Bulk feeder

Abstract

This bulk feeder comprises a conveyance device that conveys components in a conveyance direction by supplying positive-pressure air to at least one of a component conveyance path and a supply region where the components are supplied so that the components can be collected and which is in communication with said conveyance path.

Description

Bulk Feeder

[0001] The present invention relates to a bulk feeder.

[0002] A bulk feeder is equipped in a component mounting machine that mounts components on a board and is used to supply bulk components to a supply area. As shown in Patent Document 1, the bulk feeder is set with a component case that stores a large number of components in bulk, and supplies the components to the component mounting machine so that they can be picked up by transporting the components ejected from the component case to a predetermined supply area.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 095219

[0004] The conveying device that executes the part supply operation of the bulk feeder employs, for example, a vibration device that applies a predetermined vibration to the component that supports the part. The conveying device of the bulk feeder is required to be able to handle parts with small dimensions and mass, and to be able to convey a variety of parts appropriately.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a bulk feeder that is equipped with a conveying device that employs a novel conveying method and that is particularly capable of handling parts with small dimensions and masses.

[0006] This specification discloses a bulk feeder that includes a conveying device that conveys parts in a conveying direction by supplying positive pressure air to at least one of a part conveying path and a supply area that is connected to the conveying path and supplies the parts so that they can be picked up.

[0007] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the bulk feeder according to claim 2 or 3" in claim 6 originally filed to "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 2 to 5," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 7 originally filed to "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6." This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 10 originally filed to "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 9," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 11 originally filed to "the bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 10."

[0008] This configuration allows for the component feeding operation to apply an external force to the component in the feeding direction using the supplied positive pressure air as the main or auxiliary force. This allows for the handling of components with smaller dimensions and masses compared to feeding methods that impart vibration to components. Furthermore, by switching to or cooperating with other feeding methods, it becomes possible to optimally feed a variety of components.

[0009] 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a bulk feeder. FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing the main parts of the bulk feeder. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a track member of a transport unit. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of each member constituting the track member viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an air supply circuit formed in the bulk feeder. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing positive pressure air when the track member and parts are transported in the forward direction. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the VIII-VIII cross section of FIG. 7. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing positive pressure air when the track member and parts are transported in the backward direction. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the X-X cross section of FIG. 9. FIG. 16 is a side view schematically showing the main parts of a bulk feeder in a modified embodiment.

[0010] 1. Overview of Bulk Feeder 10 As shown in Figure 1, bulk feeder 10 is equipped to component mounting machine 3 that mounts components onto boards, and is used to supply bulk components (components that are not packaged, and are loose and irregularly oriented). Component mounting machine 3 performs a mounting process to mount components onto boards as a predetermined substrate-related operation. Multiple substrate-related operation machines are installed, for example, in the direction in which the boards are transported, to form a production line.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the production system 1 is composed of the above-mentioned production line, a host computer 2, a parts warehouse (not shown), etc. The host computer 2 controls the entire production line. Each of the multiple substrate-related operation machines is connected to the host computer 2 so that they can communicate with each other. The production line includes multiple substrate-related operation machines, such as a solder printing machine, multiple component placement machines 3, a reflow oven, and an inspection machine.

[0012] In this embodiment, a factory for producing substrate products may be configured with multiple production lines. The configuration of each of the multiple production lines may be appropriately added or modified depending on, for example, the type of substrate products to be produced. Specifically, the multiple production lines may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related operating machines such as a buffer device for temporarily holding transported substrates, a substrate supply device, a substrate inverting device, various inspection devices, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0013] 2. Configuration of Bulk Feeder 10 As shown in Figure 1, the bulk feeder 10 is installed in the component mounting machine 3 and functions as part of the component supply device. The bulk feeder 10 supplies components stored in a bulk state 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 or collect used tape.

[0014] 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 width direction is vertical, the component mounting machine 3 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.

[0015] 2-1. Feeder Body 11 and Bracket 12 As shown in FIG. 2, 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. 2). 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 3. 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.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, 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 30 of the transport unit 20 attached to the upper surface. The track member 30 supported by the bracket 12 is fixed by a locking member (not shown).

[0017] 2-2. Transport Unit 20 As shown in FIG. 2, 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 25. The transport unit 20 is a unit for transporting components from an area (receiving section 211) that receives components discharged from the component case 25 to the supply area As.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 2-2-1. Case Holder 21 The case holder 21 supports the set component cases 25. The case holder 21 is fixed to the feeder body 11 so that it can vibrate and is detachable. A predetermined vibration is applied to the case holder 21 by a discharge vibration device. The discharge vibration device may, for example, be configured to use a solenoid that is energized by a power supply as a vibrator. The vibration device supplies pulsed power to the solenoid, thereby vibrating the case holder 21 and the component cases 25 so that they reciprocate in the horizontal direction.

[0020] The case holder 21 has a receiving portion 211 that receives components ejected from the component case 25. 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 flow path for components that extends upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0021] The component case 25 is an external device that stores multiple components 92 in bulk. The component case 25 is set in a detachable (replaceable) manner in the case holder 21 of the transport unit 20 of the bulk feeder 10. The component case 25 has an overall shape that is a flat box, similar to the feeder body 11. The component case 25 is set in the case holder 21 and is ready to discharge the components 92 from an outlet 251 formed in the bottom. When vibrations are applied to the case holder 21, the vibrations are transmitted to the component case 25, causing the components 92 to be discharged from the outlet 251.

[0022] 2-2-2. Track Unit 22 The track unit 22 includes a track member 30 that is detachably attached to the feeder body 11. In this embodiment, the track member 30 is attached to the feeder body 11 via the bracket 12. The track member 30 defines a transport path R along which multiple components are transported, and a supply area As that is connected to the transport path R and opens upward so that multiple components can be picked up. Here, the "supply area As" refers to an area where components are supplied in bulk and where the components can be picked up by the component mounting machine 3. The "transport path R" refers to a path along which components circulated on the track member 30 from the case holder 21 side are transported to the supply area As.

[0023] The track member 30 has an overall shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction of the feeder body 11 (the left-to-right direction in FIG. 2 ). The detailed configuration of the track member 30 will be described later. The track unit 22 has a shutter 222 provided on the front end side of the track member 30. The shutter 222 is provided on the track member 30 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 222 is connected to a shutter drive device (not shown). The opening and closing operation of the shutter 222 is controlled by the shutter drive device. By opening and closing the shutter 222, the bulk feeder 10 can prevent components from flying out and foreign objects from entering the supply area As.

[0024] 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 changes in the relative positions of the case holder 21 and the track unit 22, thereby absorbing vibrations that may occur in each of them. In this way, the connecting member 23 reduces or blocks vibrations transmitted between the case holder 21 and the track unit 22.

[0025] 2-3. Conveying Device 13 The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a conveying device 13 that conveys components discharged from the component cases 25 and retained in the receiving section 211 to the supply area As. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveying device 13 is equipped with a blowing device 14 that supplies positive pressure air to the conveying unit 20. When the conveying unit 20 is attached to the feeder body 11, the blowing device 14 supplies positive pressure air to the conveying unit 20, which then circulates multiple components from the case holder 21 to the track unit 22 via the connecting member 23. In this embodiment, the blowing device 14 supplies or cuts off the positive pressure air supplied from an external supply source 95 from below the case holder 21 based on commands from the feeder control device 17, which will be described later.

[0026] The conveying device 13 includes an air supply device 15. The conveying device 13 conveys components in the conveying direction by supplying positive pressure air to at least one of the conveying path R and the supply area As by the air supply device 15 via a predetermined air flow path formed in the track member 30. The detailed configuration of the air supply device 15 and the details of the air supply circuit Cs including the air flow path formed in the track member 30 will be described later.

[0027] 2-4. Feeder control device 17 The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a feeder control device 17. The feeder control device 17 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 3, the feeder control device 17 is supplied with power via the connector 111 and is able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 3.

[0028] The feeder control device 17 stores various data such as programs used to control the component supply process and transport parameters. The feeder control device 17 controls the operation of the blow-up device 14, the air supply device 15, etc. The above-mentioned "transport parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the air supply device 15 so that the positive pressure air 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.

[0029] 3. Detailed Configuration of the Track Member 30 In this embodiment, the track member 30 has a predetermined air flow path formed therein and constitutes part of the air supply circuit Cs (see FIG. 6). The track member 30 also includes an alignment mechanism for aligning bulk components. In this embodiment, the alignment mechanism is a plurality of cavities 44 arranged in a predetermined pattern (a staggered pattern in this embodiment) as shown in FIG. 3. Each of the plurality of cavities 44 has a rectangular shape slightly larger than the outer shape of the components supplied by the bulk feeder 10. The cavities 44 accommodate the components with their thicknesses aligned vertically.

[0030] A pair of side walls 223 protruding upward are formed on both edges of the track member 30 in the width direction (from the upper left to the lower right in FIG. 3 ). The pair of side walls 223, together with a leading end 224 and a trailing end 225 of the track member 30, surround the periphery of the transport path R and prevent parts being transported along the transport path R from leaking out. As shown in FIG. 3 , the transport path R and the supply area As are formed in an overall groove shape, and are formed by a track surface 226 that corresponds to the groove bottom and extends in the direction of part transport, and a pair of side surfaces 227 (the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls 223 and correspond to the groove side surfaces) provided on both sides of the track surface 226 in the width direction.

[0031] 4 and 5, the track member 30 is configured by stacking a track body 40, a base member 50, a bottom plate 60, an intermediate plate 70, and a top plate 80 in the vertical direction and fastening them from above and below with a plurality of bolts 39. In addition, a total of six hose connectors 38 are provided at the bottom of the track member 30, and air hoses for circulating positive pressure air supplied from a supply source 95 are connected to these hose connectors 38.

[0032] The track body 40 is formed in a block shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. The track body 40 has, in the widthwise center, two first through holes 41, two second through holes 42, and a component passage 43 that penetrate in the thickness direction (up-down direction). A hose connector 38 is attached to the lower opening of each of the first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42. The component passage 43 is connected to the upper opening of the connecting member 23, allowing components to flow therethrough.

[0033] The track body 40 also has a plurality of cavities 44 and a plurality of bolt holes 45 formed therein. An upper surface 46 of the track body 40 forms the track surface 226. As shown in FIG. 5, the track body 40 has a recess 47 formed therein, recessed upward from the lower surface. This recess 47 is a portion that forms an air chamber 37 that stores positive pressure air in the floating air flow path 36, which will be described later. A top surface 471 of the recess 47 of the track body 40 is formed to have the same shape as the area formed by the transport path R and the supply area As, or to have a slightly larger outer periphery.

[0034] The track body 40 also has a large number of microtubes 48 in the region where the top surface 471 of the recess 47 is located. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , the microtubes 48 extend vertically from the top surface 46 to the top surface 471 of the recess 47, allowing positive pressure air to flow through them. The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the microtubes 48 is set to be extremely small compared to the dimensions of the parts to be transported. Upper openings 481 of the microtubes 48 open at the top surface 46, allowing the positive pressure air that has flowed through the microtubes 48 to be ejected upward. The microtubes 48 function as floating vents 35 formed in the track surface 226. Details of the floating operation of the parts will be described later.

[0035] The base member 50 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction. The base member 50 has two air supply holes 51 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. A hose connector 38 is attached to the lower opening of each of the two air supply holes 51. When fixed to the underside of the track body 40, the base member 50 closes the opening of the recess 47 of the track body 40, forming an air chamber 37 (37C). The base member 50 is also formed so that positive pressure air supplied via the hose connector 38 can be supplied to the air chamber 37 from the two air supply holes 51.

[0036] The base member 50 has a total of eight insertion holes 54 for the bolts 39. A mounting seat 55 for setting the connecting member 23 is provided at the rear end of the base member 50. The mounting seat 55 fits into the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting member 23. When the base member 50 is fixed to the track body 40, the connecting member 23 and the component passage 43 of the track body 40 are connected to each other.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the bottom plate 60, intermediate plate 70, and top plate 80 are formed in the shape of plates extending in the front-rear direction. The bottom plate 60 has two first through holes 61 and two second through holes 62 that penetrate in the thickness direction at the center in the width direction. The intermediate plate 70 has a through hole 71 that penetrates in the thickness direction at the center in the width direction. The bottom plate 60, intermediate plate 70, and top plate 80 also have outer peripheral holes 63, 73, and 83 that penetrate in the thickness direction at the center in the width direction and form the outer peripheries of the transport path R and the supply region As, and insertion holes 64, 74, and 84 for bolts 39.

[0038] 5, the intermediate plate 70 has branch grooves 75 that branch out from the widthwise center to the widthwise outer sides of the outer peripheral hole 73. The branch grooves 75 communicate with the rear first through holes 411 of the track body 40 via the rear first through holes 611 of the bottom plate 60. The branch grooves 75 branch out at a total of four pairs of left and right positions in the front-to-rear direction, extending diagonally toward the widthwise center and forward, and connect to the outer peripheral hole 73 at a total of eight side openings 751. The multiple side openings 751 constitute forward vents 31 (31A), which will be described later.

[0039] Furthermore, the intermediate plate 70 has a first recess 76 and a second recess 77 recessed upward from the underside at both ends of the outer peripheral hole 73 in the front-rear direction. The first recess 76 communicates with the front first through-hole 412 of the track body 40 via the front first through-hole 612 of the bottom plate 60. The first recess 76 is a portion that forms an air chamber 37 (37A) that stores positive pressure air in the forward airflow path 32 described below. The first recess 76 is a groove that is shallower than the main portion and extends toward the rear end of the outer peripheral hole 73, connecting to the outer peripheral hole 73 at a rear opening 761. The rear opening 761 constitutes the forward air vent 31 (31B).

[0040] The second recess 77 communicates with the front second through-hole 422 of the raceway body 40 via the front second through-hole 622 of the bottom plate 60. The second recess 77 is a portion that forms an air chamber 37 (37B) that stores positive pressure air in a reverse air flow path 34 (described later). The second recess 77 has a groove that is shallower than the main portion and extends toward the front end of the outer peripheral hole 73, and is connected to the outer peripheral hole 73 at a front opening 771. The front opening 771 constitutes a reverse vent hole 33 (33A) (described later).

[0041] The top plate 80 has branch grooves 85 that branch out from the widthwise center to the widthwise outside of the outer peripheral hole 83. The branch grooves 85 communicate with the rear second through hole 421 of the track body 40 via the through hole 71 of the intermediate plate 70 and the rear second through hole 621 of the bottom plate 60. The branch grooves 85 branch out at a total of four pairs of left and right positions in the front-to-rear direction, extending diagonally toward the widthwise center and rearward, and connect to the outer peripheral hole 83 at a total of eight side openings 851. The multiple side openings 851 constitute rearward vents 33 (33A), which will be described later.

[0042] 3-2. Air Flow Channels of the Track Member 30 When the base member 50 is attached to the track body 40 from below, and the bottom plate 60, intermediate plate 70, and top plate 80 are attached to the track body 40 from above in an overlapping state, multiple air flow channels are formed. Specifically, the track member 30 is formed with two forward air flow channels 32 that supply positive pressure air to two types of forward air vents 31. Of the two types of forward air vents 31, first forward air vents 31A are formed in a pair of side surfaces 227 and are supplied with positive pressure air from a first forward air flow channel 321. The first forward air flow channel 321 is formed by the rear first through-holes 411, 611 in the track body 40 and the bottom plate 60, and the branch groove 75 in the intermediate plate 70.

[0043] Of the two types of forward movement vents 31, the second forward movement vent 31B is formed in the wall surface located at the rear end of the transport path R, and is supplied with positive pressure air from a second forward movement air flow path 322. The second forward movement air flow path 322 is formed by the track body 40 and the front first through-holes 412, 612 of the bottom plate 60. The second forward movement air flow path 322 is also connected to the transport path R via a first air chamber 37A formed by the first recess 76 of the intermediate plate 70 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 60, and the second forward movement vent 31B formed by the rear opening 761.

[0044] Furthermore, the track member 30 is formed with two reverse air passages 34 that supply positive pressure air to the two types of reverse vents 33. Of the two types of reverse vents 33, first reverse vents 33A are formed in a pair of side surfaces 227 and are supplied with positive pressure air from a first reverse air passage 341. The first reverse air passage 341 is formed by the track body 40, the rear second through-holes 421, 621 in the bottom plate 60, the through-hole 71 in the intermediate plate 70, and the branch groove 85 in the top plate 80.

[0045] Of the two types of reverse vents 33, the second reverse vent 33B is formed in the wall surface located at the front end of the supply region As, and is supplied with positive pressure air from a second reverse air flow path 342. The second reverse air flow path 342 is formed by the front second through-holes 422, 622 of the track body 40 and the bottom plate 60. The second reverse air flow path 342 is also connected to the supply region As via a second air chamber 37B formed by the second recess 77 of the intermediate plate 70 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 60, and the second reverse vent 33B formed by the front opening 771.

[0046] Furthermore, the track member 30 is formed with floating vents 35 and floating air channels 36. The floating vents 35 are formed in the track surface 226 and are numerous microtubes 48 with openings 481 that open to the upper surface 46 of the track body 40. The floating air channels 36, which supply positive pressure air to the floating vents 35, are formed by air supply holes 51 in the base member 50. The floating air channels 36 are also connected to the transport path R and the supply area As via the floating vents 35 and a third air chamber 37C formed by the recess 47 of the track body 40 and the upper surface of the base member 50.

[0047] 4. Detailed Configuration of Air Supply Device 15, Air Supply Circuit Cs As shown in FIG. 6, the bulk feeder 10 is configured with an air supply circuit Cs due to the structure of the track member 30. The air supply device 15 of the conveying device 13 conveys parts forward or backward in the conveying direction by circulating positive pressure air through a predetermined air flow path of the air supply circuit Cs. The air supply device 15 forms a common air flow path with multiple air hoses 154 that connect the positive pressure air supply source 95 and multiple hose connectors 38. The air supply device 15 includes a first valve 151, a second valve 152, a third valve 153, and a detection sensor 155 that are arranged in the common air flow path.

[0048] The first valve 151 switches between a communication state and a cut-off state between the positive pressure air supply source 95 and the forward air flow path 32. When the air supply device 15 switches the first valve 151 to the communication state, positive pressure air flows through the two forward air flow paths 32 (321, 322), and as shown by the arrows in Figure 7, positive pressure air is supplied to the transport path R from the two types of forward air vents 31 (31A, 31B). This positive pressure air is sent forward due to the shape of the forward air vents 31.

[0049] The second valve 152 switches between a connected state and a blocked state between the positive pressure air supply source 95 and the reverse air flow path 34. When the air supply device 15 switches the second valve 152 to the connected state, positive pressure air flows through the two reverse air flow paths 34 (341, 342), and positive pressure air is supplied to the transport path R and the supply area As from the two types of reverse air vents 33 (33A, 33B), as shown by the arrows in Figure 9. This positive pressure air is sent rearward due to the shape of the reverse air vents 33.

[0050] The third valve 153 switches between a communication state and a cut-off state between the positive pressure air supply source 95 and the floating air flow path 36. When the air supply device 15 switches the third valve 153 to the communication state, positive pressure air flows through the floating air flow path 36, and as shown by the arrows in Figures 8 and 10, positive pressure air is supplied to the transport path R and the supply area As from the multiple floating air vents 35. This positive pressure air is sent upward due to the shape of the floating air vents 35.

[0051] The detection sensor 155 detects fluctuations in the flow state of positive pressure air in the common air flow path. The detection sensor 155 may be a pressure sensor capable of detecting air pressure as the flow state of air, or a flow rate sensor capable of detecting air flow rate as the flow state of air. The detection result by the detection sensor 155 is sent to the feeder control device 17. Based on the detection result by the detection sensor 155, the feeder control device 17 determines whether the positive pressure air supplied to the conveying device 13 is at an appropriate air pressure. The result of this determination is used to control the conveying device 13.

[0052] 5. Component Supply Process of Bulk Feeder 10 The component supply process by the bulk feeder 10 configured as described above will now be described. The feeder control device 17 executes a process of supplying components to the conveying path R formed on the track member 30, for example, based on an external supply command. In the supply process, the feeder control device 17 discharges components from the component case 25. The feeder control device 17 controls the operation of the discharge vibration device so that vibration is applied to the component case 25 via the case holder 21. When the component case 25 vibrates, the component is discharged from the discharge port 251. The discharged component falls onto the inclined portion of the case holder 21 located below the discharge port 251 and slides forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion. As a result, the component remains in the receiving portion 211 in front of the inclined portion.

[0053] In this state, the transport device 13 performs a blowing operation on the components. Specifically, the transport device 13 commands the blowing device 14 to supply positive pressure air. The positive pressure air supplied by the blowing device 14 blows up the retained 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 transport 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.

[0054] After the above-described process of replenishing components to the transport path R, the feeder control device 17 executes a component transport process based on an external supply command. In the component transport process, the transport device 13 performs an operation of moving the components on the transport path R forward and backward in the transport direction. As a result, some of the multiple components transported to the supply area As are accommodated in the cavities 44. When the shutters 222 are opened, the components accommodated in the multiple cavities 44 are supplied so that they can be picked by the component mounting machine 3. The opening and closing operation of the shutters 222 is executed based on an external command.

[0055] The above-described component transport process will now be described in detail. The transport device 13 first opens the first valve 151 and the third valve 153, and shuts off the second valve 152. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 , positive pressure air is supplied forward (to one side in the transport direction) from the forward air vent 31 to the transport path R. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , positive pressure air is supplied upward from the floating air vent 35. This causes the component 92 to float for at least a portion of the unit time. The floating state of the component 92 can vary depending on the shape and mass of the component 92 and the pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air.

[0056] The pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air are set so that the component 92 separates from the track surface 226 at least once within a certain period of time. The pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air are stabilized by storing the positive pressure air in the third air chamber 37C. This allows the component 92 to be kept floating intermittently or continuously within a unit time. The floating component 92 moves toward the supply area As due to the forward flow of positive pressure air. Some of the components 92 fall into the cavity 44 and are accommodated therein.

[0057] The conveying device 13 then opens the second valve 152 and the third valve 153, and closes the first valve 151. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, positive pressure air is supplied from the rearward vent 33 to the conveying path R and the supply area As in a rearward direction (the other side in the conveying direction). At this time, as shown in Fig. 10, the floating state of the components 92 is maintained. The components 92 that are not accommodated in the cavities 44 and are in a floating state are moved toward the rear of the conveying path R by the rearward positive pressure air. As a result, the components that are not accommodated in the cavities 44 are retracted into the conveying path R and removed from the supply area As.

[0058] While continuing the floating operation of the component 92 as described above, the conveying device 13 repeatedly moves the component 92 back and forth (moves the component 92 forward and backward) a specified number of times by switching between the connected state and the disconnected state of the first valve 151 and the second valve 152. The specified number of times is, for example, one time, and is set based on the type of component 92, the time allowed for the supply process, and the like. When the component transport process is completed, the conveying device 13 shuts off each of the first valve 151, the second valve 152, and the third valve 153.

[0059] In this way, the conveying device 13 is configured to convey the component 92 in the conveying direction by supplying positive pressure air to both the conveying path R and the supply area As. The conveying device 13 also alternately supplies positive pressure air from vents (first forward vent 31A, first backward vent 33A) formed on the side surface 227, a vent (second forward vent 31B) formed at the rear end of the conveying path R, and a vent (second backward vent 33B) formed at the front end of the supply area As. Furthermore, the conveying device 13 supplies positive pressure air upward from vents (floating vent 35) formed on the track surface 226, thereby levitating the component 92. This reduces frictional resistance between the component 92 and the track surface 226, making it easier for the component 92 to move in the conveying direction.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second forward air flow path 322, the second backward air flow path 342, and the floating air flow path 36 are provided so as to communicate with air chambers 37 (first air chamber 37A, second air chamber 37B, and third air chamber 37C) having larger cross-sectional areas in the direction of flow of positive pressure air than these air flow paths 332, 342, and 36. This makes it possible to stabilize the pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air supplied from the corresponding air vents 31, 33, and 35, thereby enabling the parts to be transported in an optimal manner.

[0061] 6. Modifications of the Embodiment 6-1. Conveying Device 13 In the embodiment, the conveying device 13 moves the parts 92 moved onto the conveying path R by the blowing device 14 forward or backward by positive pressure air supplied in a forward or backward direction by the air supply device 15. Alternatively, the conveying device 13 may further include a vibration device 16 that applies vibration to the track member 30 to convey the parts 92 on the conveying path R (see FIG. 11 ).

[0062] Specifically, the conveying vibration device 16 is provided on the feeder body 11. In this embodiment, the bracket 12 to which the track unit 22 is attached is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 11. The vibration device 16 applies vibration to the track member 30 via the bracket 12. The amplitude and frequency of the vibration applied to the track member 30 vary depending on the power supplied by the vibration device 16 to the vibrator (e.g., a piezoelectric element).

[0063] When the conveying vibration device 16 applies vibration to the track member 30, the track member 30 moves in an elliptical motion when viewed from the side. As a result, the multiple parts 92 on the conveying path R are subjected to a forward and upward external force or a backward and upward external force depending on the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 30. As a result, the multiple parts 92 are conveyed to the front or rear of the track member 30.

[0064] In the part transport process, the transport device 13 may switch between or combine (cooperation of positive pressure air and vibration) part transport using positive pressure air as exemplified in the embodiment and part transport using vibration by the transport vibration generator 16. For example, the transport device 13 may transport the part 92 in the forward direction of the transport path R by one of operating the vibration generator 16 and supplying positive pressure air, and transport the part 92 in the backward direction of the transport path R by the other of operating the vibration generator 16 and supplying positive pressure air.

[0065] Furthermore, the conveying device 13 may switch between conveying the component 92 by operating the vibration device 16, conveying the component 92 by supplying positive pressure air, and conveying the component 92 by operating the vibration device 16 and supplying positive pressure air in combination, depending on the type of the component 92 to be conveyed. Specifically, if the dimension or mass of the target component is smaller than a predetermined value, the component may be conveyed using positive pressure air, and if the dimension or mass of the target component is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the component may be conveyed using vibration, or the component may be conveyed using positive pressure air and vibration.

[0066] 6-2. Regarding each air flow path and air supply device 15 In the embodiment, the three air flow paths 32, 34, and 36 are configured to receive positive pressure air from the supply source 95 via a common air flow path. However, the pressure of the positive pressure air supplied to the three air flow paths 32, 34, and 36 may be adjusted. Specifically, for example, a pressure adjusting device is provided between each of the valves 151-153 and the corresponding air vents 31, 33, and 35, and the pressure of the positive pressure air for moving the component 92 forward, backward, or levitating is adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0067] The pressure adjusting device may adjust the positive pressure air to a preset value, or may adjust the positive pressure air to a value specified by an external command, thereby enabling component transport processing to be performed according to the type of component 92 and the transport environment (including the production environment including the component mounting machine 3 and the current status indicating the remaining number of components 92 on the transport path R).

[0068] 6-3. Regarding Components 92 In the embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 supplies components 92 to be mounted on a board by the component mounting machine 3. In contrast, the components 92 are used in a substrate-related operation machine that performs a predetermined operation on a board, such as the component mounting machine 3, and various items can be applied as long as they can be supplied to the supply area As of the bulk feeder 10. For example, the bulk feeder 10 may supply conductive ball components in addition to chip components such as resistors and capacitors formed in a chip shape.

[0069] Specifically, the bulk feeder 10 may supply solder balls formed in a spherical shape as an example of the components 92. The solder balls are used as a bonding material for bonding a plurality of electrodes formed in a grid pattern on an electronic component such as a BGA (Ball Grid Array) to lands on a substrate. Even in this configuration, the same effects as those of the embodiment can be achieved.

[0070] 1: Production system, 2: Host computer, 3: Component placement machine, 10: Bulk feeder, 11: Feeder body, 13: Conveyor device, 15: Air supply device, 151: First valve, 152: Second valve, 153: Third valve, 16: Vibration device, 17: Feeder control device, 20: Conveyor unit, 21: Case holder, 22: Track unit, 226: Track surface, 227: Side, 23: Connecting member, 25: Component case, 30: Track member, 31: Forward air vent, 32: Forward air flow path, 33: Reverse air vent, 34: Reverse air flow path, 35: Floatation air vent, 36: Floatation air flow path, 37: Air chamber, 40: Track body, 50: Base member, 60: Bottom plate, 70: Intermediate plate 80: Top plate, 92: Part, 95: Supply source, As: Supply area, R: Conveying path, Cs: Air supply circuit

Claims

1. A bulk feeder comprising a conveying device that conveys the parts in a conveying direction by supplying positive pressure air to at least one of a part conveying path and a supply area that is connected to the conveying path and supplies the parts so that they can be picked up.

2. A bulk feeder as described in claim 1, wherein the conveying path and the supply area are formed by a track surface extending in the direction of conveyance of the parts and a pair of side surfaces provided on both sides of the track surface in the width direction, and the conveying device supplies the positive pressure air through ventilation holes formed in the side surfaces.

3. A bulk feeder as described in claim 2, wherein the conveying device conveys the parts in the forward and backward directions of the conveying path by switching the supply of the positive pressure air toward one side and the other side of the conveying direction of the parts.

4. A bulk feeder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said conveying device supplies said positive pressure air through vent holes formed in said track surface.

5. A bulk feeder according to claim 4, wherein said conveying device supplies said positive pressure air upward from said track surface to keep said parts in a floating state for at least a portion of a unit time.

6. A bulk feeder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the conveying device comprises: an air flow path connecting the positive pressure air supply source and the air vent; and an air chamber provided in the air flow path and having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the air flow path in the direction of flow of the positive pressure air.

7. A bulk feeder as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a feeder body; and a track member that is vibratably mounted on the feeder body and that forms the conveying path and the supply area, wherein the conveying device further comprises a vibration device that conveys the parts on the conveying path by imparting vibrations to the track member.

8. A bulk feeder as described in claim 7, wherein the conveying device conveys the parts in the forward direction of the conveying path by one of the operation of the vibration device and the supply of positive pressure air, and conveys the parts in the backward direction of the conveying path by the other of the operation of the vibration device and the supply of positive pressure air.

9. A bulk feeder as described in claim 7, wherein the conveying device switches between conveying the parts by operating the vibration device, conveying the parts by supplying positive pressure air, and conveying the parts by operating the vibration device and supplying positive pressure air in combination, depending on the type of part to be conveyed.

10. A bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a plurality of cavities formed in the feeding area and capable of accommodating the parts conveyed to the feeding area.

11. A bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the components are solder balls formed in a spherical shape.

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