WO2021095220A1

WO2021095220A1 - Bulk feeder

Info

Publication number: WO2021095220A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/044791
Authority: WO
Inventors: 祐輔山▲崎▼; 裕司川崎
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｆｕｊｉ
Priority date: 2019-11-14
Filing date: 2019-11-14
Publication date: 2021-05-20
Also published as: JPWO2021095220A1; JP7303898B2

Abstract

This bulk feeder is provided with: a feeder body; a track member having a reception region for receiving components discharged from a component case which stores a plurality of components in a bulk state, a supply region for supplying the components, and a conveyance path for the components from the reception region to the supply region; a vibration device which applies vibration to the track member so that the components are conveyed on the conveyance path; and a dispersion member which comes into contact with the components being conveyed in association with the vibration of the track member to disperse the components in the width direction of the conveyance path.

Description

Bulk feeder

The present invention relates to a bulk feeder.

The bulk feeder is installed in a parts mounting machine that mounts parts on a board, and is used to supply parts housed in a bulk state. There is a type of bulk feeder that supplies parts in a state where a plurality of parts are aligned in a row by, for example, an alignment mechanism provided on a transport path. Further, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a type in which the bulk feeder omits the alignment mechanism as described above and supplies the parts in a bulk state in which the parts are scattered in the supply region where the parts can be collected by the suction nozzle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-114084

In the case of a bulk feeder of the type that supplies a plurality of parts to the supply area in a bulk state as described above, if the parts are close to each other in the supply area, the suction nozzle cannot target those parts. Therefore, the bulk feeder is required to be supplied with the parts existing in the supply region in a preferably dispersed state.

It is an object of the present specification to provide a bulk feeder capable of dispersing a plurality of parts in a supply area.

The present specification describes the feeder body, a receiving region provided on the feeder body and receiving the parts discharged from a component case for accommodating a plurality of parts in a bulk state, a supply region for supplying the parts, and the receiving region. A track member having a transport path for the component from the region to the supply region, a vibrating device provided on the feeder body and applying vibration to the track member so that the component on the transport path is transported. A bulk feeder including, among the track members, a dispersion member provided in the transport path and dispersed in the width direction of the transport path by contacting a plurality of the components transported by vibration of the track member. Disclose.

With such a configuration, it is possible to disperse a plurality of parts in the supply area. As a result, it is possible to suitably supply a plurality of parts so that they can be collected while reducing the size of the bulk feeder in the width direction. Further, since the required time can be shortened by improving the efficiency of the parts supply process, the efficiency of the mounting process using the bulk feeder can be improved.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the component mounting machine. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of a bulk feeder. It is a side view which shows the main part of a bulk feeder schematically. It is a top view seen from the IV direction of FIG. It is a top view which shows the dispersion member. It is a figure which shows the transition of the distributed state of the component in the transport process. It is a top view which shows the dispersion member of the 1st deformation mode of a dispersion member. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a VIII-VIII cross section and some parts in FIG. 7. It is a top view which shows the dispersion member of the 2nd deformation mode of a dispersion member. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure which can selectively attach a track member or a dispersion member to a bulk feeder.

1. 1. Configuration of the component mounting machine 10 The bulk feeder 20 is mounted on the component mounting machine 10 for mounting the component 92 on the substrate 91, and is used for supplying the component 92 housed in the bulk state. The component mounting machine 10 constitutes a production line for producing board products together with a plurality of types of board-to-board working machines including, for example, another component mounting machine 10. The board-to-board working machine constituting the above production line may include a printing machine, an inspection device, a reflow furnace, and the like.
1-1. Board transfer control unit The component mounting machine 10 includes a substrate transfer control unit 11 as shown in FIG. The board transfer control unit 11 sequentially transfers the board 91 in the transfer direction, and positions the board 91 at a predetermined position in the machine.

1-2. Parts supply device 12
The component mounting machine 10 includes a component supply device 12. The component supply device 12 supplies components to be mounted on the substrate 91. The component supply device 12 is equipped with a feeder 122 in each of the plurality of slots 121. To the feeder 122, for example, a tape feeder in which a carrier tape containing a large number of parts is fed and moved so that the parts can be collected is applied. Further, a bulk feeder 20 is applied to the feeder 122 so that parts housed in a bulk state (in a loose state in which each posture is irregular) can be collected and supplied. Details of the bulk feeder 20 will be described later.

1-3. Parts transfer device 13
The component mounting machine 10 includes a component transfer device 13. The component transfer device 13 transfers the components supplied by the component supply device 12 to a predetermined mounting position on the substrate 91. The component transfer device 13 includes a head drive device 131, a moving table 132, a mounting head 133, and a suction nozzle 134. The head driving device 131 moves the moving table 132 in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) by a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 133 is detachably fixed to the moving table 132 by a clamp member (not shown), and is provided so as to be movable in the horizontal direction in the machine.

The mounting head 133 supports a plurality of suction nozzles 134 so as to be rotatable and elevating. The suction nozzle 134 is a holding member that collects and holds the component 92 supplied by the feeder 122. The suction nozzle 134 sucks the parts supplied by the feeder 122 by the supplied negative pressure air. As the holding member attached to the mounting head 133, a chuck or the like that holds the component by gripping it may be adopted.

Here, various types can be adopted for the above-mentioned mounting head 133. Specifically, the mounting head 133 has a type in which a plurality of holding members are supported by a rotary head rotatably provided around an R axis parallel to the vertical axis (Z axis). In the present embodiment, the mounting head 133 supports 24 suction nozzles 134 by the rotary head. In addition, the mounting head 133 includes a type that supports a plurality of holding members arranged in a straight line or a matrix, a type that supports one holding member, and the like. The type of these mounting heads 133 can be appropriately selected depending on, for example, the type of substrate product to be produced.

1-4. Parts camera 14, board camera 15
The component mounting machine 10 includes a component camera 14 and a board camera 15. The component camera 14 and the substrate camera 15 are digital image pickup devices having an image pickup element such as CMOS. The component camera 14 and the substrate camera 15 take an image based on the control signal and send out the image data acquired by the image pickup. The component camera 14 is configured so that the component held by the suction nozzle 134 can be imaged from below. The board camera 15 is provided on the moving table 132 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction integrally with the mounting head 133. The substrate camera 15 is configured so that the substrate 91 can be imaged from above.

In addition to targeting the surface of the substrate 91 for imaging, the substrate camera 15 can target various devices and the like as long as it is within the movable range of the moving table 132. For example, the substrate camera 15 can image the supply region As (see FIG. 4) to which the bulk feeder 20 supplies the component 92 in the present embodiment. As described above, the substrate camera 15 can be used for imaging different imaging targets in order to acquire image data used for various image processing.

1-5. Control device 16
The component mounting machine 10 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and a control circuit. The control device 16 includes a storage device (not shown). The storage device is composed of an optical drive device such as a hard disk device, a flash memory, or the like. The storage device of the control device 16 stores various data such as a control program used for controlling the mounting process. The control program indicates the mounting position and mounting order of the components mounted on the substrate 91 in the mounting process.

The control device 16 executes a process of recognizing the holding state of the parts held by each of the plurality of holding members (suction nozzles 134). Specifically, the control device 16 performs image processing on the image data acquired by the imaging of the component camera 14 and recognizes the position and angle of each component with respect to the reference position of the mounting head 133. In addition to the component camera 14, the control device 16 performs image processing on image data acquired by, for example, a head camera unit integrally provided on the mounting head 133, which images the component from the side, the lower side, or the upper side. You may try to do it.

The control device 16 controls the mounting operation of the component by the mounting head 133 based on the control program to execute the mounting process. Here, the mounting process includes a process of repeating a pick-and-place cycle (hereinafter, referred to as “PP cycle”) including a collecting operation and a mounting operation over a plurality of times. The above-mentioned "collecting operation" is an operation of collecting the parts supplied by the parts supply device 12 by the suction nozzle 134.

In the present embodiment, the control device 16 controls the operation of the component supply device 12 including the bulk feeder 20 and recognizes the supply state of the component 92 in the supply area As of the bulk feeder 20 when the collection operation is executed. To execute. The above-mentioned "supply state recognition process" includes a process of recognizing whether or not there is a part 92 that can be collected in the supply area As, and if necessary, recognizing the position of the part 92. Then, the control device 16 controls the operation of the mounting head 133 in the collection operation based on the result of the supply state recognition process.

Further, the above-mentioned "mounting operation" is an operation of mounting the collected parts at a predetermined mounting position on the board 91. The control device 16 controls the operation of the mounting head 133 based on the information output from various sensors, the result of image processing, the control program, and the like in the mounting process. As a result, the positions and angles of the plurality of suction nozzles 134 supported by the mounting head 133 are controlled.

2. Configuration of Bulk Feeder 20 The bulk feeder 20 is mounted on the component mounting machine 10 and functions as at least a part of the component supply device 12. Unlike the tape feeder, the bulk feeder 20 does not use a carrier tape, and therefore has an advantage in that loading of the carrier tape and collection of the used tape can be omitted. On the other hand, since the bulk feeder 20 supplies the parts 92 housed in the bulk state which is not aligned like the carrier tape, the supply state of the parts 92 may affect the sampling operation by the holding member such as the suction nozzle 134. ..

Specifically, if the parts 92 are close enough to come into contact with each other or are piled up (overlapping in the vertical direction) in the supply area As, they cannot be collected. Further, when the parts 92 are supplied to the supply area As in an irregular posture, image processing for recognizing the supply state (whether or not the parts 92 can be collected and the posture of the parts 92 that can be collected) is required. Therefore, it is desired that the bulk feeder 20 is supplied with a plurality of parts 92 that can be collected in the supply region As without being insufficient in the required number, and is further dispersed as appropriate.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the bulk feeder 20 adopts a configuration in which a plurality of parts 92 are aligned in a row by, for example, an alignment mechanism provided on a transport path before the parts 92 reach the supply area As. To. However, in the above configuration, it is necessary to provide an alignment mechanism on the transport path, and it is necessary to maintain the aligned state and transport the parts 92 to the supply region As. Therefore, the bulk feeder 20 of the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which the parts 92 are conveyed by using vibration and the parts 92 are aligned by using vibration in the supply region As.

2-1. Feeder body 21
As shown in FIG. 2, the bulk feeder 20 includes a feeder main body 21. The feeder body 21 is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder main body 21 is set in the slot 121 of the component supply device 12. A connector 211 and two pins 212 are formed on the front portion of the feeder main body 21. When the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot 121, the connector 211 is communicably connected to the main body side of the component mounting machine 10. Further, the bulk feeder 20 is supplied with power via the connector 211. The two pins 212 are used for positioning when the feeder body 21 is set in the slot 121.

2-2. Parts case 22, discharge device 23, cover 24
In the present embodiment, a component case 22 for accommodating a plurality of components 92 in a bulk state is detachably attached to the feeder main body 21. The component case 22 is configured so that the component 92 can be discharged to the outside. In the present embodiment, the component case 22 is an external device of the bulk feeder 20, for example, one of various types suitable for the mounting process is selected and mounted on the feeder main body 21.

The bulk feeder 20 includes a discharge device 23. The discharge device 23 adjusts the quantity of the parts 92 to be discharged from the parts case 22. The discharge device 23 supplies the plurality of parts 92 discharged from the part case 22 to the receiving region Ar of the track member 30, which will be described later. The bulk feeder 20 includes a cover 24. The cover 24 is detachably attached to the upper part of the front side of the feeder main body 21. The cover 24 prevents the component 92 transported along the transport path R of the track member 30, which will be described later, from scattering to the outside.

2-3. Orbit member 30
The bulk feeder 20 includes a track member 30. The track member 30 is provided on the front upper portion of the feeder main body 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the track member 30 is formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction of FIGS. 3 and 4) of the feeder main body 21. A pair of side walls 31 protruding upward are formed on both edges of the track member 30 in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4). The pair of side walls 31 surround the peripheral edge of the transport path R together with the tip end portion 32 of the track member 30 to prevent leakage of the component 92 transported through the transport path R. A circular reference mark 33 indicating the reference position of the bulk feeder 20 is attached to the upper surface of the tip portion 32.

The track member 30 having the above configuration has a receiving region Ar, a supply region As, and a transport path R. Here, the “reception region Ar” is a region that receives the bulk component 92 discharged from the component case 22. The receiving region Ar of the present embodiment is located below the discharge port of the component case 22. Further, the "supply area As" is an area for supplying the component 92. In other words, it is an area where the component 92 can be collected by the suction nozzle 134 supported by the mounting head 133, and is included in the movable range of the mounting head 133.

Further, the "transport path R" of the track member 30 is a path of the component 92 from the receiving region Ar to the supply region As. In the present embodiment, the transport path R is formed in a groove shape in which the bottom surface of the groove is horizontal. The groove side surface of the transport path R is formed by a pair of side walls 31. The groove opening on the upper side of the transport path R is largely closed by the cover 24. The track member 30 is supported so as to be slightly displaceable (that is, vibrable) with respect to the feeder body 21 in a virtual vertical plane formed in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

2-4. Vibration device 40
The bulk feeder 20 includes a vibration exciter 40. The vibration exciter 40 is provided on the feeder main body 21. The vibration exciter 40 applies vibration to the track member 30 so that the component 92 on the transport path R is transported. Specifically, the vibration exciter 40 has a plurality of first support portions 41, a plurality of first piezoelectric elements 42, a plurality of second support portions 43, a plurality of second piezoelectric elements 44, and a drive portion 45. The first support portion 41 and the second support portion 43 are connecting members that connect the feeder main body 21 and the track member 30.

The first support portion 41 is formed in a shape that is inclined forward and extended with respect to the vertical direction. The second support portion 43 is formed in a shape that is inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction and stretched. The first piezoelectric element 42 and the second piezoelectric element 44 vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the electric power supplied from the drive unit 45. The first piezoelectric element 42 is attached to the first support portion 41. The second piezoelectric element 44 is attached to the second support portion 43. When the first piezoelectric element 42 vibrates, the orbital member 30 is vibrated via the first support portion 41. Similarly, when the second piezoelectric element 44 vibrates, the orbital member 30 is vibrated via the second support portion 43.

Further, the amplitude of the orbital member 30 fluctuates according to the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element 42 or the second piezoelectric element 44. The vibration exciter 40 applies vibration to the track member 30 by vibrating the first piezoelectric element 42 attached to the first support portion 41 that is inclined forward. As a result, the vibration exciter 40 causes the track member 30 to make a clockwise elliptical motion in the horizontal direction (the front-rear direction in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the transport direction of the component 92 in the transport path R. At this time, the vibration exciter 40 vibrates the track member 30 so that an external force is applied forward and upward to the component 92 on the transport path R.

Further, the vibration exciter 40 applies vibration to the track member 30 by vibrating the second piezoelectric element 44 attached to the second support portion 43 that is inclined rearward. As a result, the vibration exciter 40 causes the track member 30 to make a counterclockwise elliptical motion in the horizontal direction (the front-rear direction in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the transport direction of the component 92 in the transport path R. At this time, the vibration exciter 40 vibrates the track member 30 so that an external force is applied rearward and upward to the component 92 on the transport path R.

The drive unit 45 changes the frequency of the power supplied to the first piezoelectric element 42 and the second piezoelectric element 44 and the applied voltage based on the command of the feeder control device 70 described later. As a result, the frequency and amplitude of the vibration applied to the track member 30 are adjusted, and the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 30 is determined. When the frequency and amplitude of the vibration of the track member 30 and the rotation direction of the elliptical motion due to the vibration fluctuate, the transport speed of the component 92 to be transported, the degree of dispersion of the component 92, the transport direction, and the like change.

With the above configuration, the vibration exciter 40 applies a predetermined vibration to the track member 30, and a plurality of parts 92 discharged from the component case 22 to the receiving region Ar of the track member 30 are passed through the transport path R. Can be transported to the supply area As. In the following, the operation of the vibration exciter 40 for transporting the component 92 on the transport path R in the direction toward the supply region As is referred to as a “feed operation”. Further, the operation of the vibration exciter 40 that conveys the component 92 on the transport path R in the direction toward the receiving region Ar is referred to as a “return operation”. By switching between the feed operation and the return operation of the vibration device 40, the elliptical motion of the orbital member becomes reverse rotation.

2-5. Alignment member 50
The bulk feeder 20 includes an alignment member 50. The alignment member 50 is provided in the supply region As of the track member 30. The aligning member 50 guides a plurality of parts 92 conveyed by the vibration of the track member 30 and aligns them with the feeder main body 21. For example, the alignment member 50 has a plurality of cavities 51 that individually accommodate the plurality of parts 92, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the plurality of cavities 51 are arranged in a matrix in the supply region As. For example, the alignment member 50 has a total of 120 cavities 51 in which 10 are regularly arranged in the transport direction and 12 are regularly arranged in the width direction of the transport path R.

Further, each of the plurality of cavities 51 opens on the upper surface of the transport path R, and accommodates the component 92 in a posture in which the thickness direction of the component 92 is the vertical direction. The opening of the cavity 51 is set to a size slightly larger than the outer shape of the component 92 in the upward view. The depth of the cavity 51 can be appropriately set according to the type (shape, mass, etc.) of the component 92. When the depth of the cavity 51 is set shallow and the component 92 protrudes from the upper surface of the transport path R, interference between the suction nozzle 134 and the alignment member 50 in the sampling operation can be reliably prevented.

On the other hand, when the depth of the cavity 51 is set deep and the component 92 is lower than the upper surface of the transport path R, it is reduced that the component 92 once housed in the cavity 51 comes out again. Therefore, the depth of each of the plurality of cavities 51 in the alignment member 50 is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness Tp of the component 92. However, if the depth of the cavity 51 is too deep, there is a possibility that another component 92 may be prevented from moving in the transport direction on the upper side of the cavity 51 in which the component 92 is housed.

Therefore, it is preferable that the depth of the cavity 51 is set so that the upper end of the component 92 housed in the cavity 51 is slightly lower than the upper surface of the transport path R. As described above, the shape (opening, depth, etc.) of the cavity 51 is appropriately set. The shape of the cavity 51 of the alignment member 50 is similar to the shape of the cavity formed in the carrier tape, assuming that the component 92 is housed in the carrier tape and supplied by the tape feeder.

The shape of the cavity 51 is appropriately set according to the shape of the component 92 and the posture for accommodating the cavity 51. Specifically, the cavity 51 may be formed in a shape that accommodates the component 92 in a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the component 92 is in the vertical direction. Further, when the shape of the cavity 51 is set, the occupied area of one cavity 51 in the supply region As is determined. Further, the number of cavities 51 in the alignment member 50 is appropriately set in consideration of the shape of the cavities 51, the required number, and the degree of density that may affect the transportability.

Further, it is preferable that the number of cavities 51 in the alignment member 50 is set to be larger than the maximum number of parts 92 to be sampled by the sampling operation in one PP cycle. The above "maximum number" corresponds to the number of suction nozzles 134 supported by the mounting head 133. In the present embodiment, since the mounting head 133 supports 24 suction nozzles 134, the number of cavities 51 is set to be at least 24 or more.

2-6. Dispersing member 60
The bulk feeder 20 includes a dispersion member 60. The dispersion member 60 is provided in the transport path R of the track members 30. The dispersion member 60 is dispersed in the width direction of the transport path R by coming into contact with a plurality of parts 92 that are conveyed by the vibration of the track member 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispersion member 60 of the present embodiment has a plurality of ridges 61 (three in this embodiment). The plurality of ridges 61 are formed so as to extend in the transport direction of the component 92 in the transport path R and project upward from the transport path R. The length, width, and upward protrusion amount of the ridge portion 61 in the transport direction can be appropriately set according to, for example, the type of the component 92 (shape, mass, etc.), the quantity of the component 92 on the transport path R, and the like. ..

Further, the plurality of ridges 61 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the transport path R. In this embodiment, the three ridges 61 are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the transport path R. As a result, the transport path R is divided into four partial transport paths. Further, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of ridge portions 61 forms a first inclined surface 62 whose end portion on the receiving region Ar side is inclined with respect to the width direction of the transport path R in upward view. Further, each of the plurality of ridge portions 61 forms a second inclined surface 63 whose end portion on the supply region As side is inclined with respect to the width direction of the transport path R in upward view.

The first inclined surface 62 and the second inclined surface 63 are formed so as to have an arc convex shape when viewed upward. On the other hand, the first inclined surface 62 and the second inclined surface 63 may be formed in an arc concave shape or a straight line in an upward view. The shapes of the first inclined surface 62 and the second inclined surface 63 can be appropriately set according to the type of the component 92 and the like, as well as the length of the ridge portion 61 and the like. As described above, various aspects can be applied to the dispersion member 60. Various aspects of the dispersion member and the action of the dispersion member 60 on the plurality of parts 92 will be described later.

2-7. Feeder control device 70
The bulk feeder 20 includes a feeder control device 70. The feeder control device 70 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and a control circuit. The feeder control device 70 is in a state where the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot 121, power is supplied via the connector 211, and communication with the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 3, the feeder control device 70 has a storage unit 71. The storage unit 71 is composed of a flash memory or the like. The storage unit 71 stores various data such as a program used for controlling the component supply process and the transport parameter F1. The above-mentioned "transport parameter F1" is a parameter for controlling the operation of the vibration exciter 40 so that the vibration applied to the track member 30 becomes appropriate when the component 92 is transported in the component supply process, for example. It is set in advance in association with each type of the component 92.

The feeder control device 70 has a transport control unit 72. The transport control unit 72 controls the operation of the vibration exciter 40 to execute the feed operation and the return operation described above. Specifically, the transport control unit 72 sends a command to the drive unit 45 of the vibration exciter 40 when executing the feed operation. As a result, the drive unit 45 supplies a predetermined electric power to the first piezoelectric element 42, so that vibration is applied to the track member 30 via the first support unit 41. As a result, the component 92 on the transport path R is transported by receiving an external force so as to move to the front side in the transport direction.

Further, the transport control unit 72 realizes various transport modes by combining the execution time of the feed operation and the return operation of the vibration exciter 40. For example, when the alignment member 50 has a plurality of cavities 51, the transfer control unit 72 may execute the following accommodating step and retracting step. In the above-mentioned "accommodation step", the feeding operation is executed until at least a part of the plurality of parts 92 on the transport path R reaches the supply area As, and the component 92 is accommodated in at least a part of the plurality of cavities 51. It is a process to make it.

At this time, in the accommodation process, the transport control unit 72 repeatedly executes the feed operation and the return operation after at least a part of the plurality of parts 92 on the transport path R reaches the supply region As, and the track member 30 receives the track member 30. A plurality of parts 92 may be retained in the supply region As in a vibrating state. Further, the above-mentioned "evacuation step" means that after the accommodating step is executed, at least a part of the plurality of parts 92 on the transport path R is accommodated in the plurality of cavities 51, and the return operation is executed, and the rest. This is a step of retracting the component 92 from the supply region As to the receiving region Ar side.

The transport control unit 72 can appropriately set the execution time of the feed operation and the return operation in each process, the time of the retention operation in the accommodating process, and the number of executions of the repetitive operation. Further, depending on the number of remaining parts 92 on the transport path R, the retention operation or the retracting step in the accommodating process may be omitted. Further, the transport control unit 72 may adjust at least one of the frequency and the amplitude of the vibration applied to the track member 30 by the vibration exciter 40 according to the type of the component 92 housed in the component case 22. ..

Specifically, when the component case 22 is attached to the bulk feeder 20, the type of the component 92 replenished in the component case 22 and the identification information of the bulk feeder 20 are collated. Then, when the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot 121, the transfer control unit 72 acquires parameters according to the type of the component 92 from the transfer parameter F1. As a result, the transport control unit 72 adjusts the command to be sent to the drive unit 45 of the vibration exciter 40.

As a result, the frequency of vibration applied to the track member 30 by the vibration exciter 40 is adjusted according to the type of parts. The transport parameter F1 may be appropriately switched depending on various modes adopted for each of the alignment member 50 and the dispersion member 60, in addition to the type of the component 92. As a result, the accommodating step, the staying operation, and the retracting step are preferably executed. Further, the transport parameter F1 may be updated by the administrator based on the result (including the success rate) of the component supply process executed in the past.

3. 3. Parts supply processing by the bulk feeder 20 The parts supply processing by the bulk feeder 20 will be described. During the execution of the mounting process by the component mounting machine 10, the bulk feeder 20 executes the component supply process of supplying a plurality of components 92 so as to be collectable in the supply area As. Here, the bulk feeder 20 is configured to include an aligning member 50 in which a plurality of cavities 51 are formed in a matrix as described above. In such a case, the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10 executes the calibration process after the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot, and recognizes the position of the alignment member 50 in the machine.

In the above calibration process, the control device 16 first moves the board camera 15 above the reference mark 33 of the bulk feeder 20 and acquires image data by imaging the board camera 15. Then, the control device 16 recognizes the position of the alignment member 50 in the machine based on the position of the reference mark 33 included in the image data by image processing and the position of the substrate camera 15 at the time of imaging. The control device 16 recognizes the position of the alignment member 50, specifically the position of each cavity 51, based on the arrangement information indicating the shape of the alignment member 50 and the result of the calibration process.

In the mounting process, the control device 16 instructs the bulk feeder 20 to execute the component supply process at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the control device commands the execution of the component supply process in the period after the execution of the collection operation of the current PP cycle and before the execution of the collection operation of the next PP cycle, for example. In the component supply process, the transfer control unit 72 of the bulk feeder 20 executes the above-mentioned accommodating step and retracting step so as to align the components 92 in the supply area As.

Next, the control device 16 executes the process of recognizing the supply state of the component 92 in the supply area As after the component supply process is executed. Specifically, the control device 16 first moves the substrate camera 15 above the alignment member 50 in the supply region As of the bulk feeder 20, and acquires image data by imaging the substrate camera 15. Then, the control device 16 executes a predetermined image processing on the image data, and recognizes the parts 92 housed in the plurality of cavities 51, respectively.

Further, in the control device 16, when the number of parts 92 (number of supplies) that can be collected as a result of the supply state recognition process is less than the number (necessary number) of parts 92 that are scheduled to be collected in this PP cycle. , Instruct the bulk feeder 20 to execute the component supply process again. As described above, the control device 16 repeatedly executes the component supply process if the required number of components 92 in the current PP cycle cannot be collected in the current supply state of the components 92 in the supply area As.

In the above component supply process, the transfer control unit 72 discharges a predetermined amount of the component 92 from the component case 22 to the receiving region Ar when the component 92 on the transport path R is not an appropriate amount and is insufficient. Next, the transfer control unit 72 executes an accommodating step of accommodating the component 92 in the alignment member 50. Specifically, the transport control unit 72 first starts the feed operation of the vibration exciter 40. As a result, the parts 92 on the receiving region Ar and the transport path R are transported to the supply region As side.

At this time, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 6, a component group Gp, which is a set of components 92, may be generated on the transport path R. If such a component group Gp is located in the center of the transport path R in the width direction, for example, a bias may occur when a plurality of components 92 reach the supply region As. Parts 92 that are close enough to deposit or contact in the supply area As are not subject to sampling during the sampling operation. On the other hand, when the transport control unit 72 continues the feed operation of the vibration exciter 40 and transports the component group Gp so as to pass through the dispersion member 60, the component group Gp becomes as shown in the middle part of FIG. It is divided. As a result, the plurality of parts 92 are dispersed in the width direction of the transport path R, as shown in the lower part of FIG.

One of the reasons why the plurality of parts 92 are dispersed as described above is that the component group Gp is divided by the first inclined surface 62 of the ridge portion 61 of the dispersion member 60. As another factor, it is assumed that by arranging the plurality of ridge portions 61, the transport width in the range where the dispersion member 60 exists in the transport path R is reduced. That is, the parts group Gp passing between the ridge portion 61 and the side wall 31 or between the ridge portion 61 and the ridge portion 61 is stretched in the transport direction and is a component in the width direction of the transport path R. The amount of 92 is reduced. As a result, after passing through the dispersion member 60, the plurality of parts 92 are dispersed in the width direction of the transport path R.

The transport control unit 72 continues the feed operation of the vibration exciter 40 until at least a part of the plurality of parts 92 on the transport path R reaches the supply area As. Based on the transport parameter F1, the transport control unit 72 continues the subsequent feed operation by the vibration exciter 40 for a predetermined time, and appropriately executes the retention operation. As a result, the parts 92 are housed in the plurality of cavities 51 of the alignment member 50, respectively.

After that, the transport control unit 72 executes an evacuation step as needed. The transport control unit 72 determines whether or not the return operation of the vibration apparatus 40 is necessary in the evacuation step based on, for example, the transport parameter F1, and executes the return operation when it is required to be executed. By executing the return operation, the transport control unit 72 retracts the plurality of parts 92 that are not housed in the cavity 51 of the alignment member 50 from the supply region As to the receiving region Ar side. As a result, the plurality of parts 92 are transported from the supply region As to the reception region Ar side, and are in a retracted state so as not to affect the collection operation executed later.

At this time, when the plurality of parts 92 reach the dispersion member 60, they are guided by the second inclined surface 63 and do not stay, and are between the ridge portion 61 and the side wall 31, or the ridge portion 61 and the protrusion. It is transported between the strips 61. As a result, the remaining plurality of parts 92 are retracted, and it is possible to reduce the influence on the subsequent recognition process of the supply state and the collection operation in the supply area As. The transport control unit 72 ends the component supply process after executing the specified return operation.

According to the above configuration, the bulk feeder 20 can disperse a plurality of parts 92 in the supply area As. As a result, the bulk feeder 20 can efficiently supply the parts 92 in the supply area As without expanding the supply area As in order to secure the number of supplies that can be collected. As a result, it is possible to suitably supply a plurality of parts 92 so as to be collectable while reducing the size of the bulk feeder 20 in the width direction. Further, since the required time can be shortened by improving the efficiency of the component supply process, the efficiency of the mounting process using the bulk feeder 20 can be improved.

4. Modifications of the Embodiment 4-1. Dispersion member 60 In the embodiment, the dispersion member 60 has a configuration having a plurality of ridges 61. On the other hand, the dispersion member 60 may adopt various aspects. Specifically, the dispersion member 60 may adopt, for example, the following first and second deformation modes.

4-1-1. First Deformation Mode of Dispersion Member 60 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the dispersion member 160 of the first deformation mode is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the normal line is on the supply region As side and in the width direction of the transport path R. It has an inclined surface 64 facing outward. As shown in FIG. 7, the inclined surface 64 of this embodiment forms three wavy patterns having different curvatures centered on the central portion in the width direction of the transport path R. As shown in FIG. 8, one of the three inclined surfaces 64 is located on the outer surface in the radial direction of the outer surface of the protruding portion protruding from the transport path R.

The normal direction 641 of the inclined surface 64 is composed of a component facing the supply region As side and a component facing outward in the width direction of the transport path R. According to such a configuration of the dispersion member 160, the component 92 that is subjected to an external force that is applied forward and upward from the orbital member 30 that has been subjected to vibration and is conveyed, collides with or protrudes from the inclined surface 64 after jumping upward. It gets over the portion and comes into contact with the inclined surface 64. At this time, the component 92 receives an external force from the dispersion member 160 in a different direction (direction corresponding to the normal direction 641 of the inclined surface 64) according to the position in the width direction of the transport path R.

As a result, the plurality of parts 92 are dispersed in the width direction of the transport path R. Therefore, by passing through the dispersion member 160, the plurality of parts 92 reach the supply region As in a dispersed state. As a result, the bulk feeder 20 can secure the number of supplies that can be collected, so that the parts 92 can be efficiently supplied. In this embodiment, an inclined surface 64 having a convex arcuate cross section is illustrated, but the component 92 in contact with the inclined surface 64 may be guided to the supply region As side and outward in the width direction of the transport path R. For example, an embodiment in which the inclined surface 64 is formed in an arc concave shape or a flat shape may be adopted.

Further, in this embodiment, a configuration in which a wavy pattern is formed in an upward view by three inclined surfaces 64 is illustrated. On the other hand, the dispersion member 160 may have at least one inclined surface 64, and may have four or more inclined surfaces 64. Further, the inclined surface 64 extends linearly from one of the pair of side walls 31 to the center side in the width direction and the supply region As side of the transport path R, and is folded back at the center in the width direction of the transport path R to form a pair. It may be formed in a V shape extending linearly to the other side of the side wall 31 and the receiving region Ar side.

4-1-2. Second Deformation Mode of Dispersion Member 60 The dispersion member 260 of the second deformation mode has a collision plate 65 and a support member 66, as shown in FIG. The collision plate 65 collides with a plurality of parts 92 that are conveyed by the vibration of the track member 30 in the feeding operation of the vibration device 40. The collision plate 65 is scattered in different directions by colliding with the plurality of parts 92. The support member 66 adjustably supports the posture of the collision plate 65 with respect to the track member 30. Specifically, the angle of the collision plate 65 is adjusted around the support member 66 by, for example, an adjustment work by an operator. As a result, the plurality of parts 92 that come into contact with the collision plate 65 during transportation collide with the collision plate 65 and scatter.

As a result, the plurality of parts 92 are dispersed in the width direction of the transport path R. Therefore, by passing through the dispersion member 260, the plurality of parts 92 reach the supply region As in a dispersed state. As a result, the bulk feeder 20 can secure the number of supplies that can be collected, so that the parts 92 can be efficiently supplied. The shape of the collision plate 65 is set in consideration of the shape of the parts to be transported, the degree of dispersion, and the like, and the posture is appropriately adjusted by using the support member 66.

4-2. Exchangeability of Dispersion Member 60 and Track Member 30 Here, the dispersion member 60 of the bulk feeder 20 may be configured to be interchangeably attached to the track member 30. Specifically, when setting up the bulk feeder 20, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, a plurality of types of

dispersion members

60, 160, 260 corresponding to various aspects are interchangeably prepared. Then, the bulk feeder 20 is attached to the track member 30 with one selected from a plurality of types of

dispersion members

60, 160, 260 having different shapes depending on the type of the component 92 to be supplied.

According to such a configuration, the bulk feeder 20 shares the feeder main body 21, the track member 30, and the vibration device 40, and can correspond to the type and supply mode of the parts 92 by exchanging the dispersion member 60. As a result, the range of use of the bulk feeder 20 can be expanded.

Further, the track member 30 of the bulk feeder 20 may be interchangeably attached to the feeder main body 21. At this time, the dispersion member 60 may be formed integrally with the track member 30, or may be replaceable. Specifically, when setting up the bulk feeder 20, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, a plurality of types of track members 30A-30C in which a plurality of types of

dispersion members

60, 160, 260 corresponding to various modes are formed are replaced. Be prepared to be possible.

The bulk feeder 20 was selected from a plurality of types of track members 30A-30C formed or attached to one of a plurality of types of dispersion members 60 having different configurations depending on the parts to be supplied 92 and the supply mode. One can be attached to the feeder body 21. According to such a configuration, the bulk feeder 20 shares the feeder main body 21 and the vibration exciter 40, and can correspond to the type and supply mode of the parts 92 by exchanging the dispersion member 60 and the track member 30. As a result, the range of use of the bulk feeder 20 can be expanded, and the production cost of the substrate product can be reduced.

4-3. In another embodiment, the bulk feeder 20 is configured to include an aligning member 50 in which a plurality of cavities 51 are formed. On the other hand, the alignment member 50 may be omitted. That is, in the supply region As of the track member 30, a concave portion in which the component 92 is dispersed at a position lower than the upper surface of the transport path R and a flat portion uniform with the upper surface of the transport path R are formed, and the component is in a bulk state. 92 may be supplied.

However, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of the parts supply processing and reducing the load of the image processing in the supply state recognition processing in the supply area As, the configuration illustrated in the embodiment is preferable. That is, the bulk feeder 20 includes the alignment member 50 in which a plurality of cavities 51 are formed, and moves the component group Gp, which is a set of the components 92 secured in a certain quantity in the component supply process, to the upper side of the alignment member 50. As a result, the component 92 is accommodated in the plurality of cavities 51. As a result, the parts 92 in a state of being aligned by the number of cavities 51 at the maximum can be supplied. In such a configuration, it is useful to apply the dispersion member 60 in order to make the sparse density of the parts 92 in the parts group Gp uniform.

20: Bulk feeder, 21: Feeder body, 22: Parts case, 30, 30A-30C: Track member, 40: Vibration device, 50: Alignment member, 51: Cavity, 60, 160, 260: Dispersion member, 61: Protrusion part, 62: 1st inclined surface, 63: 2nd inclined surface, 64: inclined surface, 641: normal direction, 65: collision plate, 66: support member, 70: feeder control device, 72: transfer control unit , 91: Substrate, 92: Parts, Ar: Receiving area, As: Supply area, R: Transport path, F1: Transport parameters, Gp: Parts group

Claims

With the feeder body
A receiving region provided on the feeder body and receiving the parts discharged from a parts case for accommodating a plurality of parts in a bulk state, a supply region for supplying the parts, and the parts from the receiving region to the supply region. A track member having a transport path of
A vibration exciting device provided on the feeder body and applying vibration to the track member so that the parts on the transport path are transported.
Among the track members, a dispersion member provided in the transport path and dispersed in the width direction of the transport path by contacting a plurality of the components transported by the vibration of the track member.
Bulk feeder with.
The dispersion member extends in the transport direction of the component in the transport path, projects upward from the transport path, and has a plurality of ridges arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the transport path. The bulk feeder according to claim 1.
The bulk feeder according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of the ridge portions forms an inclined surface whose end portion on the receiving region side is inclined with respect to the width direction of the transport path when viewed upward.
The bulk feeder controls the operation of the vibration exciter to carry the component on the transport path in the direction toward the supply region, and the component on the transport path in the direction toward the receiving region. It is further equipped with a transport control unit that executes the transport return operation.
The bulk feeder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of ridges forms an inclined surface whose end on the supply region side is inclined with respect to the width direction of the transport path when viewed upward.
The bulk according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the dispersion member has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and whose normal line faces the supply region side and the width direction outward of the transport path. feeder.
The dispersion member is
A collision plate that scatters in different directions by colliding with each of the plurality of the parts conveyed by the vibration of the track member.
A support member that adjustably supports the posture of the collision plate with respect to the track member, and
The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1-5.
The dispersion member is interchangeably attached to the track member and is attached.
Any one of claims 1-6, wherein the bulk feeder is attached to the track member by attaching one selected from a plurality of types of the dispersion members having different shapes to each other according to the type of the parts to be supplied. Bulk feeder described in.
The dispersion member is integrally formed with the track member and is formed.
The track member is interchangeably attached to the feeder body and is
The bulk feeder is provided with one selected from a plurality of types of track members formed of one of a plurality of types of the dispersion members having different shapes depending on the types of the parts to be supplied to the feeder main body. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1-6, which is attached.
The bulk feeder is provided in the supply region of the track member, has a plurality of cavities for individually accommodating the plurality of the parts, and guides the plurality of the parts to be conveyed by vibration of the track member. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an aligning member for aligning with the feeder body.