Feeder management system and feeder management method

Abstract

This feeder management system comprises: a reel loading device that, when a reel wound with a carrier tape accommodating a plurality of components is loaded, reads reel identification information on the reel and performs loading work for loading the reel into a loaded tape feeder; an automatic warehouse that stores a plurality of tape feeders, acquires feeder identification information on each of the plurality of tape feeders, and manages the feeder identification information in association with the storage position; a transfer device that transfers the tape feeders between the reel loading device and the automatic warehouse; and a control device that selects one of the plurality of tape feeders stored in the automatic warehouse such that the model of the selected tape feeder is compatible with the reel loaded into the reel loading device, and controls the transfer and loading of the tape feeder into the reel loading device by the transfer device and the loading work for the reel by the reel loading device. This configuration contributes to achieving a smart factory.

Description

Feeder Management System and Feeder Management Method

[0001] This specification relates to a feeder management system for managing tape feeders that are detachably mounted on a component mounter, and a feeder management method.

[0002] Technologies for mass-producing product substrates by performing substrate work on substrates with circuit patterns formed thereon have become widespread. Furthermore, it has become common to arrange a plurality of types of substrate work machines side by side to form a production line for product substrates. A representative example of a substrate work machine is a component mounter that mounts components on a substrate. Many component mounters are detachably equipped with tape feeders. A tape feeder can be detachably held with a reel around which a carrier tape accommodating a plurality of components is wound, and the carrier tape is sent to supply components. In recent years, as part of the smart factory concept aimed at labor saving in factories, a reel loading device for automatically loading reels onto tape feeders has been developed, and labor saving has been achieved through combination with a conveying device. A technical example related to the combined configuration of a reel loading device and a conveying device is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a warehouse system in which a transfer robot takes out a tape reel from a component container warehouse according to a command and conveys it to a reel loader (reel loading device), and takes out a feeder device from a component supply unit warehouse and conveys it to the reel loader, and the reel loader that receives these loads the tape reel onto the feeder device (see paragraphs 0064 - 0066). According to this, it is said that the preparation for using the feeder device with the component mounter is automatically completed, and further labor saving is achieved compared to the conventional method (see paragraph 0009).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024 - 133227

[0005] Incidentally, the technical example in Patent Document 1 is preferable in that it can automate the transport operation preceding the reel loading operation by using a transport robot. However, since the commands received by the transport robot are generally issued according to the production plan of the product substrate, the degree of freedom in transport operations is restricted by the production plan. For example, if the commanded tape reel is not stored in the parts storage warehouse, or if the commanded feeder device is not stored in the parts supply unit warehouse, the transport robot cannot perform the transport operation, causing the reel loader loading operation to stagnate and preventing flexible responses. Furthermore, in the form where the tape reel is transported to the reel loader by the operator's manual work, there is a constraint that the operator must check the production plan and then select the tape reel and decide when to transport it, which tends to increase the workload.

[0006] Therefore, this specification aims to provide a feeder management system and a feeder management method that can increase the operator's work flexibility and reduce their workload.

[0007] This specification discloses a feeder management system comprising: a reel loading device that reads reel identification information of a reel when a reel on which a carrier tape containing multiple components is wound is inserted, and performs a loading operation to load the inserted reel into a tape feeder; an automated warehouse that stores multiple tape feeders, acquires feeder identification information for each of the multiple tape feeders, and manages them in association with their storage locations; a transfer device that transfers the tape feeders between the reel loading device and the automated warehouse; and a control device that selects a tape feeder of a model suitable for the reel inserted into the reel loading device from among the multiple tape feeders stored in the automated warehouse, and controls the transfer and insertion into the reel loading device by the transfer device, as well as the loading operation of the reel by the reel loading device.

[0008] Furthermore, this specification relates to a feeder management method using a reel loading device that reads the reel identification information of a reel when a reel on which a carrier tape containing multiple components is wound is inserted, and loads the inserted reel into a tape feeder; an automated warehouse that stores multiple tape feeders, acquires the feeder identification information of each of the multiple tape feeders, and manages them in association with their storage locations; and a transfer device that transfers the tape feeders between the reel loading device and the automated warehouse, wherein the reel loading device is inserted A feeder management method is disclosed, comprising: a reel identification step of reading the reel identification information of the reel that has been loaded; a feeder selection step of selecting a tape feeder of a model that matches the reel identification information read from among a plurality of tape feeders stored in the automated warehouse; a feeder transfer step of transferring the selected tape feeder to the reel loading device and loading it using the transfer device; and a reel loading step of performing the loading operation of the reel loaded into the loaded tape feeder using the reel loading device.

[0009] Furthermore, this specification discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management system described in claim 4" to "the feeder management system described in claim 4 or 5" in claim 6 of the original application, the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management system described in any one of claims 1-3" to "the feeder management system described in any one of claims 1-6" in claim 7 of the original application, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the feeder management system described in any one of claims 1-3" to "the feeder management system described in any one of claims 1-7" in claim 8 of the original application.

[0010] In the disclosed feeder management system and feeder management method, a tape feeder of the appropriate model is automatically selected for the reel inserted into the reel loading device by the operator, and the transfer operation by the transfer device and the loading operation by the reel loading device are performed automatically. As a result, the operator is not constrained by checking the production plan and selecting reels accordingly, nor is they constrained by determining the transport timing according to the production plan. Therefore, any reel can be transported to the reel loading device and loaded at a convenient time. Consequently, the operator's work flexibility is increased, reducing the workload and contributing to the realization of a smart factory.

[0011] This is a plan view showing an example configuration of a parts mounting machine equipped with a detachable tape feeder. This is a side view showing an example configuration of a tape feeder. This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration and related configurations of the feeder management system of the embodiment. This is a front view schematically showing a storage module constituting an automated warehouse. This is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a reel attachment / detachment device. This is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a reel attachment / detachment device. This is a sequence diagram explaining the operation of the feeder management system. This is a partial front view of the feeder management system showing an embodiment of the operation described in Figure 7.

[0012] 1. Example Configuration of Component Mounting Machine 9 The feeder management system 1 of this embodiment manages tape feeders (8A, 8B) that are detachably mounted on the component mounting machine 9. First, an example configuration of the component mounting machine 9 will be explained with reference to Figure 1. The component mounting machine 9 is used by being incorporated into a production line 9A (see Figure 3) that produces product substrates. The component mounting machine 9 performs the mounting work of mounting components onto the substrate K. In Figure 1, the horizontal direction from the left to the right of the paper is the X-axis direction for transporting the substrate K, the horizontal direction from the bottom (front) to the top (rear) of the paper is the Y-axis direction, and the vertical direction is the Z-axis direction. The component mounting machine 9 is configured by assembling a substrate transport device 92, a component supply device 93, a component transfer device 94, and a mounting control device 95, etc., on a base 91.

[0013] The substrate transport device 92 consists of a pair of guide rails 921, a pair of transport conveyors (not shown), and a clamping mechanism 922. The pair of guide rails 921 extend in the X-axis direction across the center of the upper surface of the base 91 and are assembled to the base 91 parallel to each other. The pair of transport conveyors rotate along the guide rails 921 with two parallel sides of the substrate K placed on them, transporting the substrate K to a stopping position near the center of the base 91. The clamping mechanism 922 is located below the stopping position and pushes up the substrate K and clamps it between itself and the guide rails 921 to position it. After the component mounting work by the component transfer device 94 is completed, the clamping mechanism 922 releases the substrate K, and the transport conveyors carry the substrate K out of the machine.

[0014] The parts supply device 93 is positioned at the front of the upper surface of the base 91 in the Y-axis direction. The parts supply device 93 consists of a pallet stand 931 and a plurality of tape feeders (8A, 8B), etc. The pallet stand 931 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. The pallet stand 931 may be formed in a trolley shape with casters for movement and be detachable from the base 91. The pallet stand 931 has a ceiling plate (not shown) with a plurality of upper slots formed therein that are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of tape feeders (8A, 8B) are each detachably inserted into the upper slots and installed. Each of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) supplies parts using a carrier tape that contains multiple parts.

[0015] Multiple models of tape feeders (8A, 8B) are available to accommodate various width dimensions of carrier tapes. In this embodiment, at least the standard model and the wide model described below are used in combination. The standard model tape feeder 8A has a standard width dimension in the X-axis direction to match the standard width dimension of the carrier tape used. The standard model tape feeder 8A is mounted in one upper slot. The wide model tape feeder 8B has a width dimension larger than the standard dimension and is configured to accommodate carrier tapes wider than the standard width dimension. The wide model tape feeder 8B is mounted across two upper slots.

[0016] The component transfer device 94 consists of a Y-axis moving body 941, an X-axis moving body 942, a mounting head 943, a nozzle holder 944, a plurality of suction nozzles 945, a substrate camera 946, and a component camera 947. The Y-axis moving body 941 and the X-axis moving body 942 constitute an X-Y drive mechanism that moves the mounting head 943 in two horizontal directions. A rotationally symmetric nozzle holder 944 is provided below the mounting head 943. The nozzle holder 944 is equipped with a plurality of suction nozzles 945 (20 in the example in Figure 1) that can be automatically replaced. The suction nozzles 945 perform the mounting operation by picking up components supplied from tape feeders (8A, 8B) and mounting them on the substrate K at the stopping position. The mounting head 943 may be equipped with a plurality of suction nozzles 945 arranged in a line or in a grid pattern. In addition, other component mounting devices besides the suction nozzle 945, such as a chuck for gripping a component, may be provided on the mounting head 943.

[0017] The substrate camera 946 is mounted facing downwards on the X-axis moving body 942, alongside the mounting head 943. The substrate camera 946 captures position marks on the substrate K from above to accurately determine the stopping position of the substrate K. The component camera 947 is mounted facing upwards between the substrate transport device 92 and the component supply device 93. The component camera 947 captures and recognizes components held by the suction nozzle 945 from below while the mounting head 943 is moving from the component supply device 93 to the substrate K. This allows for the determination of whether the component is correct or incorrect, and also detects the position and orientation of the component relative to the suction nozzle 945, which is then reflected in the mounting operation. Examples of substrate cameras 946 and component cameras 947 include digital imaging devices having image sensors such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

[0018] The mounting control device 95 is assembled on the base 91, and its position is not particularly limited. The mounting control device 95 is configured using a computer device. The mounting control device 95 may also be configured with multiple CPUs distributed within the machine and connected via communication. Based on mounting work data created for each type of product substrate (substrate K), the mounting control device 95 controls the substrate transport device 92, the component supply device 93, and the component transfer device 94 to proceed with the component mounting work. The mounting work data includes material information such as the type and shape of the substrate K and components, coordinate information indicating the suction position and mounting position of the components, and correspondence information that associates the type of component with the model of the tape feeder (8A, 8B) used.

[0019] 2. Example Configuration of Tape Feeder 8A Next, an example configuration of tape feeder 8A will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The configurations of the two tape feeder models (8A and 8B) are similar except for the difference in width dimensions, so here we will explain an example configuration of the standard tape feeder 8A. Tape feeder 8A supplies components by feeding a carrier tape CT, which contains components in multiple cavities, in a predetermined feeding direction. In Figure 2, the direction from left to right is the feeding direction of the carrier tape CT, with the left side being the upstream side and the right side being the downstream side. Tape feeder 8A is constructed to be thin in the width direction by assembling various components onto a feeder body 81 including side plates. In addition to the feeder body 81, tape feeder 8A consists of a feeding mechanism 83, a tape peeling mechanism 84, a tape guide 85, a feeder control unit 86, and an indicator lamp 87.

[0020] The feeder body 81 includes an upper rail 811, a reel holding section 812, an opening / closing plate 813, a tape transport path 815, and a locking mechanism 818. The upper rail 811 is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the feeder body 81, has a T-shaped cross-section and extends in the front-rear direction. The upper rail 811 is inserted into an upper slot formed in the pallet base 931, thereby mounting the tape feeder 8A to the parts supply device 93.

[0021] An upper positioning pin 821, a connector 822, and a lower positioning pin 823 are provided in order from the upper to the lower side of the downstream end face of the feeder body 81. The upper positioning pin 821 and the lower positioning pin 823 engage with positioning holes provided in the pallet base 931 to position the tape feeder 8A. When the tape feeder 8A is positioned, the connector 822 automatically engages with the receiving connector provided in the parts supply device 93. As a result, power is supplied to the tape feeder 8A, and the feeder control unit 86 is connected to the mounting control device 95.

[0022] The reel holding section 812 is composed of multiple frame members that form a circular internal space corresponding to the diameter of the reel RL approximately in the center of the feeder body 81. The reel holding section 812 rotatably and replaceably holds the periphery of the reel RL on which the carrier tape CT is wound. The opening / closing plate 813, which covers the majority of the lower half of the internal space, is pivotably supported by a support section 814 provided at the bottom of the feeder body 81. When the opening / closing plate 813 pivots downward around the support section 814 and opens, the reel RL can be loaded and removed.

[0023] Each reel RL has a reel identification information (RID) displayed on its side. The RID identifies each individual reel RL and is displayed in various forms, such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a string of characters. Furthermore, the RID is associated with type information indicating the type of component contained in the carrier tape CT wound on the reel RL, and remaining quantity information indicating the number of remaining components. The remaining quantity information is updated each time the carrier tape CT is fed and components are removed while the tape feeder 8A is in operation, and is retained even after the tape feeder 8A is removed from the component supply device 93. Therefore, by reading the RID, the type of component can be identified, and the current presence and quantity of remaining components can be confirmed. In addition, the RID is linked to shape information indicating the diameter of the reel RL and the width and shape of the carrier tape CT.

[0024] The tape transport path 815 corresponds to a passage that transports the carrier tape CT in a predetermined feeding direction. The tape transport path 815 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape using, for example, a bottom plate, two side plates, and a top plate, and a part of the cylindrical shape may be omitted. The tape transport path 815 starts at a position close to the reel RL, extends diagonally upward in the downstream direction, extends generally horizontally in the downstream direction from a certain point, and ends at the upper part of the downstream end of the feeder body 81. A predetermined supply position 816 that opens upward is defined near the end of the tape transport path 815.

[0025] The tape guide 85 is detachably mounted on the front upper part of the feeder body 81. The tape guide 85 is biased downward by a biasing member (not shown) provided between it and the feeder body 81. As a result, the tape guide 85 guides the carrier tape CT downstream while pressing it against the bottom plate of the tape transport path 815. A tape peeling mechanism 84 is provided upstream of the supply position 816 of the tape guide 85. The tape peeling mechanism 84 makes it possible to remove parts by partially peeling the carrier tape CT. The tape guide 85 and the tape transport path 815 guide the partially peeled carrier tape CT to the supply position 816. At the supply position 816, the carrier tape CT from which the parts have been removed is bent downward in the feeding direction and discharged downward.

[0026] The locking mechanism 818 is located at the upper upstream side of the feeder body 81. The locking mechanism 818 consists of a locking pin 81A, a locking operating member 81B, and a locking sensor 81C. The locking pin 81A is a cylindrical member that is held by the feeder body 81 so as to be able to move up and down. The locking pin 81A is normally pushed up by a biasing spring (not shown in numerals) to enter a locked state, restricting the removal operation of the tape feeder 8A. The locking operating member 81B is a Y-shaped member with a pivot point in the center. When the locking operating member 81B is driven to swing automatically or manually, it drives the locking pin 81A downward to release the locked state and allow the removal operation of the tape feeder 8A. The locking sensor 81C detects the position of the locking pin 81A, i.e., whether it is in a locked state or not, and outputs it to the feeder control unit 86.

[0027] The feeding mechanism 83 feeds the carrier tape CT at a constant pitch and supplies components sequentially at the supply position 816. The feeding mechanism 83 consists of a sprocket 831, a servo motor (not shown), and a gear mechanism. The sprocket 831 is located below the tape transport path 815 and approximately directly below the tape guide 85, and is rotatably supported by the feeder body 81. The teeth of the sprocket 831 protrude from grooves formed in the bottom plate of the tape transport path 815 and engage with the feed holes of the carrier tape CT. The sprocket 831 is rotationally driven by the servo motor via the gear mechanism to feed the carrier tape CT in the feeding direction. Furthermore, the sprocket 831 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction when the servo motor reverses, returning the carrier tape CT in the reverse direction.

[0028] The feeder control unit 86 is located at the lower upstream side of the feeder body 81, and its position is not limited. The feeder control unit 86 communicates with the mounting control device 95 via the connector 822. The feeder control unit 86 controls the feeding mechanism 83 to carry out the parts supply operation according to commands from the mounting control device 95. The feeder control unit 86 also monitors the status of the locking mechanism 818.

[0029] The feeder control unit 86 stores feeder identification information FID, which identifies each individual tape feeder 8A. The feeder control unit 86 transmits the feeder identification information FID in response to requests from the mounting control device 95 or other control devices. The feeder identification information FID may also be displayed on the feeder body 81 in the form of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, a string of characters, etc. The display position of the feeder identification information FID as exemplified in Figure 2 is changeable. The feeder identification information FID is associated with the model information of the tape feeder 8A. The model information indicates whether the tape feeder (8A, 8B) is a standard model or a wide model, and further indicates a subdivided model which is a further subdivision of the standard model or wide model.

[0030] The standard tape feeder 8A has several sub-models with different diameters of reels RL loaded or different internal configurations. For example, the tape feeder 8A has several sub-models with the same external shape, but with different frame members forming the reel holding portion 812, resulting in different sizes of the circular internal space. The multiple sub-models of the tape feeder 8A correspond to multiple diameters of reels RL. Examples of differences in internal configuration include differences in the configuration of the reel holding portion 812 that holds the periphery of the reel RL and the configuration that holds the central hole of the reel RL, and differences in the tape peeling mechanism 84 that partially peels the carrier tape CT and the configuration that completely peels the carrier tape CT. The multiple sub-models of the tape feeder 8A are used according to the diameter of the reel RL loaded and the shape of the carrier tape CT. In addition, the wide tape feeder 8B has several sub-models with different width dimensions. The various sub-models of the 8B tape feeder support multiple widths of carrier tapes (CTs) that exceed the standard width.

[0031] The indicator lamp 87 is located near the bottom of the upstream end face of the feeder body 81. The indicator lamp 87 can display three or more states by combining illumination, blinking, and being off. Furthermore, the indicator lamp 87 can display four or more states by changing the illumination color or by variably switching the blinking interval. Multiple indicator lamps 87 may be provided. The feeder control unit 86 can control the illumination of the indicator lamp 87 to display various states such as operating status, adjustment status, and error status.

[0032] 3. Configuration of the Feeder Management System 1 of the Embodiment Next, the configuration of the feeder management system 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3-6. In Figure 3, the configuration of communication connections and other components related to control is shown by dashed lines. The feeder management system 1 is provided in common to multiple production lines 9A that produce product substrates. The feeder management system 1 not only manages the storage status of tape feeders (8A, 8B), but also manages transfers within the system, transfers to and from outside the system, and the attachment and detachment of reels RL for standard tape feeder 8A, thereby contributing to labor savings. As shown in Figure 3, the feeder management system 1 consists of an automated warehouse 2, a departure / arrival station 3, a reel attachment / detachment device 4, a transfer device 5, and a control device 6, etc.

[0033] 3.1 Automated Warehouse 2 The automated warehouse 2 stores multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B). Furthermore, the automated warehouse 2 acquires the feeder identification information FID of each of the multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B) and manages them in association with their storage location. The automated warehouse 2 is composed of six storage modules (21-26) arranged side by side. The leftmost of the six storage modules (21-26) is called the first storage module 21, and the following are called the second storage module 22 to the fifth storage module 25 in order to the right, and the rightmost is called the sixth storage module 26. As shown in Figure 4, each of the six storage modules (21-26) is formed in a box shape that opens to the front. Furthermore, each of the storage modules (21-26) has multiple storage shelves arranged vertically. The illustrated storage module (21-26) is provided with an upper storage shelf 27 and a lower storage shelf 28. Each of the storage shelves (27, 28) has multiple storage slots 29 arranged in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, there are 14 storage slots 29.

[0034] Each of the multiple storage slots 29 is a form of storage position where tape feeders (8A, 8B) are stored and inserted / removed. The storage slots 29 can accommodate tape feeders (8A, 8B) when the upper rail 811 is inserted into them. Each tape feeder (8A, 8B) is stored so as to occupy a number of storage slots 29 corresponding to its width. The storage slots 29 have positioning holes into which upper positioning pins 821 and lower positioning pins 823 engage, and a receiving connector into which a connector 822 automatically fits. Therefore, when tape feeders (8A, 8B) are stored in the storage slots 29, power is supplied, and the feeder control unit 86 is connected to the control device 6.

[0035] The storage modules (21-26) have shelf indicator lamps 2A positioned above each of the storage shelves (27, 28). The shelf indicator lamps 2A distinguish and display items set for each storage shelf (27, 28) by using illuminated and unilluminated states with changing display colors. The storage modules (21-26) also have slot indicator lamps 2B positioned above each of the storage slots 29. The slot indicator lamps 2B distinguish and display items set for each storage slot 29 or for each tape feeder (8A, 8B) by using illuminated and unilluminated states. For example, the slot indicator lamps 2B are controlled to illuminate to guide the operator to the storage slot 29 that is the target of the tape feeder (8A, 8B) insertion and removal operation. Alternatively, instead of the slot indicator lamps 2B, the indicator lamps 87 of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) stored in the storage slots 29 may be used to guide the operator to the removal operation.

[0036] The scale of the automated warehouse 2 is not limited to the above description. That is, the number of storage modules (21-26) constituting the automated warehouse 2 is not limited to six, the storage shelves (27, 28) are not limited to two levels (upper and lower), and the number of storage slots 29 per storage shelf (27, 28) is not limited to 14. For example, the automated warehouse 2 may consist of one storage module having more than 14 storage slots 29 and three or more levels of storage shelves, or it may have seven or more storage modules, each having fewer than 14 storage slots 29 and one level of storage shelf.

[0037] 3.2 Departure / Arrival Station 3 The departure / arrival station 3 is located to the left of the first storage module 21, as shown in Figure 3. The front of the departure / arrival station 3 is in line with the front of the storage modules (21-26). The departure / arrival station 3 is the station where the automated guided vehicle 7 arrives and departs. The automated guided vehicle 7 carries the feeder magazine 71 and transports it between the departure / arrival station 3 and the buffer station 96 of the production line 9A. The feeder magazine 71 is used to improve the efficiency of the transport operation of the tape feeders (8A, 8B). The feeder magazine 71 is formed in a box shape with at least one of the front and rear sides omitted. The feeder magazine 71 has multiple storage positions arranged in the width direction inside and accommodates multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B). To streamline the transport and loading / unloading of the feeder magazine 71, the arrival / departure station 3 is equipped with two arrival / departure positions for the automated guided vehicle 7 and two placement positions for the feeder magazine 71, arranged side by side.

[0038] The operation of inserting tape feeders (8A, 8B) into the feeder magazine 71 placed on the arrival / departure station 3, and the operation of removing them in the reverse direction, are performed by the transfer device 5. The feeder magazine 71 is automatically transferred between the arrival / departure station 3 and the automated guided vehicle 7. A roller conveyor device (not shown) is provided on the side of the automated guided vehicle 7 as a loading and unloading device for the transfer. However, it is not limited to this, and loading and unloading devices may be provided on the sides of the arrival / departure station 3 and the buffer station 96.

[0039] The automated guided vehicle (AGV) 7 travels, for example, along the route indicated on the route indicator tape 75. The AGV 7 may also travel according to another travel method, such as detecting surrounding conditions or predetermined signs to determine its current position and determine its travel route. Furthermore, the AGV 7 may transport multiple individual tape feeders (8A, 8B) without using the feeder magazine 71. Additionally, the buffer station 96 may be omitted, and the AGV 7 may directly transport the feeder magazine 71 to the parts mounting machine 9. The AGV 7 is one form of transport device for transporting tape feeders (8A, 8B) between the departure / arrival station 3 and the production line 9A. As an alternative form of transport device, a belt conveyor can be used when the transport distance is relatively long, and an arm-type robot can be used when the transport distance is short.

[0040] In the production line 9A, the transfer of tape feeders (8A, 8B) between the buffer station 96 and the three component mounting machines 9 is performed by a line-side transfer device 97. The configuration of the line-side transfer device 97 is the same as that of the transfer device 5 described later, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Tape feeders (8A, 8B) that have finished being used in the component mounting machines 9 are transferred to the buffer station 96 by the line-side transfer device 97 and stored in the feeder magazine 71. This feeder magazine 71 is transported to the departure / arrival station 3 by an automated guided vehicle 7, and the tape feeders (8A, 8B) inside the feeder magazine 71 are collected.

[0041] 3.3 Reel Attachment / Detachment Device 4 The reel attachment / detachment device 4 is located to the right of the sixth storage module 26, as shown in Figure 3. The reel attachment / detachment device 4 can automatically attach and detach reels RL regardless of the sub-model, as long as the tape feeder 8A is a standard model. On the other hand, the reel attachment / detachment device 4 is not compatible with the wide-type tape feeder 8B. Attachment and detachment of reels RL to the wide-type tape feeder 8B is performed manually by an operator in a work area not shown in the figure.

[0042] The reel attaching / detaching device 4 has a box-shaped housing 41 that is larger than the storage modules (21 - 26). The right front surface 411 on the front side of the housing 41 protrudes forward more than the left front surface 412. The reel attaching / detaching device 4 is arranged such that the left front surface 412 of the housing 41 is aligned with the front surface of the storage modules (21 - 26). A reel insertion port 413 is provided on the right front surface 411 of the housing 41, and a feeder insertion port 414 is provided on the left front surface 412. An outlet (not shown in the figure) is provided on the rear surface of the housing 41.

[0043] The operator inserts a reel holder 422 (details will be described later) holding a plurality of reels RL to be loaded into the tape feeder 8A from the reel insertion port 413 into the interior. Alternatively, the operator prepares a reel holder 422 holding a plurality of reels RL, and an automatic transport vehicle (not shown in the figure) transports this reel holder 422 to the reel attaching / detaching device 4 and inserts it into the interior from the reel insertion port 413. Also, the operator takes out the reel RL removed from the tape feeder 8A from the outlet on the rear surface to the outside.

[0044] On the other hand, the transfer device 5 inserts the tape feeder 8A, which is the object of the loading and removal operations of the reel RL, into the interior from the feeder insertion port 414. Also, the transfer device 5 takes out the tape feeder 8A from which at least one of the loading and removal operations has been performed from the feeder insertion port 414 to the outside. Viewed from another perspective, the reel attaching / detaching device 4 discharges the tape feeder 8A from which at least one of the loading and removal operations has ended from the feeder insertion port 414 to the outside.

[0045] The detailed configuration of the reel attaching / detaching device 4 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As indicated by the arrows in the upper left of FIGS. 5 and 6, the front, rear, left, and right of the reel attaching / detaching device 4 are defined. In FIGS. 5 and 6, a part of the housing 41 is omitted from the illustration. The reel attaching / detaching device 4 is configured by arranging a reel supply unit 42, a feeder support unit 43, a reel loading unit 44, a tape loading unit 45, and a reel removal unit 46 inside the housing 41.

[0046] The reel supply unit 42 is disposed behind the reel insertion port 413. The reel supply unit 42 includes a reel mounting table 421, a reel holder 422, a reel transfer mechanism 425, etc. The reel mounting table 421 is formed in a box shape. The reel holder 422 stacks and holds a plurality (for example, 20) of reels RL in a horizontally laid-down posture. The reel holder 422 can hold a plurality of reels RL having different diameters and is not subject to restrictions on the stacking order. The reel holder 422 is formed of a shaft member that penetrates the center holes of the plurality of reels RL and a bottom plate provided upright with the shaft member. The reel holder 422 is inserted into the inside from the reel insertion port 413 as described above and placed on the reel mounting table 421. Thus, the reel attachment / detachment device 4 can temporarily insert a plurality of reels RL.

[0047] An identification label 423 is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate of the reel holder 422. The identification label 423 includes individual identification information of the reel holder 422 and is associated with the reel identification information RID and the stacking order of each of the plurality of stacked reels RL. The linking process of the identification label 423 is performed in the process of stacking a plurality of reels RL on the reel holder 422. Note that a configuration in which a plurality of reels RL are simply stacked without using the reel holder 422 may also be adopted.

[0048] The reel transfer mechanism 425 includes a support column 426, an arm 427, a label reading unit (not shown in the figure), etc. The support column 426 is erected close to the reel mounting table 421. The arm 427 is provided so as to move up and down and horizontally rotate with respect to the support column 426 and is configured to be expandable and contractible in the horizontal direction. The arm 427 has a gripping mechanism (not shown in the figure) for gripping the reel RL or a suction mechanism (not shown in the figure) for sucking the reel RL using negative pressure at its tip. After the arm 427 rotates above the reel holder 422, it descends and collects the uppermost reel RL by the gripping mechanism or the suction mechanism. Further, after the arm 427 ascends, it rotates and descends toward the placement area 444 (described later) of the reel loading unit 44, and transfers the reel RL to the placement area 444 while keeping it in a horizontally laid-down posture.

[0049] The label reading unit is located on the arm 427 and reads the identification label 423 on the reel holder 422. In other words, the label reading unit can read the reel identification information RID of each of the multiple reels RL inserted at the same time. Alternatively, the label reading unit may sequentially read the reel identification information RID attached to the topmost reel RL. This improves reliability through dual reading of the identification label 423 and the reel identification information RID. Alternatively, the identification label 423 on the reel holder 422 and the linking process can be omitted. Another configuration for identifying individual reels RL, such as a configuration that acquires the reel identification information RID using radio waves (abbreviated as RFID), may also be adopted.

[0050] The feeder support section 43 is located behind the feeder inlet 414. The feeder support section 43 supports the inserted tape feeder 8A, enabling the attachment and detachment of reels RL. The feeder support section 43 supplies power to the supported tape feeder 8A via the connector 822 and also controls its operation. The feeder support section 43 has an opening / closing operation section (not shown) that opens and closes the opening / closing plate 813 of the tape feeder 8A. The feeder support section 43 replaces and supports the tape feeders 8A one by one. Therefore, the reel attachment / detachment device 4 repeatedly inserts, loads, and dispenses tape feeders 8A one by one for multiple reels RL that are inserted into the reel supply section 42 at once.

[0051] The reel loading section 44 is located to the right of the feeder support section 43. The reel loading section 44 consists of a pair of guide rails 441, a mobile platform 442, a loading operation member 443, a mounting area 444, and a temporary storage area 445. The pair of guide rails 441 are spaced apart front to back and extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The mobile platform 442 is mounted on the pair of guide rails 441 and moves in the left-right direction. The loading operation member 443 is provided on the mobile platform 442 and swings between a vertical and a horizontal position. The loading operation member 443, like the arm 427, has a gripping mechanism or suction mechanism for the reel RL. The mounting area 444 and the temporary storage area 445 are located between the pair of guide rails 441, with the mounting area 444 on the right and the temporary storage area 445 on the left.

[0052] When the mobile platform 442 is positioned to the right of the pickup location, the loading operation member 443 swings from a vertical to a horizontal position around the pivot point 446, as indicated by arrow SW1, to pick up the reel RL which is lying on its side and placed on the placement area 444. After this, the loading operation member 443 returns to the vertical position and converts the picked reel RL to an upright position. Subsequently, as the mobile platform 442 moves to the left, the loading operation member 443 moves to a loading position closer to the feeder support section 43 and loads the reel RL into the reel holding section 812 of the tape feeder 8A. After the loading operation is completed, the control device 6 associates the reel RL with the tape feeder 8A, that is, associates the reel identification information RID with the feeder identification information FID. The temporary placement area 445 is an area where one or more reels RL that are to be postponed are temporarily placed when the order of the reel RL loading operation is changed.

[0053] The tape loading unit 45 is located near the feeder support unit 43, as shown in Figure 6 (it is omitted in Figure 5). The tape loading unit 45 pulls the leading edge of the carrier tape CT from the reel RL loaded in the reel holding unit 812 of the tape feeder 8A and loads it into the tape transport path 815 along the feeding direction. Next, the feeding mechanism 83 of the tape feeder 8A operates to feed the leading edge of the carrier tape CT to the supply position 816, or to a position downstream of the supply position 816. This sets up the tape feeder 8A to be ready for use in the component mounting machine 9.

[0054] The tape loading unit 45 can be configured, for example, by combining a tape tip feeding mechanism and a moving mechanism. The tape tip feeding mechanism includes a pair of feed rollers that rotate around the tip of the carrier tape CT, and a feed motor that rotates at least one of the feed rollers. The moving mechanism moves the tape feeding mechanism closer to the tape feeder 8A from the side, causing the tip of the carrier tape CT to be sandwiched between the pair of feed rollers. The tape loading unit 45 retracts to a predetermined retracted position to avoid interference when the reel loading unit 44 or the reel removal unit 46 is in operation. The tape loading unit 45 may also include fingers that grip and operate the tip of the carrier tape CT, and a multi-joint arm that moves the fingers in three dimensions.

[0055] The reel removal section 46 is located to the right of the feeder support section 43 and above the reel loading section 44. The reel removal section 46 consists of a guide rail 461, a mobile platform 462, a removal operation member 463, and a recovery box 464. The guide rail 461 extends in the front-rear direction. The mobile platform 462 is loaded onto the guide rail 461 and moves in the front-rear direction. The removal operation member 463 is provided on the mobile platform 462 and swings in a vertical and horizontal position around a pivot point 465. The removal operation member 463, like the arm 427, has a gripping mechanism or suction mechanism for the reel RL. The recovery box 464 is formed in a box shape that opens upward and is located in the lower rear part of the housing 41.

[0056] When the mobile platform 462 is positioned in the forward removal position, the removal operation member 463 swings from a horizontal position to a vertical position as indicated by arrow SW2, removing the reel RL from the reel holding part 812 of the tape feeder 8A. After this, the removal operation member 463 returns to the horizontal position and holds the removed reel RL in a sideways position. Subsequently, the mobile platform 462 moves to directly above the collection box 464 located towards the rear. The removal operation member 463 releases the reel RL and drops it into the collection box 464. The reel attachment / detachment device 4 is a form of reel loading device that reads the reel identification information RID of the reel RL when the reel RL is inserted and performs the loading operation of loading the reel RL into the inserted tape feeder 8A.

[0057] Preferably, the reel removal unit 46 has the function of receiving reels RL directly from the reel loading unit 44 without going through the tape feeder 8A. Alternatively, it is preferable to provide a separate collection box within reach of the arm 427 of the reel supply unit 42. This allows the reel attachment / detachment device 4 to discharge reels RL that have been mistakenly inserted without loading them. Furthermore, the collection box 464 may have partitions or multiple partitions so that reels RL with carrier tape CT (components) remaining on them can be collected separately from empty reels RL. The reels RL inside the collection box 464, or the entire collection box 464, are discharged from the aforementioned discharge port.

[0058] 3.4 Transfer Device 5 As shown by arrow T1 in Figure 3, the transfer device 5 moves left and right in front of the left front 412 of the departure / arrival station 3, the storage modules (21-26) of the automated warehouse 2, and the reel attachment / detachment device 4, to transfer tape feeders (8A, 8B) between them. However, the transfer device 5 does not transfer tape feeder 8B to the reel attachment / detachment device 4. The transfer device 5 also transfers tape feeders (8A, 8B) between the upper storage shelf 27 and the lower storage shelf 28. When not performing transfer operations, the transfer device 5 waits in a standby position in front of the departure / arrival station 3 to avoid interfering with operators accessing the automated warehouse 2. The transfer device 5 consists of a device body 51, a pair of left and right intrusion monitoring sensors 52, and a control unit (not shown). The device body 51 has a moving mechanism (not shown), a lifting unit, and a feeder operation unit.

[0059] The moving mechanism of the main body 51 of the device consists of, for example, wheels and a drive source. The wheels travel along a rail (not shown) or on the floor. A servo motor or pulse motor with good controllability is used as the drive source for rotating the wheels. The lifting section is provided inside the main body 51 so as to be able to move up and down. A ball screw feed mechanism or a linear motor mechanism is used as the lifting drive mechanism for driving the lifting section. The feeder operation section is provided in the lifting section. The feeder operation section holds the tape feeders (8A, 8B) inside and also performs insertion and removal operations for the tape feeders (8A, 8B). The feeder operation section is configured as a multi-type that can handle multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B), or it may be configured as a single-type that handles tape feeders (8A, 8B) one at a time. A battery or a contactless power supply mechanism is used as the power source for the electrical components inside the main body 51 of the device.

[0060] When the lifting unit is in the raised position, the feeder operation unit is positioned at the height of the upper storage shelf 27 of the storage module (21-26) and inserts and removes the tape feeders (8A, 8B) into the storage shelf 27. Furthermore, the feeder operation unit is positioned at the height of the feeder magazine 71 and the feeder input port 414 of the reel attachment / detachment device 4, which are mounted on the arrival / departure station 3, and inserts and removes the tape feeders (8A, 8B). On the other hand, when the lifting unit is in the lowered position, the feeder operation unit is positioned at the height of the lower storage shelf 28 of the storage module (21-26) and inserts and removes the tape feeders (8A, 8B) into the storage shelf 28. Therefore, by prioritizing the use of the upper storage shelf 27 over the lower storage shelf 28, the transport efficiency of the transport device 5 can be increased.

[0061] A pair of intrusion monitoring sensors 52 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower front part of the main body 51 of the device. The intrusion monitoring sensors 52 detect intruders that enter the movement range of the transport device 5 and output a detection signal to the control unit. Specifically, intruders include operators and equipment such as trolleys brought in by operators. For example, non-contact sensors using infrared or ultrasonic waves are used for the intrusion monitoring sensors 52. The intrusion monitoring sensors 52 may also be placed outside the transport device 5, for example, on the front of the storage module (21-26).

[0062] The control unit (not shown in the diagram) controls each part of the main unit 51 of the device according to the transport commands received wirelessly from the control device 6, and performs the transport and insertion / removal operations of the tape feeders (8A, 8B). The control unit also temporarily stops the movement mechanism of the main unit 51 based on the detection signal from the intrusion monitoring sensor 52, ensuring safety while avoiding collisions with intruders such as the operator.

[0063] 3.5 Control Device 6 The control device 6 shown in Figure 3 is configured using a computer device, and its placement is not particularly limited. The control device 6 is wiredly connected to the automated warehouse 2, the loading / unloading station 3, and the reel loading / unloading device 4, and wirelessly connected to the transport device 5, and controls the operation of these parts. For example, the control device 6 functions as part of the automated warehouse 2 and communicates with the feeder control unit 86 of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) stored in the storage slots 29 to obtain feeder identification information FID. The control device 6 then associates the feeder identification information FID with the location (storage position) of the storage slots 29 to manage the storage status. Furthermore, the control device 6 controls the display state of the shelf indicator lamp 2A and the slot indicator lamp 2B (including the indicator lamp 87). Also, as described above, when the loading operation at the reel loading / unloading device 4 is completed, the control device 6 associates the reel identification information RID with the feeder identification information FID.

[0064] The control device 6 is connected via communication to the line management device 9B, which manages the production line 9A of the product substrate. In addition to the three component mounting machines 9, buffer station 96, and line-side transfer device 97 mentioned above, the production line 9A is composed of a solder printing machine (without reference numerals), a printing inspection machine, a substrate appearance inspection machine, and a reflow machine. The line configuration and number of lines of the production line 9A are changeable.

[0065] The line management device 9B stores production plans 9C for multiple types of product substrates in its memory and updates them as needed. Based on the production plans 9C, the line management device 9B manages the production progress of the production line 9A. The production plans 9C include information on the type of product substrate, the planned production quantity, and the planned production timing. The information on the type of product substrate includes mapping information that associates the reel identification information RID of the reel RL used to produce the product substrate with the model information of the tape feeder (8A, 8B) that can use this reel RL. The control device 6 can request information from the line management device 9B to obtain at least a portion of the production plans 9C, or it can share the production plans 9C with the line management device 9B.

[0066] The control device 6 controls the transfer device 5 according to the transfer command received from the line management device 9B. Here, the transfer command includes the reel identification information RID for each of the multiple reels RL used in production. Therefore, the control device 6 controls the transfer device 5 to transfer tape feeders (8A, 8B) having feeder identification information FID associated with this reel identification information RID from the automated warehouse 2 to the feeder magazine 71 at the departure / arrival station 3. Furthermore, the control device 6 loads the feeder magazine 71, which is ready for transport, onto the automated guided vehicle 7 and controls the automated guided vehicle 7 to depart from the departure / arrival station 3.

[0067] Furthermore, the control device 6 controls the transfer device 5 according to the retrieval command received from the line management device 9B. Here, the retrieval command includes the feeder identification information FID and storage location information of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) contained in the feeder magazine 71 that the automated guided vehicle 7 transports from the buffer station 96 to the arrival / departure station 3. Therefore, the control device 6 controls the transfer device 5 to remove the tape feeders (8A, 8B) from the feeder magazine 71 that has been delivered to the arrival / departure station 3 and transport them to the automated warehouse 2. In addition, the control device 6 controls the transport of tape feeder 8A from the automated warehouse 2 to the reel attachment / detachment device 4 and removes the reel RL as needed.

[0068] When a reel holder 422 that holds multiple reels RL is inserted into the reel attachment / detachment device 4, the control device 6 performs control corresponding to the feeder management method in the actual machine configuration. That is, the control device 6 performs control corresponding to the reel identification step, feeder selection step, feeder transfer step, and reel loading step. In detail, the label reading unit of the reel supply unit 42 of the reel attachment / detachment device 4 reads the identification label 423 of the inserted reel holder 422 and obtains the associated multiple reel identification information RIDs. The control device 6 receives the multiple reel identification information RIDs from the reel attachment / detachment device 4 (reel identification step). The control device 6 repeats the following steps for each of the multiple reels RL.

[0069] Specifically, the control device 6 selects tape feeder 8A from among multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B) stored in the automated warehouse 2, the tape feeder 8A being the model that matches the reel identification information RID (feeder selection step). Tape feeder 8A is a standard model, and further subdivided models must match the shape information linked to the reel identification information RID. Next, the control device 6 controls the transfer device 5 to transfer the selected tape feeder 8A to the reel loading / unloading device 4 and feed it in (feeder transfer step). Subsequently, the control device 6 controls the reel loading / unloading device 4 to perform the reel loading operation on the fed tape feeder 8A (reel loading step).

[0070] In the feeder selection step, the control device 6 can select tape feeder 8A based on production plan 9C, which contains mapping information that associates reel identification information RID with tape feeder (8A, 8B) model information. If the reel identification information RID of a reel RL inserted into the reel loading / unloading device 4 is not found in production plan 9C, the control device 6 controls the reel loading / unloading device 4 not to load the reel RL. Specifically, the control device 6 controls the reel loading unit 44 and the reel removal unit 46 to collect the reel RL into the recovery box 464 without loading it. In this case, the control device 6 does not perform any control after the feeder selection step.

[0071] Furthermore, the control device 6 controls the reel loading operation of the reel RL by the reel attachment / detachment device 4 if the reel identification information RID is present in the production plan 9C but the start date of use for the reel RL is more than a predetermined period away. Specifically, the control device 6 controls the reel RL to be temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 445. Then, the control device 6 resumes control from the feeder selection step onward when the start date of use approaches. Alternatively, the control device 6 controls the reel RL to be discharged via the recovery box 464 and notifies the operator to reinsert it when the start date of use approaches. As a result, even if the operator prepares the reel holder 422 (multiple reels RL) without checking the reel identification information RID included in the production plan 9C, the control device 6 can properly determine whether or not the reel RL loading operation is necessary and when to perform the loading operation, and handle the multiple reels RL appropriately.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device 6 may adjust the loading order of each of the multiple reels RL that are simultaneously loaded into the reel loading / unloading device 4 based on the production order of the multiple product boards included in the production plan 9C. In other words, since the reels RL used for the production of product boards with an earlier production order start time are used earlier than others, the control device 6 sets the loading order of those reels RL as the first. The control device 6 also controls the temporary storage area 445 to postpone the loading of reels RL that start time later than others, as needed. As a result, even if the operator prepares the reel holder 422 without checking the information on the start time of use of the multiple reels RL included in the production plan 9C, the control device 6 can automatically optimize the loading order.

[0073] Furthermore, if the number of tape feeders 8A stored in the automated warehouse 2 is insufficient to accommodate the number of reels RL inserted into the reel loading / unloading device 4 at once, the control device 6 may notify the automated warehouse 2 of a replenishment request to supply the necessary number of tape feeders 8A. Notification methods include wireless communication to a portable terminal carried by the operator or display on a display device. Upon receiving the replenishment request, the operator can perform the replenishment work, enabling the loading of all inserted reels RL.

[0074] Furthermore, the control device 6 includes a communication-connected registration unit 61 and a verification unit 62. The registration unit 61 registers the reel identification information RID of each reel RL to be managed. For example, a part of the registration unit 61 is located in a parts warehouse (not shown) where a sticker with the reel identification information RID is affixed to incoming reels RL, and this reel identification information RID is registered. Reels RL used for trial purposes in research and development, or reels RL provided as samples, are excluded from management and do not need to be registered.

[0075] Furthermore, the registration unit 61 registers the feeder identification information FID for each of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) to be managed. For example, the remaining part of the registration unit 61 is placed in the equipment warehouse and assigns the feeder identification information FID to newly procured tape feeders (8A, 8B) before they are used for the first time, and registers the assigned feeder identification information FID. In addition, the registration unit 61 registers information on the usable conditions of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) in association with the feeder identification information FID. The registration of usable conditions is performed as needed, such as when the current status of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) changes. Tape feeders (8A, 8B) that are broken and cannot be repaired, or older tape feeders (8A, 8B) that are not planned to be used, may be excluded from management and their registration may be deleted.

[0076] The verification unit 62 confirms that the reel identification information RID read by the reel attachment / detachment device 4 and the feeder identification information FID acquired by the automated warehouse 2 are registered. This allows the verification unit 62 to confirm that the reel RL and tape feeder (8A, 8B) prepared by the operator are appropriate items under management. If the reel identification information RID or feeder identification information FID is not registered, the verification unit 62 prohibits the use of the prepared reel RL or tape feeder (8A, 8B) and notifies the operator that they need to prepare something else. This allows the verification unit 62 to prevent the misuse of unmanaged items excluded from management, and inappropriate items brought in without authorization by someone.

[0077] Furthermore, the control device 6 works in conjunction with the registration unit 61 to select tape feeders 8A that meet the usable conditions and to prevent the selection of tape feeders 8A that do not meet the usable conditions. The usable conditions are defined using, for example, information on when maintenance is due, when a failure has occurred, and when the parts supply error rate has increased. In other words, tape feeders 8A that are due for maintenance, tape feeders 8A that have experienced a failure, and tape feeders 8A with an increasing parts supply error rate are determined to not meet the usable conditions. This allows the control device 6 to prevent the misuse of tape feeders 8A that are unsuitable for use.

[0078] 4. Operation of the Feeder Management System 1 Next, the operation of the feeder management system 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In Figure 7, the operation sequence is shown chronologically from top to bottom, but the vertical direction does not represent a time axis that accurately marks the passage of time. Also, from left to right in Figure 7, the arrival / departure station 3, automated warehouse 2, transfer device 5, control device 6, reel attachment / detachment device 4, and operator are shown in order. Operations targeting the reels RL and tape feeders (8A, 8B) are shown with thick lines, and operations related to control are shown with thin lines. It is also assumed that the registration operation of the registration unit 61 has already been performed. Note that in Figure 8, the transfer device 5 and control device 6 are omitted from the illustration. Figures 7 and 8 also serve to explain the feeder management method of this embodiment.

[0079] In the first step A1 of Figure 7, the operator transports multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B) to the automated warehouse 2 and inserts them into the storage slots 29. Specifically, the operator inserts a standard tape feeder 8A, which does not have a reel RL loaded, and a wide tape feeder 8B, which has a reel RL loaded and is ready for use, into the storage slots 29. In the next second step A2, the control device 6 obtains feeder identification information FID from the feeder control unit 86 of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) inserted into the storage slots 29.

[0080] In the next third step A3, the verification unit 62 of the control device 6 confirms that the acquired feeder identification information FID has been registered. In the next fourth step A4, the control device 6 confirms that the tape feeder 8A is ready for use. In the fifth step A5, which corresponds to the time period after the completion of the fourth step A4, the control device 6 manages the storage status by associating the feeder identification information FID with the location of the storage slot 29. Steps 1 A1 to 5 A5 may be repeated.

[0081] In one embodiment shown in Figure 8, the upper storage shelf 27 of the sixth storage module 26 and the upper storage shelf 27 of the fifth storage module 25, which are close to the reel attachment / detachment device 4, are set for loading. The two shelf indicator lamps 2A are controlled to be lit green, distinguishing them from the other shelf indicator lamps 2A and indicating that they are for loading. The operator loads six tape feeders 8A into the storage shelf 27 of the sixth storage module 26, for example, as shown by arrow M1, and loads four tape feeders 8A and two tape feeders 8B into the storage shelf 27 of the fifth storage module 25, as shown by arrow M2. By providing the loading storage shelves 27, interference between the operator and the transport device 5 is suppressed. In addition, by distinguishing and indicating the loading storage shelves 27, the operator's transport and insertion operations are made more efficient and easier.

[0082] In step 6A6 of Figure 7, the operator transports the prepared reel holder 422 (multiple reels RL) and loads it into the reel attachment / detachment device 4 (see arrow M3 in Figure 8). In the next step 7A7, the label reading unit of the reel attachment / detachment device 4 reads the identification label 423 of the reel holder 422, in other words, it reads the reel identification information RID of the multiple reels RL together. In the next step 8A8, the control device 6 obtains the multiple reel identification information RID from the reel attachment / detachment device 4. In the next step 9A9, the verification unit 62 confirms that each of the multiple reel identification information RIDs has been registered.

[0083] In the next step, step 10 A10, the control device 6 checks the quantity of reels RL (reel identification information RID) that have been inserted against the storage status in the automated warehouse 2 to determine whether there is a shortage of standard tape feeders 8A. If there is a shortage, the control device 6 notifies a replenishment request. Upon receiving the replenishment request, the operator returns to step 1 A1, transports the missing tape feeders 8A to the automated warehouse 2, and inserts them into the storage slots 29. Steps 2 A2 to 5 A5 are then executed for the missing tape feeders 8A. In the next step, step 11 A11, the control device 6 determines the order of loading the multiple reels RL inserted into the reel loading / unloading device 4 at once, based on the production order of multiple types of product substrates included in the production plan 9C.

[0084] Steps 12A12 to 21A21 are repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of reels RL (reel identification information RID) in the order of the loading operation. In detail, in step 12A12, the control device 6 selects a subdivided tape feeder 8A that matches the reel identification information RID from among several standard tape feeder 8A stored in the automated warehouse 2. In the next step 13A13, the control device 6 transmits a transfer command for the selected tape feeder 8A to the transfer device 5. In the next step 14A14, the transfer device 5, having received the transfer command, moves to the automated warehouse 2, extracts the tape feeder 8A, and transfers it to the reel loading / unloading device 4 for loading (see arrow M4 in Figure 8).

[0085] In the next step 15A15, the control device 6 transmits a loading operation command to the reel attachment / detachment device 4. In the next step 16A16, the reel attachment / detachment device 4, having received the loading operation command, executes the loading operation of reel RL onto the inserted tape feeder 8A. In the next step 17A17, the reel attachment / detachment device 4 transmits a work completion report to the control device 6 indicating that the loading operation has been completed. In the next step 18A18, the control device 6, having received the work completion report, creates mapping information indicating the correspondence between the tape feeder 8A and reel RL, that is, mapping information that associates the feeder identification information FID with the reel identification information RID.

[0086] In the next step 19, A19, the control device 6 transmits a transfer command to the transfer device 5 for the tape feeder 8A whose loading operation has been completed. In the next step 20, A20, the transfer device 5, having received the transfer command, moves to the reel attachment / detachment device 4, removes the tape feeder 8A, and transfers it to the automated warehouse 2 and inserts it into the storage slot 29. In the next step 21, A21, the control device 6 obtains the feeder identification information FID from the feeder control unit 86 of the tape feeder 8A inserted into the storage slot 29.

[0087] In the repetition from the 12th step A12 to the 21st step A21, the transfer device 5 moves from the automated warehouse 2 to the reel attachment / detachment device 4 while holding the tape feeder 8A before loading, first removes the tape feeder 8A after loading, and then inserts the tape feeder 8A before loading. This makes it possible to improve efficiency by reducing the number of movements of the transfer device 5. In the 22nd step A22 after the repetition is completed, the control device 6 manages the storage status by associating the feeder identification information FID of the multiple tape feeders (8A, 8B) with the position of the storage slot 29 in which they are stored.

[0088] In one embodiment shown in Figure 8, the upper storage shelves 27 of the first storage module 21 and the upper storage shelves 27 of the second storage module 22, which are close to the arrival / departure station 3, are set for transport. The two shelf indicator lamps 2A are controlled to be lit red, distinguishing them from other shelf indicator lamps 2A and indicating that they are for transport. The transport device 5, for example as shown by arrow M5, takes the tape feeder 8A after loading from the reel attachment / detachment device 4, transports it to the first storage module 21 or the second storage module 22, and inserts it into the storage slot 29 of the storage shelf 27.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device 6 utilizes the idle time of the transfer device 5 to execute control to transfer the wide tape feeder 8B from the fifth storage module 25 to the first storage module 21 or the second storage module 22 (see arrow M6 in Figure 8). This allows for more efficient transfer of the tape feeders to the feeder magazine 71 by setting the storage modules (21, 22) closest to the arrival / departure station 3 for transport. As a result, the transport of the tape feeders (8A, 8B) toward the production line 9A can be expedited. In addition, by distinguishing and displaying the storage shelves 27 for transport, it is possible to prevent operators from mistakenly removing tape feeders (8A, 8B) that are scheduled to be transported toward the production line 9A.

[0090] In the 22nd step A22, which corresponds to the time period after the completion of the repetition of steps 12A12 to 21A21, the feeder management system 1 enters an effective standby state where it only manages the storage status. Then, its effective operation is resumed by either the 1st step A1, the 6th step A6, or the 23rd step A23. Steps 1A1 to 5A5 are executed repeatedly as appropriate, and steps 6A6 to 22nd step A22 are executed repeatedly as appropriate.

[0091] In step 23A23, the control device 6 receives a transport command from the line management device 9B. In the next step 24A24, the control device 6 transmits a transport command to the transport device 5 for transporting tape feeders (8A, 8B) to the production line 9A. In the next step 25A25, the transport device 5, having received the transport command, retrieves the tape feeders (8A, 8B) from the storage shelves 27 of the first storage module 21 and the second storage module 22 of the automated warehouse 2, transports them to the feeder magazine 71 at the departure / arrival station 3, and inserts them (see arrow M7 in Figure 8). Step 25A25 is repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of reel identification information RIDs included in the transport command. This completes the preparation for transporting the feeder magazine 71. In the next step 26A26, the control device 6 loads the feeder magazine 71, which is ready for transport, onto the automated guided vehicle 7 and controls the departure of the automated guided vehicle 7. The tape feeders (8A, 8B) contained in the feeder magazine 71 are transported to the buffer station 96 on the production line 9A.

[0092] To elaborate on the correspondence with the feeder management method of the embodiment, steps 7A7 and 8A8 correspond to the reel identification step, and step 12A12 corresponds to the feeder selection step. Furthermore, step 14A14 corresponds to the feeder transfer step, and step 16A16 corresponds to the reel loading step.

[0093] In the feeder management system 1 and feeder management method of this embodiment, a tape feeder 8A of a subdivided model that matches the reel RL inserted into the reel attachment / detachment device 4 by the operator is automatically selected, and the transfer operation by the transfer device 5 and the loading operation by the reel attachment / detachment device 4 are performed automatically. As a result, the operator is not restricted from checking the production plan 9C and selecting a reel RL accordingly, nor is there a restriction from determining the transport timing according to the production plan 9C, so any reel RL can be transported to the reel attachment / detachment device 4 and loaded at a convenient time. Consequently, the operator's work flexibility is increased, the workload can be reduced, and this contributes to the realization of a smart factory.

[0094] 5. Application and Modification of the Embodiments The reel attachment / detachment device 4 may be configured such that reels RL are loaded one by one, rather than the reel holder 422 being loaded. The reel attachment / detachment device 4 may also be replaced with a reel loading device that omits the reel removal section 46 and performs only the loading operation without removing the reels RL. Furthermore, the automated guided vehicle 7 may be omitted, and an operator may transport the feeder magazine 71 between the loading / unloading station 3 and the production line 9A using a trolley or the like. The loading / unloading station 3 itself may also be omitted.

[0095] On the other hand, the reel attachment / detachment device 4 may be replaced with a high-performance reel attachment / detachment device that is compatible with both the standard tape feeder 8A and the wide tape feeder 8B. In this configuration, the control device 6 can select either the standard tape feeder 8A or the wide tape feeder 8B based on the width dimension information of the carrier tape CT linked to the reel identification information of the reel RL loaded into the high-performance reel attachment / detachment device, and control the transfer operation by the transfer device 5 and the loading operation by the high-performance reel attachment / detachment device. The embodiment can be applied and modified in various other ways.

[0096] 1: Feeder management system 2: Automated warehouse 21-26: Storage module 27, 28: Storage shelf 29: Storage slot 2A: Shelf indicator lamp 2B: Slot indicator lamp 3: Departure / arrival station 4: Reel attachment / detachment device 5: Transfer device 6: Control device 61: Registration unit 62: Verification unit 7: Automated guided vehicle 71: Feeder magazine 8A, 8B: Tape feeder 9: Parts mounting machine 96: Buffer station 97: Line-side transfer device 9A: Production line 9B: Line management device 9C: Production plan A1-A26: Process 1-26 CT: Carrier tape RL: Reel FID: Feeder identification information RID: Reel identification information

Claims

1. A feeder management system comprising: a reel loading device that reads the reel identification information of a reel when a reel wound with carrier tape containing multiple components is inserted, and performs a loading operation to load the inserted reel into a tape feeder; an automated warehouse that stores multiple tape feeders, acquires the feeder identification information of each of the multiple tape feeders, and manages them in association with their storage locations; a transfer device that moves the tape feeders between the reel loading device and the automated warehouse; and a control device that selects a tape feeder of a model suitable for the reel inserted into the reel loading device from among the multiple tape feeders stored in the automated warehouse, and controls the transfer and insertion into the reel loading device by the transfer device, as well as the loading operation of the reel by the reel loading device.

2. The feeder management system according to claim 1, wherein the reel identification information is associated with the type information of the component, the feeder identification information is associated with the model information of the tape feeder, and the control device selects the tape feeder based on the production plan which is a production plan for a product substrate to be produced with the component attached, and which includes association information that associates the reel identification information with the model information.

3. The feeder management system according to claim 2, wherein the control device controls the reel loading operation of the reel loading device to not be performed if the reel identification information of the reel loaded into the reel loading device is not present in the production plan, or if the start date of use of the reel is more than a predetermined period in the future.

4. The feeder management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the reel loading device can load multiple reels at once and repeats the loading of one tape feeder at a time, the loading operation, and the dispensing.

5. The feeder management system according to claim 4, wherein the reel loading device can acquire the reel identification information of each of the multiple reels that are loaded at one time, and the control device adjusts the order of loading operations for each of the multiple reels based on the production order of the multiple types of product substrates included in the production plan.

6. The feeder management system according to claim 4, wherein the reel loading device can acquire the reel identification information of each of the multiple reels loaded at one time, and the control device notifies a supply request to replenish the automated warehouse with the required number of tape feeders when the number of tape feeders stored in the automated warehouse is insufficient to meet the number of reels loaded into the reel loading device.

7. The feeder management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device selects a tape feeder for which the usable conditions are met and does not select a tape feeder for which the usable conditions are not met.

8. The feeder management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device includes a registration unit for registering the reel identification information of each of the reels to be managed and the feeder identification information of each of the tape feeders to be managed, and a confirmation unit for confirming that the reel identification information read by the reel loading device and the feeder identification information acquired by the automated warehouse have been registered.

9. A feeder management method using: a reel loading device that reads the reel identification information of a reel when a reel on which a carrier tape containing multiple components is wound is inserted, and performs a loading operation to load the inserted reel into a tape feeder; an automated warehouse that stores multiple tape feeders and acquires the feeder identification information of each of the multiple tape feeders and manages them in association with their storage location; and a transfer device that transfers the tape feeders between the reel loading device and the automated warehouse, the method comprising: a reel identification step of reading the reel identification information of the reel inserted into the reel loading device; a feeder selection step of selecting a tape feeder of a model that matches the reel identification information read from among the multiple tape feeders stored in the automated warehouse; a feeder transfer step of transferring the selected tape feeder to the reel loading device and inserting it using the transfer device; and a reel loading step of performing the loading operation of the reel inserted into the inserted tape feeder using the reel loading device. A feeder management method comprising the following features.

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