WO2024261807A1 - Operation management apparatus and operation management method for feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

This operation management apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the device type of a device in which a feeder for supplying a component is set; and a mode setting unit that sets operation modes for the feeder on the basis of the acquired device type, said operation modes including a normal mode in which a component supply operation can be executed and an electric power saving mode in which electric power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode.

Description

Feeder operation management device and operation management method

The present invention relates to a feeder operation management device and operation management method.

The feeder operation management device manages the operation of a feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and used to supply components. As shown in Patent Document 1, the component mounting machine, together with other substrate-related work machines, a management device, a warehouse, and an external setup device, constitutes a production system that produces substrate products. When a feeder is prepared for use by external setup, it is transported, for example, from the external setup device via a specified waiting area to a specific component mounting machine for use.

International Publication No. 2020/115915

The production system's management device is able to communicate with the feeders in order to grasp the current position of each feeder, for example when the feeders are set in a component mounting machine or a buffer device used as a waiting area. However, if the feeders are kept powered on so that they can communicate, they will consume electricity even when in a waiting state, and the more feeders there are, the greater the impact on production costs.

The present specification aims to provide a feeder operation management device and operation management method that can reduce the power consumed by feeders in a production system, thereby reducing production costs.

This specification discloses a feeder operation management device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires the type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set, and a mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the feeder based on the acquired device type, including a normal mode in which the part supply operation can be performed, and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than in the normal mode.

This specification discloses a method for managing the operation of a feeder, comprising: an acquisition step for acquiring the type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set; and a mode setting step for setting an operation mode of the feeder, including a normal mode in which the feeder can perform the operation of supplying parts and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than that of the normal mode, based on the acquired type of device.

　This specification also discloses the technical idea of changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 4 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1-3" and the technical idea of changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 6 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1-5". This specification also discloses the technical idea of changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 8 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1-5", the technical idea of changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 9 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1-8", and the technical idea of changing "the feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 10 originally filed to "the feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1-8".

With this configuration, the operation mode of the feeder can be switched depending on the type of device to which the feeder is set, making it possible to reduce the power consumed by the feeder in the production system. As a result, production costs can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a production system including an operation management device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of a loader and a component mounting machine shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the feeder in FIG. 3 . 1 is a block diagram showing a production system to which an operation management device is applied; 1 is a table showing the state of each part corresponding to an operation mode. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation control process. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a first modified embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a second modified embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5 .

1. Production System 10
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the operation management device will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the operation management device is set in a component mounting machine that constitutes a production line, and manages the operation of a feeder used to supply components. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a production system 10 is composed of a plurality of production lines Ln, a host computer 11, a management warehouse 12, and a work area 13.

1-1. Production line Ln
In this embodiment, the production system 10 includes a plurality of production lines Ln, including a first production line Ln1 and a second production line Ln2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the production line Ln includes a plurality of component mounting machines 30 arranged side by side in the conveying direction of a board 91 (see Figure 3). The production line Ln includes a line management device 21, a line buffer device 22, and a loader 23.

The line management device 21 is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple production devices (such as the component mounting machines 30) that make up the production line Ln, the line buffer device 22, the loader 23, and the self-propelled work robot 70 via a network. The line management device 21 monitors the operating status of the production line Ln and provides overall control over the multiple component mounting machines 30 and the like. The line management device 21 records the control programs used for the mounting process by the component mounting machines 30, the progress status of each mounting process, and the like.

The line buffer device 22 is used to store cassette-type feeders 50. The line buffer device 22 temporarily holds feeders 50 loaded with components to be used in the mounting process for the production of product boards, as well as feeders 50 that have been used in the mounting process. When the line buffer device 22 holds a feeder 50 using multiple slots (not shown), it supplies power to the feeder 50 and makes it capable of communicating. This allows the line buffer device 22 to read an identification code (ID) unique to the feeder 50 held in the slot. The line buffer device 22 is installed, for example, on the board carry-in side of the production line Ln (left side in FIG. 1).

The loader 23 transports the feeder 50 between each of the multiple component mounting machines 30 and the line buffer device 22. In detail, the loader 23 is provided so as to be able to run along a running path formed by rails that extend over the entire area in the conveying direction of the board 91 in front of the multiple component mounting machines 30. The configurations of the component mounting machines 30 and the loader 23 will be described later.

Furthermore, the configuration of the production line Ln may be appropriately added to or changed depending on, for example, the type of product board to be produced. Specifically, the production line Ln may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related work machines such as solder printers, inspection machines, and reflow ovens. The first production line Ln1 and the second production line Ln2 may differ in their configuration and the feeders 50 set therein depending on the type of product board to be produced. Furthermore, the production system 10 may be configured to have three or more production lines.

1-2. Host computer 11
The host computer 11 is a management device that monitors the operating status of each device and the work robot 70 that constitutes the production system 10 and controls them in an integrated manner. Various data for controlling the production line Ln and the like are stored in the host computer 11. As shown in Fig. 1, the host computer 11 is configured to be able to communicate with the line management device 21 of the production line Ln, the management warehouse 12, the automatic loading device 132 installed in the work area 13, and the like via a network.

1-3. Management warehouse 12
The management warehouse 12 delivers parts based on a delivery command from the outside. The management warehouse 12 stores a reel 45 on which a carrier tape 46 for accommodating a plurality of parts is wound, and a feeder 50 on which the carrier tape 46 is loaded. The management warehouse 12 may store the feeders 50 with the carrier tapes 46 loaded therein.

The management warehouse 12 has a transport device that transports the feeders 50, etc. between a predetermined storage position on a storage shelf that holds the feeders 50, etc., and a work table on which the feeders 50, etc. are temporarily placed when entering or leaving the warehouse. When a part is to be removed from the warehouse, the transport device grasps the reel, etc. that is in the predetermined storage position, and checks whether the part is genuine or not, for example by reading an identification code (ID) affixed to the reel, etc. After that, the transport device places the held reel, etc. on the work table.

1-4. Work area 13
Between the production lines Ln and the management warehouse 12, a work area 13 is provided where the setup work for production is carried out. The setup work in the work area 13 includes the work of loading parts into the feeder 50. The work area 13 includes a work table 131 for transferring the feeder 50 and the reel 45, and an automatic loading device 132. The automatic loading device 132 loads the reel 45 onto the set feeder 50. It is an automatic loading device.

The loading operation of loading the carrier tape 46 into the feeder 50 may be performed using an automatic loading device 132 or manually by the worker 85. In the work area 13, the worker 85 performs various operations. The various operations include, for example, removing the carrier tape 46 loaded into the feeder 50 that was used in the mounting process. The association information between the feeder 50 and the reel 45 is updated when the carrier tape 46 is loaded into the feeder 50, and is discarded when the reel 45 is removed.

2. Component mounting machine 30
3, the multiple component mounting machines 30 constituting the production line Ln include a board transport device 31, a component supply device 32, a main buffer device 34, and a head drive device 35. In the following description, the horizontal width direction of the component mounting machine 30, which is the transport direction of the board 91, is defined as the X direction, the horizontal depth direction of the component mounting machine 30 is defined as the Y direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction (the up and down direction in FIG. 3) is defined as the Z direction.

The board transport device 31 is composed of a belt conveyor, a positioning device, etc. The board transport device 31 sequentially transports the board 91 in the transport direction and positions the board 91 at a predetermined position within the machine. After the mounting process by the component mounting machine 30 is completed, the board transport device 31 transports the board 91 out of the component mounting machine 30.

The component supplying device 32 supplies components to be mounted on the board 91. The component supplying device 32 has a slot into which the feeder 50 can be set. The component supplying device 32 is disposed at the top of the front side of the component mounting machine 30, and holds the set feeder 50 in an operable state. In other words, the operation of the feeder 50 set in the slot of the component supplying device 32 is controlled during the mounting process by the component mounting machine 30, and the feeder 50 supplies components at a removal section provided at a specified position above the feeder 50.

The main buffer device 34 is provided in the component mounting machine 30 and is configured to be able to store spare feeders 50. In particular, the main buffer device 34 is disposed below the slots of the component supply device 32 and stocks the set feeders 50. In other words, the main buffer device 34 holds spare feeders 50 to be used in production, or temporarily holds feeders 50 that have been used in production. The feeders 50 are exchanged between the component supply device 32 and the main buffer device 34 automatically by the loader 23, or manually by an operator.

When the feeder 50 is set in a slot of the component supply device 32 or a slot of the main buffer device 34, power is supplied to the feeder 50 from the component mounting machine 30 via a connector. The feeder 50 is then able to communicate with the component mounting machine 30. The feeder 50 set in the component supply device 32 controls the feeding operation of the carrier tape 46 that contains the components based on control commands from the component mounting machine 30. As a result, the feeder 50 supplies the components at a take-out section provided above the feeder 50 so that they can be picked up by the holding member of the mounting head 37, which will be described later.

The head driving device 35 transfers the components supplied by the component supplying device 32 to a predetermined mounting position on the board 91 brought into the machine by the board transporting device 31. The head driving device 35 moves the moving table 36 horizontally (X direction and Y direction) using a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 37 is replaceably fixed to the moving table 36 by a clamping member (not shown). The mounting head 37 picks up the components and mounts them on the board 91 by adjusting the vertical position and angle of the components.

In detail, a holding member that holds the parts supplied by the feeder 50 is attached to the mounting head 37. The holding member may be, for example, a suction nozzle that holds the parts by supplying negative pressure air, or a chuck that grasps and holds the parts. The mounting head 37 holds the holding member so that it can move in the Z direction and rotate around a θ axis that is parallel to the Z axis. The mounting head 37 is moved in the X and Y directions by the linear motion mechanism of the head drive device 35.

The component mounting machine 30 configured as described above executes a mounting process to mount components on the board 91. In the mounting process, the component mounting machine 30 sends a control signal to the head driver 35 based on the results of image processing, the detection results of various sensors, a pre-stored control program, etc. This controls the positions and angles of the multiple suction nozzles supported by the mounting head 37.

The suction nozzle held by the mounting head 37 is changed as appropriate depending on the type of component to be mounted on the board 91 during the mounting process. When the suction nozzle to be used in the mounting process to be executed is not held by the mounting head 37, the component mounting machine 30 causes the mounting head 37 to hold a suction nozzle housed in a nozzle station (not shown). The nozzle station is set removably at a predetermined position inside the component mounting machine 30.

3. Line buffer device 22
2, in this embodiment, the line buffer device 22 has a first storage section 221 and a second storage section 222. A magazine 41 for the feeder 50 is removably mounted in the first storage section 221 and the second storage section 222. The magazine 41 is formed with a plurality of slots and configured to be able to hold the feeder 50 in each slot. In this manner, the line buffer device 22 holds the feeder 50 by the mounted magazine 41.

The first storage unit 221 and the second storage unit 222 are arranged next to each other in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the substrate 91. In this embodiment, the first storage unit 221 and the second storage unit 222 are each configured to be able to accommodate one magazine 41. The feeder 50 set in the magazine 41 installed in the line buffer device 22 is supplied with power and is able to communicate with the line management device 21 via the control device of the line buffer device 22. As a result, the slots of the line buffer device 22 and the identification codes (IDs) of the feeders 50 set in those slots are associated with each other and recorded in the line management device 21.

4. Configuration of the loader 23 The loader 23 is provided so as to be movable along the transport direction of the board 91 relative to a plurality of production devices (in this embodiment, the component mounting devices 30 and the line buffer device 22). The loader 23 executes a predetermined task for a predetermined production device. In this embodiment, the loader 23 executes an exchange task of exchanging the feeder 50 between the plurality of component mounting devices 30 and the line buffer device 22 as the above-mentioned predetermined task.

Furthermore, when the working area 13 is installed adjacent to the production line Ln, the loader 23 can perform the above-mentioned replacement work between a plurality of component mounting machines 30, the line buffer device 22, the work table 131, and the automatic loading device 132. In addition, the loader 23 may be used to replace replacement elements that are removably set on a substrate-related work machine such as the component mounting machine 30, between the substrate-related work machine and the replacement elements.

As shown in FIG. 2, the loader 23 moves along a travel path formed by multiple component mounting machines 30 and rails 238 provided in front of the line buffer device 22. The rails 238 extend over almost the entire area of the production line Ln in the conveying direction of the boards 91. The loader 23 receives power in a non-contact manner via the rails 238 from the opposing production device depending on the position of the loader 23.

The loader 23 has a main body 231. The main body 231 is provided so as to be able to run along a running path formed by rails 238. In detail, the main body 231 has running rollers and guide rollers which are rollably engaged with the rails 238. This allows the main body 231 to maintain its posture, and allows it to move in the X direction while restricting its movement in the Y and Z directions. The main body 231 may also be provided with a feeder holding section capable of holding multiple feeders 50. The feeder holding section holds the multiple feeders 50 lined up in the X direction. The loader 23 is configured so as to be able to supply power to the feeders 50 at the feeder holding section, for example, and can function as a device Vc in which the feeders 50 are set.

The loader 23 has a feeder exchange device 232. The feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeder 50 with the device in which the feeder 50 is set. In this embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeder 50 with the multiple component mounting machines 30 that make up the production line Ln, and with the line buffer device 22. The exchange of the feeder 50 includes the recovery and replenishment of the feeder 50. In this embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 exchanges the feeder 50 with various devices including the component supply device 32 of the component mounting machine 30, the main buffer device 34, and the line buffer device 22.

The feeder exchange device 232 is configured to be able to move the held feeder 50 in the attachment/detachment direction of the feeder 50 (Y direction in this embodiment) and the up/down direction (Z direction) relative to the main body 231. With this configuration, the feeder exchange device 232 raises and lowers the held feeder 50 to a height that corresponds to the device slot. In this embodiment, the feeder exchange device 232 is used to switch feeders 50 between the component supply device 32 and the main buffer device 34 of the component mounting machine 30, and to transport used feeders 50 from the component mounting machine 30 to the line buffer device 22.

The loader 23 has a loader moving device 233. The loader moving device 233 is driven by power supplied from an external source to move the main body 231. If a battery is mounted on the main body 231, the loader moving device 233 may be driven by power supplied from the battery. The loader moving device 233 may be combined with a rail 238, for example, to form a linear motor. At this time, the loader moving device 233 generates a propulsive force in the X direction between the rail 238 and the loader moving device 233 by supplying power to a moving coil (not shown), thereby moving the loader 23 in the X direction.

The loader 23 has a loader control device (not shown). The loader control device is a controller mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. The loader control device is connected to be able to communicate with multiple component mounting machines 30, the line buffer device 22, and the line management device 21. The loader control device controls the operation of the loader movement device 233, the feeder exchange device, etc.

The loader control device detects the current position of the main body 231 on the travel path based on a detection signal from a position detection sensor (not shown). Specifically, the position detection sensor is disposed facing a linear scale provided on the rail 238, for example, and detects the graduations of the linear scale. Alternatively, the position detection sensor can use an optical detection method or a detection method using electromagnetic induction to detect the position of the main body 231. In this way, the loader 23 moves to a predetermined position along the rail 238, and is configured to be able to replace the feeder 50 when it is stopped.

5. Configuration of Feeder 50 The configuration of the feeder 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The left-right direction in Fig. 4 is the transport direction of the carrier tape 46, with the left side of Fig. 4 being the upstream side in the transport direction and the right side of Fig. 4 being the downstream side in the transport direction. In this embodiment, the feeder 50 is a tape feeder that performs a supply operation to supply components by feeding and moving the carrier tape 46. The feeder 50 includes a feeder body 51. The feeder body 51 is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder body 51 is formed with a component supply position 511 that supplies components at an upper portion on the downstream side in the transport direction of the carrier tape 46.

The feeder body 51 is formed with a tape transport path 512 that guides the carrier tape 46 pulled out from the reel 45 to the component supply position 511. The tape transport path 512 is formed in a rectangular tube shape using, for example, a bottom plate, two side plates, and a ceiling plate. The tape transport path 512 may have a tape presser that presses the carrier tape 46 against the bottom plate. Also, part of the tube shape of the tape transport path 512 may be omitted. The tape transport path 512 starts at a position close to the reel 45, extends diagonally upward in the downstream direction, and then extends roughly horizontally in the downstream direction from halfway, ending at the upper part of the downstream end of the feeder body 51. The position close to the end of the tape transport path 512 is the component supply position 511.

A removable rail 513 is provided on the underside of the feeder body 51. The removable rail 513 holds the position of the feeder 50 by engaging with slots provided in various devices such as the component supply device 32 and the magazine 41, and supports the movement of the feeder 50. A positioning pin 514 and a connector 515 are provided on the end face of the feeder body 51. The positioning pin 514 is inserted into a positioning hole in the device in which the feeder 50 is set, and positions the feeder 50 relative to the device. If the device is provided with a receiving connector, the connector 515 engages with the receiving connector to connect so as to enable power supply and communication to the feeder 50.

The feeder 50 includes a tape guide 52. The tape guide 52 is detachably mounted on the top of the feeder body 51. The tape guide 52 peels one widthwise end of the cover tape 462 from the base tape 461 that constitutes the carrier tape 46, opening cavities that individually accommodate components. The base tape 461 with the cavities opened is transported to the component supply position 511 to supply the components. The base tape 461 is then discharged below the feeder 50 together with the cover tape 462 that has passed above the tape guide 52.

The feeder 50 includes a reel holding section 53. The reel holding section 53 holds the reel 45 around which the carrier tape 46 is wound so that the reel 45 can be replaced. The reel holding section 53 holds the outer periphery of the reel 45 or the center of the reel 45 so that the reel 45 can rotate. The reel holding section 53 is provided with a holding cover that can be opened and closed, and prevents the reel 45 from slipping out of position.

The feeder 50 is equipped with a drive unit 54 that feeds and moves a tape containing multiple parts during a part supply operation. The drive unit 54 has a sprocket 541 rotatably supported on the feeder body 51. The teeth of the sprocket 541 protrude from a groove formed in the bottom plate of the tape transport path 512 and engage with feed holes formed at predetermined intervals in the carrier tape 46. The drive unit 54 has an electric motor 542 that generates a driving force that is transmitted to the sprocket 541 via a reduction gear (not shown). The electric motor 542 is capable of intermittent and continuous operation, and can be switched between forward and reverse rotation. The drive unit 54 rotates the sprocket 541 with the electric motor 542 to feed and move the carrier tape 46.

The drive unit 54 can feed the carrier tape 46 in the feed direction at a constant pitch to supply components in sequence at the component supply position 511. The drive unit 54 can also feed a newly set carrier tape 46 continuously in the feed direction. Furthermore, the drive unit 54 can continuously feed a partially used carrier tape 46 in the reverse direction to take charge of part of the removal work.

The feeder 50 is equipped with a feeder control device 56. The feeder control device 56 controls the operation of the drive device 54. When the feeder 50 is set in the component supply device 32 of the component mounting machine 30, power is supplied from the component mounting machine 30 via the connector 515. This enables the feeder control device 56 to communicate with the component mounting machine 30. With this configuration, the feeder 50 detects that it has been set in the component supply device 32 or main buffer device 34 of the component mounting machine 30.

Furthermore, various control information is pre-stored in the feeder control device 56. The above control information includes the identification code (ID) of the feeder 50, the programs and correction values used to control the drive device 54, and device information D1 (see Figures 5 and 6) relating to the devices to which the feeder 50 can be set. Details of operation management using the device information D1 will be described later.

6. Feeder 50 Operation Management Device 60
When feeder 50 is used for producing product boards in production system 10 as described above, it is removed from management warehouse 12 and loaded with carrier tape 46 in work area 13. After being externally prepared in this manner, feeder 50 is carried into line buffer device 22 of a predetermined production line Ln by work robot 70 or worker 85, and is moved by loader 23 at a predetermined timing to component supply device 32 of component mounting machine 30 or main buffer device 34.

In this way, the feeder 50 passes through various states set in the devices Vc from the management warehouse 12 to the component mounting machine 30. When the feeder 50 is used for production processing by the component mounting machine 30, it is transported from the component mounting machine 30 to the management warehouse 12 and stored there in a process that is roughly the reverse of that described above. The host computer 11, which serves as a management device for the production system 10, is able to communicate with the feeder 50 when the feeder 50 is set in, for example, the component mounting machine 30 or the line buffer device 22 serving as a waiting area, in order to grasp the current position of each feeder 50.

However, if the feeder 50 is kept powered on so that it can communicate, it will consume power even in standby mode. The greater the number of feeders 50 used in production in the production system 10, the greater the impact on production costs. Therefore, in this embodiment, an operation management device 60 and an operation management method for feeders 50 are adopted that can reduce the power consumed by the feeders 50 in the production system 10, thereby reducing production costs. Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the operation management device 60 is incorporated into the feeder control device 56, as shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operation management device 60 includes an acquisition unit 61 and a mode setting unit 62. The operation management device 60 executes an operation management method for the feeder 50 in the operation management process shown in FIG. 7. The acquisition unit 61 executes an acquisition step (S12). The mode setting unit 62 executes a mode setting step (S13).

6-1. Acquisition unit 61
The acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of device Vc to which the feeder 50 that supplies parts is set. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 61 is incorporated in the feeder control device 56, and therefore acquires the type of device Vc identified by the feeder control device 56. Specifically, when the feeder 50 is set to any of the devices Vc, the feeder control device 56 executes a start-up process (S11).

The startup process includes starting communication with the device Vc, loading the control program, checking the operation of various sensors, and may also return the sprocket 541 of the drive unit 54 to its original position as necessary. In the startup process, the feeder control device 56 acquires the type of device Vc identified by communicating with the device Vc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the feeder 50 is set in the component supply device 32 as the device Vc, the feeder control device 56 sends its own identification code (ID) to the component supply device 32 and inputs the type of device Vc from the component supply device 32.

Then, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of the current device Vc (S12). In this embodiment, when the feeder 50 is set in the main buffer device 34 or the line buffer device 22, when power is supplied to the feeder 50 by setting it, communication between the feeder control device 56 and the device Vc starts, and the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of the device Vc.

Note that, for example, when the feeder 50 is set in the management warehouse 12, workbench 131, or work robot 70 (including indirect setting via the magazine 41), if power is not supplied from these devices Vc to the feeder 50, there is no room for power saving in the feeder 50, and the process of acquiring the type of these devices Vc is omitted. However, if there are circumstances such as the work robot 70 or the transport cart (not shown) of the feeder 50 requiring the feed operation of the carrier tape 46 by the feeder 50, power may be supplied to the feeder 50. At this time, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of device Vc in which the feeder 50 is set.

6-2. Mode setting section 62
The mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode of the feeder 50 based on the acquired type of the device Vc (S13). The above-mentioned "operation mode" includes a normal mode in which the component supply operation can be performed, and a power saving mode in which the power consumption is reduced more than that of the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 6. Here, the "normal mode" is an operation mode in which the feeder 50 is on standby so that it can supply components in response to an operation command from a control device on the device Vc side, for example, a control device of the component mounting machine 30, and power is supplied to the feeder control device 56 and the electric motor 542. In this normal mode, the electric motor 542 is in a state in which it can be immediately operated and consumes standby power.

The above-mentioned "power saving mode" is an operating mode that reduces power consumption by stopping at least some of the functions of the feeder 50. In this embodiment, the power saving mode maintains power supply to the feeder control device 56, and stops power supply to the electric drive device 54 used for the component supply operation, excluding the feeder control device 56. More specifically, the power saving mode cuts off power supply to the electric motor 542 that constitutes the drive device 54, stopping the feed movement function. This eliminates standby power consumption in the electric motor 542.

The power saving mode may include a standby state in which power supply to the feeder control device 56 is maintained as described above, and a pause state in which power supply to the feeder control device 56 is cut off, as shown in FIG. 6. The power saving mode in the pause state stops power supply to the feeder control device 56, and stops power supply to the electric drive device 54 used for the component supply operation, excluding the feeder control device 56.

In the pause state, for example, the power lamp (not shown) of the feeder 50 lights up. The pause state may be released by a predetermined action such as a button operation to switch to a standby state, removal from the device Vc, or re-supply of power. The power saving mode may be a standby state in which power is constantly supplied to the feeder control device 56 during the period in which the feeder 50 is set in the device Vc and supplied with power.

The mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode based on the type of device Vc acquired by the acquisition unit 61. In this embodiment, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode based on the device information D1 stored in the feeder control device 56 and the type of device Vc. Here, "device information D1" is information indicating the type of device Vc that can be set to the power saving mode, as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the device information D1 indicates that the device Vc can be set to the power saving mode when the type of device Vc to which the feeder 50 is set is the line buffer device 22 or the main buffer device 34.

The device information D1 is adjusted as appropriate depending on the production environment of the production system 10, and even if the type of device Vc is the same, it may be possible to distinguish whether the feeder 50 can be set to the power saving mode depending on whether it has been used before or after production. In this way, the device information D1 is adjusted depending on whether power saving is prioritized for the entire production system 10 or whether maintaining productivity is prioritized.

In a mode setting step (S13), if the type of device Vc acquired in the acquisition step (S12) is included in the device information D1, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode of the feeder 50 to the power saving mode. In addition, if the type of device Vc acquired by the acquisition unit 61 is a component supply device 32, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode of the feeder 50 to the normal mode.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the feeder 50 is set in the automatic loading device 132 as the device Vc and the feeding movement of the carrier tape 46 is required in the loading operation, the mode setting unit 62 may set the normal mode. On the other hand, when the feeding movement of the carrier tape 46 is performed by an external operating force in the automatic loading device 132 or the work table 131 and the operation of the electric motor 542 is not required, the mode setting unit 62 may set the operation mode to the power saving mode.

6-3. Operation of the Feeder 50 When the operation mode is set in the mode setting step (S13), the feeder control device 56 executes standby processing (S15) if the operation mode is the normal mode (S14: Yes). This allows the feeder 50 to maintain power supply to the feeder control device 56 and the drive device 54, to be able to communicate with the outside, and to be able to respond to an operation command from the outside (e.g., a parts supply command).

If the operating mode is not the normal mode (S14: No) but is set to the standby state of the power saving mode (S16: Yes), the feeder control device 56 keeps its own power on and cuts off the power supply to the drive device 54 (S17). As a result, the feeder 50 maintains the power supply to the feeder control device 56, is able to communicate with the outside, and the electric motor 542 is not consuming standby power.

If the power saving mode is not in standby mode (S16: No), the feeder control device 56 assumes that the power saving mode is in a pause state, cuts off the power supply to the drive device 54, and executes its own termination process to turn off the power (S18). As a result, the feeder 50, for example, only turns on the power lamp, cuts off communication with the outside, and the electric motor 542 does not consume standby power. Note that in a configuration in which the power saving mode does not include a pause state, the state determination regarding the power saving mode (S16) may be omitted, and a process of cutting off the power supply to the drive device 54 (S17) may be executed.

7. Effects of the Configuration of the Embodiment According to the configuration of the operation management apparatus 60 and the operation management method described above, the operation mode of the feeder 50 is switched depending on the type of the device Vc to which the feeder 50 is set, so that it is possible to reduce the power consumed by the feeder 50 in the production system 10. As a result, it is possible to reduce production costs.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, with the configuration in which the acquisition unit 61 and the mode setting unit 62 are provided in the feeder control device 56, when a large number of feeders 50 used in production in the production system 10 are set in the device Vc, the operation mode of each feeder 50 can be set individually. This makes it possible to set the operation mode of the feeder 50 without communicating with a higher-level management device (host computer 11 or line management device 21) related to the operation management process.

8. Modifications of the embodiment 8-1. Operation management according to the type of feeder 50 In this embodiment, the operation management device 60 suppresses unnecessary power consumption by stopping the power supply to the drive device 54 in the feeder 50 according to the type of device Vc. Here, the feeder 50 described above feeds and moves the carrier tape 46 by the drive device 54, and peels off one end side in the width direction of the cover tape 462 by a peeling mechanism provided in the tape guide 52. Then, the base tape 461 and the cover tape 462 that have passed the component supply position 511 are discharged below the feeder 50.

There are types of feeders 50 that differ from the above configuration. For example, unlike the semi-peeling type illustrated in the embodiment, which peels off only one widthwise end of the cover tape 462, there is a full peeling type, which peels off the cover tape 462 from the base tape 461 over the entire widthwise area at the tape guide 52. In this full peeling type feeder 50, the peeled cover tape 462 passes above the tape transport path 512 toward the upstream side and is either collected by a collection device provided inside the feeder 50 or discharged to the outside of the feeder 50.

Such a feeder 50 has an electric recovery motor that applies tension to the cover tape 462 and feeds and moves the cover tape 462 to the outside of the recovery device or the feeder 50. In addition, in the recovery device, when a mode is adopted in which the cover tape 462 is wound around a specified recovery reel, the recovery motor is used to rotate the recovery reel. The recovery motor is controlled to operate in synchronization with the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54.

As described above, if the feeder 50 has an electric motor (e.g., a full peel-off type recovery motor) different from the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54, the operation management device 60 may manage these electric motors as targets for operation management. In other words, for example, when the operation mode of the feeder 50 is set to a power saving mode, the operation management device 60 controls so that the power supply to the electric motor 542 of the drive device 54 that feeds and moves the carrier tape 46, and the recovery motor that feeds and moves the peeled cover tape 462, is cut off. According to this embodiment, standby power consumption can be further reduced.

8-2. Arrangement of the operation management device 60 In the embodiment, the acquisition unit 61 and the mode setting unit 62 of the operation management device 60 are configured to be provided in the feeder control device 56. This allows each feeder 50 to set its own operation mode when it is set in the device Vc and powered. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 61 and the mode setting unit 62 may be configured to be provided in an external device of the feeder 50.

Specifically, the operation management device 60 may be configured to be provided in a device Vc in which a feeder 50 can be set. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to obtain the type of device Vc, and the settings of the operation modes for the feeder 50 set in the device Vc can be centrally managed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, an operation management device 60 is provided in each of the line buffer device 22, the component supply device 32, and the main buffer device 34, which are devices Vc.

In this embodiment, when a feeder 50 is set in each device Vc, either individually or together with other feeders 50 via the magazine 41, the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode according to the type of device Vc in which it is installed. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the embodiment are achieved.

Furthermore, for example, the operation management device 60 may be provided in a host computer 11 or a line management device 21 that can communicate with the device Vc. With such a configuration, the operation management devices 60 can be consolidated without being distributed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, an operation management device 60 is provided in each line management device 21 for each production line Ln.

In this embodiment, when the feeder 50 is individually set to the device Vc, the line management device 21 acquires the type of device Vc and the identification code (ID) of the feeder. Then, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the type of device Vc, and the mode setting unit 62 sets the operation mode according to the type of device Vc. With this configuration, the same effects as in the embodiment can be achieved.

In the embodiment, the mode setting unit 62 is configured to set the operation mode based on the device information D1. In contrast, the mode setting unit 62 may set the operation mode based on, for example, a request from the device Vc, along with the type of the device Vc acquired by the acquisition unit 61.

For example, the device Vc may request an operation mode according to the set state of the feeder 50 (before use, after use, whether communication is required, etc.), or the timing of switching between normal mode and power saving mode. As a result, the mode setting unit 62 may essentially set an operation mode according to the type of device Vc when there is no request, and when there is a request, set an operation mode taking the request into consideration.

10: Production system, 11: Host computer, 12: Management warehouse, 13: Work area, Ln: Production line, 21: Line management device, 22: Line buffer device, 23: Loader, 30: Component placement machine, 32: Component supply device, 34: Main buffer device, 41: Magazine, 45: Reel, 46: Carrier tape, 50: Feeder, 51: Feeder body, 52: Tape guide, 53: Reel holder, 54: Drive device, 542: Electric motor, 56: Feeder control device, 60: Operation management device, 61: Acquisition unit, 62: Mode setting unit, 70: Work robot, 85: Worker, 91: Board, D1: Device information, Vc: Device

Claims (11)

an acquisition unit that acquires a type of device to which a feeder that supplies parts is set;
a mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the feeder, including a normal mode in which the component supply operation can be performed and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than that in the normal mode, based on the acquired type of the device;
A feeder operation management device comprising: The type of device includes a component supplying device that is provided in a component mounting machine that mounts the components supplied by the feeders onto a board and has a plurality of the feeders set therein;
The feeder operation management device according to claim 1 , wherein the mode setting unit sets the operation mode of the feeder to the normal mode when the type of the device acquired by the acquisition unit is the component supply device. The types of devices include a main buffer device that is provided in a component mounting machine that mounts the components supplied by the feeder onto a board and is capable of accommodating a spare of the feeder, and a line buffer device that, together with the component mounting machine, constitutes a production line for product boards and is capable of accommodating a plurality of the feeders,
The feeder operation management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mode setting unit sets the operation mode of the feeder to the power saving mode when the type of the device acquired by the acquisition unit is the main buffer device or the line buffer device. The feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power saving mode is an operation mode that reduces power consumption by stopping at least some of the functions of the feeder. the feeder includes an electric motor constituting a drive device that feeds and moves a tape containing the plurality of components during the component supply operation;
The feeder operation management device according to claim 4 , wherein the power saving mode stops the feeding function by cutting off the power supply to the electric motor. The feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit and the mode setting unit are provided in a feeder control device that controls the supply operation of the parts in the feeder. The feeder control device prestores device information indicating the types of the devices that can be set to the power saving mode,
The feeder operation management device according to claim 6 , wherein the mode setting unit sets the operation mode of the feeder to the power saving mode when the type of the device acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the device information. The feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit and the mode setting unit are provided in an external device of the feeder. The feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power saving mode maintains power supply to a feeder control device that controls the parts supply operation in the feeder, and stops power supply to electric drive devices used in the parts supply operation, except for the feeder control device. The feeder operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power saving mode stops power supply to a feeder control device that controls the parts supply operation in the feeder, and stops power supply to electric drive devices used for the parts supply operation except for the feeder control device. An acquisition step of acquiring a type of device to which a feeder for supplying parts is set;
a mode setting step of setting an operation mode of the feeder including a normal mode in which the component supply operation can be performed and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than that in the normal mode, based on the acquired type of the device;
A method for managing the operation of a feeder comprising:

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