Feeder management device

Abstract

This feeder management device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires an operation state indicating whether a lock device is in a locked state or an unlocked state; and a management unit that manages, on the basis of the operation state of the lock device, collation information in which a case ID of a component case set in a bulk feeder is associated with a feeder ID of the bulk feeder.

Description

Feeder Management Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder management device.

[0002] The feeder management device manages bulk feeders. Bulk feeders are installed in component mounting machines that mount components on boards and are used to supply components. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the bulk feeder supplies bulk components in a supply area where the suction nozzles of the component mounting machine can pick up the components. When the type of components supplied by the bulk feeder is changed, in addition to replacing the component cases, maintenance such as removing any components remaining in the feeder is performed as appropriate.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 095219

[0004] During setup, a bulk feeder has a component case that can detachably fit into the feeder body to hold a large number of components. If the combination of the feeder body and the component case is changed after the bulk feeder is set up, there is a risk that the component placement machine will not properly perform the placement process.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a feeder management device that manages bulk feeders in which component cases are set and supports the execution of normal mounting processes.

[0006] This specification discloses a feeder management device that is applicable to the management of a bulk feeder that supplies a plurality of parts, the bulk feeder comprising a feeder body to which a parts case that stores the parts is removably set, and a locking device that locks the parts case to the feeder body, and that comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires an operating status indicating whether the locking device is in a locked state or an unlocked state; and a management unit that manages matching information that associates the feeder ID of the bulk feeder with the case ID of the parts case set in the bulk feeder based on the operating status of the locking device.

[0007] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 4 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management device according to claim 4" in claim 6 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to claim 4 or 5." This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 8 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 10 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9."

[0008] With this configuration, the bulk feeders equipped in the component mounting machine, including the component cases set in the bulk feeders, are managed based on the locked state, thereby supporting the execution of normal mounting processes.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a production system to which a feeder management device is applied. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a bulk feeder and a setup device. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing a part of a bulk feeder including a supply area. FIG. 7 is a plan view seen from direction IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a case setting device. FIG. 9 is a view showing a shutter opening and closing device in the case setting device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a production system. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing feeder management processing. FIG. 12 is a view showing a first aspect of collation information. FIG. 13 is a view showing a second aspect of collation information. FIG. 14 is a side view schematically showing a part of a bulk feeder in a modified aspect.

[0010] 1. Overview of the Feeder Management Device 70 The feeder management device 70 manages the feeders that supply components to the component mounting machine 2. In this embodiment, the feeder management device 70 is incorporated into the setup device 60 used for setting up the feeders, and manages bulk feeders 10, which are one type of feeder.

[0011] The component mounting machine 2 described above performs a mounting process of mounting components on a board as a predetermined substrate-related operation. As shown in Figure 1, the production line Ln is configured by installing a plurality of substrate-related operation machines in the board transport direction. Each of the plurality of substrate-related operation machines is communicably connected to a host computer 90 that controls the production line Ln as a whole. The production line Ln includes a plurality of substrate-related operation machines, namely a printer 1, a plurality of component mounting machines 2, a reflow furnace 3, and an inspection machine 4.

[0012] The printer 1 prints solder paste at component mounting positions on the boards that have been carried in. Each of the multiple component mounting machines 2 mounts a component on a board transported from the upstream side of the production line Ln. The configuration of the component mounting machine 2 will be described later. The reflow furnace 3 heats the boards transported from the upstream side of the production line Ln to melt the solder on the board and perform soldering. The inspection machine 4 inspects whether the appearance or function of the board products produced on the production line Ln are normal.

[0013] In this embodiment, a factory for producing substrate products may be configured with multiple production lines Ln (Ln1, Ln2, ...). The configuration of each of the multiple production lines Ln may be appropriately added to or modified depending on, for example, the type of substrate product to be produced. Specifically, the multiple production lines Ln may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related operating machines such as a buffer device that temporarily holds the substrates being transported, a substrate supply device, a substrate inverting device, various inspection devices, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0014] The production system Sy includes a setup device 60. The setup device 60 is used for tasks such as loading components into a feeder to be used in a planned placement process and removing components from a feeder that has been used in a placement process. As shown in FIG. 2 , the setup device 60 is detachably set with the bulk feeder 10 and is used to set up the bulk feeder 10. The setup device 60 is communicably connected to a host computer 90 and inputs and outputs various information related to the setup.

[0015] In this embodiment, the production system Sy also includes a case setting device 80. As shown in FIG. 5, the case setting device 80 is used to assemble component cases 40 into the transport units 20 that make up the bulk feeder 10. The case setting device 80 includes a unit support table 81 that supports the feeder or some of the units removed from the feeder. The case setting device 80 is communicably connected to a host computer 90, and inputs and outputs various information related to the assembly of the transport units 20 and the component cases 40.

[0016] 2. Configuration of Bulk Feeder 10 The bulk feeder 10 that is the object of management by the feeder management device 70 will be described. The bulk feeder 10 is installed in the component mounting machine 2 and functions as part of the component supply device. The bulk feeder 10 supplies components stored in a bulk state (in an irregular, loose state with each component in an irregular position) that is not aligned like a carrier tape. Therefore, unlike a tape feeder, the bulk feeder 10 does not use a carrier tape, which has the advantage of eliminating the need to load a carrier tape and collect used tape.

[0017] Some bulk feeders 10 supply components in irregular positions to a planar supply area, for example. However, if the components are so close together in the supply area that they touch each other, or if they are piled up (overlapping vertically), or if the components are positioned horizontally so that their widths are vertical, the component mounting machine 2 cannot pick these components. Therefore, to increase the percentage of components that can be picked, some bulk feeders 10 supply components in an aligned state in the supply area. In this embodiment, a bulk feeder 10 of the aligned type will be described as an example.

[0018] 2-1. Feeder Body 11, Bracket 12, and Support Base 13 As shown in FIG. 3, the bulk feeder 10 includes a feeder body 11. The feeder body 11 is formed in a flat box shape. A connector 111 and two pins 112 are provided at the front of the feeder body 11 (the right end in FIG. 3). When the feeder body 11 is set in a slot of the component supply device, it is supplied with power via the connector 111 and is capable of communicating with the control device of the component mounting machine 2. The two pins 112 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot and are used to position the feeder body 11 when it is set in the slot.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the bulk feeder 10 includes a bracket 12. The bracket 12 is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 11. The bracket 12 is formed in a block shape extending in the front-to-rear direction of the feeder body 11, and supports a track member 31 of the transport unit 20 attached to the upper surface. A predetermined vibration is applied to the bracket 12 by a transport vibration device 15. The track member 31 supported by the bracket 12 is fixed by a locking member (not shown).

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the bulk feeder 10 includes a support table 13. The support table 13 is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 11, and supports component cases 40 via case holders 21 of the transport unit 20. The support table 13 is formed in a block shape extending in the front-to-rear direction of the feeder body 11, and supports the case holders 21 attached to the top surface. A predetermined vibration is applied to the support table 13 by a discharge vibration device 14. In this embodiment, the case holders 21 supported by the support table 13 are fixed in place by holder locks 51 of a locking device 50, which will be described later.

[0021] 2-2. Transport Unit 20 As shown in FIG. 3, the bulk feeder 10 includes a transport unit 20. The transport unit 20 is detachably attached to the feeder body 11. In this embodiment, the transport unit 20 supports a set component case 40. The transport unit 20 is a unit for transporting components from an area (receiving section 211) that receives components discharged from the component case 40 to the supply area As.

[0022] After the bulk feeder 10 has been used for a predetermined mounting process, a type of maintenance is performed in which all components inside the feeder are removed in preparation for the next use. The transport unit 20 is configured as a unit so that the portion that functions as a component flow path can be removed from the feeder body 11 to improve workability, assuming such a removal process. In this embodiment, the transport unit 20 includes a case holder 21, a track unit 22, and a connecting member 23.

[0023] 2-2-1. Case Holder 21 The case holder 21 is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 11. The case holder 21 is attached to the feeder body 11 via the support base 13. This allows vibration to be applied to the case holder 21 by the discharge vibration device 14 via the support base 13. The case holder 21 supports the set component cases 40. The case holder 21 has a receiving portion 211 that receives components discharged from the component cases 40. In this embodiment, the portion of the case holder 21 that receives components has an inclined surface that is inclined forward with respect to the horizontal plane. The case holder 21 has a component flow path that extends upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0024] 2-2-2. Track unit 22 Track unit 22 includes track member 31 that is detachably attached to feeder body 11. Track member 31 is attached to feeder body 11 via bracket 12. As a result, track member 31 is vibrated by conveyance vibration device 15 via bracket 12. Track member 31 forms conveyance path R along which multiple parts are conveyed, and supply area As that communicates with conveyance path R and opens upward so that multiple parts can be picked up.

[0025] Here, the "supply area As" is an area where components are supplied in bulk and where components can be picked up by the component mounting machine 2. The "conveyance path R" is a path along which components circulated on the track member 31 from the case holder 21 side are transported to the supply area As.

[0026] The track member 31 is formed so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction (the left-to-right direction in FIG. 3 ) of the feeder body 11 as a whole. In this embodiment, an alignment member 32 is replaceably attached to the track member 31. The alignment member 32 is, for example, one or more plate-shaped members. In this manner, the track unit 22 is unitized by attaching one of a plurality of types of alignment members 32 selected from a plurality of types corresponding to the shapes of a plurality of types of parts to the common track member 31.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , the alignment member 32 defines a plurality of cavities 35 arranged in a predetermined pattern (a staggered pattern in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of cavities 35 is rectangular and slightly larger than the outer shape of the components supplied by the bulk feeder 10. Thus, the bulk feeder 10 includes a plurality of cavities 35 that accommodate components in a supply area As from which the components are supplied so that they can be picked up, with the cavities 35 oriented so that the thickness direction of the components is vertical. A pair of side walls 36 that protrude upward are formed on both edges of the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4 ) of the track unit 22. The pair of side walls 36, together with a tip 37 of the track unit 22, surround the periphery of the transport path R, preventing leakage of components transported along the transport path R.

[0028] The track unit 22 has a shutter 38 provided on the front end side of the track member 31. The shutter 38 is provided on the track member 31 so as to be able to open and close, and in the closed state, closes the opening of the supply area As. When the track unit 22 is attached to the feeder body 11, the shutter 38 is connected to a shutter drive device (not shown). The opening and closing operation of the shutter 38 is controlled by the shutter drive device. By opening and closing the shutter 38, the bulk feeder 10 can prevent components from flying out and foreign objects from entering the supply area As.

[0029] 2-2-3. Connecting Member 23 The connecting member 23 connects the case holder 21 and the track unit 22 so that multiple components can flow between them. The connecting member 23 is tubular, allowing multiple components to flow through it. The connecting member 23 is flexible and deforms in response to the vibrations of the case holder 21 and the track unit 22, thereby absorbing the respective vibrations. In this way, the connecting member 23 reduces or blocks vibrations transmitted between the case holder 21 and the track unit 22, which vibrate independently of each other.

[0030] 2-3. Discharge Vibration Device 14, Conveyance Vibration Device 15, Air Supply Device 16 The bulk feeder 10 includes a discharge vibration device 14 and a conveyance vibration device 15 provided on the feeder body 11. The discharge vibration device 14 applies vibration to the support base 13 to encourage the discharge of components from the set component cases 40. This applies vibration to the component cases 40 held in the case holders 21 via the case holders 21 attached to the support base 13. The discharge vibration device 14 may be configured, for example, using a solenoid that is energized by power supply.

[0031] The conveyance vibration device 15 applies vibration to the track unit 22 so that the multiple parts are conveyed along the conveyance path R. Specifically, the conveyance vibration device 15 applies vibration to the track member 31 of the track unit 22 via the bracket 12. The track member 31 to which the vibration is applied moves in an elliptical shape when viewed from the side. The conveyance vibration device 15 may be configured, for example, using a piezoelectric element that deforms when power is supplied.

[0032] As a result, a forward and upward external force or a backward and upward external force is applied to the multiple parts on the conveying path R depending on the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 31. As a result, the multiple parts are conveyed to the front or rear of the track member 31. By controlling the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations applied to the track member 31 and the rotation direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibrations, the bulk feeder 10 can vary the conveying speed, degree of dispersion of the parts, conveying direction, and the like of the conveyed parts.

[0033] The bulk feeder 10 includes an air supply device 16 that supplies positive pressure air to the transport unit 20. When the transport unit 20 is attached to the feeder body 11, the air supply device 16 supplies positive pressure air to the transport unit 20, and the air supply device 16 circulates a plurality of parts from the case holder 21 to the track unit 22 via the connecting member 23. In this embodiment, the air supply device 16 supplies or cuts off the positive pressure air supplied from the outside from below the case holder 21 based on a command from a feeder control device 19, which will be described later.

[0034] 2-4. Locking Device 50, Drive Device 17, and Detector 18 The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a locking device 50. The locking device 50 locks the component case 40 to the feeder body 11. In this embodiment, the locking device 50 includes a holder lock 51 that locks the case holder 21 to the support base 13, and a case lock 55 that locks the component case 40 to the case holder 21.

[0035] With the case holder 21 placed on the upper surface of the support base 13, the holder lock 51 moves the operating unit 52 in two stages along the locking groove 53 (in this embodiment, it moves upward and then forward), causing the locking claw (not shown) to engage with the engaging portion of the case holder 21. This results in a locked state in which the case holder 21 is locked to the support base 13. In the locked state, the case holder 21 is fixed integrally to the support base 13. The holder lock 51 can be unlocked by moving the operating unit 52 in two stages in the reverse order.

[0036] The operation unit 52 is automatically moved by a drive unit 17, which is an internal mechanism of the bulk feeder 10. The drive unit 17 electrically drives the locking device 50 based on an external command. In this embodiment, the drive unit 17 moves the operation unit 52 by, for example, a cam mechanism (not shown). The operation of the drive unit 17 is controlled by a feeder control device 19.

[0037] The case lock 55 operates when the component case 40 has been moved to a predetermined set position, guided by a rail (not shown) formed on the top surface of the case holder 21 and extending in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in FIG. 3 ). In the locked state, the case lock 55 restricts movement of the component case 40 in the removal direction. The case lock 55 is provided so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction (up-and-down direction in FIG. 3 ) relative to the case holder 21.

[0038] In the locked state, the case lock 55 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the case holder 21. The case lock 55 restricts movement of the component case 40 by engaging with a lock hole (not shown) formed in the underside of the component case 40. In the unlocked state, the case lock 55 is recessed inside the case holder 21, allowing the component case 40 to be removed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the case lock 55 is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state by a case setting device 80 that assists in the installation of the component case 40 on the transport unit 20. The transport unit 20 is set in the feeder main body 11 with the component case 40 pre-set in the case holder 21 of the transport unit 20 and integrated with the component case 40. In this way, the locking device 50 locks the case holder 21 that supports the component case 40, thereby locking the component case 40 to the feeder main body 11.

[0040] The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a detection device 18. The detection device 18 detects the operating state of the locking device 50. For example, the detection device 18 may be equipped with an optical sensor capable of detecting the position of the operating unit 52, and may detect the locked state when the operating unit 52 has been moved to a predetermined position, and may detect the unlocked state when the operating unit 52 is not in the predetermined position. The detection device 18 may also detect the position of a locking claw operated by the operating unit 52. Furthermore, the detection device 18 may detect the operating state of the locking device 50 based on whether the case lock 55 is operating (whether it protrudes upward from the top surface of the case holder 21).

[0041] 2-5. Feeder Control Device 19 The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a feeder control device 19. The feeder control device 19 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. When the bulk feeder 10 is set in a slot of the component mounting machine 2, the feeder control device 19 is supplied with power via the connector 111 and is able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 2.

[0042] Various data such as programs used to control the component supply process and transport parameters are stored in the feeder control device 19. The above-mentioned "transport parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the transport vibration device 15 so that the vibration applied to the track unit 22 is appropriate when components are transported in the component supply process, and are set in advance in association with each type of component, for example.

[0043] The feeder control device 19 controls the operation of the discharge vibration device 14, the conveyance vibration device 15, the air supply device 16, the drive device 17 for the lock device 50, the shutter drive device, etc. The feeder control device 19 controls the operation of the conveyance vibration device 15 based on, for example, preset conveyance parameters to execute the component supply process. As a result, a predetermined vibration is applied to the track unit 22, and the components on the conveyance path R are conveyed by receiving an external force so as to move in the conveyance direction.

[0044] 3. Component Case 40 The component case 40 is an external device that stores multiple components in bulk. The component case 40 is set in the case holder 21 of the transport unit 20 so that it can be detached (replaced). The component case 40 has a case body 41 that is formed in a flat box shape, similar to the feeder body 11. The component case 40 is set in the case holder 21 and is ready to discharge components from an outlet 42 formed in the bottom.

[0045] The component case 40 includes a case shutter 43 that opens and closes the opening of the discharge port 42. As shown in FIG. 6 , the case shutter 43 includes an operation plate 431 that extends along the bottom surface of the case body 41, a shutter plate 432 that extends along the front surface of the case body 41, and a bent portion 433 that connects the operation plate 431 and the shutter plate 432. The operation plate 431 has an operation hole 434 that penetrates in the vertical direction. The shutter plate 432 has an opening 435 that communicates with the discharge port 42 when the shutter plate 432 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the case body 41. The bent portion 433 is bendable to follow the curved shape of the corners of the case body 41.

[0046] With this configuration, when the operation plate 431 slides forward and backward (upper left and lower right in FIG. 6 ), the shutter plate 432 connected by the bent portion 433 slides up and down (up and down in FIG. 6 ). When the shutter plate 432 slides downward and the opening 435 communicates with the discharge port 42, the case shutter 43 opens, allowing components to be discharged to the outside. On the other hand, when the shutter plate 432 slides upward and the opening 435 is misaligned with the discharge port 42, the case shutter 43 closes, preventing components from being discharged to the outside.

[0047] The opening and closing operation of the case shutter 43 is performed, for example, by an operator inserting a dedicated jig into the operation hole 434 and sliding the operation plate 431 when the component case 40 is set in the transport unit 20. The opening and closing operation of the case shutter 43 is also performed automatically by a shutter opening and closing device 83 of the case setting device 80, as shown in FIG. 6, when the transport unit 20 with the component case 40 set in it is supported by the case setting device 80 (described later).

[0048] 4. Component Supply Processing by Bulk Feeder 10 The component supply processing by the bulk feeder 10 configured as described above will now be described. First, the feeder control device 19 performs an operation to discharge components from the component case 40 based on, for example, an external supply command. This discharge operation may be performed after a supply command is input, or may be performed after the previous supply processing has been performed, in preparation for the next supply processing.

[0049] The feeder control device 19 controls the operation of the discharge vibration device 14 so that vibrations are applied to the component cases 40 via the case holder 21 and the support base 13. When the component cases 40 vibrate, the components are discharged from the discharge port 42. The discharged components fall onto the inclined portion of the case holder 21 located below the discharge port and slide forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion. As a result, the components are retained in the receiving portion 211 in front of the inclined portion.

[0050] In this state, the feeder control device 19 commands the air supply device 16 to supply positive pressure air. The positive pressure air supplied by the air supply device 16 blows up the stagnant components and flows through the flow path formed in the case holder 21 together with the components. As a result, the positive pressure air and the components flow from the case holder 21 through the connecting member 23 to the track unit 22 and reach the conveying path R of the track unit 22. Here, the positive pressure air is exhausted to the outside from an exhaust port formed in the cover of the track unit 22.

[0051] Thereafter, when the conveying vibration device 15 applies vibration to the track member 31 via the bracket 12, the multiple components are conveyed toward the supply area As. Furthermore, vibrations that move the components forward or backward are applied to the track member 31 depending on the amount of components being supplied in the supply area As, etc. Some of the multiple components conveyed to the supply area As are accommodated in the cavities 35. Components that are not accommodated in the cavities 35 are retracted toward the conveying path R by the vibrations applied by the conveying vibration device 15, and are removed from the supply area As. Through this component supply process, the components accommodated in the multiple cavities 35 are ready to be picked up by the component mounting machine 2.

[0052] 5. Identification Information of Bulk Feeder 10 and Component Case 40 In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 and component case 40 are assigned a feeder code Cf and a case code Cs as identification codes indicating their respective identification information (unique feeder ID and case ID). In this embodiment, since the transport unit 20 is configured to be replaceable with respect to the feeder main body 11, the transport unit 20 is also assigned a unit code Cu indicating its identification information (unique unit ID).

[0053] In this embodiment, the codes Cf, Cu, and Cs are 2D codes. The codes Cf, Cu, and Cs may be bar codes or RFID codes. The feeder code Cf is attached to the side of the feeder body 11, as shown in FIG. 3 . The unit code Cu is attached to the side of the case holder 21 and the top surface of the shutter 38, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . The case code Cs is attached to the side and top surface of the case body 41. The feeder ID of the bulk feeder 10 is recorded in the feeder control device 19 and can be transmitted via communication with an external device.

[0054] 6. Setting Up the Bulk Feeder 10 6-1. Overview of Setup Work The setup device 60 and case setting device 80 are installed in an off-site setup area between a warehouse storing components (not shown) and the production line Ln in, for example, a production facility for product boards. In the off-site setup area, setup work for loading components so that various feeders can supply components can be performed automatically or manually by an operator. Between the off-site setup area and the warehouse, and between the off-site setup area and the production line Ln, feeders and components can be transported by automated guided vehicles or by operators.

[0055] Here, the setup device 60 and the case setting device 80 each assist in part of the task of setting component cases 40 in the feeder body 11 as part of the setup work for the bulk feeder 10. As described above, in the bulk feeder 10 of this embodiment, the setup device 60 shown in Figure 2 attaches the transport unit 20, which is integrated with the component cases 40, to the feeder body 11. The transport unit 20 is also previously integrated with the component cases 40 by the case setting device 80 shown in Figure 5.

[0056] The setup work described above includes associating the component cases 40 set in the bulk feeder 10 and recording this combination in the host computer 90, which serves as a higher-level device for the setup device 60. In addition, since the transport unit 20 of the bulk feeder 10 in this embodiment is detachable from the feeder body 11, the setup work also includes associating the transport unit 20 with the set-up bulk feeder 10 and recording this combination in the host computer 90.

[0057] The types of components that the transport units 20 are capable of supplying (compatible component types) vary depending on the type of alignment member 32 of the track unit 22, specifically the shape of the cavity 35. This is because, depending on the shape of the component and the shape of the cavity 35, the component may not be accommodated in the cavity 35, or even if accommodated, the component may not be properly aligned. In other words, the transport units 20 are, for example, classified by compatible component type, and selected according to the type of component to be supplied in the mounting process.

[0058] The component cases 40 are classified by the type of components they accommodate (the component type they accommodate) and are selected according to the type of components to be supplied during the mounting process. Note that the transport units 20 and the component cases 40 may also be classified by their respective functions or characteristics in addition to or instead of the component types they accommodate and the component types they accommodate.

[0059] 5, the case setting device 80 includes a unit support table 81. The unit support table 81 supports the transport unit 20 removed from the feeder body 11 of the bulk feeder 10. The unit support table 81 has a support structure similar to that of the feeder body 11, and supports the case holder 21 and track unit 22 of the transport unit 20.

[0060] In the setup operation using the case setting device 80, one of the different transport units 20 (20A, 20B, ...) corresponding to each type of component is selected and set in the case setting device 80. In addition, one of the different component cases 40 (40A, 40B, ...) corresponding to each type of component is set in the transport unit 20 supported by the unit support base 81.

[0061] 7, the case setting device 80 includes a code reader 82. The code reader 82 is an ID reader that reads the unit code Cu of the transport unit 20 and the case code Cs of the component case 40 to obtain identification information (unit ID, case ID). The code reader 82 may be, for example, a hand scanner, or may be configured to read the code when the transport unit 20 or the component case 40 is positioned in a predetermined position relative to the unit support base 81.

[0062] When the setup work is performed using the case setting device 80, the case ID is associated with the unit ID acquired by the code reader 82 and sent to the host computer 90. As shown in Figures 7 and 9A, the unit ID and the case ID are associated and recorded as collation information D1 in the storage unit 91 of the host computer 90. Note that the host computer 90 may determine whether the combination of the input unit ID and case ID is appropriate based on, for example, preset production information, and send the determination result to the case setting device 80.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the case setting device 80 includes a shutter opening / closing device 83. The shutter opening / closing device 83 includes an operating pin 831 and a pin driver 832. As shown in Figure 6, the operating pin 831 is disposed below the case shutter 43 of the component case 40 set in the transport unit 20. The operating pin 831 is configured to be movable up and down and slidable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0064] The pin driver 832 raises and lowers the operation pin 831 between a height at which the operation pin 831 is inserted into the operation hole 434 of the case shutter 43 and a height at which the operation pin 831 is separated from the operation hole 434 of the case shutter 43. The pin driver 832 also slides the operation pin 831 in the front-to-rear direction while the operation pin 831 is inserted into the operation hole 434. In this way, when the pin driver 832 of the shutter opening / closing device 83 drives the operation pin 831, the operation plate 431 of the case shutter 43 moves in the front-to-rear direction, and accordingly the shutter plate 432 moves in the up-and-down direction. As a result, the shutter opening / closing device 83 switches the case shutter 43 between an open state and a closed state.

[0065] When the case setting device 80 receives a determination result regarding the appropriateness of the combination of the unit ID and the case ID, the case setting device 80 may, based on the determination result, control the operation of the shutter opening / closing device 83. Specifically, when the case setting device 80 determines that the combination of the unit ID and the case ID is inappropriate, the case setting device 80 may restrict the shutter opening / closing device 83 from opening the case shutter 43, thereby preventing parts from being discharged to the transport unit 20.

[0066] Furthermore, if the case setting device 80 determines that the combination of the unit ID and the case ID is correct, it allows the shutter opening / closing device 83 to open the case shutter 43. This opens the case shutter 43 and ejects the component to the transport unit 20. When the transport unit 20 integrated with the component case 40 is removed from the case setting device 80, the case shutter 43 remains open and the case lock 55 remains locked.

[0067] 6-3. Setup Device 60 As shown in FIG. 2, the setup device 60 includes a main body support base 61. The main body support base 61 supports the feeder main body 11 of the bulk feeder 10. The main body support base 61 has a support structure similar to that of the slot of the component mounting machine 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the setup device 60 includes a code reader 62. The code reader 62 is an ID reader that reads the feeder code Cf of the feeder main body 11 and acquires identification information (feeder ID).

[0068] The code reader 62 may be, for example, a hand scanner, or may be configured to read the code when the feeder body 11 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the body support base 61. The code reader 62 is also used to read at least one of the unit code Cu of the transport unit 20 and the case code Cs of the component case 40.

[0069] In the setup device 60, the transport unit 20 with the component case 40 attached is set in a predetermined feeder body 11. This places the bulk feeder 10 in a loaded state so that it can supply components ejected from the component case 40. When the transport unit 20 is set in the feeder body 11, the feeder ID is associated with the unit ID and case ID, and is sent to the host computer 90.

[0070] 7 and 9A, information associated with each ID is recorded as collation information D1 in the storage unit 91 of the host computer 90. The feeder IDs may be acquired through communication between the setup device 60 and the feeder control device 19. The host computer 90 may determine the appropriateness of the combination of the input feeder IDs (FID001, FID002, ...), unit IDs (UID001, UID002, ...), and case IDs (CID001, CID002, ...) based on the production information, and send the result to the setup device 60.

[0071] The setup device 60 is also configured to supply power to the bulk feeder 10 of the feeder body 11 that it supports, and to be able to send external commands to the drive device 17. This allows the bulk feeder 10 to send external commands to the drive device 17 in response to an operator's operation of an operation unit (not shown) provided on the setup device 60 or an operation button provided on the feeder body 11. The bulk feeder 10 is capable of switching the operating state of the locking device 50 while set on the setup device 60.

[0072] 7. Feeder Management Device 70 7-1. Overview of the Feeder Management Device 70 In a bulk feeder 10 of the type described above in which the transport unit 20 is detachable from the feeder body 11, for example, if the transport unit 20 with a component case 40 attached is set in the feeder body 11 and then replaced offline with another transport unit 20, the components supplied by the bulk feeder 10 will change. Thus, if there is an error in the combination of the feeder body 11 and the component case 40, there is a concern that different types of components will be supplied and the placement process will not be performed correctly.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the feeder management device 70 incorporated in the setup device 60 is configured to manage the transport units 20 and component cases 40 set in the bulk feeders 10 equipped in the component mounting machine 2, and to support the execution of normal mounting processing. Specifically, the feeder management device 70 includes an acquisition unit 71 and a management unit 72, as shown in FIG. 7 .

[0074] The feeder management device 70 also executes the feeder management process shown in FIG. 8 . Below, each step in the feeder management process is described in association with a detailed description of each component of the feeder management device 70. The feeder management process is executed, for example, when the feeder body 11 of the bulk feeder 10 is supported by the setup device 60 and power is supplied to the bulk feeder 10, when one of the IDs is read, or when the operating state of the locking device 50 changes. In this embodiment, when power is supplied to the bulk feeder 10, the feeder control device 19 becomes capable of communicating with the setup device 60 and the host computer 90.

[0075] 7-2. Acquisition Unit 71 The acquisition unit 71 acquires the operation status indicating whether the lock device 50 is in a locked state or an unlocked state (S11). In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the operation status based on the detection result by the detection device 18. The detection device 18 detects the operation status of the holder lock 51 (for example, the position of the operation unit 52). The detection device 18 may also detect the operation status of the case lock 55.

[0076] However, as in this embodiment, when the integration of the transport unit 20 and the parts case 40 is performed by the case setting device 80, which is an external device of the setup device 60, and the locked state of the transport unit 20 and the parts case 40 is maintained even when removed from the case setting device 80, detection of the operating state of the case lock 55 by the detection device 18 can be omitted.

[0077] 7-3. Management Unit 72 The management unit 72 manages the collation information D1, which associates the feeder ID of the bulk feeder 10 with the case ID of the component case 40 set in the bulk feeder 10, based on the operating state of the locking device 50. Here, the association of the feeder ID and the case ID in the collation information D1 includes a state in which the feeder ID is associated with the unit ID of the transport unit 20 with which the case ID has been previously associated, as shown in FIG.

[0078] Specifically, the management unit 72 determines whether the operating state of the locking device 50 acquired by the acquisition unit 71 is locked or unlocked (S12). If the operating state of the locking device 50 is locked (S12: Yes), the management unit 72 allows the generation and editing of the matching information D1 (S13). Next, the management unit 72 determines whether the unit ID has been acquired (S14). Here, the cases in which the feeder body 11 is set in the setup device 60 include cases in which the transport unit 20 integrated with the parts case 40 is attached and cases in which the transport unit 20 is detached.

[0079] If the lock device 50 is in the locked state (S12: Yes) and the unit ID has been acquired (S14: Yes), the management unit 72 determines that the installation work of the transport unit 20 has been completed, and generates verification information D1 that associates the unit ID with the feeder ID (S15). Note that the feeder ID may be acquired by the setup device 60 communicating with the feeder control device 19, or may be acquired by reading with the code reader 62. Furthermore, if a case ID is acquired in addition to the unit ID, the management unit 72 edits the verification information D1 so that the case ID is associated with the feeder ID.

[0080] On the other hand, if the locking device 50 is in the locked state (S12: Yes) and the unit ID has not been acquired (S14: No), the management unit 72 assumes that the removal work of the transport unit 20 will be performed and deletes the existing matching information D1 corresponding to the feeder ID (S22). Specifically, the management unit 72 sends the feeder ID read by the code reader 62 or the feeder ID acquired through communication with the feeder control device 19 of the bulk feeder 10 to the host computer 90, and causes the host computer 90 to delete the existing matching information D1 corresponding to the feeder ID.

[0081] In this example, if it is determined that the transport unit 20 is being removed, the existing verification information D1 is deleted. This facilitates the generation of the verification information D1, thereby maintaining a more accurate state. However, the above-described deletion process (S22) may be omitted so that the existing verification information D1 is not deleted while the lock device 50 is maintained in the locked state.

[0082] If the operating state of the locking device 50 is the unlocked state (S12: No), the management unit 72 determines whether the locking device 50 has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state (S21). If the locking device 50 has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state (S21: Yes), the management unit 72 deletes the existing matching information D1 corresponding to the feeder ID (S22).

[0083] On the other hand, if the locking device 50 has not transitioned to the unlocked state (S21: No), the management unit 72 determines that only the feeder body 11 without the transport unit 20 set therein is set in the setup device 60, and omits the deletion process (S22). The transition of the operating state of the locking device 50 can be obtained, for example, by determining whether an external command has been sent to the drive device 17 by operating the setup device 60 or the bulk feeder 10.

[0084] 8. Effects of the Configuration of the Embodiment According to this feeder management process, when a feeder body 11 equipped with a transport unit 20 integrated with component cases 40 is set in the setup device 60, the existing matching information D1 corresponding to the feeder ID is deleted (S22) when the feeder ID is acquired or when the locking device 50 transitions to the unlocked state. This prevents the matching information D1 from being maintained when the locking device 50 is in the unlocked state. This prevents the combination of the feeder body 11, transport unit 20, and component cases 40 from becoming inconsistent with the matching information D1.

[0085] Furthermore, when the transport unit 20 with the parts case 40 integrated therein is attached to the feeder body 11, the locking device 50 is in the locked state, and the unit ID is acquired, verification information D1 is generated in which the unit ID is associated with the feeder ID. At this time, the code reader 62 may sequentially read each code Cf, Cu, and Cs, and the feeder management process may be executed. When the bulk feeder 10 is detached from the setup device 60 and is offline and unable to communicate with external devices (e.g., the setup device 60 or the host computer 90), the locking device 50 remains locked, and the validity of the verification information D1 stored in the host computer 90 is guaranteed.

[0086] The set-up bulk feeder 10 is transported from the off-site setup area to the production line Ln and set in a slot of the component mounting machine 2. The component mounting machine 2 communicates with the feeder control device 19 of the set bulk feeder 10 to acquire the feeder ID. Based on the feeder ID and the collation information D1 sent from the component mounting machine 2, the host computer 90 determines whether the bulk feeder 10 is applicable to the planned mounting process and whether the components loaded in this bulk feeder 10 are appropriate.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking device 50 can transition the operating state of the holder lock 51 when the feeder body 11 is set in the setup device 60, and can transition the operating state of the case lock 55 when the transport unit 20 is set in the case setting device 80. This configuration prevents the combination of the feeder body 11 and the component case 40 from being changed after the bulk feeder 10 is set up, ensuring the validity of the verification information D1. This improves the manageability of the bulk feeder and, as a result, supports the execution of normal loading processing.

[0088] 9. Modifications of the Embodiment In the embodiment, the setup of the bulk feeder 10 involves integrating the component cases 40 and the transport unit 20 using the case setting device 80, and then setting the transport unit 20 in the feeder body 11 using the setup device 60. However, the setup device 60 may have the same function as the shutter opening / closing device 83 and the function of operating the case lock 55, and may be capable of performing the tasks performed by the case setting device 80.

[0089] In this configuration, the setup device 60 can sequentially attach the transport unit 20 to the feeder body 11, set the component cases 40 in the transport unit 20, operate the case shutter 43, and operate the locking device 50 (holder lock 51 and case lock 55).The feeder management device 70 generates, edits, and deletes collation information D1 that associates each ID with the bulk feeder 10 set in the setup device 60, based on the operating status of the locking device 50.

[0090] In the embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 is configured such that the transport unit 20 integrated with the component case 40 is set in the feeder body 11, and the component case 40 is indirectly supported by the support table 13. In contrast, the bulk feeder 110 may be configured such that the component case 40 is directly supported by the support table 13, as shown in FIG.

[0091] The locking device 150 of this bulk feeder 110 locks the component cases 40 to the support base 13 that is vibratably mounted on the feeder body 11. The locking device 150 is operated by a driving device 17, and its operating state is detected by a detecting device 18. In this configuration, the matching information D1 does not include the association of unit IDs, and instead records the feeder IDs (FID001, FID002, ...) in association with the case IDs (CID001, CID002, ...) as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0092] In the embodiment, the feeder management device 70 is configured to be incorporated into the setup device 60. However, part or all of the feeder management device 70 may be incorporated into an external device of the setup device 60, as long as it can acquire the operating status of the locking devices 50, 150 and manage the verification information D1 based on the operating status. For example, the feeder management device 70 may be incorporated into the host computer 90, or may be a dedicated device installed on the production line Ln.

[0093] In the embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 supplies components to be mounted on a board by the component mounting machine 2. In contrast, the components are used in a board-related operation machine that performs a predetermined operation on a board, such as the component mounting machine 2, and various items can be applied as long as they can be supplied in a state where they are accommodated in the cavity 35 of the bulk feeder. For example, the bulk feeder 10 may supply solder balls formed in a spherical shape. Even in such an embodiment, the same effects as those of the embodiment can be achieved.

[0094] 2: Component placement machine, 10: Bulk feeder, 11: Feeder body, 12: Bracket, 13: Support stand, 14: Discharge vibration device, 15: Conveyance vibration device, 16: Air supply device, 17: Driving device, 18: Detection device, 19: Feeder control device, 20: Conveyance unit, 21: Case holder, 211: Receiving section, 22: Track unit, 23: Connecting member, 31: Track member, 40: Component case, 50, 150: Locking device, 60: Setup device, 62: Code reader (ID reader), 70: Feeder management device, 71: Acquisition section, 72: Management section, 80: Case setting device, 82: Code reader (ID reader), 90: Host computer (higher-level device), 91: Storage section, D1: Verification information

Claims

1. A feeder management device applied to the management of a bulk feeder that supplies a plurality of parts, the bulk feeder comprising: a feeder body to which a parts case that stores the parts is detachably set; and a locking device that locks the parts case to the feeder body; an acquisition unit that acquires an operating status that indicates whether the locking device is in a locked state or an unlocked state; and a management unit that manages, based on the operating status of the locking device, collation information that associates the feeder ID of the bulk feeder with the case ID of the parts case set in the bulk feeder.

2. The feeder management device according to claim 1, wherein the management unit allows the generation and editing of the collation information when the lock device is in a locked state.

3. The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management unit deletes the collation information when the locking device transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state.

4. A feeder management device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the parts case is removably set on the feeder body supported by a setup device used to set up the bulk feeder, and the setup device is equipped with an ID reader capable of reading the feeder ID of the feeder body it supports and the case ID of the parts case set on the feeder body.

5. A feeder management device as described in claim 4, wherein the management unit deletes the existing matching information corresponding to the feeder ID when the feeder body is supported on the setup device and the feeder ID is read by the ID reader or obtained by communication with the bulk feeder.

6. A feeder management device as described in claim 4, wherein the bulk feeder is provided with a drive device that electrically drives the locking device based on an external command, and the setup device is configured to supply power to the bulk feeder of the feeder body that it supports and to be able to send the external command to the drive device.

7. A feeder management device according to claim 6, wherein the management unit is incorporated in the setup device and manages the collation information stored in a host device of the setup device in accordance with the operation of the setup device.

8. A feeder management device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the bulk feeder has a case holder having a receiving section that supports the component case and receives the component discharged from the component case, and a track member formed with a supply area that supplies the component so that it can be picked up, and is equipped with a transport unit that transports the component from the receiving section to the supply area, the component case is set in the feeder body via the case holder, and the locking device locks the component case to the feeder body by locking the case holder that supports the component case.

9. A feeder management device as described in claim 8, wherein the feeder body is set with the transport unit integrated with the part case, with the part case pre-set in the case holder, and the association of the feeder ID and the case ID in the matching information includes a state in which the feeder ID is associated with the unit ID of the transport unit with which the case ID is pre-associated.

10. A feeder management device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the bulk feeder is provided with a detection device that detects the operating state of the locking device, and the acquisition unit acquires the operating state based on the result of detection by the detection device.

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