Bulk Component Supply Device with Separate Replenishment Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk component supply systems face challenges in efficiently replenishing components without interrupting the mounting process and maintaining operational efficiency, particularly in ensuring the correct type of components are supplied and preventing blackening or defects due to inadequate replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A bulk component supply system that includes a movable bulk component supply device with a bulk component case and a transfer device, allowing for manual or automatic replenishment of components at a separate region away from the mounting head, utilizing a bulk component storage vessel and automatic replenishment mechanisms to manage component flow and prevent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bulk components are replenished at the mounting head position, then replenishment can be performed, but it interrupts the mounting process and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the replenishment operation from the mounting operation by providing a separate replenishment position distinct from the mounting head position. The bulk component supply device has multiple positions including a mounting position for the mounting head and a separate replenishment position, allowing these operations to occur independently without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
A case holding section acts as an intermediary between the replenishment position and the mounting position. It temporarily holds the bulk component case, allowing components to be replenished at the replenishment position while the mounting head continues mounting at the mounting position, thus mediating between the two operations.
2Productivity
If a large capacity bulk component case is used, then replenishment frequency is reduced, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk component case is nested within the bulk component supply device, which itself is integrated with the mounting head. The case can be detached and replaced independently, allowing the system to maintain a compact form while supporting efficient replenishment through the separate replenishment position.
3Device complexity
If manual replenishment is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but operator workload and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables semi-automatic replenishment where the bulk component case is automatically transferred between positions by the case holding section, reducing manual handling. The operator only needs to perform simple case replacement at the replenishment position, while the system handles the complex transfer and positioning operations automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
Improving the practicality of: a bulk component supply system which includes a bulk component supply device which is moved together with a mounting head; and a method for replenishing bulk components to that bulk component supply device. A passage-equipped component case of a bulk component supply device which is moved together with a mounting head is removed, held by the empty one of case holding sections 450 and 452 of slide 404 in the bulk head component case exchange region; and bulk components are replenished and a passage-equipped component case being held on the other of the case holding sections 450 and 452 is held on the mounting head. Slide 404 is moved to a bulk component replenishment region, and components are automatically replenished from bulk component storage vessel 600 to the passage-equipped component case received from the mounting head which is empty. After replenishment, slide 404 is moved to a bulk component case exchange region and is put on standby for exchange of passage-equipped component cases.