Conveyance system

Abstract

This conveyance system comprises: a first conveyance device that is provided so as to be movable in a movement path along the front surfaces of a plurality of component mounting machines arranged side by side, and that conveys a cassette feeder which holds a reel having wound thereon a carrier tape accommodating a plurality of components and which is to be installed in the component mounting machines to supply the components; and a second conveyance device that is provided so as to be movable in the movement path, and that conveys a feeder unit that is to be installed in the component mounting machines to supply the components, and also conveys a cassette holder that holds the reel, that is disposed outside the feeder unit, and that supplies the carrier tape to the feeder unit.

Description

Transport System

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport system.

[0002] The transport system is applied to a production line in which a plurality of substrate processing machines are arranged side by side. The substrate processing machines include a component mounting machine that mounts components on a substrate and is used for the production of a product substrate. In the production line, replenishment of components consumed to continue production is performed, and a transport device is applied to the replenishment work (see Patent Documents 1-2).

[0003] International Publication No. 2017 / 033268, International Publication No. 2019 / 229925

[0004] In the production line, there is a demand to enable the use of various reels from the viewpoints of coping with the production of various product substrates and diversifying production forms. Also, for example, when a feeder corresponding to a reel with a relatively large outer diameter can be used in the production line, the transport system is required to be able to transport a feeder corresponding to a large-diameter reel in addition to the conventional feeder to improve production efficiency.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a transport system for transporting a plurality of types of feeders corresponding to various reels.

[0006] The present specification discloses a transport system including a first transport device for transporting a cassette feeder that is movably provided along a movement path along the front surfaces of a plurality of component mounting machines arranged side by side, holds a reel around which a carrier tape containing a plurality of components is wound, and supplies the components to the component mounting machines, a second transport device for transporting a feeder unit that is movably provided along the movement path, is equipped on the component mounting machine, and supplies the components, and a cassette holder that holds the reel and is arranged outside the feeder unit and supplies the carrier tape to the feeder unit.

[0007] This specification discloses a transport system comprising a first transport device and a second transport device, which are movably provided on a travel path along the front of a plurality of component mounting machines arranged side by side, wherein the first transport device and the second transport device transport at least one of the following: a cassette feeder which holds a reel on which a carrier tape containing a plurality of components is wound and is mounted on the component mounting machine to supply the components; a feeder unit which is mounted on the component mounting machine to supply the components; and a cassette holder which holds the reel and is located outside the feeder unit to supply the carrier tape to the feeder unit, wherein the cassette holder protrudes from the component mounting machine onto the travel path at a supply position where components are supplied to the feeder unit mounted on the component mounting machine, and the second transport device is configured to pass through the supply position with the transport object retracted to one side in the vertical direction of the cassette holder protruding onto the travel path at the supply position.

[0008] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the conveying system described in claim 1" to "the conveying system described in claim 1 or 2" in claim 3 of the original application, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the conveying system described in claim 1" to "the conveying system described in any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 4 of the original application. Furthermore, this specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the conveying system described in claim 6" to "the conveying system described in claim 6 or 7" in claim 8 of the original application, the technical idea of ​​changing "the conveying system described in claim 6" to "the conveying system described in any one of claims 6 to 8" in claim 9 of the original application, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the conveying system described in claim 6" to "the conveying system described in any one of claims 6 to 9" in claim 10 of the original application.

[0009] This configuration allows for the transport of multiple types of feeders (cassette feeders, feeder units, and cassette holders) and enables the replenishment of parts. This makes it possible to transport feeders compatible with large-diameter reels, for example, thereby reducing manpower in the production environment and improving production efficiency.

[0010] This is a perspective view showing the transport device of an embodiment and a production line for product substrates to which the transport device is applied. This is a side view of the cassette feeder to be transported by the transport device. This is a side view showing the feeder unit and cassette holder connected to each other. This is a front perspective view of the feeder unit. This is a front perspective view of the cassette holder. This is a side view of the first transport device. This is a side view of the second transport device. This is a perspective view of the transport operation mechanism of the transport device viewed from the rear at an oblique angle. This is a perspective view showing an example of the number and arrangement of release members of the chuck and lock release mechanism. This is a schematic plan view illustrating the gripping method by which the chuck grips the cassette holder. This is a side view of the transport device and a component mounting machine that constitutes the production line. This is a perspective view showing a modified transport device and a production line for product substrates.

[0011] 1. Example Configuration of the Transport System Sy An example configuration of the production line 9 for product substrates to which the transport system Sy of the embodiment is applied will be explained with reference to Figure 1. As shown by the arrow in the upper left of Figure 1, the front, back, left, and right directions common to the two transport devices 1, the production line 9, the component mounting machine 9A, and the two storage devices 9B are defined. In the production line 9, four component mounting machines 9A and other types of substrate handling machines are arranged in a left-right direction. The direction from left to right in Figure 1 is the transport direction of the substrates.

[0012] A solder printing machine and a print inspection machine (not shown) are positioned at a distance upstream (left side in Figure 1) of the upstream component mounting machine 9A in the transport direction. The upstream component mounting machine 9A and the print inspection machine are connected using an upstream substrate transport device 9C. A substrate appearance inspection machine and a reflow machine (not shown) are positioned at a distance downstream (right side in Figure 1) of the downstream component mounting machine 9A. The downstream component mounting machine 9A and the substrate appearance inspection machine are connected using a downstream substrate transport device 9C.

[0013] Storage devices 9B (the first storage device 9B1 on the upstream side and the second storage device 9B2 on the downstream side) are positioned in front of each of the two substrate transport devices 9C, alongside the component mounting machine 9A. Furthermore, a line management device 9D is provided to manage the production progress of the production line 9 and the operating status of the substrate work machines. The line management device 9D is a computer device with communication and input / output functions. Note that the production line 9 may be modified to a line configuration other than that described above.

[0014] Each of the four component mounting machines 9A performs the task of mounting components onto a circuit board. The component mounting machine 9A is constructed by assembling a component supply unit 92, a lower storage unit 93, a circuit board transport device (not shown), a component transfer device, and a control device, etc., on a base 91. As shown in Figure 1, the component supply unit 92 is positioned at approximately the middle height of the front part of the base 91. The component supply unit 92 has a plurality of slots that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of slots in the component supply unit 92 is equipped with a cassette feeder 7C or a feeder unit 7U, which will be described later.

[0015] The cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U are located inside the component mounting machine 9A when mounted on the component supply unit 92. In this embodiment, the feeder unit 7U mounted on the component supply unit 92 is connected to the front side of the cassette holder 8 and functions as a single tape feeder. When connected to the feeder unit 7U, at least a portion of the cassette holder 8 protrudes outside the component mounting machine 9A.

[0016] The cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U, and cassette holder 8 are transported by two transport devices 1. In this embodiment, the first transport device Dc1, located on the upstream side of the two transport devices 1, transports the cassette feeder 7C. The second transport device Dc2, located on the downstream side of the two transport devices 1, transports the feeder unit 7U and the cassette holder 8.

[0017] The three types of conveyed objects (cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U, and cassette holder 8) are interchangeable in use across the four component mounting machines 9A. Information regarding the types and mounting positions of the multiple conveyed objects equipped in the component supply unit 92 is managed by at least one of the control device and line management device 9D of the component mounting machine 9A.

[0018] The lower storage section 93 is located below the parts supply section 92 at the front of the base 91. Like the parts supply section 92, the lower storage section 93 has multiple slots extending in the front-to-back direction. The lower storage section 93 temporarily stores spare feeders (cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U, cassette holder 8) that have been set up and ready for use, as well as used feeders that have finished being used in the parts supply section 92. The lower storage section 93 may be operated to store only specific types of feeders. Information regarding the types and storage locations of feeders stored in the lower storage section 93 is managed by at least one of the control device of the parts mounting machine 9A and the line management device 9D.

[0019] The substrate transport device installed inside the component mounting machine 9A is responsible for transporting substrates into the machine from the upstream side, positioning the substrates, and transporting the substrates out of the machine from the downstream side. The component transfer device uses component mounting tools such as suction nozzles to pick up components from the component supply unit 92 and mount them on the positioned substrates. The control device controls the component supply unit 92, the substrate transport device, and the component transfer device to advance the mounting work. Various known configurations can be applied to the substrate transport device, the component transfer device, and the control device.

[0020] Each of the two storage devices 9B is constructed using a housing 94 that reaches approximately the same height as the parts supply unit 92 of the parts mounting machine 9A. The storage device 9B can store two storage magazines 95 side by side in the internal space of the housing 94. The height at which the storage magazines 95 are stored coincides with the height of the parts supply unit 92. The storage magazines 95 are formed in a box shape that opens forward and can store multiple transport items side by side in the left-right direction. The storage magazines 95 are brought into the housing 94 from the setup area or equipment warehouse by an automated guided vehicle 99 or by an operator, and are also brought out in the opposite direction. The storage device 9B is not limited to the above, and may directly store multiple transport items in the internal space of the housing 94 without using storage magazines 95.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first storage device 9B1, located upstream of the two storage devices 9B, primarily stores the cassette feeder 7C. The second storage device 9B2, located downstream of the two storage devices 9B, primarily stores the feeder unit 7U and the cassette holder 8. Information regarding the types and storage locations of the multiple items stored in the two storage devices 9B is managed by at least one of the line management device 9D and the control unit 6 (described later) of the conveying device 1.

[0022] In Figure 1, the two upstream component loaders 9A are equipped with multiple cassette feeders 7C in their component supply section 92, and multiple cassette feeders 7C are stored in their lower storage section 93. The third component loader 9A from the upstream side is equipped with three feeder units 7U in its component supply section 92, and each feeder unit 7U is connected to a cassette holder 8. The storage device 9B houses two storage magazines 95. The right-hand storage magazine 95 houses two cassette holders 8, while the left-hand storage magazine 95 is empty.

[0023] A travel path 97 for the transport device 1 is provided in front of the four parts mounting machines 9A and the two storage devices 9B. The travel path 97 extends in the left-right direction along the front of the parts mounting machines 9A and storage devices 9B which are arranged side by side. Therefore, the left-right direction in Figure 1 is the transport direction of the transport device 1. In this embodiment, the travel path 97 consists of a middle rail 971 and a lower rail 972 provided in front of the parts mounting machines 9A and storage devices 9B.

[0024] The height of the middle rail 971 is uniformly located below the parts supply section 92. The height of the lower rail 972 is uniformly located below the lower storage section 93. As a result, the multiple middle rails 971 and the multiple lower rails 972 are connected in the transport direction, forming two parallel travel paths 97. The travel paths 97 may be provided on the floor surface, or they may be hypothetical control information that does not have a physical form set on the floor surface, etc. In this specification, the term "travel path 97" refers not only to a physical structure, but also to the travel area (space) of the transport device 1 that moves along the travel path 97.

[0025] 2. Configuration of the Cassette Feeder 7C The cassette feeder 7C is detachably mounted on the parts supply section 92 of the parts mounting machine 9A. The cassette feeder 7C holds the reel RM inside and supplies parts to the parts mounting machine 9A. The cassette feeder 7C is constructed by assembling various components onto the feeder body 71 that forms the outer shape, resulting in a thin design in the width direction (left-right direction). The width dimension of the cassette feeder 7C is set to correspond to the width dimensions of the reel RM and carrier tape it holds.

[0026] The lower surface of the feeder body 71 is provided with a projection extending in the front-rear direction. The cassette feeder 7C is installed by engaging the projection with a slot in the parts supply section 92 of the parts mounting machine 9A. The cassette feeder 7C is also stored by engaging the projection with a slot in the lower storage section 93. An upper positioning pin 711 and a lower positioning pin 712 are provided near the upper part of the rear surface of the feeder body 71. The upper positioning pin 711 and the lower positioning pin 712 engage with pin holes provided in the parts supply section 92 to position the cassette feeder 7C.

[0027] An electrical connector 713 is provided between the upper positioning pin 711 and the lower positioning pin 712. When the cassette feeder 7C is positioned, the electrical connector 713 automatically mates with the receiving connector of the component supply unit 92. The electrical connector 713 supplies power from the power supply unit (not shown) of the component mounting machine 9A to the cassette feeder 7C, and also provides communication between the control unit of the component mounting machine 9A and the feeder control unit 79. Note that the pin holes and receiving connector may be provided not only in the component supply unit 92, but also in the lower storage unit 93 and the storage device 9B (or storage magazine 95).

[0028] The cassette feeder 7C has a reel holding section 72. The reel holding section 72 rotatably and detachably holds the reel RM in an internal space formed approximately in the center of the feeder body 71. A carrier tape is wound around the reel RM. The carrier tape consists of a base tape containing parts in multiple cavities, and a cover tape that is adhered to the base tape and covers the cavities. The cassette feeder 7C feeds the carrier tape pulled from the reel RM along the tape transport path 73 to the part supply position 74. Just before reaching the part supply position 74, the cassette feeder 7C opens the cavities by separating the cover tape from the base tape, supplying the parts in a collectible state.

[0029] The first locking mechanism 76 is located at the upper front of the feeder body 71. The first locking mechanism 76 restricts the cassette feeder 7C, which is equipped in the parts supply unit 92, from detaching from the parts supply unit 92. The first locking mechanism 76 is released by the unlocking mechanism 3E of the transport device 1 (see Figure 8) or manually. In the released state, the first locking mechanism 76 allows the cassette feeder 7C to be removed from the parts supply unit 92 to the front.

[0030] The first locking mechanism 76 is operated by the release operation part 3F2 (see Figure 9) of the unlocking mechanism 3E, which is inserted through an operation hole 714 located near the upper front of the feeder body 71, as shown in Figure 2. The upper and lower portions around this operation hole 714 become gripping parts 77 that are clamped by a pair of upper and lower chucks 3B of the conveying device 1.

[0031] The feeder control unit 79 is connected to the control device of the component mounting machine 9A via an electrical connector 713. Based on commands from the control device, the feeder control unit 79 performs component supply operations by feeding and moving the carrier tape. The feeder control unit 79 also monitors the state of the first locking mechanism 76 based on the detection signal from a lock sensor (not shown).

[0032] The aforementioned carrier tapes are standardized in multiple widths to accommodate various sizes of components housed in the cavity. Specifically, the carrier tape widths are defined as 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 32 mm, 44 mm, 56 mm, 72 mm, 88 mm, and 104 mm. In addition, multiple diameters are defined for the reel RM. The 13-inch diameter reel RM is used for carrier tapes with widths from 4 mm to 56 mm. The 15-inch diameter large-diameter reel RL is used for carrier tapes with widths from 12 mm to 104 mm.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the 13-inch reel RM is held in the reel holding section 72 of the cassette feeder 7C. However, the 15-inch large-diameter reel RL has a larger diameter than the height-direction external dimensions of the feeder body 71 and therefore cannot be held in the reel holding section 72. Consequently, when it becomes necessary to use the large-diameter reel RL, the feeder unit 7U and cassette holder 8 described below are used. Note that the diameter dimensions of the reel RM and the large-diameter reel RL are not limited to those described above. In this embodiment, the reel RM with a diameter of 13 inches or less is held inside the cassette feeder 7C, and the large-diameter reel RL with a diameter exceeding 13 inches is held in the cassette holder 8.

[0034] 3. Configuration of Feeder Unit 7U and Cassette Holder 8 Next, the configuration of the feeder unit 7U and cassette holder 8, which are to be transported by the second transport device Dc2, will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The feeder unit 7U is detachably mounted on the parts supply section 92 of the parts mounting machine 9A. As shown in Figure 3, the feeder unit 7U performs the same function as the cassette feeder 7C by connecting the cassette holder 8 to its front side, that is, it supplies parts using a carrier tape.

[0035] The feeder unit 7U is constructed using at least a part of the structure of the feeder body 71 of the cassette feeder 7C. The feeder body 71 of the feeder unit 7U is provided with protrusions of the same shape as those of the feeder body 71 of the cassette feeder 7C, an upper positioning pin 711, a lower positioning pin 712, an electrical connector 713, and an operation hole 714. As a result, the external shape of the feeder unit 7U when viewed from the side is generally the same as that of the cassette feeder 7C. The width dimension of the feeder unit 7U is set to correspond to the width dimension of the carrier tape used, and is equal to or greater than the width dimension of the cassette feeder 7C. The feeder unit 7U has mounting compatibility with the cassette feeder 7C in the parts supply section 92.

[0036] The feeder unit 7U consists of a feeder body 71 with a shape similar to that of the cassette feeder 7C, a tape transport path 73, a component supply position 74, a first locking mechanism 76, and a feeder control unit 79. However, the feeder unit 7U does not have a reel holding section 72, and the tape transport path 73 extends to near the front of the feeder body 71. In the feeder unit 7U, a tape processing mechanism 78 is provided in place of the reel holding section 72 at a position along the tape transport path 73. The tape processing mechanism 78 has the function of loading the carrier tape supplied by the cassette holder 8 into the feeder body 71 and cutting or connecting the carrier tape as needed.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, an operating hole 714 is provided near the top of the front surface of the feeder body 71 of the feeder unit 7U, and the upper and lower portions around the operating hole 714 become gripping portions 77 that are clamped by a pair of upper and lower chucks 3B of the conveying device 1. The operating hole 714 and gripping portions 77 of the feeder unit 7U are identical in shape to the operating hole 714 and gripping portions 77 of the cassette feeder 7C, and are provided in corresponding positions to each other.

[0038] An upper tape passage hole 715 is provided, aligned with the width direction of the operation hole 714. Near the upper tape passage hole 715, a tape return mechanism (not shown in numerals) is provided, which returns the cover tape peeled off in the feeder unit 7U to the cassette holder 8 via the upper tape passage hole 715. Part or all of the tape return mechanism may be provided on the cassette holder 8. A receiving connector 716 is provided below the operation hole 714 and the upper tape passage hole 715. A lower tape passage hole 717 is provided below the receiving connector 716. The lower tape passage hole 717 allows the carrier tape sent from the connected cassette holder 8 to pass into the inside of the feeder unit 7U.

[0039] The cassette holder 8 is capable of accommodating a large-diameter reel RL, which is a reel RM with a larger diameter than the external dimensions of the feeder unit 7U. The cassette holder 8 holds the large-diameter reel RL and is positioned at a tape supply position 8T relative to a predetermined feeder unit 7U in the transport direction, supplying carrier tape to the feeder unit 7U. In this embodiment, the cassette holder 8 is used connected to the front side of the feeder unit 7U. Therefore, the tape supply position 8T corresponds to the connection position between the feeder unit 7U and the cassette holder 8 in the transport direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, when the cassette holder 8 is connected to the feeder unit 7U mounted on the component mounting machine 9A, it protrudes from the component mounting machine 9A onto the movement path 97 at this connection position (tape supply position 8T). In other words, when the cassette holder 8 is moved to the connection position, it interferes with the movement area of ​​the transport device 1, which is moving in the transport direction.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the cassette holder 8 consists of a holder body 81, a reel holding section 82, a tape feeding mechanism 85, a second locking mechanism 86, a coupling release mechanism 89, and a used tape storage space 8A. The holder body 81 is formed in a box shape with a height dimension greater than 15 inches. The holder body 81, like the feeder body 71, has protrusions on its lower surface. The protrusions engage with the slots of the lower storage section 93, stabilizing the storage position of the cassette holder 8.

[0042] A second locking mechanism 86 and an upper tape passage hole 815 are provided side by side in the width direction near the upper rear of the holder body 81. The second locking mechanism 86 detachably locks the gripping portion 77 of the feeder unit 7U when the cassette holder 8 is connected. The second locking mechanism 86 prevents the cassette holder 8 from detaching from the feeder unit 7U. Various known configurations can be applied to the second locking mechanism 86.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second locking mechanism 86 is composed of a positioning pin 861, a pin hole 862, and a clamp mechanism 863. The positioning pin 861 protrudes rearwardly at the lower part of the cassette holder 8 and is provided so as to be engageable with the pin hole 862 provided in the feeder unit 7U. The clamp mechanism 863 is provided in the cassette holder 8 and is composed of a chuck that clamps the gripped portion 77 of the feeder unit 7U. Thereby, the cassette holder 8 positioned at the connection position with respect to the feeder unit 7U is detachably connected by the clamp mechanism 863.

[0044] The upper tape passage hole 815 overlaps with the upper tape passage hole 715 of the feeder unit 7U. An electrical connector 816 is provided below the second locking mechanism 86 and the upper tape passage hole 815. When the cassette holder 8 is connected, the electrical connector 816 automatically fits into the receiving connector 716 of the feeder unit 7U. Thereby, the electrical components in the cassette holder 8 are supplied with power and are controlled by the feeder control unit 79 of the feeder unit 7U. A lower tape passage hole 817 is provided below the electrical connector 816. The lower tape passage hole 817 overlaps with the lower tape passage hole 717 of the feeder unit 7U.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, an operation hole 814 having a generally vertically long rectangular shape is provided near the upper part of the front surface of the holder main body 81. The operation hole 814 is formed in the same shape as the operation holes 714 of the cassette feeder 7C and the feeder unit 7U. Moreover, the operation hole 814 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation hole 714, that is, at the same height position as the operation hole 714. The upper and lower portions around the operation hole 814 of the holder main body 81 become the gripped portions 87. Therefore, the gripped portions 87 have the same shape as the gripped portions 77 of the cassette feeder 7C and the feeder unit 7U and are provided at corresponding positions to each other. The gripped portions 87 are gripped by the chuck 3B in the same manner as the gripped portions 77.

[0046] The reel holding portion 82 is disposed forward inside the holder main body 81. The reel holding portion 82 has the same configuration as the reel holding portion 72 of the cassette feeder 7C and is formed larger in size as compared with the reel holding portion 72. The reel holding portion 82 rotatably holds a large-diameter reel RL having a larger diameter (15 inches) than the outer dimension in the height direction of the feeder unit 7U. The tape feeding mechanism 85 is disposed behind the reel holding portion 82 inside the holder main body 81. The tape feeding mechanism 85 sends the carrier tape drawn from the large-diameter reel RL to the tape conveyance path 73 of the feeder unit 7U via the lower tape passing holes (817, 717). The tape feeding mechanism 85 is constituted by a motor or the like supplied with power from the feeder unit 7U.

[0047] The connection release mechanism 89 is operated by the unlocking mechanism 3E to release the regulation by the second locking mechanism 86. In the present embodiment, the connection release mechanism 89 is constituted by using an operation wire 891. One end of the operation wire 891 is engaged with the second locking mechanism 86. The other end of the operation wire 891 is coupled to a release member 892 disposed near the center of the operation hole 814. The release member 892 is supported by the holder main body 81 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The operation wire 891 is stretched over a plurality of tension applying rollers 893 and is constantly applied with tension. A manual release lever 894 is provided on the upper surface of the holder main body 81. The manual release lever 894 manually operates the operation wire 891.

[0048] According to the above-described configuration, when the release operation portion 3F2 (see FIG. 9) of the unlocking mechanism 3E pushes the release member 892 and when the manual release lever 894 is operated, the operation wire 891 is displaced in the length direction. Thereby, the clamp mechanism 863 of the second locking mechanism 86 is unclamped to release the lock. Therefore, the second locking mechanism 86 is in a released state, and an operation of removing the cassette holder 8 from the front side of the feeder unit 7U is permitted. Note that the connection release mechanism 89 may be applied with a mechanism other than the operation wire 891, for example, a link mechanism or a cam mechanism configured by displaceably connecting a plurality of link members.

[0049] The used tape storage space 8A is located in the upper rear part of the holder body 81. The used tape storage space 8A stores the cover tape that is returned from the feeder unit 7U via the upper tape passage holes (715, 815). The used tape storage space 8A and the reel holding section 82 are separated by a partition plate, which prevents contact between the cover tape being stored and the carrier tape being fed.

[0050] 4. Configuration of the Conveying Device 1 in the Embodiment Next, the configuration of the conveying device 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 6 to 11. The two conveying devices 1 transport the objects to be transported between the four parts mounting machines 9A and the two storage devices 9B that constitute the production line 9. Each of the two conveying devices 1 (first conveying device Dc1, second conveying device Dc2) consists of a device body 2, a transfer operation mechanism 3, a lock release mechanism 3E (see Figure 8), a lifting drive mechanism 5, and a control unit 6, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0051] Here, the two transport devices 1 can transport any of the cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U, and cassette holder 8. However, in this embodiment, the transport targets are divided among them from the viewpoint of production efficiency, etc. The first transport device Dc1, which is located upstream in the substrate transport direction, transports the cassette feeder 7C. The second transport device Dc2, which is located downstream in the substrate transport direction, transports the feeder unit 7U and the cassette holder 8. Furthermore, the first transport device Dc1 and the second transport device Dc2 share a travel path 97 and have a common structure in order to transport the transport targets to a common component mounting machine 9A. In Figures 6 to 10, corresponding structures are denoted by the same reference numerals and described accordingly.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7, the main body of the device 2 has a vertically elongated external shape. The main body of the device 2 moves in the transport direction between the component mounting machine 9A and the storage device 9B along the transport path 97. The main body 2S of the second transport device Dc2 has a recess 21 with an open rear surface facing the component mounting machine 9A so as to avoid collision with the cassette holder 8 protruding onto the transport path 97. As shown in Figure 7, the recess 21 is formed in a crank shape that opens horizontally backward. On the other hand, the main body 2P of the first transport device Dc1, as shown in Figure 6, does not have a recess 21 and cannot pass the connection position where the cassette holder 8 protrudes onto the transport path 97. Therefore, the range of movement of the first transport device Dc1 is limited so as not to interfere with the connection position of the upstreammost of the multiple cassette holders 8.

[0053] In this embodiment, the device body 2 has a travel mechanism 22 that travels along a travel path 97. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the travel mechanism 22 is composed of a guide roller 23 that engages with the middle rail 971 of the travel path 97, a guide roller 24 that engages with the lower rail 972, a drive wheel 25 that travels along the middle rail 971, a wheel 26 that travels on the floor, and a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the drive wheel 25. The device body 2 may also have a travel mechanism other than the travel mechanism 22 described above, and may be configured in a form similar to an automated guided vehicle 99 (see Figure 1) that travels on the floor. For reference, the applicant has disclosed one example of the configuration of the travel mechanism 22 of the device body 2 in International Publication No. 2017 / 141377.

[0054] The main body of the device 2 is provided with a transport operation mechanism 3. The transport operation mechanism 3 consists of a case 31, two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32, and two attachment / detachment direction drive parts 39, as shown in Figure 8. Each of the two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 is configured to include a lock release mechanism 3E. The transport operation mechanism 3 grasps the object to be transported by the gripping mechanism 3A and transports it.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, case 31 allows for the loading and unloading of up to four transport items in a horizontally aligned configuration. Four slots 314 are provided at the bottom of case 31. The transport items of the transport device 1 are moved into and stored inside case 31 from the rear, and then moved in the reverse direction. The cassette holder 8 is stored with its upper part protruding from case 31. Inside case 31, the protrusions on the lower surface of the transport items engage with the slots 314, stabilizing the storage posture of the transport items.

[0056] Inside the case 31, two sets of attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 and attachment / detachment direction drive parts 39 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 are made movable independently of each other in the attachment / detachment direction. The attachment / detachment direction refers to the direction of transport of the transported object when loading and detaching the transported object to the parts supply part 92, and corresponds to the front-back direction in Figure 1. Figure 8 shows the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 on the far side of the page. The attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 are mounted so as to be movable on the upper rail 391 and the lower rail 392. The attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 move in the attachment / detachment direction within the internal space of the case 31. This allows the attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 to transport the gripped transported object between the internal space of the case 31 and the outside.

[0057] Each of the two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 is provided with an independently operable unlocking mechanism 3E. The unlocking mechanism 3E is driven by a drive unit (not shown). The unlocking mechanism 3E releases the restriction imposed by the first locking mechanism 76 when removing the cassette feeder 7C or feeder unit 7U from the parts supply unit 92. The unlocking mechanism 3E is constructed using a release member 3F. As shown in Figure 9, the release member 3F is a rod-shaped member that is long in the attachment / detachment direction. Furthermore, the release member 3F drives the opening and closing operation of the chuck 3B of the gripping mechanism 3A that grips the object to be transported.

[0058] A manual lever (not shown) is provided at the front end of the release member 3F, which is operated manually by the operator in the attachment / detachment direction. This configuration allows for manual operation of the release member 3F, for example, when the drive unit malfunctions. In addition, the pair of upper and lower chucks 3B are provided so as to be openable and closable, and the opening and closing operation allows for gripping and releasing any of the three types of transported objects.

[0059] The lifting drive mechanism 5 shown in Figures 6 and 7 raises and lowers the transport operation mechanism 3 between the upper holding space 2U and the lower holding space 2D set in the main body 2 of the device. In other words, the lifting drive mechanism 5 raises and lowers the gripping mechanism 3A and the object to be transported together with the transport operation mechanism 3. The lifting drive mechanism 5 can be, for example, a ball screw feed mechanism or a linear electromagnetic drive mechanism that raises and lowers the case 31 of the transport operation mechanism 3. Each of the upper holding space 2U and the lower holding space 2D has enough space to hold the object to be transported, which is gripped by the gripping mechanism 3A, together with the transport operation mechanism 3.

[0060] The upper holding space 2U of the second conveying device Dc2 is located in the internal space of the recess 21 of the device body 2S. The height at which the upper holding space 2U is set coincides with the height at which the cassette holder 8 is positioned and also coincides with the height of the parts supply section 92. The upper holding space 2U of the second conveying device Dc2 has an open rear surface facing the parts mounting machine 9A and a side surface intersecting the conveying direction. Therefore, when the device body 2S of the second conveying device Dc2 moves along the movement path 97, the upper holding space 2U, which is empty and does not hold anything, allows the cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 to pass through. On the other hand, the lower holding space 2D is set below the upper holding space 2U, and its height coincides with the height of the lower storage section 93.

[0061] When the transfer operation mechanism 3 is located in the upper holding space 2U, it transfers the transport object (cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U, cassette holder 8) gripped by the gripping mechanism 3A horizontally between the parts supply unit 92 and the main unit 2, and between the main unit 2 and the storage device 9B. When the transfer operation mechanism 3 is located in the lower holding space 2D, it transfers the transport object gripped by the gripping mechanism 3A horizontally between the lower storage unit 93 and the main unit 2.

[0062] The control unit 6 controls the operation of the transport device 1 according to commands from the line management device 9D that manages the production line 9. The transport device 1 is powered by a non-contact power supply mechanism (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 6 controls the drive motor of the travel mechanism 22 of the device body 2. The control unit 6 also controls the lifting drive mechanism 5 to control the height of the transport operation mechanism 3 and the transported object. Furthermore, regarding the control of the transport operation mechanism 3, the control unit 6 controls the drive motor of the attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 to control the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32's position in the attachment / detachment direction. In addition, the control unit 6 controls the operation of the chuck 3B and release member 3F of the gripping mechanism 3A.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 6 performs control to prevent collision between the cassette holder 8, which is positioned to protrude from the component mounting machine 9A onto the movement path 97, and the object to be transported. Specifically, when a cassette holder 8 is located at a predetermined connection position in the transport direction, the control unit 6 of the first transport device Dc1 restricts the movement range so that the position where the device body 2P is allowed to approach the cassette holder 8 (or the upstreammost cassette holder 8 if multiple cassette holders 8 protrude onto the movement path 97) is the downstream end of the movement.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 6 of the second transport device Dc2 controls the lifting drive mechanism 5 depending on whether or not there is a cassette holder 8 interfering with the upper holding space 2U within the range of movement of the device body 2 while the gripping mechanism 3A is gripping the object to be transported. Specifically, when the device body 2 moves along the movement path 97, the control unit 6 operates the lifting drive mechanism 5 if there is a cassette holder 8 at a predetermined coupling position in the transport direction. The lifting drive mechanism 5 lowers the transport operation mechanism 3 (including the gripping mechanism 3A and the object to be transported) from the upper holding space 2U to the lower holding space 2D and moves it out of the way. After the transport operation mechanism 3 has moved out of the way in the lower holding space 2D, the device body 2 moves so as to pass the coupling position of the cassette holder 8 in the transport direction.

[0065] Furthermore, even when the gripping mechanism 3A is not gripping the object to be transported, the control unit 6 of the second transport device Dc2 performs the same control as described above to avoid collision between the cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 and the transport operation mechanism 3. As a result, the cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 can pass through the empty upper holding space 2U, thus avoiding collision with the object to be transported or the transport operation mechanism 3.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 6 may omit the operation of the lifting drive mechanism 5 if the cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 is not within the movement range of the device body 2. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the movement of the device body 2 while maintaining the transfer operation mechanism 3 (including the gripping mechanism 3A and the object to be transported) in the upper holding space 2U. As a result, the transport device 1 can transport the object to be transported between the parts supply section 92 of the parts mounting machine 9A and the storage device 9B while maintaining it at a constant height, eliminating the need for the operation of the lifting drive mechanism 5 and improving transport efficiency.

[0067] To elaborate, the control unit 6 can obtain information regarding the presence and position of a cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 from the line management device 9D. Alternatively, the control unit 6 may obtain information regarding the presence and position of a cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 from the transport history up to the present. Alternatively, an interference detection sensor for detecting a cassette holder 8 protruding onto the movement path 97 may be provided in the device body 2 or the production line 9. In this configuration, the control unit 6 performs control based on the detection results of the interference detection sensor. Furthermore, the interference detection sensor can also be used to detect workers or other objects entering the movement range of the device body 2 and to emergency stop the device body 2.

[0068] 5. Relationship between the width dimension of the object to be transported and the gripping method As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the transport operation mechanism 3 has two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32, and a total of four sets of chucks 3B and release members 3F. The two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 are arranged adjacent to each other with a pitch dimension of three times a predetermined separation pitch Ps. In addition, the two sets of chucks 3B within the attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 are arranged adjacent to each other with a separation pitch Ps.

[0069] On the other hand, multiple types of cassette holders 8 with different width dimensions are used to accommodate multiple width dimensions of large-diameter reels RL and carrier tapes. A standard cassette holder 8S with a width dimension W1 of less than or equal to the spacing pitch Ps faces one set of chucks 3B. Therefore, each of the four sets of chucks 3B can simultaneously grip a standard cassette holder 8S. A wide cassette holder 8W with a width dimension W2 greater than or equal to 1 times the spacing pitch Ps and less than or equal to 2 times the spacing pitch Ps faces two sets of chucks 3B. Therefore, one chuck 3B of the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 can grip a wide cassette holder 8W, while the other chuck 3B is left idle.

[0070] Furthermore, for extra-wide cassette holders 8 having a width dimension exceeding twice but not exceeding five times the spacing pitch Ps, it is possible for one chuck 3B of one attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 to grip the holder, while the other chuck 3B remains stationary, and for the other attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 to remain stationary as well. The relationship between the width dimension of the cassette holder 8 and the gripping method described above also applies when the chuck 3B grips a cassette feeder 7C or a feeder unit 7U. Thus, in this embodiment, the transfer operation mechanism 3 provided in the first transfer device Dc1 and the second transfer device Dc2 is a multi-feeder transfer device that can attach and detach multiple cassette feeders 7C to the component mounting machine 9A all at once.

[0071] 6. Operations for Handling Cassette Feeder 7C and Feeder Unit 7U Next, the removal and storage operations for handling the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U by the two transport devices 1 will be described in detail. The operations described below are common whether the transported object is the cassette feeder 7C or the feeder unit 7U, and are also common regardless of whether the transported object is located in the parts supply unit 92, the lower storage unit 93, or the storage device 9B.

[0072] First, the main body of the device 2 moves to the parts mounting machine 9A or storage device 9B where the object to be transported is located. Next, the lifting drive mechanism 5 raises the transport operation mechanism 3 to the upper holding space 2U or the lower holding space 2D and positions it in front of the object to be transported. Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 moves the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 to the rear. Then, the drive unit drives the release member 3F and the closed chuck 3B into the operation hole 714 of the object to be transported. After that, the pair of upper and lower chucks 3B are pushed apart vertically. As a result, the pair of upper and lower chucks 3B grip the gripping portion 77 around the operation hole 714.

[0073] Furthermore, the release member 3F moves the first locking mechanism 76 to the released state, making it possible to remove the object to be transported. Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 moves the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 forward. As a result, the object to be transported, which was gripped by the chuck 3B, is removed and then transported to the internal space of the case 31 for storage. At this time, the amount of movement of the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 is greater than the total length of the object to be transported in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction).

[0074] Next, the loading operation for loading the transport objects (cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U) housed in the internal space of the case 31 of the transport device 1 into the parts supply unit 92 will be briefly explained. The storage operation for storing the transport objects in the lower storage unit 93 or the storage device 9B is generally the same as the loading operation, except that the destination of transport differs. In the loading operation, first the main body of the device 2 moves to face the parts mounting machine 9A, and then the height of the transport operation mechanism 3 is adjusted to the upper holding space 2U by the lifting drive mechanism 5.

[0075] Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 moves the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 backward, transferring the object to be transported, which is gripped by the chuck 3B, to the parts supply unit 92 and inserting it. At this time, the amount of movement of the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 is greater than the total length of the object to be transported. Next, when the release member 3F moves forward, the chuck 3B closes and releases the object to be transported. Meanwhile, the first locking mechanism 76 of the object to be transported moves to the locked state and it is loaded into the parts supply unit 92. After this, the main body of the device 2 moves away from the front of the parts supply unit 92.

[0076] 7. Operation of the Cassette Holder 8 The operation of the transport device 1 in handling the cassette holder 8 differs in two ways from the operation of the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U. The first difference is that, compared to the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U, the connection position of the cassette holder 8 in the front-to-back direction is located towards the front. The second difference is that the second locking mechanism 86 of the cassette holder 8 differs from the first locking mechanism 76 of the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U.

[0077] Regarding the first difference, the transfer operation mechanism 3 cannot be positioned in front of the cassette holder 8 at the connection position. Therefore, the removal operation in which the transport device 1 removes the cassette holder 8 at the connection position is performed as follows: The attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 moves the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 forward, and the lifting / lowering drive mechanism 5 lowers the transfer operation mechanism 3 into the lower holding space 2D. Next, the device body 2 moves to position the transfer operation mechanism 3 below the cassette holder 8 at the connection position. Next, the lifting / lowering drive mechanism 5 raises the transfer operation mechanism 3 into the upper holding space 2U. As a result, the cassette holder 8 at the connection position descends relative to the transfer operation mechanism 3 and is housed in the internal space of the case 31 from the top through the opening.

[0078] Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 moves the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 backward to contact the cassette holder 8. Then, the drive unit drives the chuck 3B and the lock release mechanism 3E to operate synchronously. At this time, the chuck 3B operates in the same way as in the case of the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U to grip the gripped portion 87 of the cassette holder 8. On the other hand, the lock release mechanism 3E operates differently from the case of the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U in response to the second difference. That is, the release member 3F pushes the release member 892 of the coupling release mechanism 89. As a result, one end of the operating wire 891 is unclamped by the clamping mechanism 863 of the second lock mechanism 86, releasing the lock and making the cassette holder 8 removable.

[0079] Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive unit 39 moves the attachment / detachment direction movement unit 32 slightly forward. As a result, the cassette holder 8, which is gripped by the chuck 3B, is removed from the feeder unit 7U and stored in the internal space of the case 31. The subsequent transport of the cassette holder 8 and its storage in the lower storage unit 93 or storage device 9B are the same as in the case of the cassette feeder 7C and feeder unit 7U. The connection operation of connecting the cassette holder 8 to the feeder unit 7U is generally performed in the reverse order of the removal operation described above. In this way, the unlock mechanism 3E functions as a holder attachment / detachment device for connecting or detaching the cassette holder 8 to or from the feeder unit 7U equipped on the component mounting machine 9A.

[0080] 8. Conveying Operation of Conveying Device 1 Next, the overall conveying operation of the two conveying devices 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 shows the cassette holder 8, which is positioned to protrude on the movement path 97, passing through the upper holding space 2U of the second conveying device Dc2. The first conveying device Dc1 transports the cassette feeder 7C as the transport target between the upstream first storage device 9B1 and the component mounting machine 9A. The second conveying device Dc2 transports the feeder unit 7U and the cassette holder 8 as the transport targets between the component mounting machine 9A and the downstream second storage device 9B2. Furthermore, when the second conveying device Dc2 transports the cassette holder 8, it transports it between the feeder unit 7U, the lower storage section 93, and the second storage device 9B2, all of which are equipped on the component mounting machine 9A.

[0081] When the transport device 1 is transporting an object between the main body 2 and the parts supply unit 92 or the storage device 9B, as indicated by arrow M1 in Figure 11, it maintains the transport operation mechanism 3 in the upper holding space 2U. Also, when the transport device 1 is transporting an object between the main body 2 and the lower storage unit 93, as indicated by arrow M2, it maintains the transport operation mechanism 3 in the lower holding space 2D. Furthermore, when the transport device 1 is performing the removal operation of the cassette holder 8, it raises the transport operation mechanism 3 from the lower holding space 2D to the upper holding space 2U, as indicated by arrow M3. Also, when the transport device 1 is performing the coupling operation of the cassette holder 8, it lowers the transport operation mechanism 3 from the upper holding space 2U to the lower holding space 2D, as indicated by arrow M4.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to avoid collision between the transported object and the transport operation mechanism 3 with the cassette holder 8 which is positioned protruding on the movement path 97, the transport device 1 passes the cassette holder 8 with the transport operation mechanism 3 lowered into the lower holding space 2D as shown by arrow M4 (as described above). Subsequently, if the transported object is headed to the parts supply unit 92 or the storage device 9B, the transport device 1 raises the transport operation mechanism 3 into the upper holding space 2U as shown by arrow M3. Also, if the transported object is headed to the lower storage unit 93, the transport device 1 maintains the transport operation mechanism 3 in the lower holding space 2D. The transport device 1 can perform the five transport operations described below (1) to (5), and can also perform other transport operations as appropriate.

[0083] (1) Batch transport of multiple identical transport targets The transport device 1 can transport up to four identical transport targets at once. For example, in setup work when changing the type of product substrate produced on the production line 9, the transport device 1 can remove four cassette feeders 7C from the component supply unit 92 of the component mounting machine 9A and transport them all at once to the storage device 9B. The transport device 1 can also transport four other set up cassette feeders 7C from the storage device 9B to the component mounting machine 9A all at once and install them in the component supply unit 92.

[0084] Furthermore, during the setup changeover, the conveying device 1 can remove the cassette holders 8 from each of the four feeder units 7U installed in the parts supply unit 92 and transport them all at once to the storage device 9B. Subsequently, the conveying device 1 can remove the four feeder units 7U from the parts supply unit 92 and transport them all at once to the storage device 9B. The conveying device 1 can then transport four more set up feeder units 7U all at once from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A and install them in the parts supply unit 92. Subsequently, the conveying device 1 can transport four more set up cassette holders 8 all at once from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A and connect them to the already installed feeder units 7U.

[0085] (2) Batch transport of different types of transport objects The transport device 1 can transport up to four different types of transport objects at once. For example, in a setup change operation, the transport device 1 can remove the cassette holder 8 from each of the two feeder units 7U equipped in the parts supply unit 92, and then remove the two feeder units 7U from the parts supply unit 92. Subsequently, the transport device 1 can transport the two removed cassette holders 8 and the two feeder units 7U at once to the storage device 9B. The transport device 1 can also transport two other set up feeder units 7U and two other cassette holders 8 at once from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A. Subsequently, the transport device 1 can equip the two feeder units 7U in the parts supply unit 92, and then connect the two cassette holders 8 to the equipped feeder units 7U.

[0086] (3) Transport for replacing transported items The transporting device 1 can perform transport for replacing transported items. For example, in a parts replenishment operation to replenish parts that have been consumed by the parts mounting machine 9A, the transporting device 1 transports the set up cassette feeder 7C from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A. Subsequently, the transporting device 1 removes the used cassette feeder 7C from the parts supply unit 92 and installs the transported cassette feeder 7C in the position where it was removed. Furthermore, the transporting device 1 transports the removed cassette feeder 7C to the storage device 9B.

[0087] Furthermore, during the parts replenishment operation, the conveying device 1 transports the prepared cassette holder 8 from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A. Subsequently, the conveying device 1 removes the used cassette holder 8 from the feeder unit 7U equipped in the parts supply unit 92 and connects the transported cassette holder 8 to the feeder unit 7U. Finally, the conveying device 1 transports the removed cassette holder 8 to the storage device 9B.

[0088] (4) Transport to multiple locations The transport device 1 can transport multiple transport targets to multiple locations. For example, in parts replenishment work, the transport device 1 transports two set-up cassette feeders 7C from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A. Next, the transport device 1 removes the used cassette feeder 7C from the parts supply unit 92 and installs one of the transported cassette feeders 7C in the position where it was removed. Furthermore, the transport device 1 stores the remaining transported cassette feeder 7C in the lower storage unit 93. In the next parts replenishment work, the transport device 1 transports the cassette feeder 7C stored in the lower storage unit 93 to the parts supply unit 92 and replaces the equipped used cassette feeder 7C.

[0089] Furthermore, during parts replenishment, the conveying device 1 transports the two prepared cassette holders 8 from the storage device 9B to the parts mounting machine 9A. Next, the conveying device 1 removes the used cassette holder 8 from the feeder unit 7U equipped in the parts supply unit 92 and connects one of the transported cassette holders 8 to the feeder unit 7U. In addition, the conveying device 1 stores the remaining transported cassette holder 8 in the lower storage unit 93. During the next parts replenishment operation, the conveying device 1 transports the cassette holder 8 stored in the lower storage unit 93 to the feeder unit 7U equipped in the parts supply unit 92 and replaces the used cassette holder 8 connected to the feeder unit 7U.

[0090] Furthermore, if parts replenishment work is required at both parts mounting machines 9A at the same time, the conveying device 1 can handle this in a single round trip. Specifically, the conveying device 1 transports the two set-up cassette feeders 7C from the storage device 9B to the first parts mounting machine 9A and replaces the first cassette feeder 7C. Next, the conveying device 1 moves to the second parts mounting machine 9A and replaces the second cassette feeder 7C. Finally, the conveying device 1 can transport the two removed cassette feeders 7C back to the storage device 9B. Even in setup changeover work, not just parts replenishment work, the conveying device 1 can handle both parts mounting machines 9A in a single round trip.

[0091] (5) Pre-transport of transported items The transporting device 1 can transport the transported items to the lower storage section 93 in advance, before the transported items are needed by the parts mounting machine 9A. For example, the transporting device 1 can transport the prepared transported items from the storage device 9B to the lower storage section 93 of the parts mounting machine 9A in advance, before the changeover work begins. In this case, during the changeover work, the transporting device 1 transports the transported items stored in the lower storage section 93 to the parts supply section 92 and installs (or connects) them.

[0092] Furthermore, the conveying device 1 can pre-transport the prepared transport targets (cassette feeder 7C, cassette holder 8) from the storage device 9B to the lower storage section 93 of the parts mounting machine 9A before parts replenishment work is required. In this case, when parts replenishment work is required, the conveying device 1 transports the transport targets stored in the lower storage section 93 to the parts supply section 92 and installs (or connects) them. Here, the transport operation from the lower storage section 93 to the parts supply section 92 can be performed in a shorter time compared to the transport operation from the storage device 9B to the parts supply section 92, because the travel distance of the device body 2 is shorter. Therefore, by pre-transporting the transport targets to the lower storage section 93 before they are needed, the time required for setup changeover work and parts replenishment work can be shortened.

[0093] 9. Effects of the Configuration of the Embodiment According to the configuration of the transport system Sy illustrated in the embodiment, multiple types of feeders (cassette feeder 7C, feeder unit 7U, and cassette holder 8) can be transported, and parts replenishment work can be performed. This makes it possible to transport, for example, feeders (feeder unit 7U, cassette holder 8) that can handle large diameter reels, thereby reducing manpower in the production environment and improving production efficiency.

[0094] 10. The transport device 1 of the modified embodiment can be modified as shown in Figure 12. The transport device 1 of the modified embodiment (second transport device Dc2) has a smaller device body 2A compared to the embodiment. Specifically, the device body 2A is formed to a height dimension lower than the cassette holder 8 at the connection position in order to avoid interference with the cassette holder 8 protruding on the transport path 97, and the recess 21 is unnecessary. In the modified embodiment, the lifting drive mechanism 5 can drive the transport operation mechanism 3 (including the gripping mechanism 3A and the transport object) up and down between the upper holding space 2U set above the device body 2A and the lower holding space 2D set inside the device body 2A. Figure 12 illustrates two cassette holders 8 that have been driven upward into the upper holding space 2U.

[0095] In the embodiment and modified form of the conveying device 1, even when the cassette holder 8 is positioned on the movement path 97 along the front of the component mounting machine 9A and the storage device 9B, the conveying device 1 can move the object to be conveyed into the lower holding space 2D below the cassette holder 8 and then convey it. Furthermore, the conveying device 1 can convey either the feeder unit 7U gripped by the gripping mechanism 3A or the cassette holder 8. Therefore, the conveying device 1 offers a significant labor-saving effect compared to the conventional technology, which does not convey the object to be conveyed when the cassette holder 8 is positioned on the movement path 97.

[0096] 11. In the applied and modified embodiments of the embodiment, a single production line 9 is provided with two conveying devices 1 that transport different items from each other, and two storage devices 9B for accommodating the items that each of the two conveying devices 1 transports. In contrast, the first conveying device Dc1 and the second conveying device Dc2 can transport at least one of the following: a cassette feeder 7C, a feeder unit 7U, and a cassette holder 8.

[0097] For example, the upstream first transport device Dc1, in the structure illustrated in the embodiment, cannot perform the operation of attaching and detaching the cassette holder 8 to the feeder unit 7U, but it may be configured to transport the cassette holder 8 between the storage device 9B and the lower storage section 93 of the component mounting machine 9A. Also, the transport operation mechanism 3 of the second transport devices 1, Dc2 may function as a feeder transport device that replaces at least two types of components between the component supply section 92 and the lower storage section 93, namely the cassette feeder 7C, the feeder unit 7U, and the cassette holder 8.

[0098] For example, the downstream second conveying device Dc2 may include the cassette feeder 7C as an item to be conveyed and exchanged. This allows the cassette feeder 7C, which has been conveyed by the first conveying device Dc1, to be received via a predetermined lower storage section 93 when the movement range of the first conveying device Dc1 is limited, and to be installed in the parts supply section 92 of the parts mounting machine 9A downstream of the aforementioned movement range.

[0099] Furthermore, the arrangement of the multiple storage devices 9B is not limited to the upstream and downstream sides of the component mounting machine 9A, but may be between the multiple component mounting machines 9A. Also, the lower storage section 93 of the component mounting machine 9A may be omitted. In addition, the transport device 1 may be transported by moving the transport operation mechanism 3 and the transport object to the retraction space if there is a retraction space at a position higher than the upper holding space 2U of the device body 2 and a cassette holder 8 that is positioned protruding on the movement path 97. Furthermore, the transport device 1 may add a single large-diameter reel RL as a transport object in place of the cassette holder 8 among the three types of transport objects. In this configuration, the large-diameter reel RL is transported and held by a reel holding device connected to the front side of the feeder unit 7U, or by a reel holding device positioned at a distance in front of the feeder unit 7U.

[0100] Furthermore, if there are width constraints even with a 13-inch diameter reel RM, or if the number of cassette feeders 7C is insufficient, the 13-inch reel RM may be held in a cassette holder 8, and the cassette holder 8 may be connected to a feeder unit 7U for use. In this configuration, the reel holding portion 82 of the cassette holder 8 is required to have a holding shaft that holds the central hole of the reel RM. Moreover, regardless of the diameter and width dimensions of the reel RM and the large-diameter reel RL, the conveying device 1 of this embodiment can be applied to a production line that supplies parts using the feeder unit 7U and cassette holder 8 without using the cassette feeder 7C. The embodiment and its variations can be applied and modified in various other ways.

[0101] 1, Dc1, Dc2: Conveying device, 2, 2P, 2D, 2A: Device body, 21: Recess, 22: Traveling mechanism, 2U: Upper holding space, 2D: Lower holding space, 3: Transfer operation mechanism (feeder transfer device, multi-feeder transfer device), 31: Case, 32: Attachment / detachment direction movement part, 39: Attachment / detachment direction drive part, 3A: Gripping mechanism, 3B: Chuck, 3E: Lock release mechanism, 3F: Release member, 5: Lifting / lowering drive mechanism, 6: Control unit, 7C: Cassette feeder, 7U: Feeder unit, 71: Feeder body, 72: Reel holding part, 76: First locking mechanism, 77: Gripping part, 78: Tape processing mechanism, 8: Cassette holder, 8S: Standard cassette holder, 8W: Wide cassette holder, 81: Holder body, 82: Reel holding section, 86: Second locking mechanism, 861: Positioning pin, 862: Pin hole, 863: Clamping mechanism, 87: Gripping section, 89: Release mechanism, 9: Production line, 9A: Parts mounting machine, 9B, 9B1, 9B2: Storage device, 9D: Line management device, 92: Parts supply section, 93: Lower storage section, 95: Storage magazine, 97: Movement path, RM: Reel, RL: Large diameter reel, Sy: Conveying system

Claims

1. A transport system comprising: a first transport device that is movably provided along a travel path along the front of a plurality of component mounting machines arranged in a row, and whose transport target is a cassette feeder that holds a reel around which a carrier tape containing a plurality of components is wound, and is equipped on the component mounting machine to supply the components; and a second transport device that is movably provided along the travel path, and whose transport target is a feeder unit that is equipped on the component mounting machine to supply the components, and a cassette holder that holds the reel and is located outside the feeder unit to supply the carrier tape to the feeder unit.

2. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the cassette holder protrudes from the component mounting machine onto the movement path at the tape supply position where the carrier tape is supplied to the feeder unit mounted on the component mounting machine, and the second transport device is configured to pass through the tape supply position with the transport object retracted to one side in the vertical direction of the cassette holder protruding onto the movement path at the tape supply position.

3. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein one of the feeder unit and the cassette holder has a positioning pin that can engage with a pin hole provided in the other, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the other, and the cassette holder positioned relative to the feeder unit is detachably connected by the clamping mechanism.

4. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the cassette holder is capable of accommodating a reel with a diameter larger than the external dimensions of the feeder unit.

5. A transport system comprising a first transport device and a second transport device, which are provided to be movable along a travel path along the front of a plurality of component mounting machines arranged in a row, wherein the first transport device and the second transport device transport at least one of the following: a cassette feeder which holds a reel on which a carrier tape containing a plurality of components is wound and is equipped on the component mounting machine to supply the components; a feeder unit which is equipped on the component mounting machine to supply the components; and a cassette holder which holds the reel and is positioned outside the feeder unit to supply the carrier tape to the feeder unit, wherein the cassette holder protrudes from the component mounting machine onto the travel path at a tape supply position where the carrier tape is supplied to the feeder unit equipped on the component mounting machine, and the second transport device is configured to be able to pass through the tape supply position with the transport object retracted to one side in the vertical direction of the cassette holder protruding onto the travel path at the tape supply position.

6. A transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first storage device capable of storing the cassette feeder and a second storage device capable of storing the feeder unit and the cassette holder are arranged alongside a plurality of component mounting machines, the first transport device transports the cassette feeder between the plurality of component mounting machines and the first storage device, and the second transport device transports the feeder unit and the cassette holder between the plurality of component mounting machines and the second storage device.

7. The transport system according to claim 6, wherein the first storage device is located upstream of the plurality of component mounting machines in the transport direction of the substrate in a production line for product substrates comprising the plurality of component mounting machines, and the second storage device is located downstream of the plurality of component mounting machines in the transport direction of the substrate in the production line.

8. The conveying system according to claim 6, wherein the second conveying device has a holder attachment / detachment device for connecting or detaching the cassette holder to or from the feeder unit equipped on the component mounting machine.

9. The conveying system according to claim 6, wherein the component mounting machine comprises a component supply unit equipped with the cassette feeder and the feeder unit, and a lower storage unit disposed below the component supply unit and capable of storing the cassette feeder, the feeder unit, and the cassette holder, and the second conveying device comprises a feeder transfer device between the component supply unit and the lower storage unit for replacing at least two types of components: the cassette feeder, the feeder unit, and the cassette holder.

10. The transport system according to claim 6, wherein the first transport device comprises a multi-feeder transport device that can collectively attach and detach a plurality of cassette feeders to the component mounting machine.

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