Feeder control device and feeder control method

Abstract

This feeder control device is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and that supplies components. The feeder control device comprises a setting unit that, for each combination of feeder body and track member, sets the opening degree for a shutter in conveying processing.

Description

Feeder control device and feeder control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder control device and a feeder control method.

[0002] The feeder control device is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components. 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 by conveying the components discharged from the component case to a predetermined supply area. A track member that forms the component conveying path and supply area is provided with a shutter that can close the supply area to prevent components from scattering or foreign matter from entering.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 095219

[0004] A bulk feeder may use a vibration device that applies a predetermined vibration to a track member during component supply. However, if the shutter affects the vibration characteristics during component transport due to the vibration, this may reduce component transport efficiency. Such bulk feeders require vibration device and shutter operation control that improves the component supply efficiency.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a feeder control device and a feeder control method that can prevent components from jumping out of a supply area and improve the efficiency of the component supply operation.

[0006] This specification discloses a feeder control device that is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder comprising: a track member that is detachably and vibrateably attached to the feeder body and that has a supply area that is connected to a component conveying path and opens upward; a shutter that is attached to the feeder body and can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the supply area; and a conveying control unit that executes a conveying process in which the track member is vibrated with the shutter at a predetermined opening degree to convey the components, and that also comprises a setting unit that sets the opening degree of the shutter in the conveying process for each combination of the feeder body and the track member.

[0007] This specification discloses a feeder control device that is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder performing a conveying process of conveying the components to a supply area by imparting vibration to a track member, opening a shutter provided in the supply area to supply the components so that they can be picked, and including a setting unit that sets the opening degree of the shutter in the conveying process based on the amplitude of the track member that has been imparted with vibration at a predetermined opening degree of the shutter.

[0008] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder control device described in claim 4" in claim 11, as originally filed, to "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 4-10," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-3" in claim 12, as originally filed, to "the feeder control device described in any one of claims 1-11."

[0009] With this configuration, the shutter opening degree during the transport process is set, preventing parts from flying out during the transport process and preventing foreign matter from entering the supply area. Furthermore, since the shutter is spaced apart from the track member at a predetermined opening degree, the shutter is prevented from affecting the vibration characteristics of the track member. Therefore, the shutter does not interfere with the appropriate operation control of the vibration device, improving the efficiency of the part supply operation.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a bulk feeder. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the main part of the bulk feeder, the transport unit removed from the feeder body, and the component case. FIG. 5 is a plan view seen from direction III in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the shutter in a closed state. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the shutter in an open state. FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view showing the shutter in an intermediate state. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a bulk feeder to which a feeder control device is applied. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a component supply process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a preparation process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a shutter opening setting process.

[0011] 1. Overview of the Feeder Control Device 60 The feeder control device 60 is applied to a bulk feeder 10 that is set in a component mounting machine 3 and supplies components. In this embodiment, the feeder control device 60 is incorporated into the bulk feeder 10 as shown in FIG. 1 and controls various operations performed by the bulk feeder 10. The component mounting machine 3 described above performs a mounting process for mounting components onto a board as a predetermined substrate-related operation. A plurality of substrate-related operation machines are installed, for example, in the direction in which the boards are transported to form a production line.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 7, 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 as to be able to 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 2. Configuration of Bulk Feeder 10 As shown in Figure 1, bulk feeder 10 is installed in component mounting machine 3 and functions as part of the component supply device. Bulk feeder 10 supplies components stored in a bulk state (irregularly positioned components) that is not aligned like a carrier tape. Therefore, unlike tape feeders, bulk feeder 10 does not use carrier tape, which has the advantage of eliminating the need to load carrier tape and collect used tape.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 2-1. Feeder Body 11, Bracket 12, and Support Base 13 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 powered 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.

[0017] 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 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 50. The track member 31 supported by the bracket 12 is fixed by a locking member (not shown).

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, 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 25 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 40. In this embodiment, the case holders 21 supported by the support table 13 are fixed in place by a locking member (not shown).

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 40 via the support base 13. The case holder 21 supports the set component cases 25. The case holder 21 has a receiving portion 211 that receives components discharged from the component cases 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 component flow path that extends upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0022] The component case 25 is an external device that stores multiple components 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 components from an outlet 251 formed in the bottom.

[0023] 2-2-2. Track unit 22 Track unit 22 includes a 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 50 via bracket 12. Track member 31 forms a conveyance path R along which a plurality of parts are conveyed, and a supply area As that communicates with conveyance path R and opens upward so that a plurality of parts can be picked up.

[0024] 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 3. 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.

[0025] The track member 31 is formed so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in FIG. 2 ) 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.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3 , 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 upwardly protruding side walls 36 are formed on both edges of the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3 ) 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.

[0027] 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 slider 72 of the shutter drive device 70. The opening and closing operation of the shutter 38 is controlled by the shutter drive device 70. 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 2-3. Air Supply Device 16 The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with 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 transport unit 20 circulates multiple 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 commands from the feeder control device 60, which will be described later.

[0030] 2, the bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a discharge vibration device 40. The discharge vibration device 40 is a vibration device that applies vibration to the case holder 21 that supports the component case 25, thereby discharging the component from the component case 25. In this embodiment, the discharge vibration device 40 applies vibration to the support base 13 to which the case holder 21 is integrally fixed, thereby applying vibration to the component case 25 via the case holder 21.

[0031] The ejection vibration device 40 has a vibrator that applies vibration to the case holder 21 in response to the supplied power. The ejection vibration device 40 may employ, for example, a configuration in which a solenoid 41 that is excited by power supply is used as the vibrator. The solenoid 41 is excited to generate a magnetic field only while power is being supplied from a power supply device 42. As a result, a vibrated part (not shown) provided on the support base 13 is attracted to the solenoid 41 and moves from its initial position.

[0032] Furthermore, when the power supply to the solenoid 41 by the power supply device 42 is cut off, the magnetic force disappears and the support base 13 moves back to its initial position. In this configuration, by supplying pulsed power to the solenoid 41 by the power supply device 42, the ejection vibration device 40 vibrates the support base 13, the case holder 21, and the component case 25 so that they move back and forth in the horizontal direction.

[0033] 2, the bulk feeder 10 includes a conveyance vibration device 50. The conveyance vibration device 50 is a vibration device that applies vibration to the track member 31 to convey parts on the conveyance path R. In this embodiment, the conveyance vibration device 50 applies vibration to the bracket 12 to which the track member 31 is integrally fixed, thereby applying vibration to the track member 31 that forms the conveyance path R.

[0034] Specifically, the conveying vibration device 50 has a plurality of support members 51, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 52, and a power supply device 53. The plurality of support members 51 directly or indirectly connect the feeder body 11 and the bracket 12 to support the bracket 12. In this embodiment, the plurality of support members 51 include forward support members 51A used for conveying components forward, and backward support members 51B used for conveying components rearward. The forward support members 51A and the backward support members 51B are inclined in different directions relative to the vertical direction.

[0035] The plurality of piezoelectric elements 52 are vibrators that vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the power supplied by the power supply device 53. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 52 are forward movement piezoelectric elements 52A (forward movement vibrators) affixed to the forward movement support member 51A, and backward movement piezoelectric elements 52B (reverse movement vibrators) affixed to the backward movement support member 51B. When at least some of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 52 vibrate, vibrations are imparted to the track member 31 via the bracket 12. Furthermore, the amplitude of the vibration of the track member 31 varies depending on the voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements 52.

[0036] The vibration sensor 55 is provided in the conveyance vibration device 50 and detects a vibration value indicating the vibration state of the vibrating track member 31. The vibration value indicating the vibration state may be amplitude, frequency, damping time, vibration locus (movement locus of a specific part due to vibration), etc. In this embodiment, the vibration sensor 55 detects the actual vibration amplitude of the track member 31 when the piezoelectric element 52 is supplied with power and vibrates.

[0037] Furthermore, a vibration sensor 55 is provided on each of the plurality of support members 51 that support the brackets 12 that vibrate integrally with the track member 31. More specifically, the plurality of vibration sensors 55 include a forward vibration sensor 55A provided on the forward support member 51A and a reverse vibration sensor 55B provided on the reverse support member 51B. The forward vibration sensor 55A detects the actual amplitude as a vibration value when the forward piezoelectric element 52A is powered and vibration is applied to the track member 31 via the bracket 12. The reverse vibration sensor 55B detects the actual amplitude as a vibration value when the reverse piezoelectric element 52B is powered and vibration is applied to the track member 31 via the bracket 12.

[0038] When the conveying vibration device 50 applies vibration to the track member 31, the track member 31 moves in an elliptical motion when viewed from the side. 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.

[0039] Power supply device 53 varies the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to piezoelectric element 52 based on commands from feeder control device 60, which will be described later. This adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the vibration imparted to track member 31 and determines the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of track member 31. If the frequency and amplitude of the vibration of track member 31 or the rotation direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibration fluctuates, the conveying speed, degree of dispersion of the parts, conveying direction, etc. of the conveyed parts will fluctuate.

[0040] Therefore, in order to improve conveying efficiency, the conveying vibration device 50 presets the power supply (drive voltage, drive frequency) corresponding to the vibration characteristics that vary among individual devices. For example, the bulk feeder 10 performs a calibration process to set the initial drive voltage and drive frequency in a state in which the track member 31 to be used in the planned supply operation is attached, i.e., in a state in which the track member 31 is locked to the bracket 12 by the locking device. The above-mentioned calibration process will be described in detail later.

[0041] 2-6. Shutter driving device 70 The shutter driving device 70 is a driving device that opens and closes the shutter 38 when the transport unit 20 is attached to the feeder body 11. The shutter driving device 70 switches the shutter 38 between a closed state and an open state based on a command from the feeder control device 60. The closed state of the shutter 38 is a state in which the shutter 38 contacts the track member 31 and the opening of the supply area As is completely closed, as shown in FIG.

[0042] 5, the open state of the shutter 38 refers to a state in which the opening of the supply area As is not blocked and the main area of ​​the supply area As (the area where the multiple cavities 35 are provided in this embodiment) is exposed. At this time, the component mounting machine 3 can perform component picking operations for any of the cavities 35. The shutter driver 70 controls the opening degree of the shutter 38 to place the shutter 38 in an intermediate state between the closed state and the open state. The shutter driver 70 may set the shutter 38 to an intermediate opening state in which the shutter 38 does not interfere with the vibrating track member 31 and is spaced apart from the track member 31 to a degree that prevents components from leaking through the gap between the track member 31 and the shutter 38.

[0043] Here, the shutter 38 has an overall U-shape that opens downward when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shutter 38 has an upper wall portion 381 and a pair of side wall portions 382. In the closed state, the upper wall portion 381 contacts the track member 31 to close the opening of the supply region As, and in the intermediate state, the upper wall portion 381 is separated from the track member 31.

[0044] The pair of side wall portions 382 are located on the left-right outer sides of the track member 31, extend downward from both end edges of the upper wall portion 381, and, together with the upper wall portion 381, prevent components from jumping out of the opening of the supply area As in the intermediate state. Each of the pair of side wall portions 382 is formed with an elongated hole 383 that is inclined with respect to the front-to-rear direction. A guide pin 311 that protrudes in the width direction from the side surface of the track member 31 passes through the elongated hole 383. This allows the shutter 38 to be supported by the track member 31 so as to move along the guide pin 311.

[0045] The shutter 38 is connected to the track member 31 by a spring 39. In this embodiment, the spring 39 is a coil tension spring. The spring 39 exerts an elastic force to constantly urge the shutter 38 rearward (toward the left in FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The shutter 38 is supported by the guide pin 311 via an elongated hole 383 that is inclined relative to the horizontal front-to-rear direction, and is therefore maintained in a closed state (located at the rear end of its movable range and urged downward by the track member 31) by the elastic force of the spring 39.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shutter drive device 70 has a rail 71 and a slider 72. The rail 71 extends in the front-rear and up-down directions of the feeder body 11. The rail 71 is formed in a straight line that slopes gently upward from the rear to the front. The extension direction of the rail 71 is parallel to the elongated hole 383 of the shutter 38 and corresponds to the opening and closing direction of the shutter 38.

[0047] The slider 72 is a movable member provided so as to be movable in the extension direction of the rail 71. The slider 72 is connected to the shutter 38 by a predetermined connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism may be a mechanism using a fixing member such as a bolt, or a mechanism that connects the shutter 38 and the slider 72 by magnetic attraction using a magnet provided on at least one of the shutter 38 and the slider 72. When the slider 72 moves in the front-rear direction along the rail 71, the shutter 38 moves in the front-rear direction integrally with the slider 72. At this time, the shutter 38 moves up and down in accordance with the amount of movement in the front-rear direction due to the inclination of the rail 71.

[0048] The shutter drive device 70 can employ various mechanisms for moving the slider 72. In this embodiment, the shutter drive device 70 has a pin 73, an arm 74, and a motor 75. The pin 73 extends in the left-right direction of the feeder body 11 (the front-rear direction in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and engages with the slider 72 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the pin 73 engages with the rear end of the slider 72. The arm 74 supports the pin 73 and is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction with respect to the feeder body 11. As a result, when the arm 74 rotates, the pin 73 moves on an arcuate trajectory centered on the rotation axis of the arm 74.

[0049] The motor 75 rotates the arm 74. The motor 75 is supplied with power by the feeder control device 60. The motor 75 is configured to be able to rotate the arm 74 by a predetermined angle around a horizontal axis in response to the power supply. Here, since the spring 39 exerts an elastic force in a direction to close the shutter 38, when the power supply to the motor 75 is cut off, the shutter 38 is urged rearward by the spring 39 and enters the closed state.

[0050] When the upper wall portion 381 of the shutter 38 comes into contact with the upper edge of the track member 31, the slider 72 stops at the rear end position (the lower end position, which is the initial position of the slider 72). When power is supplied to the motor 75, as shown in FIG. 5, the arm 74 rotates, and the slider 72 moves forward along the rail 71 against the biasing force of the spring 39. As a result, the shutter 38 supported by the slider 72 moves forward and opens. At this time, the shutter 38 moves upward by the amount of the inclination of the rail 71.

[0051] Furthermore, the shutter drive device 70 can move the shutter 38 to the intermediate state by supplying a predetermined amount of power to the motor 75, causing the arm 74 to rotate a certain angle from the initial angle. At this time, the shutter 38 moves slightly forward and upward by a lift amount Ls, as shown in FIG. 6. The lift amount Ls is set to be larger than the amplitude of vibration of the track member 31. This allows the shutter 38 in the intermediate state to maintain a state of non-interference with the vibrating track member 31. Note that FIG. 6 exaggerates the lift amount Ls of the movement of the shutter 38 when it transitions from the closed state to the intermediate state.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferable that the amount of lift Ls be set so that the gap between the track member 31 and the shutter 38 is smaller than the minimum dimension of the outer shape of the component (for example, the thickness of the component). This allows the shutter 38 to be spaced apart from the track member 31 in the intermediate state, while preventing the component from jumping out.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shutter drive device 70 includes a dock 77 and an open / close sensor 78. The dock 77 is a member that moves integrally with the slider 72. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the dock 77 is fastened to the slider 72 by a bolt on one of the left and right sides (the right side in this embodiment) of the feeder body 11. The open / close sensor 78 is a sensor that detects the position of the dock 77 when the shutter 38 transitions to the open state. In this embodiment, the open / close sensor 78 is set to detect the dock 77 when the shutter 38 transitions to the completely open state.

[0054] In addition to the above configuration, the open / close sensor 78 may detect the position of the dock 77 when the shutter 38 is in the intermediate state. In this case, the open / close sensor 78 may be provided at a plurality of positions on the feeder body 11 depending on the shape of the dock 77, and may separately detect the positions of the dock 77 corresponding to the intermediate state and the open state of the shutter 38. Also, one open / close sensor 78 may detect the positions of the dock 77 corresponding to both the intermediate state and the open state of the shutter 38.

[0055] 2-7. Vibration Suppression Device 80 In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a vibration suppression device 80. Even when the conveyance vibration excitation device 50 stops applying vibration to the track member 31 during the component conveyance process, vibration remains in the track member 31 for a predetermined damping period. The component mounting machine 3 can employ a control mode that waits until the residual vibration disappears (the vibration has damped to the point where it no longer has any effect) before executing the supply status recognition process or component picking operation. However, the wait time can be a factor in reducing production efficiency.

[0056] Therefore, the bulk feeder 10 employs a configuration in which a vibration suppression device 80 suppresses residual vibration of the track member 31 and quickly attenuates the vibration. In this embodiment, the vibration suppression device 80 has a lever 81 and a link mechanism 82, as shown in FIG. 2 . The lever 81 is provided so as to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the feeder body 11, and reciprocates between an initial retracted position and a contact position. When the lever 81 moves to the contact position, it comes into contact with and is pressed against the support member 51 (one of the retraction support members 51B in this embodiment) of the conveying vibration excitation device 50. This suppresses vibration of the bracket 12 and the track member 31, which vibrate integrally with the support member 51.

[0057] The link mechanism 82 is a mechanism that moves the lever 81 back and forth between the retracted position and the contact position in conjunction with the operation of the shutter drive device 70. In this embodiment, the link mechanism 82 converts the rotation of the arm 74 into the reciprocating movement of the lever 81. As a result, when the arm 74 reaches a predetermined rotation angle, that is, when the shutter 38 reaches an opening angle in the open state or close to the open state, the lever 81 comes into contact with the support member 51 of the conveyance vibration device 50, thereby damping the residual vibration of the track member 31.

[0058] 2-8. Feeder Control Device 60 The bulk feeder 10 is equipped with a feeder control device 60. The feeder control device 60 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 60 is supplied with power via the connector 111 and is able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the feeder control device 60 is equipped with a memory unit 61 and a transport control unit 62.

[0059] The storage unit 61 of the feeder control device 60 stores various data such as programs used to control the component supply process and transport parameters. The transport control unit 62 controls the operation of the air supply device 16, the discharge vibration device 40, the transport vibration device 50, the shutter drive device 70, etc. The above-mentioned "transport parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the transport vibration device 50 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, for example, each type of component. The detailed configuration of the feeder control device 60 will be described later.

[0060] 3. Component Supply Process of Bulk Feeder 10 The component supply process by the bulk feeder 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The feeder control device 60 first executes a preparation process (S10). The preparation process includes an initialization process that is performed first after the bulk feeder 10 is powered on, and a calibration process that sets the initial drive voltage and drive frequency. The preparation process also includes a process for setting the opening degree of the shutter 38 in the intermediate state. The preparation process will be described in detail later.

[0061] Next, the transport control unit 62 executes a process of replenishing parts to the transport path R formed on the track member 31 based on, for example, an external replenishment command (S20). This "replenishment process" is a process of replenishing parts that have been discharged from the parts case 25. More specifically, the transport control unit 62 performs an operation of discharging parts from the parts case 25 (S21). Note that this discharge operation may be performed after input of a replenishment command, or may be performed in advance for the next supply process after the previous supply process has been executed.

[0062] The transport control unit 62 controls the operation of the ejection vibration device 40 so that vibrations are applied to the component cases 25 via the case holder 21 and the support base 13. When the component cases 25 vibrate, the components are ejected from the ejection port 251. The ejected components fall onto the inclined portion of the case holder 21 located below the ejection port 251 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.

[0063] In this state, the transfer control unit 62 performs a component blowing operation (S22). Specifically, the transfer control unit 62 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 multiple components that have been retained 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 multiple components flow from the case holder 21 through the connecting member 23 to the track unit 22 and reach the transfer 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.

[0064] After the above-described process of replenishing components to the transport path R, the feeder control device 60 determines whether or not there is an external supply command (S31). If there is no supply command (S31: No), the transport control unit 62 suspends the execution of the component transport process. This maintains the current component supply state in the supply area As and enters a state of waiting for a supply command.

[0065] When a supply command is received (S31: Yes), the conveyance control unit 62 executes a component conveyance process (S32). In the component conveyance process, the conveyance vibration device 50 executes a conveyance operation (movement of moving the component forward and backward) to convey the component on the conveyance path R. Specifically, the conveyance control unit 62 sets the shutter 38 to an intermediate state (S41). As a result, the shutter 38 opens to the intermediate state opening degree preset in the preparation process (S10), and is slightly spaced from the track member 31.

[0066] Next, the conveyance control unit 62 performs vibration control to cause the conveyance vibration device 50 to impart vibration to the track member 31 via the bracket 12 (S42). As a result, the multiple parts supported on the track member 31 are conveyed forward toward the supply area As. The conveyance control unit 62 also applies vibration to the track member 31 to move the parts forward or backward, depending on the amount of parts supplied in the supply area As, etc.

[0067] Some of the components transported to the supply area As are accommodated in the cavities 35. Components not accommodated in the cavities 35 are retracted into the transport path R by the vibrations applied by the transport vibration device 50 and removed from the supply area As. When the transport control unit 62 receives a request from the component mounting machine 3 to open the shutter 38, it opens the shutter 38 (S33). When the shutter 38 is opened, the components accommodated in the multiple cavities 35 are supplied so that they can be picked by the component mounting machine 3.

[0068] At this time, the feeder control device 60 may notify the component mounting machine 3 that the shutter 38 has transitioned to the open state based on the detection result of the open / close sensor 78. The component mounting machine 3 may lower the holding member (e.g., suction nozzle) that holds the component after recognizing that the shutter 38 is in the open state, thereby preventing interference between the shutter 38 and the holding member due to malfunction of the shutter 38.

[0069] If the component mounting machine 3 has not yet finished picking up components (S34: No), the transport control unit 62 keeps the shutter 38 open. If the picking up operation has finished (S34: Yes), the transport control unit 62 closes the shutter 38 (S35). The transport control unit 62 closes the shutter 38 upon receiving a command from the component mounting machine 3 to close the shutter 38 or a notification that the picking operation has finished.

[0070] Next, the feeder control device 60 executes an adjustment process related to the conveying process (S36). This adjustment process sets and adjusts the frequency of the vibration to be applied to the track member 31 in the next and subsequent part conveying processes. Specifically, the adjustment process adjusts the drive frequency as necessary based on the actual amplitude of the track member 31 detected by the vibration sensor 55 as a result of executing the part conveying process (S32).

[0071] After the component conveying process (S32) and the adjusting process (S36), the feeder control device 60 determines (S37) whether or not a component replenishment process (S20) is required. The determination of whether or not a replenishment process is required is based on, for example, the presence or absence of an external command from the component mounting machine 3, or on the remaining number (including an estimated value) of components supported on the track member 31. For example, if the component mounting machine 3 captures an image of the supply area As immediately after the component supply process and the image data shows that the number of components is small, the component mounting machine 3 sends a replenishment command to the bulk feeder 10, indicating that a replenishment process is required.

[0072] Furthermore, if the component supply process has been performed a specified number of times since the previous resupply process, the component mounting machine 3 or the feeder control device 60 may determine that the remaining number of components supported by the track member 31 has become low and that a resupply process is required. If a resupply process of components is required (S37: Yes), the resupply process of components is performed again (S20), and components are replenished onto the conveying path R. On the other hand, if a resupply process of components is not required (S37: No), the resupply process of components is omitted, and the system enters a standby state for a supply command (S31).

[0073] 4. Detailed Configuration of Feeder Control Device 60 In the component supply process by the bulk feeder 10, it is necessary to stabilize the transport of components and improve the efficiency of the supply operation. To achieve this, it is necessary to apply appropriate vibration to the track member 31. If the shutter 38 interferes with the vibrating track member 31, this may affect the vibration characteristics, causing the vibration of the track member 31 to deviate from the target amplitude and frequency. Therefore, when performing vibration control (S42), it is preferable to set the shutter 38 to an intermediate state (S41) in advance so that the shutter 38 does not interfere with the vibrating track member 31.

[0074] On the other hand, if the shutter 38 is opened too far in the intermediate state, the gap between the track member 31 and the shutter 38 becomes large, which may cause the component being transported to fly out. Therefore, it is preferable that the maximum gap between the shutter 38 in the intermediate state and the vibrating track member 31 be set smaller than the minimum dimension of the component's outer shape. Taking these factors into consideration, it is expected that the opening degree of the shutter 38 in the intermediate state will be set depending on the amplitude of vibration of the track member 31 and the type of component.

[0075] In the vibration control (S42) in which the vibrator (piezoelectric element 52) ​​vibrates the track member 31 in response to the supplied power, it is preferable to appropriately set the voltage (drive voltage) and frequency (drive frequency) of the power supplied to the vibrator. The drive voltage contributes to the amplitude of the vibration, and the higher the drive voltage is set, the greater the amplitude of the vibration of the track member 31 will generally be. Here, the vibrating body including the track member 31 has a predetermined natural frequency. The "vibrating body" mentioned above is a collection of components that vibrate integrally with the track member 31 when vibrated by the conveyance vibration exciter 50. In this embodiment, the vibrating body includes the track member 31, the bracket 12, a locking device connecting these components, and a cover attached to the track member 31.

[0076] The vibrating body including the track member 31 is assembled in contact with other members such as the connecting member 23 within the bulk feeder 10, and supports multiple parts to be conveyed. Therefore, the vibrating body is subjected to reaction forces from other members and multiple parts during vibration, and is in a vibration environment in which the reaction forces vary depending on the number of parts it supports. In such a vibration environment, the vibrating body resonates when vibrations of a frequency equivalent to its own natural frequency are applied. The frequency at which the vibrating body resonates in accordance with this vibration environment is hereinafter referred to as the "resonant frequency."

[0077] The vibrating body including the track member 31 resonates when vibrations having a drive frequency equal to the resonant frequency are applied, and stably vibrates at an expected amplitude according to the drive voltage. In other words, if the drive frequency deviates from the resonant frequency, the expected amplitude for the drive voltage may not be obtained, or the vibration may become unstable, such as by periodically increasing or decreasing the amplitude. If the vibration becomes unstable, the moving distance of the part per unit time may become shorter, or the part may be subjected to an impact due to a sudden increase in amplitude.

[0078] Therefore, in the preparation process (S10), a calibration process is performed to set the initial drive voltage and drive frequency so that the power supply device 53 of the conveyance vibration device 50 supplies appropriate power to the piezoelectric element 52, which is the vibrator, during the component supply process. This calibration process is also required when there is a change in the configuration of the vibrator (for example, when the conveyance unit 20 of the feeder body 11 is replaced). Furthermore, because the resonant frequency can vary with changes in the vibration environment, a drive frequency adjustment process (S36) is required during production to maintain a good component supply process.

[0079] In this way, the amplitude of vibration of the track member 31 in the vibration control (S42) is appropriately set by calibration or adjustment even if the parts to be transported are the same type. Therefore, it is preferable that the opening degree of the shutter 38, which is set to the intermediate state before the vibration control (S42) is executed, is set taking into account the amplitude of vibration of the track member 31 in the vibration control (S42). Therefore, in this embodiment, the feeder control device 60 employs a configuration that can prevent parts from jumping out and improve the efficiency of the part supply operation.

[0080] 7, the feeder control device 60 includes a setting unit 64 that sets the opening degree of the shutter 38. Here, various modes can be adopted as a method for setting the opening degree of the shutter 38 that is set to an intermediate state in the conveying process (S32). In a first mode of opening degree setting, the setting unit 64 sets the opening degree of the shutter 38 in the conveying process for each combination of the feeder body 11 and the track member 31.

[0081] The reason why the opening degree of the shutter 38 needs to be adjusted during the conveying process (S32) is due to, for example, fluctuations in the resonant frequency of the vibrating body including the track member 31, as described above. The fluctuations in the resonant frequency become greater when the conveying unit 20 for the feeder body 11 is replaced and the track member 31 constituting the vibrating body is changed. In other words, the opening degree of the shutter 38 appropriate for the conveying process to be performed may be derived based on a table showing the relationship between the opening degree of the shutter 38 and the varying vibration characteristics for each combination of the feeder body 11 and the track member 31. For example, the table includes, for each combination of the feeder body 11 and the track member 31, the resonant frequency, the fluctuation range of the resonant frequency due to the execution of the conveying process, and the relationship between the drive voltage and the actual vibration amplitude.

[0082] The setting unit 64 obtains the amplitude at the resonant frequency of the track member 31 to be used based on the table, and further takes into account the external dimensions of the parts to be transported, thereby deriving an appropriate opening degree for the shutter 38. According to the first aspect of opening degree setting, the opening degree of the shutter 38 can be easily derived, thereby reducing the processing load. Furthermore, compared to the conventional aspect in which the opening degree of the shutter 38 in the transport process is set empirically, interference between the vibrating track member 31 and the shutter 38 can be prevented, and the gap between the track member 31 and the shutter 38 can be prevented from becoming excessive, preventing parts from popping out.

[0083] In the second mode of setting the opening degree, the setting unit 64 sets the opening degree of the shutter 38 in the conveying process (S32) based on the amplitude of the vibration applied to the track member 31 at the predetermined opening degree of the shutter 38. That is, in the second mode of setting the opening degree, the setting unit 64 applies vibration to the track member 31 with the shutter 38 in an intermediate state at the predetermined opening degree, determines whether the predetermined opening degree of the shutter 38 is appropriate based on how the track member 31 vibrates, and sets the opening degree of the shutter 38. Note that the second mode of setting the opening degree may be used in combination with the first mode, and may be executed, for example, when the combination of the feeder body 11 and the track member 31 is changed.

[0084] 4-2. Calibration Unit 65 Here, in the second mode of opening setting, it is desirable to use the results of a calibration process that sets the drive voltage and drive frequency used in the conveying process (S32), and it is also desirable that the calibration process also sets the shutter 38 to an intermediate state with an appropriate opening. For this reason, the feeder control device 60 further includes a calibration unit 65 that executes a calibration process that sets the power to be supplied by the conveying vibration device 50 in the conveying process, as shown in FIG.

[0085] In the calibration process of the preparation process (S10), the calibration unit 65 identifies the resonance frequency of the vibrating body including the track member 31 based on the detection result by the vibration sensor 55. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, processes (S50T, S50F) for setting the opening degree of the shutter 38 are executed before and after the calibration process. The shutter opening degree setting process will be described in detail later.

[0086] In the calibration process, the calibration unit 65 searches for the resonant frequency of the vibrator when a predetermined drive voltage is applied (S11). Specifically, the calibration unit 65 first applies vibrations of a plurality of different frequencies to the track member 31. The drive voltage at this time is the drive voltage to be used in the component supply process, and is set to, for example, the maximum voltage that can be applied by the power supply device 53.

[0087] The calibration unit 65 acquires the amplitude of the track member 31 to which vibrations of each frequency have been applied, and determines the frequency at which the vibration occurs with the maximum amplitude as the resonant frequency (S12). If the resonant frequencies for forward and reverse have not been acquired (S13: No), the calibration unit 65 switches the resonant frequencies for forward and reverse and executes the acquisition process (S11-S12). As a result, the resonant frequencies for forward and reverse are acquired.

[0088] The forward and reverse resonance frequencies acquired as described above are frequencies that cause resonance in the vibrating body including the track member 31 when predetermined drive voltages are applied to the forward and reverse piezoelectric elements 52, which are vibrators, in the current vibration environment in which the track member 31 is in a reference state (for example, a state in which parts are removed). The calibration unit 65 sets the drive voltages described above as the initial values ​​of the drive voltages used in the vibration control (S42) of the conveyance process (S32), and also sets the two types of resonance frequencies as the initial values ​​of the drive frequencies used in the vibration control (S42) (S14).

[0089] The calibration unit 65 also executes an adjustment process (S36). Here, the resonant frequency of the vibrating body can vary depending on whether the number of components supported by the track member 31 is increased or decreased. Specifically, the vibration characteristics of a vibrating body including the track member 31 are such that both the resonant frequency and the maximum amplitude decrease in an operational state in which the track member 31 supports multiple components. When a vibration is applied to a vibrating body having such vibration characteristics, with the drive frequency set to the resonant frequency in the reference state, the actual amplitude may decrease below the maximum amplitude in the operational state.

[0090] This may result in a decrease in the component transport efficiency during the component supply process or instability of the actual vibration. Therefore, the calibration unit 65 executes a drive frequency adjustment process (S36) as needed during the component supply process. The calibration unit 65 adjusts the frequency of the vibration to be applied from the next time onward, and, if necessary, the drive voltage, based on the current amplitude detected by the vibration sensors 55 (forward vibration sensor 55A, backward vibration sensor 55B) during the previously executed transport process (S32).

[0091] 4-3. Acquisition Unit 63 In the second aspect of the opening degree setting, the setting unit 64 sets the opening degree of the shutter 38 in the conveying process (S32) based on the amplitude of the track member 31 to which vibration is applied at a predetermined opening degree of the shutter 38. The amplitude of the track member 31 can be determined using the detection result of the vibration sensor 55. Various aspects can be adopted for how to set the opening degree of the shutter 38 when acquiring the amplitude of the track member 31.

[0092] Therefore, in this embodiment, the feeder control device 60 includes an acquisition unit 63 that supplies a predetermined power to the vibrator (piezoelectric element 52) ​​and acquires the detection value of the vibration sensor 55 for each of a plurality of different opening degrees of the shutter 38. The acquisition unit 63 acquires the amplitude of the track member 31 that vibrates in various patterns. Details of the processing by the acquisition unit 63 and the setting unit 64 in the second aspect of opening degree setting will be described in the shutter opening degree setting process.

[0093] 5. Shutter Opening Setting Process by Feeder Control Device 60 As shown in FIG. 9, the shutter opening setting process is executed as a temporary setting before the calibration process in the preparation process (S50T) and as a final setting after the calibration process (S50F). The calibration setting process (S50T) for temporary setting aims to improve the accuracy of the calibration process and can be omitted under certain conditions. The conveying setting process (S50F) for final setting aims to set an appropriate shutter opening for the shutter 38 in the intermediate state when the conveying process (S32) is executed using the drive voltage and drive frequency set by the calibration process.

[0094] 5-1. Conveyor Shutter Opening Setting Process Here, the conveyor shutter opening setting process (S50F) will be described with reference to FIG. 10, followed by a supplementary description of the calibration shutter opening setting process (S50T), focusing on differences from the conveyor shutter opening setting process (S50F). When the calibration process is completed in the preparation process, the predetermined power (initial drive voltage and drive frequency) used in the conveyor process (S32) is set as described above. In other words, for the current combination of feeder body 11 and track member 31, when power supply device 53 supplies predetermined power to piezoelectric element 52, the vibrator resonates, and it is now known how much amplitude the track member 31 will vibrate at the resonant frequency Fr.

[0095] In the shutter opening setting process, the setting unit 64 first determines whether the calibration process has been performed in the current vibration environment (including the combination of the feeder body 11 and the track member 31) (S51). Here, since the process is for setting the shutter opening for conveyance, it is assumed that the calibration process has already been performed (S51: Yes). The setting unit 64 sets the drive voltage and drive frequency used in the shutter opening setting process (S50F) to the values ​​acquired in the calibration process (S52). This applies vibration to the track member 31 similar to that of the planned conveyance process.

[0096] Next, the setting unit 64 sets an initial opening degree DpN of the shutter 38 in the setting process (S53). In this embodiment, the initial opening degree DpN is set so that the opening amount of the shutter 38 at the initial opening degree DpN is greater than the maximum amplitude of the track member 31 vibrating at the resonance frequency Fr obtained in the calibration process. Here, the initial opening degree DpN is the opening degree corresponding to the opening amount MsN obtained by adding a specified amount that takes into account an error in the calibration process to the maximum amplitude.

[0097] The acquisition unit 63 opens the shutter 38 to the initial opening degree DpN (S54). As a result, the shutter 38 opens from the closed state by the opening amount MsN. The acquisition unit 63 supplies power to the reverse vibration element (piezoelectric element 52B) (S55). Specifically, the acquisition unit 63 controls the conveyance vibration device 50 so that the power set in S52 is supplied from the power supply device 53 to the reverse vibration element 52B. As a result, the track member 31 vibrates at the resonance frequency Fr. Furthermore, in the initial state in which the shutter 38 is opened to the initial opening degree DpN, the shutter 38 is spaced apart from the track member 31, which vibrates at the resonance frequency Fr, to a degree that ensures non-interference.

[0098] The acquisition unit 63 acquires a detection value from the vibration sensor 55 (here, the reverse vibration sensor 55B) and compares the difference between this detection value and the maximum amplitude with a predetermined threshold value Th (S56). Here, the threshold value Th is a value for determining whether the shutter 38 is interfering with the vibrating track member 31, and corresponds to the amount of reduction in the amplitude of the track member 31 that is reduced when the shutter 38 interferes with the resonating track member 31. In this embodiment, the threshold value Th is set to, for example, about 2% of the maximum amplitude of the resonating track member 31.

[0099] If the difference between the detected value and the maximum amplitude is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (S56: No), the feeder control device 60 determines that a malfunction has occurred, such as the shutter 38 interfering with the vibrating track member 31, even though the shutter 38 is set to the initial opening degree DpN, and executes error processing (S61). The error processing is, for example, to notify the operator that interference with the shutter 38 has occurred, and to prompt the operator to check whether there are any abnormalities in the calibration process or the operation of the shutter 38.

[0100] If the difference is smaller than the threshold value Th (S56: Yes), the acquisition unit 63 determines that the shutter 38 is not interfering with the vibrating track member 31 by setting the shutter 38 to the initial opening degree DpN, and executes a gradual reduction process to decrease the opening degree Dp of the shutter 38 by one step (S57). This reduces the opening amount Ms of the shutter 38, and the shutter 38 moves slightly closer to the track member 31. The acquisition unit 63 again acquires the detection value of the vibration sensor 55, and compares the difference between the detection value and the maximum amplitude with the threshold value Th (S58).

[0101] If the difference is smaller than the threshold value Th (S58: Yes), the acquisition unit 63 determines whether the number of executions of the gradual decrease process (S57) has reached a predetermined number (S59). If the number of executions of the gradual decrease process (S57) is less than the predetermined number (S59: No), the acquisition unit 63 repeatedly executes the gradual decrease process (S57) and the comparison process (S58). If the opening degree Dp of the shutter 38 gradually decreases by one step and the difference between the detected value and the maximum amplitude becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (S58: No), the setting unit 64 sets the opening degree DpT of the shutter 38 in the transport process based on the current predetermined opening degree DpS of the shutter 38 (S62).

[0102] In other words, if the detection value acquired at the predetermined opening degree DpS of the shutter 38 decreases by a predetermined threshold value Th or more from the detection value acquired at the initial opening degree DpN (i.e., the maximum amplitude) (S58: No), the setting unit 64 determines that the shutter 38 has interfered with the vibrating track member 31, and sets the opening degree DpT of the shutter 38 in the conveying process to be greater than the predetermined opening degree DpS. In this embodiment, the setting unit 64 sets the opening degree DpT of the shutter 38 in the conveying process to an opening degree that is one step higher than the predetermined opening degree DpS. Note that if the external dimensions of the component are not extremely small, the opening degree may be set to two or more steps higher than the predetermined opening degree DpS.

[0103] Furthermore, when the number of executions of the gradual decrease process (S57) reaches a predetermined number (S59: Yes), the setting unit 64 makes the shutter 38 applicable to the conveying process in a state where the shutter 38 does not interfere with the vibrating track member 31 but the opening degree of the shutter 38 is sufficiently small, and sets the current predetermined opening degree DpS of the shutter 38 as the opening degree DpT of the shutter 38 in the conveying process (S63). Note that if it is assumed that the initial opening degree DpN that was set is excessively large as a cause of such a state, the feeder control device 60 may execute error processing instead of setting the opening degree DpT (S63).

[0104] As described above, in the second mode of opening setting, the setting unit 64 gradually decreases the shutter 38 from the initial opening DpN and sets the opening DpT of the shutter 38 during the transfer process based on multiple detection values ​​(the amplitude of the vibrated track member 31) acquired by the acquisition unit 63 (S62, S63). This configuration allows an appropriate opening of the shutter 38 to be set, preventing components from jumping out during the transfer process and preventing foreign matter from entering the supply area As. Furthermore, since the shutter 38 set to the opening DpT during the transfer process is separated from the track member 31, the shutter 38 is prevented from affecting the vibration characteristics of the track member 31. Therefore, the shutter 38 does not interfere with the appropriate operation control of the transfer vibration device 50, improving the efficiency of the component supply operation.

[0105] 5-2. Setting Process of Calibration Shutter Opening The setting process of the calibration shutter opening (S50T) is executed before the calibration process in the preparation process (S10), as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, since the calibration process has not been executed (S51: No), the setting unit 64 performs the setting process of various parameters (S70). In detail, the setting unit 64 first sets the shutter 38 to a measurement opening DpM (S71). This measurement opening DpM is set to an opening that results in an opening amount of the shutter 38 greater than the amplitude of the maximum vibration that the conveyance vibration device 50 can output.

[0106] If a part has been removed from the track member 31, the maximum value of the measured opening degree DpM is the opening degree of the shutter 38 just before the vibration suppression device 80 starts to function, i.e., just before the lever 81 reaches the contact position where it comes into contact with the support member 51. If the bulk feeder 10 is configured without the vibration suppression device 80, the maximum value of the measured opening degree DpM is the opening degree at which the shutter 38 is in the open state. Also, if the track member 31 is supporting a part, the maximum value of the measured opening degree DpM is the opening amount obtained by adding the minimum external dimension of the part to the amplitude of the maximum vibration that the conveyance vibration device 50 can output.

[0107] Next, the calibration unit 65 acquires the resonance frequency Fr and the maximum amplitude (S72). Specifically, the calibration unit 65 applies a predetermined drive voltage (e.g., the maximum voltage that can be applied) to the piezoelectric element 52 using the power supply device 53, and calculates the resonance frequency based on the detection values ​​at multiple frequencies by the vibration sensor 55, and acquires the maximum amplitude of the track member 31 vibrating at the resonance frequency. The setting unit 64 sets the drive voltage and drive frequency used in the shutter opening setting process (S50T) to the drive voltage (e.g., the maximum voltage that can be applied) and the acquired resonance frequency (S73).

[0108] Next, the setting unit 64 sets the initial opening degree DpN of the shutter 38 in the setting process to an opening degree that results in an opening amount of the shutter 38 greater than the maximum amplitude acquired in S72 (S74). Here, the initial opening degree DpN is an opening degree corresponding to an opening amount obtained by adding a specified amount that takes into account the error of the simple calibration process described above to the maximum amplitude. Through the above process, various parameters (drive voltage, drive frequency, initial opening degree DpN) are set. The subsequent processes (S54-S59, S61-S63) are similar to the process for setting the shutter opening degree for transport (S50F), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] By this setting process of the shutter opening for calibration (S50T), the setting unit 64 determines the opening Dp at which the shutter 38 will not interfere with the vibrating track member 31 in the calibration process to be executed, based on the power (for example, the maximum voltage that can be applied) that the vibration excitation device for transportation 50 can supply to the vibrator (piezoelectric element 52) ​​(S57-S59), and sets this opening Dp as the opening Dp of the shutter 38 in the calibration process (S62, S63). Note that in the setting process of various parameters (S70), the subsequent processes (S54-S59, S61-S63) use only the reverse motion of the vibration excitation device for transportation 50, so it is possible to omit obtaining the drive voltage and drive frequency for the forward motion.

[0110] By executing this process of setting the shutter opening for calibration (S50T), the shutter 38 is maintained at an appropriate opening during the calibration process to be executed, and it is possible to prevent the shutter 38 from interfering with the vibrating track member 31 during the calibration process. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the shutter 38 from opening too much, it is possible to prevent parts from flying out if they remain on the track member 31, and in a configuration that includes a vibration suppression device 80, it is possible to prevent the vibration suppression device 80 from functioning in an unnecessary situation.

[0111] Furthermore, when the calibration process is performed appropriately as described above, values ​​different from the resonance frequency and maximum amplitude obtained in S72 may be obtained. After the calibration process is performed, the process for setting the shutter opening for transport (S50F) is performed, whereby the opening Dp of the shutter 38 can be set appropriately for the transport process.

[0112] 6. Feeder Control Method The matters described for the feeder control device 60 can be similarly applied to a feeder control method applied to the bulk feeder 10. The processing performed by the setting unit 64 (including the first and second aspects of the opening setting) corresponds to the setting step in the feeder control method. The processing performed by the acquisition unit 63 corresponds to the acquisition step, and the processing performed by the calibration unit 65 corresponds to the calibration step. This feeder control method also achieves the same effects as the embodiment.

[0113] 7. Modification of the Embodiment In this embodiment, the feeder control device 60 gradually decreases the opening degree DpN of the shutter 38 from the initial opening degree DpN at which the shutter 38 does not interfere with the vibrating track member 31, recognizes the occurrence of interference from the detected value, and sets the opening degree Dp of the shutter 38 in the conveying process (or calibration process) to an opening degree that is, for example, one step higher than the predetermined opening degree DpS at which interference occurred.

[0114] In response to this, the feeder control device 60 may gradually increase the opening degree DpN of the shutter 38, at which the shutter 38 slightly interferes with the vibrating track member 31, to determine the opening degree at which no interference occurs, and set this opening degree as the opening degree Dp of the shutter 38 in the conveying process (or calibration process). With this configuration, the shutter 38 does not move far away from the track member 31 in the shutter opening degree setting process, so that components can be prevented from flying out even if they remain on the track member 31.

[0115] 3: Component mounting machine, 10: Bulk feeder, 11: Feeder body, 20: Conveying unit, 22: Track unit, 31: Track member, 38: Shutter, 50: Conveying vibration device, 52: Piezoelectric element (vibrator), 52B: Retracting piezoelectric element (retracting vibrator), 55: Vibration sensor, 60: Feeder control device, 61: Memory unit, 62: Conveying control unit, 63: Acquisition unit, 64: Setting unit, 65: Calibration unit, 70: Shutter driving device, 80: Vibration suppression device, As: Supply area, R: Conveying path, Dp: Opening degree, Ms: Opening amount

Claims

1. A feeder control device applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder comprising: a track member that is detachably and vibrateably attached to the feeder body and that has a supply area that is open upward and communicates with a component conveying path; a shutter that is attached to the feeder body and can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the supply area; and a conveying control unit that executes a conveying process in which the track member is vibrated with the shutter at a predetermined opening to convey the components, and further comprising a setting unit that sets the opening of the shutter in the conveying process for each combination of the feeder body and the track member.

2. A feeder control device as described in claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the opening degree of the shutter in the conveying process based on the amplitude of the track member to which vibration is imparted at a predetermined opening degree of the shutter when the combination of the feeder body and the track member is changed.

3. A feeder control device applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder performs a conveying process of conveying the components to a supply area by applying vibration to a track member, and opens a shutter provided in the supply area to supply the components so that they can be picked up, and the feeder control device includes a setting unit that sets the opening degree of the shutter in the conveying process based on the amplitude of the track member that has been vibrated at a predetermined opening degree of the shutter.

4. The bulk feeder is a feeder control device as described in claim 2 or 3, which comprises a vibration device in which a vibrator vibrates the track member in response to supplied power, and a vibration sensor that detects the amplitude of the track member vibrating due to the vibration of the vibration device, and further comprises an acquisition unit that supplies a predetermined power to the vibrator and acquires detection values ​​of the vibration sensor for multiple different opening degrees of the shutter, and the setting unit sets the opening degree of the shutter in the conveying process based on the multiple detection values.

5. A feeder control device as described in claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of detection values ​​by gradually decreasing the opening from an initial opening, which is an opening at which the shutter does not interfere with the vibrating track member, and the setting unit sets the opening of the shutter in the conveying process to be greater than the predetermined opening when the detection value acquired at the predetermined opening decreases from the detection value acquired at the initial opening by more than a predetermined threshold.

6. A feeder control device as described in claim 5, further comprising a calibration unit that executes a calibration process that supplies power to the vibrator at a predetermined drive voltage, obtains the resonance frequency at which the amplitude of vibration of the track member is maximum, and sets the power to be supplied by the vibration device in the conveying process, and the initial opening is set so that the opening amount of the shutter at the initial opening is greater than the maximum amplitude of the track member vibrating at the resonance frequency obtained in the calibration process.

7. A feeder control device as described in claim 6, wherein the setting unit determines the opening degree at which the shutter does not interfere with the track member vibrating during the calibration process based on the power that the vibration device can supply to the vibrator, and sets the opening degree as the opening degree of the shutter during the calibration process.

8. A feeder control device as described in claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of detection values ​​by gradually increasing the opening from an initial opening at which the shutter interferes with the vibrating track member, and the setting unit sets the opening of the shutter in the conveying process to the predetermined opening when the detection value acquired at the predetermined opening increases from the detection value acquired at the initial opening to a predetermined threshold or more.

9. A feeder control device as described in claim 8, further comprising a calibration unit that executes a calibration process that supplies power to the vibrator at a predetermined drive voltage, obtains the resonance frequency at which the amplitude of vibration of the track member is maximum, and sets the power to be supplied by the vibration device in the conveying process, and the initial opening is set so that the opening amount of the shutter at the initial opening is smaller than the maximum amplitude of the track member vibrating at the resonance frequency obtained in the calibration process.

10. A feeder control device as described in claim 9, wherein the setting unit determines the opening degree at which the shutter does not interfere with the track member vibrating during the calibration process based on the power that the vibration device can supply to the vibrator, and sets the opening degree as the opening degree of the shutter during the calibration process.

11. A feeder control device as described in claim 4, wherein the vibration device is a vibrator having a forward vibrator and a backward vibrator that move the parts in the forward and backward directions, respectively, of the part conveying path formed on the track member, and the acquisition unit supplies power to the backward vibrator and acquires the detection value of the vibration sensor for each of a plurality of different opening degrees of the shutter.

12. A feeder control device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting unit sets the opening degree of the shutter during the conveying process based on the dimensions of the parts to be supplied by the bulk feeder and the amplitude of vibration imparted to the track member during the conveying process.

13. A feeder control method applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder comprising: a track member that is detachably and vibrateably attached to the feeder body and that has a supply area that is connected to the component conveying path and opens upward; a shutter that is attached to the feeder body and can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the supply area; and a conveying control unit that executes a conveying process to convey the components by applying vibrations to the track member with the shutter at a predetermined opening, the method comprising: a setting step of setting the opening of the shutter in the conveying process for each combination of the feeder body and the track member.

14. A feeder control method applied to a bulk feeder set in a component mounting machine that supplies components, the bulk feeder performing a transport process of conveying the components to a supply area by imparting vibration to a track member, opening a shutter provided in the supply area to supply the components so that they can be picked, and comprising a setting step of setting the opening degree of the shutter in the transport process based on the amplitude of the track member to which vibration is imparted at a predetermined opening degree of the shutter.

Images