup process includes starting communication with the device Vc, loading the control program, checking the operation of various sensors, and may also return the sprocket 541 of the drive unit 54 to its original position as needed. During the startup process, the feeder control unit 56 acquires the type of the identified device Vc by communicating with the device Vc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the feeder 50 is set in the component supply device 32 as the device Vc, the feeder control unit 56 sends its own identification code (ID) to the component supply device 32 and inputs the type of the device Vc from the component supply device 32.

[0057] Then, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of the current device Vc (S12). Similarly, in this embodiment, when the feeder 50 is set in the main buffer device 34 or the line buffer device 22, when power is supplied to the feeder 50 by the setting, communication between the feeder control device 56 and the device Vc starts, and the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of the device Vc.

[0058] For example, when a feeder 50 is set in the management warehouse 12, workbench 131, or work robot 70 (including indirect setting via magazine 41), if power is not supplied from these devices Vc to the feeder 50, there is no room for power saving in the feeder 50, and the process of acquiring the type of these devices Vc is omitted. However, if there are circumstances such as the work robot 70 or the transport cart (not shown) of the feeder 50 requiring the feeder 50 to feed the carrier tape 46, power may be supplied to the feeder 50. At this time, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of device Vc in which the feeder 50 is set.

[0059] 6-2. Mode Setting Unit 62 The mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode of the feeder 50 based on the acquired type of device Vc (S13). The "operation mode" includes a normal mode in which the feeder 50 can supply components, and a power-saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 6. Here, the "normal mode" refers to an operation mode in which the feeder 50 is on standby so that it can supply components in response to an operation command from a control device on the device Vc side, such as the control device of the component mounting machine 30, and power is supplied to the feeder control device 56 and the electric motor 542. In this normal mode, the electric motor 542 is ready for immediate operation and consumes standby power.

[0060] The "power saving mode" described above is an operating mode that reduces power consumption by stopping at least some of the functions of the feeder 50. In this embodiment, the power saving mode maintains power supply to the feeder control device 56 and stops power supply to the electric drive device 54 used for the component supply operation, excluding the feeder control device 56. More specifically, the power saving mode cuts off power supply to the electric motor 542 that constitutes the drive device 54, thereby stopping the feed movement function. This eliminates standby power consumption in the electric motor 542.

[0061] 6, the power saving mode may include a standby state in which power supply to feeder control device 56 is maintained as described above, and a pause state in which power supply to feeder control device 56 is cut off. In the pause power saving mode, power supply to feeder control device 56 is stopped, and power supply to electric drive devices 54 used for component supply operations other than feeder control device 56 is stopped.

[0062] In the pause state, for example, a power lamp (not shown) of the feeder 50 lights up. The pause state may be canceled by a predetermined action such as a button operation to switch to a standby state, removal from the device Vc, or re-supply of power. The power saving mode may be a standby state in which power is always supplied to the feeder control device 56 while the feeder 50 is set in the device Vc and power is being supplied.

[0063] The mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode based on the type of device Vc acquired by the acquisition unit 61. In this embodiment, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode based on the device information D1 stored in the feeder control device 56 and the type of device Vc. Here, the "device information D1" is information indicating the type of device Vc that can be set to the power saving mode, as shown in FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the device information D1 indicates that the device Vc can be set to the power saving mode when the type of device Vc to which the feeder 50 is set is the line buffer device 22 or the main buffer device 34.

[0064] The device information D1 is adjusted as appropriate depending on the production environment of the production system 10, and even if the type of device Vc is the same, whether the feeder 50 can be set to the power saving mode may be determined depending on whether the feeder 50 has been used before or after production. In this way, the device information D1 is adjusted depending on whether priority is given to power saving for the entire production system 10 or to maintaining productivity.

[0065] In a mode setting step (S13), if the type of the device Vc acquired in the acquisition step (S12) is included in the device information D1, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode of the feeder 50 to the power saving mode. Also, if the type of the device Vc acquired by the acquisition unit 61 is the component supply device 32, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode of the feeder 50 to the normal mode.

[0066] 6, for example, when the feeder 50 is set in the automatic loading device 132 as the device Vc and the loading operation requires the feeding of the carrier tape 46, the mode setting unit 62 may set the operation mode to the normal mode. On the other hand, when the feeding of the carrier tape 46 is performed by an external operating force in the automatic loading device 132 or the work table 131 and the operation of the electric motor 542 is not required, the mode setting unit 62 may set the operation mode to the power saving mode.

[0067] 6-3. Operation of Feeder 50 When the operation mode is set in the mode setting step (S13), if the operation mode is the normal mode (S14: Yes), the feeder control device 56 executes standby processing (S15). This allows the feeder 50 to maintain power supply to the feeder control device 56 and the drive device 54, to be able to communicate with the outside, and to be able to respond to operation commands from the outside (e.g., parts supply commands).

[0068] If the operating mode is not the normal mode (S14: No) but is set to the standby state of the power saving mode (S16: Yes), the feeder control device 56 keeps its own power on and cuts off the power supply to the drive device 54 (S17). As a result, the feeder 50 maintains the power supply to the feeder control device 56, is able to communicate with the outside, and the electric motor 542 does not consume standby power.

[0069] If the power saving mode is not in the standby state (S16: No), the feeder control device 56 determines that the power saving mode is in the sleep state, cuts off the power supply to the drive device 54, and executes its own termination process to turn off the power (S18). As a result, the feeder 50 only turns on the power lamp, for example, cuts off communication with the outside, and the electric motor 542 does not consume standby power. Note that in a mode in which the sleep state is not included in the power saving mode, the state determination regarding the power saving mode (S16) may be omitted, and the process of cutting off the power supply to the drive device 54 (S17) may be executed.

[0070] 7. Effects of the Configuration of the Embodiment According to the configuration of the operation management device 60 and the operation management method described above, the operation mode of the feeder 50 can be switched depending on the type of device Vc to which the feeder 50 is set, thereby reducing the power consumed by the feeder 50 in the production system 10. As a result, production costs can be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, in the configuration in which the acquisition unit 61 and the mode setting unit 62 are provided in the feeder control device 56 as in this embodiment, when a large number of feeders 50 used for production in the production system 10 are set in the device Vc, it is possible to set the operation mode of each of the feeders 50. This makes it possible to set the operation mode of each feeder 50 without communicating with a higher-level management device (host computer 11 or line management device 21) related to the operation management process.

[0072] 8. Modifications of the Embodiment 8-1. Operation Management According to the Type of Feeder 50 In this embodiment, the operation management device 60 suppresses unnecessary power consumption by stopping the power supply to the drive unit 54 in the feeder 50 according to the type of device Vc. Here, the feeder 50 described above feeds and moves the carrier tape 46 using the drive unit 54, and peels off one widthwise end of the cover tape 462 using a peeling mechanism provided in the tape guide 52. Then, the base tape 461 and the cover tape 462 that have passed the component supply position 511 are discharged below the feeder 50.

[0073] There are types of feeders 50 that differ from the above configuration. For example, unlike the semi-peeling type illustrated in the embodiment, which peels off only one widthwise end of the cover tape 462, there is a full-peeling type, which peels off the cover tape 462 from the base tape 461 over the entire widthwise area at the tape guide 52. In this full-peeling type feeder 50, the peeled cover tape 462 passes above the tape transport path 512 toward the upstream side and is either collected by a collection device provided inside the feeder 50 or discharged to the outside of the feeder 50.

[0074] Such a feeder 50 has an electric recovery motor that applies tension to the cover tape 462 and feeds and moves the cover tape 462 to the recovery device or to the outside of the feeder 50. Furthermore, in the recovery device, when a mode is adopted in which the cover tape 462 is wound around a predetermined recovery reel, the recovery motor is used to rotate the recovery reel. The recovery motor is controlled to operate in synchronization with the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54.

[0075] As described above, if the feeder 50 has an electric motor (e.g., a full-peel type recovery motor) different from the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54, the operation management device 60 may also manage the operation of these electric motors. That is, for example, when the operation mode of the feeder 50 is set to the power saving mode, the operation management device 60 controls the power supply to be cut off to the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54 that feeds and moves the carrier tape 46, and the recovery motor that feeds and moves the peeled cover tape 462. According to this embodiment, standby power consumption can be further reduced.

[0076] 8-2. Arrangement of the operation management device 60 In the embodiment, the acquisition unit 61 and mode setting unit 62 of the operation management device 60 are configured to be provided in the feeder control device 56. This allows each feeder 50 to set its own operation mode when it is set in the device Vc and powered. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 61 and mode setting unit 62 may be configured to be provided in a device external to the feeder 50.

[0077] Specifically, the operation management device 60 may be configured to be provided in a device Vc to which a feeder 50 can be set. Such a configuration makes it easy to obtain the type of device Vc and enables centralized management of the operation mode settings for the feeders 50 set in the device Vc. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A , an operation management device 60 is provided in each of the line buffer device 22, component supply device 32, and main buffer device 34, which are devices Vc.

[0078] According to this aspect, when a feeder 50 is set in each device Vc individually or together with other feeders 50 via the magazine 41, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode according to the type of device Vc in which it is installed. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the embodiment can be achieved.

[0079] Further, for example, the operation management device 60 may be provided in the host computer 11 or the line management device 21 that can communicate with the device Vc. With such a configuration, the operation management devices 60 can be consolidated without being distributed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B , an operation management device 60 is provided in each line management device 21 for each production line Ln.

[0080] According to this aspect, when a feeder 50 is individually set to a device Vc, the line management device 21 acquires the type of device Vc and the identification code (ID) of the feeder. Then, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of device Vc, and the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode according to the type of device Vc. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the embodiment.

[0081] In the embodiment, the mode setting unit 62 is configured to set the operation mode based on the device information D1. Alternatively, the mode setting unit 62 may set the operation mode based on, for example, a request from the device Vc, along with the type of the device Vc acquired by the acquisition unit 61.

[0082] For example, the device Vc may request an operation mode according to the set state of the feeder 50 (before use, after use, whether communication is required, etc.), or the timing of switching between the normal mode and the power saving mode, etc. In this way, the mode setting unit 62 may basically set the operation mode according to the type of the device Vc when there is no request, and when there is a request, may set the operation mode taking the request into consideration.

[0083] 10: Production system, 11: Host computer, 12: Management warehouse, 13: Work area, Ln: Production line, 21: Line management device, 22: Line buffer device, 23: Loader, 30: Component placement machine, 32: Component supply device, 34: Main buffer device, 41: Magazine, 45: Reel, 46: Carrier tape, 50: Feeder, 51: Feeder body, 52: Tape guide, 53: Reel holding unit, 54: Drive unit, 542: Electric motor, 56: Feeder control device, 60: Operation management device, 61: Acquisition unit, 62: Mode setting unit, 70: Work robot, 85: Worker, 91: Board, D1: Device information, Vc: Device

Claims

1. A feeder operation management device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set; and a mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the feeder based on the acquired device type, the operation mode including a normal mode in which the part supply operation can be performed, and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode.

2. The feeder operation management device of claim 1, wherein the device types include a component supplying device provided in a component mounting machine that mounts the components supplied by the feeders onto a board and to which a plurality of the feeders are set, and the mode setting unit sets the operation mode of the feeder to the normal mode when the device type acquired by the acquisition unit is the component supplying device.

3. The feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the types of devices include a main buffer device that is provided in a component mounting machine that mounts the components supplied by the feeder onto a board and is capable of accommodating a spare feeder, and a line buffer device that, together with the component mounting machine, forms a production line for product boards and is capable of accommodating a plurality of the feeders, and wherein the mode setting unit sets the operation mode of the feeder to the power saving mode when the type of device acquired by the acquisition unit is the main buffer device or the line buffer device.

4. A feeder operation management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power saving mode is an operating mode that reduces power consumption by stopping at least some of the functions of the feeder.

5. The feeder operation management device according to claim 4, wherein the feeder includes an electric motor constituting a drive device that feeds and moves a tape containing a plurality of the components during the component supply operation, and the power saving mode cuts off the power supply to the electric motor to stop the feeding and movement function.

6. A feeder operation management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit and the mode setting unit are provided in a feeder control device that controls the supply operation of the parts in the feeder.

7. The feeder operation management device of claim 6, wherein the feeder control device pre-stores device information indicating the type of the device that can be set to the power saving mode, and the mode setting unit sets the operation mode of the feeder to the power saving mode when the type of the device acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the device information.

8. A feeder operation management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit and the mode setting unit are provided in an external device of the feeder.

9. A feeder operation management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power saving mode maintains power supply to a feeder control device that controls the parts supply operation in the feeder, and stops power supply to electric drive devices used for the parts supply operation other than the feeder control device.

10. A feeder operation management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power saving mode stops power supply to a feeder control device that controls the parts supply operation in the feeder, and stops power supply to electric drive devices used for the parts supply operation other than the feeder control device.

11. A method for managing the operation of a feeder, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set; and a mode setting step of setting an operation mode of the feeder based on the acquired type of device, the operation mode including a normal mode in which the part supply operation can be performed, and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than that of the normal mode.