WO2024069889A1

WO2024069889A1 - Feeder management device and set-up device

Info

Publication number: WO2024069889A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/036559
Authority: WO
Inventors: 満三治
Original assignee: 株式会社Fuji
Priority date: 2022-09-29
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

This feeder management device comprises: a determination unit that determines whether to permit a component to be ejected from a component case into a bulk feeder on the basis of feeder information regarding the bulk feeder and case information regarding the component case which has been set on the bulk feeder and in which a predetermined type of component is accommodated; and a corresponding process unit that performs a predetermined corresponding process on the basis of the ejection permission determination result of the determination unit.

Description

Feeder Management and Setup Devices

The present invention relates to a feeder management device and a setup device.

The feeder management device manages the feeders that supply components to the component mounting machine. As shown in Patent Document 1, one type of feeder supplies components in a bulk state, with the components scattered in a supply area where the suction nozzle can pick up the components. A component case containing a large number of components is set in the bulk feeder.

International Publication No. 2022/162916

When setting up a bulk feeder like the one described above, it is possible that a parts case containing a different type of part than intended may be set by mistake. If this happens, parts ejected from the parts case will enter the feeder, necessitating maintenance such as part removal. Furthermore, parts removed from the bulk feeder will become subject to disposal.

The present specification aims to provide a feeder management device and a setup device that prevent a type of part different from that intended from being discharged from a part case into a bulk feeder.

This specification discloses a feeder management device that includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to permit the discharge of a part from a part case to the bulk feeder based on feeder information related to the bulk feeder and case information related to a part case that is set in the bulk feeder and contains a predetermined type of part, and a response processing unit that executes a predetermined response process based on the result of the determination by the determination unit on whether or not to permit the discharge.

The bulk feeder is equipped with a transport unit that is removably attached to the feeder body, a case support member that supports the set part case, and a track member that forms a transport path along which the parts are transported and a supply area that supplies the parts so that they can be picked. This specification discloses a setup device that includes a support stand that supports the transport unit removed from the feeder body, and the above-mentioned feeder management device.

　This specification also discloses the technical idea of changing "the feeder management device according to

claim

1 or 2" in claim 4 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1-3" and the technical idea of changing "the feeder management device according to

claim

1 or 2" in claim 5 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1-4". This specification also discloses the technical idea of changing "the feeder management device according to

claim

1 or 2" in claim 6 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1-4" and the technical idea of changing "the feeder management device according to

claim

1 or 2" in claim 7 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1-6". This specification also discloses the technical idea of changing "the feeder management device according to

claim

1 or 2" in claim 8 originally filed to "the feeder management device according to any one of claims 1-7".

With this feeder management device configuration, a decision is made as to whether or not to permit discharge based on the feeder information and case information, and appropriate processing is carried out based on the result of this decision. Therefore, even if a parts case containing a different type of part than expected is set in the feeder, the appropriate processing can prevent the parts from being discharged. This makes it possible to prevent maintenance from being performed due to incorrect work, prevent a decline in production efficiency, and reduce the disposal of unnecessary parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a production system to which a feeder management device and a setup device are applied. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic of a portion of a bulk feeder including a feeding area. FIG. 3 is a plan view seen from a direction III in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a transport unit and a setup device that constitute the bulk feeder. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a setup device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing feeder information and case information. 13 is a flowchart showing a feeder management process. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a shutter opening and closing device in the setup device.

1. Overview of Feeder Management Device 60 and Setup Device 50 The feeder management device 60 manages the feeders that supply components to the component mounting machine 2. In this embodiment, the feeder management device 60 is incorporated in the setup device 50 used to set up the feeders, and manages bulk feeders 10, which are a type of feeder.

The component mounting machine 2 described above performs a mounting process for mounting components on a board as a specified substrate-related operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the production line Ln is configured by installing a plurality of substrate-related operation machines in the conveying direction of the board. Each of the substrate-related operation machines is communicatively connected to a host computer 70 that controls the production line Ln as a whole. The production line Ln includes a printing machine 1 as a plurality of substrate-related operation machines, a plurality of component mounting machines 2, a reflow furnace 3, and an inspection machine 4.

The printer 1 prints solder paste at the component mounting positions on the board that has been brought in. Each of the multiple component mounting machines 2 mounts components on the board transported from the upstream side of the production line Ln. The configuration of the component mounting machines 2 will be described later. The reflow furnace 3 heats the board transported from the upstream side of the production line Ln to melt the solder on the board and perform soldering. The inspection machine 4 inspects whether the appearance or function of the board products produced on the production line Ln is normal.

In this embodiment, a factory for substrate products may be configured with multiple production lines Ln (Ln1, Ln2, ...). Each of the multiple production lines Ln may have its configuration added or changed as appropriate, for example, depending on the type of substrate product being produced. Specifically, the multiple production lines Ln may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related work machines such as a buffer device for temporarily holding the substrates being transported, a substrate supply device, a substrate inversion device, various inspection devices, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

The setup device 50 is used for tasks such as loading components into a feeder to be used in a planned mounting process and removing components from a feeder that has been used in a mounting process. The setup device 50 has a support stand 51 that supports the feeder or some of the units that have been removed from the feeder. The setup device 50 is connected to a host computer 70 so that it can communicate with it, and inputs and outputs various information related to the setup. The detailed configuration of the setup device 50 will be described later.

2. Configuration of Bulk Feeder 10 The bulk feeder 10 targeted by the setup device 50 and the feeder management device 60 will be described. The bulk feeder 10 is installed in the component mounting machine 2 and functions as a part of the component supply device. The bulk feeder 10 supplies components stored in a bulk state (in a state where each component has an irregular posture) that is not aligned like a carrier tape. Therefore, unlike a tape feeder, the bulk feeder 10 does not use a carrier tape, and therefore has the advantage of being able to omit loading of a carrier tape and collection of used tape.

Some types of bulk feeders 10 supply components in irregular positions to the planar supply area As, for example. However, if the components are so close together in the supply area As that they are touching each other, or if they are piled up (overlapping vertically), or if the components are in a horizontal position with their width direction aligned vertically, the component mounting machine 2 cannot pick up these components. Therefore, in order to increase the proportion of components that can be picked up, some types of bulk feeders 10 supply components in an aligned state in the supply area As. In this embodiment, a bulk feeder 10 that aligns components will be described as an example.

2-1. Feeder body 11
As shown in Fig. 2, the bulk feeder 10 includes a feeder body 11. The feeder body 11 is formed in a flat box shape. A connector 11 and two pins 112 are provided at the front of the feeder body 11 (the right end in Fig. 2). When the feeder body 11 is set in a slot of a component supplying device, it is powered via the connector 111 and is capable of communicating with a control device of a component mounting machine. The two pins 112 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot and are used for positioning the feeder body 11 when it is set in the slot.

2-2. Transport unit 20
2, the bulk feeder 10 includes a transport unit 20. The transport unit 20 is detachably attached to the feeder body 11. The transport unit 20 supports a set component case 40, which will be described later. The transport unit 20 is a unit for transporting components discharged from the component case 40 from a receiving area to a supply area As.

After the bulk feeder 10 has been used for a specified mounting process, a type of maintenance is carried out in which all parts inside the feeder are removed in preparation for the next use. The transport unit 20 is designed to be removable from the feeder body 11 as a unit that functions as a flow path for parts in anticipation of the above-mentioned removal work and to improve workability. In this embodiment, the transport unit 20 comprises a case support member 21, a track unit 22, and a connecting member 23.

The case support member 21 is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 11. The case support member 21 is vibrated by a first vibration device 15, which will be described later. The case support member 21 supports the set component case 40. The case support member 21 receives the components discharged from the component case 40. In this embodiment, the portion of the case support member 21 that receives the components has an inclined surface that is inclined forward relative to the horizontal plane. The case support member 21 forms a flow path for the components that extends upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

The track unit 22 is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 11. The track unit 22 is vibrated by the second vibration device 16 described below. The track unit 22 is formed with a transport path R along which multiple parts are transported, and a supply area As that is connected to the transport path R and opens upward so that multiple parts can be picked up. Here, the "supply area As" is an area where parts are supplied in bulk and where the parts can be picked up by the component mounting machine 2. The "transport path R" is a path along which parts that have circulated from the case support member 21 side to the track unit 22 are transported to the supply area As.

The track unit 22 is formed so that its overall shape extends in the front-to-rear direction of the feeder body 11 (left-to-right direction in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the track unit 22 has an alignment member 32 replaceably attached to a track body 31. The alignment member 32 is, for example, one or more plate-shaped members. The track unit 22 is a unitized track member in which one alignment member 32 selected from multiple types of alignment members 32 corresponding to the shapes of multiple types of parts is attached to a common track body 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the alignment member 32 forms a plurality of cavities 35 arranged in a predetermined pattern (staggered in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of cavities 35 is a rectangle slightly larger than the outer shape of the parts supplied by the bulk feeder 10. Thus, the bulk feeder 10 has a plurality of cavities 35 that accommodate parts in a supply area As that supplies the parts so that they can be picked up, with the thickness direction of the parts being in the vertical direction. A pair of side walls 36 that protrude upward are formed on both edges of the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) of the track unit 22. The pair of side walls 36, together with the tip 37 of the track unit 22, surround the periphery of the transport path R and prevent leakage of parts transported on the transport path R.

A feeder shutter 38 capable of closing the opening of the supply area As is provided on the top of the track unit 22. When the track unit 22 is attached to the feeder body 11, the feeder shutter 38 is in a state in which its opening and closing operation is controlled by a shutter drive device (not shown). By opening and closing the feeder shutter 38, the bulk feeder 10 can prevent parts from flying out or foreign objects from entering the supply area As.

The connecting member 23 connects the case support member 21 and the track unit 22 so that multiple parts can flow between them. The connecting member 23 is tubular and allows multiple parts to flow inside. The connecting member 23 is flexible and absorbs the vibrations of the case support member 21 and the track unit 22 by deforming in response to the vibrations. In this way, the connecting member 23 reduces or blocks the vibrations transmitted between the case support member 21 and the track unit 22, which vibrate independently of each other.

When the transport unit 20 is attached to the feeder body 11, it is supplied with positive pressure air by the air supply device 17, and circulates multiple parts from the case support member 21 to the track unit 22 via the connecting member 23. In this embodiment, the air supply device 17 supplies or blocks the positive pressure air supplied from the outside from below the case support member 21 based on commands from the feeder control device 18, which will be described later.

2-3. First vibration device 15, second vibration device 16
The bulk feeder 10 includes a first vibration device 15 and a second vibration device 16 provided on a feeder body 11. The first vibration device 15 is configured to vibrate the parts so as to promote the discharge of the parts from the part cases 40 set therein. The second vibration device 16 applies vibration to the track unit 22 so that the parts are transported along the transport path R. When vibration is applied to the unit 22, the orbital unit 22 moves in an elliptical manner when viewed from the side.

As a result, multiple parts on the conveying path R are subjected to a forward and upward external force, or a backward and upward external force, depending on the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track unit 22. As a result, multiple parts are conveyed to the front or rear of the track unit 22. By controlling the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations imparted to the track unit 22 and the rotation direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibrations, the bulk feeder 10 can vary the conveying speed, degree of dispersion of the parts, conveying direction, etc. of the conveyed parts.

2-4. Feeder control device 18
The bulk feeder 10 includes a feeder control device 18. The feeder control device 18 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and a control circuit. When the bulk feeder 10 is set in a slot of the component mounting machine 2, the feeder control device 18 is supplied with power via a connector 111 and is capable of communicating with the control device of the component mounting machine 2.

The feeder control device 18 stores various data such as programs used to control the parts supply process and transport parameters. The above-mentioned "transport parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the second vibration device 16 so that the vibration applied to the track unit 22 is appropriate when transporting parts in the parts supply process, and are set in advance in association with each type of part, for example.

The feeder control device 18 controls the operation of the first vibration device 15, the second vibration device 16, the air supply device 17, the shutter drive device, etc. The feeder control device 18 controls the operation of the second vibration device 16 based on, for example, preset parameters to execute the part supply process. As a result, vibration is applied to the track unit 22, and the parts on the conveying path R are conveyed by receiving an external force so as to move in the conveying direction.

3. Parts case 40
The component case 40 accommodates a plurality of components in a bulk state. The component case 40 is an external device that is replaceably set in the case support member 21 of the transport unit 20 of the bulk feeder 10. The component case 40 has a case body 41 that is formed in a flat box shape similar to the feeder body 11. The component case 40 has an outlet 42 at the front lower part of the case body 41 (lower right part in FIG. 2 ) for discharging the accommodated components to the outside.

The component case 40 is equipped with a shutter 43 that opens and closes the opening of the discharge port 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the shutter 43 has an operation plate 431 that extends along the bottom surface of the case body 41, a shutter plate 432 that extends along the front surface of the case body 41, and a bent portion 433 that connects the operation plate 431 and the shutter plate 432. The operation plate 431 is formed with an operation hole 434 that penetrates in the vertical direction. The shutter plate 432 is formed with an opening 435 that communicates with the discharge port 42 when the shutter plate 432 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the case body 41. The bent portion 433 is formed to be bendable following the curved shape of the corner of the case body 41.

With this configuration, when the operation plate 431 of the parts case 40 slides in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2, upper left-lower right direction in FIG. 8), the shutter plate 432 connected by the bent portion 433 slides in the up-down direction (up-down direction in FIGS. 2 and 8). When the shutter plate 432 slides downward and the opening 435 communicates with the discharge port 42, the shutter 43 opens and the parts can be discharged to the outside. On the other hand, if the shutter plate 432 slides upward and the opening 435 is misaligned with the discharge port 42, the shutter 43 closes and the parts cannot be discharged to the outside.

The shutter 43 is opened and closed when the component case 40 is set in the transport unit 20, for example, by an operator inserting a special tool into the operation hole 434 and sliding the operation plate 431. The shutter 43 is also opened and closed automatically by the shutter opening and closing device 53 of the setup device 50, as shown in FIG. 8, when the transport unit 20 with the component case 40 set therein is supported by the setup device 50, which will be described later. The detailed configuration of the setup device 50 will be described later.

4. Component Supply Process of Bulk Feeder 10 The component supply process of the bulk feeder 10 configured as described above will be described. First, the feeder control device 18 discharges components from the component case 40 based on, for example, a supply command from the outside. Specifically, the feeder control device 18 controls the operation of the first vibration device 15 so as to impart vibration to the case support member 21 to which the component case 40 is attached. When the component case 40 vibrates, the components are discharged from the discharge port 42. The discharged components fall onto the inclined portion of the case support member 21 located below the discharge port 42, and slide forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion. As a result, the components are retained at the lower end in front of the inclined portion.

In this state, the feeder control device 18 commands the air supply device 17 to supply positive pressure air. The positive pressure air supplied by the air supply device 17 blows up the multiple components that have been stagnating, and flows through the flow path formed in the case support member 21 together with the components. As a result, the positive pressure air and the multiple components flow from the case support member 21 through the connecting member 23 to the track unit 22, and reach the transport path R of the track unit 22. Here, the positive pressure air is exhausted to the outside from an exhaust port formed in the cover of the track unit 22.

Then, when the second vibration device 16 for transporting parts applies vibration to the track unit 22, multiple parts are transported to the supply area As. In addition, the track unit 22 is applied with vibration to move the parts forward or backward, depending on the amount of parts supplied in the supply area As. Some of the multiple parts transported to the supply area As are accommodated in the cavities 35. Parts that are not accommodated in the cavities 35 are retreated to the transport path R by the vibration applied by the second vibration device 16, and are removed from the supply area As. Through this part supply process, the parts accommodated in the multiple cavities 35 are supplied in a state where they can be picked up by the component mounting machine 2.

5. Setup Device 50
5-1. Overview of the setup device 50 The setup device 50 is installed in an off-site setup area between a warehouse storing components (not shown) and the production line Ln in, for example, a production facility for product boards. In the off-site setup area, the setup device 50 can automatically load components so that various feeders can supply components, or the setup device 50 can manually load components into the feeders. The setup device 50 also supports part of the component loading operation. Between the off-site setup area and the warehouse, and between the off-site setup area and the production line Ln, feeders and components can be transported by automated guided vehicles or by workers.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the setup device 50 assists in setting the part cases 40 on the transport unit 20 removed from the bulk feeder 10, and switching the shutter 43 to an open state so that the transport unit 20 can circulate parts. The setup device 50 also associates the part cases 40 set on the transport unit 20, and registers this combination in the host computer 70.

Here, the type of parts that the transport unit 20 is compatible with for supply (hereinafter referred to as "compatible part type") varies depending on the type of alignment member 32 of the track unit 22, specifically depending on the shape of the cavity 35. This is because, depending on the shape of the part and the shape of the cavity 35, the part may not be accommodated in the cavity 35, or even if accommodated, it may not be possible to align it properly. In other words, the transport unit 20 is classified according to the compatible part type (20A, 20B, ... in Figure 4), as an example, and is selected depending on the type of part to be supplied.

The parts cases 40 are classified according to the type of parts they store (hereinafter referred to as "stored part types"). In other words, the parts cases 40 are classified according to the type of parts they store (40A, 40B, ... in Figure 4), and are selected according to the type of parts to be supplied. Note that the transport units 20 and the parts cases 40 may be classified according to their respective functions and characteristics in addition to or instead of the corresponding part types and stored part types.

In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 and the parts case 40 are provided with identification codes indicating their respective identification information. In this embodiment, because the transport unit 20 is configured to be replaceable with respect to the feeder body 11, the transport unit 20 is provided with a unit code 25 as an identification code. In addition, the parts case 40 is provided with a case code 45 as an identification code. The unit code 25 and the case code 45 may be a bar code or a 2D code, or may be a code to which RFID is applied.

5-2. Configuration of setup device 50 As shown in Fig. 4, the setup device 50 includes a support table 51. The support table 51 supports the transport unit 20 removed from the feeder body 11 of the bulk feeder 10. The support table 51 includes a support structure similar to that of the feeder body 11, and supports the case support member 21 and the track unit 22 of the transport unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 5, the setup device 50 includes a code reader 52. The code reader 52 reads the unit code 25 of the transport unit 20 and the case code 45 of the parts case 40 to obtain the identification information. The code reader 52 may be, for example, a hand scanner, or may be configured to perform reading when the transport unit 20 or the parts case 40 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the support base 51.

The setup device 50 includes a shutter opening/closing device 53, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The shutter opening/closing device 53 includes an operation pin 531 and a drive device 532. As shown in Figure 8, the operation pin 531 is disposed below the shutter 43 of the component case 40 set in the transport unit 20. The operation pin 531 is configured to be able to move up and down and to slide in the front-rear direction. The drive device 532 raises and lowers the operation pin 531 between a height at which the operation pin 531 is inserted into the operation hole 434 of the shutter 43 and a height at which the operation pin 531 is separated from the operation hole 434. In addition, the drive device 532 slides the operation pin 531 in the front-rear direction when the operation pin 531 is inserted into the operation hole 434.

In this way, the drive device 532 of the shutter opening/closing device 53 drives the operation pin 531, causing the operation plate 431 of the shutter 43 to move in the front-to-rear direction, and the shutter plate 432 to move in the up-down direction accordingly. As a result, the shutter 43 is switched between an open state and a closed state by the shutter opening/closing device 53.

6. Feeder management device 60
6-1. Overview of the feeder management device 60 Here, when setting up the bulk feeder 10, it may happen that a component case 40 that contains a different type of component than expected is mistakenly set in the transport unit 20. If a component discharged from the component case 40 enters the interior of the bulk feeder 10, maintenance such as removing the component will be required. In addition, the component removed from the bulk feeder may affect the production cost of the product board to be discarded.

In this embodiment, the feeder management device 60 incorporated in the setup device 50 is configured to prevent a type of part different from that intended from being discharged from the parts case 40 to the bulk feeder 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the feeder management device 60 includes a determination unit 62 and a response processing unit 63. In this embodiment, the feeder management device 60 further includes an information acquisition unit 61.

The feeder management device 60 also executes the feeder management process shown in FIG. 7. Below, each step in the feeder management process is explained in correspondence with a detailed description of each component of the feeder management device 60. The feeder management process is executed, for example, when a specific transport unit 20 is set in the setup device 50, a specific component case 40 is supported by this transport unit 20, and the identification codes of the transport unit 20 and the component case 40 are read.

6-2. Information acquisition unit 61
The information acquisition unit 61 acquires the identification information by reading each identification code (unit code 25, case code 45) by the code reader 52. Then, the information acquisition unit 61 acquires the feeder information associated with each identification information. In this embodiment, the storage unit 71 of the host computer 70 stores feeder information D1 associated with each unit code 25 of the plurality of bulk feeders 10, and case information D2. Case information D2 associated with each case code 45 of the parts case 40 is stored.

Specifically, the feeder information D1 is information related to the bulk feeder 10, and as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, the cavity type, compatible part type (Cp1, Cp2, ...), usage history, and maintenance history are recorded for each identification code (ID) of the transport unit 20. The cavity type corresponds to the type of alignment member 32 attached to the track unit 22. The compatible part type Cp indicates the type of part that can be appropriately supplied by the bulk feeder 10 to which the transport unit 20 is attached according to the cavity type. The compatible part type Cp may indicate the part type itself, or may indicate the part type in a comprehensive manner based on the external shape and dimensions of the part.

The usage history indicates the type of parts supplied by the bulk feeder 10 the previous time it was used. The maintenance history indicates whether or not a part removal operation was performed after the bulk feeder 10 was last used. Because the usage history and maintenance history are additional information, feeder management can be performed even if this information is lacking. However, management can be improved if the usage history and maintenance history are included in the feeder information D1.

The case information D2 is information related to the parts cases 40 that store a specific type of parts, and as shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the stored part type Hp, usage history, and maintenance history are recorded for each identification code (ID) of the parts case 40. If the parts case 40 is a type that can be replenished with parts, the stored part type Hp is associated with the ID of the parts case 40 when the parts are replenished to the parts case 40. The usage history and maintenance history of the parts case 40 are similar to the usage history and maintenance history in the feeder information D1, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 61 acquires the feeder information D1 and case information D2 associated with the identification code read by the code reader 52 from the host computer 70. Note that if the unit code 25 or case code 45 records the corresponding part type Cp, the contained part type Hp, and various historical information in addition to the ID, the inquiry to the host computer 70 may be omitted.

6-3. Determination unit 62
The determination unit 62 determines whether or not to permit the discharge of parts from the part case 40 to the bulk feeder 10 based on the feeder information D1 and the case information D2. This is a judgment as to whether or not to permit the contained parts to be discharged so as to enter the inside of the transport unit 20 .

The above determination process is based on the feeder information D1 and the case information D2, and various aspects may be adopted. In this embodiment, the determination unit 62 determines that the discharge of the part is not permitted when the corresponding part type Cp in the feeder information D1 does not include the contained part type Hp in the case information D2 (S12: No). Furthermore, when the contained part type Hp is included in the case information D2 (S12: Yes), the determination unit 62 may execute the determination process based on the usage history and maintenance history. Specifically, the determination unit 62 does not permit the discharge of the part when the type of part indicated by the usage history is different from the contained part type Hp and removal work has not been performed according to the maintenance history (S13: No).

In other words, if the type of parts supplied by the bulk feeder 10 in its previous use (hereinafter referred to as the "previous part type") matches the stored part type Hp (S13: Yes), the determination unit 62 allows the parts to be discharged. If the previous part type and the stored part type Hp do not match and removal work has been performed according to the maintenance history (S13: Yes), the determination unit 62 allows the parts to be discharged. As in the two examples above, the reason why parts are allowed to be discharged is that if the setup is for supplying parts of the same type, it is possible to prevent the mixing of different types of parts regardless of whether removal work has been performed after the previous use.

On the other hand, if the previous component type and the contained component type Hp do not match and the removal work has not been carried out (S13: No), the judgment unit 62 does not allow the component to be discharged. With this judgment, for example, even if the planned component case 40 is set in the transport unit 20 and the corresponding component type Cp includes the contained component type Hp, it is possible to prevent the mixture with different types of parts that may remain inside the transport unit 20 due to lack of maintenance.

In addition to making the above-mentioned judgment, the judgment unit 62 may also adopt a mode in which, regardless of the usage history, if the maintenance history indicates that removal work has not been performed, the discharge of the part is not permitted. Furthermore, the judgment process may be limited to comparing the corresponding part type Cp with the housed part type Hp, and judgment based on the usage history and maintenance history may be omitted.

6-4. Corresponding processing unit 63
Based on the result of the determination made by the determination unit 62 as to whether ejection is permitted or not, the processing unit 63 executes a predetermined response process (S21-S23). Specifically, when ejection of the component is permitted (S13: Yes), the processing unit 63 permits the operation of the drive unit 532 in the shutter opening/closing unit 53 in the response process, and opens the shutter 43 (S21). On the other hand, when ejection of the component is not permitted (S12: No, S13: No), the processing unit 63 restricts the operation of the drive unit 532 that opens and closes the shutter 43 of the component case 40 supported by the case support member 21 in the response process (S22).

Furthermore, in the response process, if the determination result is that the discharge of parts is not permitted (S12: No, S13: No), the response processing unit 63 notifies the worker who sets the part case 40 on the bulk feeder 10 of the determination result (S23). This allows the worker to recognize that the attached part case 40 is not compatible with the transport unit 20 set on the setup device 50. This makes it possible to prevent parts other than those intended from being discharged from the incompatible part case 40 to the transport unit 20.

When the setup device 50 is equipped with a shutter opening/closing device 53 as described above, the corresponding processing unit 63 can respond by restricting the operation of the shutter opening/closing device 53. Alternatively, the corresponding processing unit 63 may operate a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the opening and closing of the shutter 43 of the component case 40 in the corresponding process. Also, in the above embodiment, the corresponding process is performed by restricting the transition of the shutter 43 of the component case 40 to the open state. Alternatively, for example, a shielding plate that is a separate member from the shutter 43 may be inserted between the component case 40 and the case support member 21, and the corresponding process may be performed by determining whether or not to remove this shielding plate.

7. Effects of the configuration of the embodiment According to the configuration of the feeder management device 60 exemplified in the embodiment, a determination is made as to whether or not discharge is permitted based on the feeder information D1 and the case information D. Then, a corresponding process is performed based on the result of this determination, so that even if a parts case 40 containing a different type of parts than expected is set in the bulk feeder 10, the corresponding process can prevent the parts from being discharged. This makes it possible to prevent maintenance from being performed due to incorrect work, prevent a decrease in production efficiency, and suppress the disposal of unnecessary parts. Furthermore, applying such a feeder management device 60 to the setup device 50 is particularly useful because it can improve the efficiency of setup.

8. Modifications of the embodiment In the embodiment, the feeder management device 60 is configured to be incorporated in the setup device 50. However, a part or all of the feeder management device 60 may be an external device separate from the setup device 50. For example, a part or all of the feeder management device 60 may be incorporated in the component mounting machine 2, the host computer 70, or the bulk feeder 10, or may be a dedicated device installed in an off-site setup area or the like.

In the embodiment, the bulk feeder 10 supplies components to be mounted on the board by the component mounting machine 2. In contrast, the components are used in a substrate-related operation machine that performs a predetermined operation on a board, such as the component mounting machine 2, and various items can be applied as long as they can be supplied while being contained in the cavity 35 of the bulk feeder. For example, the bulk feeder 10 may supply solder balls formed into a spherical shape. Even in such an embodiment, the same effect as in the embodiment can be achieved.

2: Component placement machine, 10: Bulk feeder, 11: Feeder body, 20, 20A, 20B: Transport unit, 21: Case support member, 22: Track unit (track member), 31: Track body, 32, 32A, 32B: Alignment member, 35: Cavity, 36: Side wall, 37: Tip portion, 38: Feeder shutter, 23: Connecting member, 25: Unit code (identification code), 40, 40A, 40B: Component case, 41: Case body, 42: Discharge port, 43: Shutter, 45: Case code (identification code), 50: Setup device, 51: Support stand, 52: Code reader, 53: Shutter opening/closing device, 531: Operation pin, 532: Drive device, 60: Feeder management device, 61: Information acquisition unit, 62: Judgment unit, 63: Corresponding processing unit, 70: Host computer, D1: Feeder information, D2: Case information, Cp: Corresponding part type, Hp: Container part type, As: Supply area, R: Transport path, Sy: Production system, Ln, Ln1, Ln2: Production line

Claims

a determination unit that determines whether or not to permit the parts to be discharged from the parts case to the bulk feeder based on feeder information related to the bulk feeder and case information related to a parts case that is set in the bulk feeder and contains a predetermined type of parts;
a response processing unit that executes a predetermined response process based on a result of the determination by the determination unit as to whether or not the discharge is permitted;
A feeder management device comprising:
the feeder information includes a corresponding part type indicating a type of the part that the bulk feeder is capable of supplying;
the case information includes a component type indicating a type of the component accommodated in the component case;
The feeder management device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines that ejection of the component is not permitted when the corresponding component type does not include the stored component type.
the bulk feeder includes a plurality of cavities for accommodating the components in a supply area from which the components can be picked up;
The feeder management device according to claim 2 , wherein the corresponding component types are preset according to the shape of the cavity.
the feeder information includes a usage history indicating the type of the part that the bulk feeder fed in a previous use, and a maintenance history indicating whether or not a removal operation for the part was performed since the previous use,
the case information includes a component type indicating a type of the component accommodated in the component case;
3. The feeder management device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit does not permit the discharge of the part when the type of the part indicated by the usage history is different from the contained part type and when the removal work has not been performed according to the maintenance history.
the bulk feeder includes a case support member that supports the part cases that are set in the bulk feeder,
the component case includes an outlet for discharging the accommodated components to the outside, and a shutter for opening and closing an opening of the outlet,
3. The feeder management device according to claim 1, wherein the handling process includes restricting an operation of a drive device that opens and closes the shutter of the component case supported by the case support member in the handling process.
the component case includes an outlet for discharging the accommodated components to the outside, and a shutter for opening and closing an opening of the outlet,
3. The feeder management device according to claim 1, wherein the handling processor activates a locking mechanism that locks the shutter of the component case against opening and closing in the handling process.
The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the response processing unit, in the response processing, notifies the operator who sets the part case in the bulk feeder of the judgment result when the judgment result indicates that the discharge of the part is not permitted.
an identification code indicating identification information of each of the bulk feeders and the parts cases is attached to each of the bulk feeders and the parts cases;
The feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information by reading each of the identification codes, and acquires the feeder information and the case information associated with each of the identification information.
the bulk feeder is detachably attached to a feeder body and includes a transport unit including a case support member for supporting the set component cases, and a track member having a transport path along which the components are transported and a supply area through which the components are supplied so as to be pickable;
a support table for supporting the transport unit detached from the feeder body;
A feeder management device according to claim 1 or 2;
A setup device comprising: