Feeder management system

Abstract

This feeder management system comprises: a feeder storage having a plurality of sets of a slot in which a feeder is housed and a lighting device disposed corresponding to the slot; and a management device for managing the position of the slot of the feeder housed in the feeder storage and lighting the lighting device disposed corresponding to the slot in which the feeder is housed. The management device lights the lighting device in a different mode in accordance with the state of the feeder housed in the slot.

Description

Feeder Management System

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder management system that includes a feeder storage cabinet having multiple sets of slots in which feeders are stored and lighting devices arranged corresponding to the slots, and a management device that manages the positions of the slots of the feeders stored in the feeder storage cabinet.

[0002] The following patent document describes a technique for indicating the state of a feeder.

[0003] JP 2022-119992 A JP 2001-251091 A

[0004] The present specification aims to provide an appropriate indication of the feeder status.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, this specification discloses a feeder management system comprising: a feeder storage cabinet having multiple sets of slots in which feeders are stored and lighting devices arranged corresponding to the slots; and a management device that manages the positions of the slots of the feeders stored in the feeder storage cabinet and turns on the lighting devices arranged corresponding to the slots in which the feeders are stored, wherein the management device turns on the lighting devices in different modes depending on the state of the feeders stored in the slots.

[0006] In the present disclosure, in a feeder storage cabinet having a plurality of sets of slots for storing feeders and lighting devices disposed corresponding to the slots, the lighting devices are lit in different modes depending on the status of the feeders stored in the slots, thereby making it possible to appropriately indicate the status of the feeders stored in the slots.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a substrate-related operating device; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tape feeder; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a storage rack; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control device; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a feeder storage cabinet; FIG. 6 is a front view showing a feeder storage cabinet; and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of a tape feeder, an explanation of the state of the tape feeder, and the lighting pattern of an LED.

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as modes for carrying out the present invention.

[0009] 1 shows a substrate-related performing apparatus 10. The substrate-related performing apparatus 10 includes a transport device 20, a mounting head 22, a mounting head moving device (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "moving device") 24, and a supply device 26.

[0010] The transfer device 20 includes two conveyor devices 30. The two conveyor devices 30 are arranged on a base 32 so as to be parallel to each other and extend in the X direction. Each of the two conveyor devices 30 transports a circuit board 37 supported by the respective conveyor device 30 in the X direction by an electromagnetic motor (see FIG. 4) 34. Each conveyor device 30 also has a board holding device (see FIG. 4) 38, which holds the circuit board 37 fixedly at a predetermined position.

[0011] The placement head 22 places electronic components on the circuit board 37. More specifically, the placement head 22 has a suction nozzle 50 provided on its bottom surface. The suction nozzle 50 is connected to a positive / negative pressure supply device (see FIG. 4) 52 via negative pressure air and positive pressure air passages. The suction nozzle 50 sucks and holds electronic components by using negative pressure, and releases the held electronic components by using positive pressure. The placement head 22 also has a nozzle lifting device (see FIG. 4) 54 that raises and lowers the suction nozzle 50. The nozzle lifting device 54 allows the placement head 22 to change the vertical position of the electronic component it is holding.

[0012] The moving device 24 is a device that moves the mounting head 22 to any position on the base 32. More specifically, the moving device 24 is composed of an X-direction slide mechanism 70 and a Y-direction slide mechanism 72. The Y-direction slide mechanism 72 is disposed on a beam 73 suspended above the base 32 and has a Y-direction slider 76 that slides in the Y direction. The Y-direction slider 76 is driven by an electromagnetic motor (see FIG. 4) 78 to move to any position in the Y direction. The X-direction slide mechanism 70 also has an X-direction slider 80 that is held by the Y-direction slider 76 so as to be slidable in the X direction. The X-direction slider 80 is driven by an electromagnetic motor (see FIG. 4) 82 to move to any position in the X direction. The mounting head 22 is attached to the X-direction slider 80. With this structure, the moving device 24 moves the mounting head 22 to any position on the base 32.

[0013] The supply device 26 is disposed at the front end of the base 32 and has a plurality of tape feeders 90. As shown in FIG. 2, the tape feeder 90 has a reel 92, a delivery device 94, and a peeling device 96, and supplies electronic components at the end of the top surface. More specifically, a tape component 98 is wound around the reel 92, and the tape component 98 is pulled out from the reel 92 onto a tape guide 100. The tape component 98 is a taped electronic component and has feed holes (not shown) formed at a predetermined pitch. A sprocket 102 of the delivery device 94 engages with the feed holes. The sprocket 102 is rotated by an electromagnetic motor 104. With this structure, the tape component 98 is delivered toward the supply position.

[0014] The peeling device 96 also includes a film peeling mechanism 106 and a gear mechanism 108. The film peeling mechanism 106 is a mechanism for peeling the top film 110 from the tape-formed component 98 and is disposed in front of an opening 112 formed at the end of the top surface of the tape feeder 90. The gear mechanism 108 is a mechanism for pulling the top film 110 peeled from the tape-formed component 98 into a film recovery section 114. With this structure, when the top film 110 is peeled from the tape-formed component 98, the electronic components housed in the tape-formed component 98 are exposed at the opening 112, and the exposed electronic components are sucked and held by the suction nozzles 50 of the mounting head 22. In other words, the opening 112 serves as the electronic component supply position of the tape feeder 90. A tape guide passage 116 is formed downward on the side of the opening 112 in the direction in which the tape-formed component 98 is fed out. The waste tape 118 from which the electronic components have been removed from the tape-formed component 98 is discharged through this tape guide passage 116. A connector 126 is provided on the end face of the tape feeder 90 in the direction in which the tape-formed component 98 is fed out.

[0015] The tape feeder 90 supplies components while being stored in a storage rack 140 shown in FIG. 3 . Specifically, the storage rack 140 is box-shaped with openings on the rear and upper surfaces. The interior height of the box-shaped storage rack 140 is slightly greater than the height of the tape feeder 90, and the interior depth of the storage rack 140 is slightly greater than the depth of the tape feeder 90. The interior width of the storage rack 140 is N times (e.g., 30 times) greater than the width of the tape feeder 90. N tape feeders 90 can be stored side by side inside a storage rack 140 of this shape. N slide grooves 143 are formed on the underside of the top plate 142 of the storage rack 140, extending in the front-to-rear direction. N connector connection portions 144 are formed on the inside of the rear surface of the storage rack 140, lined up in the width direction of the storage rack 140.

[0016] Therefore, by fitting the upper end of tape feeder 90 into slide groove 143 and connecting connector 126 of tape feeder 90 to connector connection portion 144, tape feeder 90 is stored in a positioned state in storage rack 140 and electrically connected. Furthermore, top plate 142 of storage rack 140 is open on the front side. Therefore, in tape feeder 90 stored in storage rack 140, opening 112 of tape feeder 90, i.e., the component supply position, is exposed from the opening in top plate 142 of storage rack 140. Furthermore, connector 148 is disposed on the outside of the front surface of storage rack 140, and multiple rails 149 are disposed on the underside of the bottom surface of storage rack 140 so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage rack 140 is detachably attached to a rack support table 150 fixed to the front end of the base 32 of the substrate-related operating machine 10. The rack support table 150 is composed of an upright surface 152 that stands perpendicular to the base 32 and a protruding surface 154 that protrudes from the lower end of the upright surface 152. A plurality of slide grooves 156 are formed in the protruding surface 154 so as to extend in the Y direction, and a connector connection portion 158 is provided on the upright surface 152. The rails 149 of the storage rack 140 are fitted into the slide grooves 156, and the connectors 148 of the storage rack 140 are connected to the connector connection portions 158. Thus, the storage rack 140 is positioned on the rack support table 150 and electrically connected. The dimension of the rack support table 150 in the X direction is slightly larger than twice the outer dimension of the storage rack 140 in the width direction. Therefore, two storage racks 140 are mounted side by side in the X direction on the rack holder 150 .

[0018] 4, the substrate-related performing apparatus 10 is equipped with a control device 160. The control device 160 is equipped with a controller 162 and a plurality of drive circuits 166. The plurality of drive circuits 166 are connected to the electromagnetic motors 34, 78, 82, 104, the substrate holding device 38, the positive / negative pressure supply device 52, and the nozzle lifting / lowering device 54. The controller 162 is mainly a computer and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and is connected to the plurality of drive circuits 166. As a result, the operation of the transfer device 20, the moving device 24, etc. is controlled by the controller 162.

[0019] With the above-described configuration, in the substrate-related operation performing machine 10, the circuit board 37 is transported by the conveyor device 30, and the mounting head 22 mounts electronic components on the circuit board 37. Specifically, the circuit board 37 is first carried into the substrate-related operation performing machine 10. Then, in response to a command from the controller 162, the circuit board 37 is transported to the operation position and fixedly held at that position. In addition, in the storage rack 140 mounted on the rack support table 150, the tape feeder 90 stored in the storage rack 140 feeds out the taped components 98 and supplies the electronic components at the supply position in response to a command from the controller 162. Then, in response to a command from the controller 162, the mounting head 22 moves to a position above the electronic component supply position and sucks and holds the electronic components with the suction nozzle 50. Next, in response to a command from the controller 162, the mounting head 22 moves to a position above the circuit board 37 and mounts the held electronic components onto the circuit board.

[0020] In this way, in the substrate-related performing operation machine 10, electronic components supplied from the tape feeder 90 are mounted on the circuit board 37. Then, when the operation of mounting the electronic components on the circuit board 37 in the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 is completed, the tape feeder 90 that is no longer needed is removed from the storage rack 140 and stored in the feeder management system (see FIGS. 5 and 6) 170. The feeder management system 170 is a system that stores and manages the stored tape feeders 90, and notifies the status of the stored tape feeders 90 according to the lighting patterns of the LEDs.

[0021] More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the feeder management system 170 includes a feeder storage cabinet 172 and a management device 174. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the feeder storage cabinet 172, and Figure 6 is a front view of the feeder storage cabinet 172. The feeder storage cabinet 172 is a shelf-shaped rack composed of an upper shelf and a lower shelf, and a plurality of slots 176 are formed in each of the upper shelf and the lower shelf so as to extend in the depth direction. The same number of slots 176, for example, 50 slots 176, are formed in each of the upper shelf and the lower shelf. The width of the slots 176 is set to be wide enough to accommodate the tape feeders 90.

[0022] Further, a connector connection section 178 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of slots 176, to which the connector 126 of the tape feeder 90 stored in that slot 176 is connected. As a result, when a tape feeder 90 is stored in a slot 176, the connector 126 of that tape feeder 90 is connected to the connector connection section 178, and the tape feeder 90 stored in the slot 176 is electrically connected to the feeder storage cabinet 172. Further, an LED 180 is provided above each of the plurality of slots 176, corresponding to each of the plurality of slots 176. A management device 174 is connected to the feeder storage cabinet 172, and the LED 180 is turned on in response to a command from the management device 174.

[0023] The management device 174 also stores information about the tape feeders 90 stored in the feeder storage 172 and the positions of the slots in which the tape feeders 90 are stored. More specifically, the management device 174 is connected to a terminal device 190, which stores identification information of the tape feeders (hereinafter referred to as "feeder ID") and the component types of the electronic components stored in the tape feeders in association with each other. The terminal device 190 is used when a reel 92 is loaded onto the tape feeder 90, and when the reel 92 is loaded onto the tape feeder 90, the feeder ID of the tape feeder 90 and the reel information of the reel 92 loaded onto the tape feeder 90 are input into the terminal device 190. The reel information is information that indicates the component type of the electronic component stored in the tape component 98 wound around the reel 92. Therefore, every time a reel 92 is attached to the tape feeder 90, the terminal device 190 stores the feeder ID and the component type of the electronic component in association with each other.

[0024] Furthermore, when the terminal device 190 associates and stores the feeder ID with the type of electronic component, it also associates and stores the number of electronic components. More specifically, when a reel 92 is loaded onto the tape feeder 90, the worker inputs the number of electronic components stored on the reel 92 into the terminal device 190. Therefore, when the terminal device 190 associates and stores the feeder ID with the type of electronic component, it also associates and stores the number of electronic components. In other words, the terminal device 190 associates and stores the feeder ID with the type of electronic component and the number of electronic components.

[0025] Furthermore, when the terminal device 190 associates and stores the feeder ID and the component type of the electronic component, if the electronic component is a dry component, it also associates and stores the expiration date of the electronic component. Specifically, dry components, also known as moisture-absorption-control components, are components that are susceptible to humidity, temperature changes, and the like. For this reason, dry components have a floor life set according to, for example, their moisture sensitivity level (MSL). The floor life is a standard established by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) to prevent damage caused by volume expansion due to moisture evaporation during reflow soldering, etc., due to the absorption of moisture from the air by the package sealing resin of semiconductors and the like. It also represents the expiration date of the dry component. Dry components are distributed in sealed containers, and the countdown of the expiration date begins once the container is opened. Therefore, when a worker opens the sealed container and removes the dry component, he or she enters the expiration date of the dry component into the terminal device 190. For this reason, when the terminal device 190 stores the feeder ID and the component type of the electronic component in association with each other, it also stores the validity period of the electronic component in association with each other. In other words, the terminal device 190 stores the feeder ID, the component type of the electronic component, and the validity period of the electronic component in association with each other. The terminal device 190 has a timer that measures the elapsed time since the validity period of the electronic component was stored. For this reason, the terminal device 190 stores the feeder ID, the component type of the electronic component, and the validity period (elapsed time) of the electronic component in association with each other. Incidentally, a new validity period is set by heating a dry component whose elapsed time has exceeded its validity period using a heating device such as an oven. In other words, the dry component whose elapsed time has exceeded its validity period can be reused by heating it using an oven or the like.

[0026] The terminal device 190 can also set a usage schedule for the tape feeder 90. That is, for example, when an operator sets in advance in the tape feeder 90 a reel 92 of an electronic component that is scheduled to be mounted by the substrate-related operation machine 10, the operator inputs information to the terminal device 190 that the tape feeder 90 is scheduled to be used. When information to the effect that the tape feeder 90 is scheduled to be used is input to the terminal device 190 in this manner, the terminal device 190 associates the feeder ID, the component type of the electronic component, and the information to the effect that the tape feeder 90 is scheduled to be used, and stores these.

[0027] Furthermore, the terminal device 190 can also set a schedule for placement work using the tape feeder 90. That is, for example, when an operator pre-loads the reels 92 of electronic components scheduled for placement work by the substrate-related processing apparatus 10 onto the tape feeder 90, the operator inputs the schedule for placement work using the tape feeder 90 into the terminal device 190. When the placement work schedule is input into the terminal device 190 in this manner, the terminal device 190 associates and stores the feeder ID, the component type of the electronic component, and information indicating that a schedule has been set. In the following description, components for which a schedule has been set are referred to as allocated components. Furthermore, the terminal information, such as the feeder ID, stored in the terminal device 190 is transmitted to the management device 174 and stored therein.

[0028] The management device 174 is also connected to a controller 162 of the substrate-related operation machine 10, and the controller 162 determines whether maintenance is required for the tape feeder 90 attached to the substrate-related operation machine 10. More specifically, the tape feeder 90 is attached to the substrate-related operation machine 10 by connecting the connector 148 of the storage rack 140 in which the tape feeder 90 is stored to the connector connection part 158 ​​of the substrate-related operation machine 10, and at this time, the tape feeder 90 outputs a feeder ID to the substrate-related operation machine 10. In this way, the controller 162 of the substrate-related operation machine 10 obtains the feeder ID of the tape feeder 90 attached to the substrate-related operation machine 10. The controller 162 also counts the number of times the tape feeder 90 has supplied components, component supply errors, etc., and calculates, for example, a supply error rate, which is the ratio of the number of component supply errors to the number of component supplies. When the supply error rate exceeds a set rate, the controller 162 recognizes the tape feeder 90 whose supply error rate exceeds the set rate as a tape feeder requiring maintenance. At this time, the controller 162 stores the feeder ID of the tape feeder recognized as requiring maintenance as the feeder ID of the maintenance target.

[0029] As described above, the controller 162 of the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 counts the number of times that the tape feeder 90 supplies components, and is therefore aware of the number of electronic components supplied by the tape feeder. Therefore, the controller 162 stores the number of electronic components supplied by the tape feeder in association with the feeder ID of that tape feeder 90. The performing operation machine information stored in the controller 162, such as the feeder ID of the maintenance target and the number of electronic components supplied by the tape feeder, is transmitted to the management device 174 and stored in the management device 174. In this way, the management device 174 receives terminal information from the terminal device 190 and performing operation machine information from the controller 162, and stores the terminal information and performing operation machine information.

[0030] Furthermore, when the mounting operation on the substrate-related operating machine 10 is completed, the storage rack 140 is removed from the substrate-related operating machine 10 and transported to the feeder management system 170. At this time, the storage rack 140 removed from the substrate-related operating machine 10 may be transported to the feeder management system 170 by an operator, or may be transported to the feeder management system 170 by an automatic guided vehicle or the like. The operator then removes the tape feeder 90 from the storage rack 140 and stores it in the feeder storage 172 of the feeder management system 170. At this time, the operator stores the tape feeder 90 removed from the storage rack 140 in any one of the multiple slots 176 of the storage rack 140. As a result, the connector 126 of the tape feeder 90 is connected to the connector connection part 178, and the tape feeder 90 stored in the slot 176 and the feeder storage 172 are electrically connected. At this time, the tape feeder 90 outputs the feeder ID to the management device 174 via the connector connection part 178. As described above, connector connection portion 178 corresponds to slot 176, and therefore management device 174 recognizes connector connection portion 178 that transmitted the feeder ID, and thereby also recognizes the slot (hereinafter referred to as "storage slot") in which tape feeder 90 corresponding to that feeder ID is stored. Therefore, management device 174 associates the feeder ID with the storage slot of tape feeder 90 corresponding to that feeder ID and stores them.

[0031] In this way, after storing the feeder ID and the storage slot in association with each other, the management device 174 searches whether the feeder ID is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. Specifically, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "AAA" and the storage slot "No. 1" in association with each other, and searches whether the feeder ID "AAA" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "AAA" of the maintenance target is stored as the work machine information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "AAA" of the maintenance target from the work machine information. Then, when the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "AAA" of the maintenance target, it outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 1" associated with the feeder ID "AAA." Note that this lighting command includes a command for a lighting pattern of "red: flashing." Therefore, in the feeder storage cabinet 172, the LED 170 corresponding to storage slot "No. 1" flashes red. In other words, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with feeder ID "AAA" is stored flashes red.

[0032] The instruction manual for the feeder management system 170 includes a table shown in FIG. 7. In this table, when the lighting pattern of the LED 170 is "red: flashing," the tape feeder is in a state where maintenance is required, and an explanation of the tape feeder's state is provided. The explanation of the tape feeder's state reads, "This feeder cannot be used for production. Please perform maintenance." This allows the worker to recognize that maintenance is required for the tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 1."

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "BBB" and the storage slot "No. 2" in association with each other, and searches whether the feeder ID "BBB" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "BBB" is stored as the terminal information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "BBB" from the terminal information. The feeder ID "BBB" searched for from the terminal information is stored in the management device 174 in association with, for example, the validity period (elapsed time) of the dry parts, and the management device 174 determines whether the elapsed time has exceeded the validity period. At this time, if the elapsed time has exceeded the validity period, the management device 174 outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 2" associated with the feeder ID "BBB." Note that this lighting command includes a command for a lighting pattern of "cyan: flashing." Therefore, in the feeder storage cabinet 172, the LED 170 corresponding to storage slot "No. 2" flashes cyan. In other words, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with feeder ID "BBB" is stored flashes cyan.

[0034] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "cyan: flashing," the tape feeder is storing a dry part (whose floor life has expired), and a description of the tape feeder's status is provided. The description of the tape feeder's status reads, "This is a dry part whose floor life has expired. After unmating, store it in the oven and bake it." This allows the operator to recognize that the tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 2" contains a dry part whose floor life has expired.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "CCC" and the storage slot "No. 3" in association with each other, and searches whether the feeder ID "CCC" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "CCC" is stored as the terminal information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "CCC" from the terminal information. The feeder ID "CCC" searched for from the terminal information is stored in the management device 174 in association with, for example, the validity period (elapsed time) of the dry parts, and the management device 174 determines whether the elapsed time has exceeded the validity period. At this time, if the elapsed time has not exceeded the validity period, the management device 174 outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 3" associated with the feeder ID "CCC." Note that this lighting command includes a command for a lighting pattern of "cyan: on." Therefore, in the feeder storage cabinet 172, the LED 170 corresponding to storage slot "No. 3" lights up in cyan. In other words, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with feeder ID "CCC" is stored lights up in cyan.

[0036] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "cyan: on," the tape feeder is storing dry components, and a description of the tape feeder's status is provided. The description of the tape feeder's status reads, "These are dry components whose floor life has not expired. Please store them in the dry box after undoing the combination." This allows the worker to recognize that the tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 3" stores dry components whose floor life has not expired.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "DDD" and the storage slot "No. 4" in association with each other, and searches whether the feeder ID "DDD" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "DDD" is stored as the terminal information and work machine information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "DDD" from the terminal information and work machine information. The feeder ID "DDD" searched for from the terminal information is stored in the management device 174 in association with, for example, the number of electronic components (X). Furthermore, the feeder ID "DDD" searched for from the work machine information is stored in the management device 174 in association with, for example, the number of electronic components (Y) supplied by the tape feeder. Therefore, the management device 174 subtracts the number of electronic components (Y) supplied by the tape feeder from the number of electronic components (X), and determines whether the subtracted value (X-Y) is 0. If the subtracted value (X-Y) is 0, the management device 174 outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 4" associated with the feeder ID "DDD." Note that this lighting command includes a lighting pattern command of "yellow: flashing." Therefore, in the feeder storage 172, the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 4" flashes yellow. In other words, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with the feeder ID "DDD" is stored flashes yellow.

[0038] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "yellow: flashing," the tape feeder is out of parts, and a description of the tape feeder's status is provided. The description of the tape feeder's status reads, "This feeder has an out-of-parts reel attached. It can be used for the next production run." This allows the worker to recognize that an out-of-parts reel is attached to tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 4."

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "EEE" and the storage slot "No. 5" in association with each other, and searches whether the feeder ID "EEE" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "EEE" is stored as terminal information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "EEE" from the terminal information. The feeder ID "EEE" searched for from the terminal information is stored in the management device 174 in association with, for example, information indicating that the tape feeder 90 is scheduled for use. Therefore, the management device 174 outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 5" associated with the feeder ID "EEE." Note that this lighting command includes a command for a lighting pattern of "green: flashing." Therefore, in the feeder storage 172, the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 5" flashes green. That is, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with the feeder ID "EEE" is stored flashes green.

[0040] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "green: flashing," the tape feeder is scheduled for use, and a description of the tape feeder's status is provided. The description of the tape feeder's status reads, "This feeder is prepared for the next production run. Do not use it for other production runs." This allows the worker to recognize that the tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 5" contains electronic components to be used in the next production run.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "FFF" and the storage slot "No. 6" in association with each other, and searches whether the feeder ID "FFF" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "FFF" is stored as the terminal information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "FFF" from the terminal information. The feeder ID "FFF" searched for from the terminal information is stored in the management device 174 in association with, for example, information indicating that a schedule has been set. Therefore, the management device 174 outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 6" associated with the feeder ID "FFF." Note that this lighting command includes a command for a lighting pattern of "green: on." Therefore, in the feeder storage 172, the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 6" lights up in green. That is, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with the feeder ID "FFF" is stored lights up in green.

[0042] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "green: on," the tape feeder is scheduled for use and contains allocated components, and a description of the tape feeder's status is provided. The description of the tape feeder's status reads, "Allocated component." This allows the worker to recognize that the tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 6" contains allocated components.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "GGG" and the storage slot "No. 7" in association with each other, and searches for whether the feeder ID "GGG" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, if the feeder ID "GGG" is stored as the terminal information, the management device 174 searches for the feeder ID "GGG" from the terminal information. The feeder ID "GGG" searched for from the terminal information is not associated with, for example, information indicating that the tape feeder 90 is scheduled to be used, nor is it associated with information indicating that a schedule has been set. Therefore, the management device 174 outputs a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 7" associated with the feeder ID "GGG." Note that this lighting command includes a command for a lighting pattern of "yellow: on." Therefore, in the feeder storage 172, the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 7" lights up in yellow. That is, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with the feeder ID "GGG" is stored lights up in yellow.

[0044] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "yellow: lit," the tape feeder is not scheduled for use, and an explanation of the tape feeder's status is provided. The explanation of the tape feeder's status reads, "This is a feeder not scheduled for use. It can be used for the next production run." This allows the worker to recognize that the tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 7" contains electronic components that will not be used in the next production run.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, the management device 174 stores the feeder ID "HHH" and the storage slot "No. 8" in association with each other, and searches for whether the feeder ID "HHH" is included in the terminal information and work machine information received from the terminal device 190 and the controller 162. At this time, for example, the feeder ID "HHH" may not be stored as terminal information. In such a case, the feeder ID and the component type may not be stored in association with each other in the terminal device 190, and a reel 92 may not be stored in the tape feeder 90. Therefore, the management device 174 does not output a lighting command to the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 7" associated with the feeder ID "HHH." Therefore, in the feeder storage 172, the LED 170 corresponding to the storage slot "No. 8" does not light up or blink. In other words, the LED 170 corresponding to the slot 176 in which the tape feeder 90 with the feeder ID "HHH" is stored does not light up or blink.

[0046] 7, when the lighting pattern of LED 170 is "off," the tape feeder is in a state where there are no components, and a description of the tape feeder's state is provided. The description of the tape feeder's state reads, "Feeder with no components. Can be used for the next production run." This allows the worker to recognize that no components are stored in tape feeder 90 stored in storage slot "No. 8."

[0047] In this way, in the feeder management system 170, the LEDs 170 light up in different ways depending on the state of the tape feeders 90 stored in the feeder storage 172. This enables the worker to take appropriate measures for the tape feeders 90 stored in the feeder storage 172 depending on the state of the tape feeders 90. Specifically, for example, when the LED 170 is flashing red, the tape feeder 90 is in a state where maintenance is required. Therefore, the worker can remove the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 and perform maintenance on the removed tape feeder 90. This makes it possible to quickly perform maintenance on the tape feeders 90 that require maintenance.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, when the LED 170 is flashing cyan, the tape feeder 90 is storing dry components (floor life expired). Therefore, the worker removes the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 and removes the reel from the removed tape feeder 90. The worker then stores the reel in an oven for baking, thereby enabling the dry components whose floor life has expired, i.e., dry components whose usage period has expired, to be reused. Furthermore, for example, when the LED 170 is lit cyan, the tape feeder 90 is storing dry components (floor life remaining). Therefore, the worker removes the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 and removes the reel from the removed tape feeder 90. The worker then stores the reel in a dry box, thereby enabling the usage period of the dry components to be extended.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, when the LED 170 is flashing yellow, the tape feeder 90 is out of components. Therefore, the worker removes the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 and removes the reel from the removed tape feeder 90. The worker then attaches a new reel to the tape feeder 90, making it possible to use the tape feeder 90 for the next production run. Furthermore, for example, when the LED 170 is lit yellow, the tape feeder 90 is not scheduled for use. Therefore, the worker removes the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170, and if the electronic components stored in the removed tape feeder 90 are usable for the next production run, the tape feeder 90 can be used for the next production run.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, when the LED 170 is flashing green, the tape feeder 90 is scheduled for use. This allows the worker to remove the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 when it is scheduled for use, and use the removed tape feeder 90 for the next production run. Also, for example, when the LED 170 is lit green, the tape feeder 90 is scheduled for use and contains allocated parts. This allows the worker to remove the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 at a timing according to the schedule, and use the removed tape feeder 90 for the next production run.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, if a tape feeder is stored in a slot 176 but the LED 170 corresponding to that slot 176 is off, the tape feeder 90 is in a state where no parts are present. Therefore, the worker can remove the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 and attach a new reel to the removed tape feeder 90, thereby making it possible to use that tape feeder 90 for the next production run. The worker can also remove the tape feeder 90 from the slot 176 corresponding to that LED 170 and store the removed tape feeder 90 in a storage facility or the like.

[0052] The substrate-related operating apparatus 10 is an example of a component mounting apparatus. The tape feeder 90 is an example of a feeder. The feeder management system 170 is an example of a feeder management system. The feeder storage 172 is an example of a feeder storage. The management device 174 is an example of a management device. The slot 176 is an example of a slot. The LED 180 is an example of a lighting device.

[0053] As described above, the present embodiment has the following advantages.

[0054] In the feeder management system 170, the LEDs 170 light up in different modes depending on the state of the tape feeders 90 stored in the feeder storage cabinet 172. This allows the worker to recognize the state of the tape feeders 90 stored in the feeder storage cabinet 172 and take appropriate action on the tape feeders 90 depending on the state of the tape feeders 90.

[0055] Furthermore, when the tape feeder 90 stored in the feeder storage 172 stores dry components, the LED 170 lights up or flashes cyan, allowing the operator to easily recognize the position of the tape feeder 90 that stores dry components in the storage.

[0056] When the tape feeder 90 stored in the feeder storage 172 contains dry components whose floor life has expired, the LED 170 flashes cyan. When the tape feeder 90 stored in the feeder storage 172 contains dry components whose floor life has not expired, the LED 170 lights up cyan. In other words, the LED 170 lights up in different ways depending on whether the dry components stored in the tape feeder 90 have expired or not. This allows the operator to easily recognize whether the dry components stored in the tape feeder have expired or not.

[0057] The feeder storage 172 stores tape feeders 90 that have been removed from the storage rack 140. That is, the feeder storage 172 stores tape feeders 90 that have been removed from the substrate-related performing apparatus 10. The feeder storage 172 also stores tape feeders 90 to which reels 92 are attached. That is, the feeder storage 172 stores tape feeders 90 that are to be attached to the substrate-related performing apparatus 10. In this way, by storing tape feeders 90 that have been removed from the substrate-related performing apparatus 10 and tape feeders 90 that are to be attached to the substrate-related performing apparatus 10 in the feeder storage 172, the tape feeders 90 can be managed appropriately.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Specifically, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the lighting mode of the LED 170 is varied by lighting or blinking the LED 170 in different colors, but the lighting mode of the LED 170 may be varied by varying the blinking interval of the LED 170. Furthermore, the lighting mode of the LED 170 may be varied by varying the lighting brightness of the LED 170.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the feeder storage 172 and the management device 174 are separate entities, but the feeder storage 172 and the management device 174 may be integrated. For example, the management device 174 may be built into the feeder storage 172. Furthermore, the management device 174 may be a server or the like that is accessible via the Internet.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a storage for tape feeders 90 is used as the feeder storage 172, but a storage for various feeders such as stick feeders and bulk feeders may also be used as the feeder storage.

[0061] 10: Substrate-related operation machine (component mounting machine) 90: Tape feeder (feeder) 170: Feeder management system 172: Feeder storage 174: Management device 176: Slot 180: LED (lighting device)

Claims

1. A feeder storage with a plurality of sets of slots for storing feeders and lighting devices arranged corresponding to the slots, and a management device that manages the positions of the slots of the feeders stored in the feeder storage and lights the lighting devices arranged corresponding to the slots where the feeders are stored. The management device lights the lighting devices in different modes according to the states of the feeders stored in the slots, which is a feeder management system.

2. The feeder management system according to claim 1, wherein the management device lights the lighting device in a mode corresponding to information indicating that a component with an expiration date is stored in the feeder.

3. The feeder management system according to claim 2, wherein the management device lights the lighting device in different modes depending on whether the expiration date of the component stored in the feeder has passed or not.

4. The feeder storage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which stores at least one of a feeder removed from a component mounter and a feeder to be mounted on the component mounter.

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