JP7335484B2 - Parts feeder controller and parts feeder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a controller for a parts feeder, which is a work conveying device.

Attached to various devices such as appearance inspection equipment and taping machines, it extends spirally as a work conveying device (parts feeder) that aligns small works such as electronic chip parts while conveying them by vibration and supplies them to the next process. A bowl feeder that conveys a work along a conveying track (spiral track), a hopper that supplies the work to the bowl feeder, and a conveying track (linear track) that is connected to the downstream end of the spiral track of the bowl feeder and extends linearly. ), and a return feeder for returning a work on the linear track in a different direction to the bowl feeder.

Adjustment of the work discharge capacity of a parts feeder equipped with such a plurality of drive units is performed by the operator while observing the work movement (filling rate, work transfer speed) in each drive unit and the number of counters for the number of work discharges. It can be realized by adjusting the vibration of each driving section by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the driving section. That is, the parts feeder is driven and controlled by a controller that controls the amplitude (voltage) and frequency of each driving section of the bowl feeder, hopper, linear feeder, and return feeder, for example, and it is necessary to adjust the amplitude and frequency for each driving section. be. For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a mode in which drive control of a bowl feeder is controlled by a controller (control device).

By the way, even if the amplitude and frequency of the running surface of the parts feeder are the same, the shape and center of gravity of the workpiece to be transported, weight, surface friction, shape of the running surface of the transport path, degree of inclination, surface treatment environment temperature, humidity , static electricity, and other various factors cause changes in the workpiece transfer speed. In addition, the final workpiece discharge capacity of the parts feeder is determined, including the balance between the drive units (the balance of the entire device).

Since the work transfer speed is determined by the complex correlation of multiple parameters, formulas, models, and tables for the settings related to the work discharge capacity to the supply destination (amplitude and frequency settings for each drive unit) is difficult, and it is necessary for the operator to control the drive by the controller while visually checking the work transfer state (the work discharge state as a whole).

In a parts feeder installation site, conventionally, one controller is provided for one drive unit, and vibration conditions such as amplitude and frequency of different drive units are simultaneously adjusted by drive control by each controller. ing. As described above, in view of the fact that the final work discharge capacity is determined after considering the balance between the drive units, a plurality of items related to the vibration conditions of the drive units are individually controlled in real time. This is because

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-362723

However, in the case of a parts feeder having a plurality of drive units such as a hopper and a bowl feeder, the same number of controllers as the drive units are required, resulting in an increase in the size of the entire apparatus.

Therefore, in order to avoid an increase in the size of the apparatus, it is conceivable to control a plurality of drive units with a single controller. In such a mode, compared with the mode in which the vibration conditions of a plurality of drive units are controlled by a plurality of controllers, not only the size of the device can be reduced, but also the cost and wiring process can be reduced. can be done.

However, in the case of a mode in which a plurality of driving units are controlled by a single controller, if priority is given to miniaturization of the controller itself, the number of operation units that can be arranged in the controller is limited. If the drive section is switched and the vibration conditions are adjusted for each drive section, it is impossible or difficult to adjust the vibration conditions of different drive sections at the same time.

In addition, when a touch panel display is adopted for the display section of the controller, it is possible to standardize the control operation screen for each driving section. Vibration conditions are changed by inputting numerical values in .

However, since the surface of a touch panel display does not normally have unevenness, it is necessary to perform the process of selecting setting items (parameters) and the process of entering specific numerical values on the touch panel display. There is a need to. In other words, it is difficult to perform an appropriate adjustment operation unless the touch panel display is visible because the state of transport of the work cannot be seen while looking at the touch panel display. Such a problem becomes conspicuous when the controller cannot be installed near the parts feeder due to space restrictions. In such a situation, it is possible to perform only one of visual observation of the conveying state of the workpiece or operation of the touch panel display, and it is difficult to perform both at the same time. As a result, the workability of the adjusting process of each driving unit is deteriorated, and the efficiency of conveying the workpiece is lowered.

For example, it is possible to control multiple drive units with a single controller through image processing using a camera or automated processing using artificial intelligence. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made by paying attention to such points, and the main object thereof is to provide a parts feeder capable of simultaneously adjusting a plurality of items relating to the vibration conditions of the driving section while the operator visually observes the state of conveyance of the workpiece. to provide a controller for

Specifically, the present invention relates to a controller applied to a parts feeder having at least one drive unit capable of conveying a work by vibration. The parts feeder controller according to the present invention includes a display section for displaying a plurality of items relating to the vibration conditions of the drive section on a common screen, and a display section for specifying one of the plurality of items relating to the vibration conditions of the drive section displayed on the display section. and a control unit that allocates an item to be adjusted by each operation unit to each operation unit. is characterized by applying an adjustable item.

Here, the "vibration condition of the drive unit" in the present invention is a condition regarding vibration including at least amplitude (voltage) and frequency. The operation unit may be any one that can be operated with a sense of touch. For example, a knob type using an encoder, a knob type (that can be rotated), a joystick, a button type that is pressed with a finger, a switch type, or a touch sensor. In addition, if there is a tactilely recognizable portion such as a step on the edge of the display portion, the step portion can be set as the operation portion. A plurality of operation units may be provided, and each operation unit may have a different tactile sense or a different operation method. Further, the present invention includes a controller integrally including a display unit, an operation unit, and a control unit, and a separate controller connected wirelessly or by wire.

With such a parts feeder controller according to the present invention, the operator can visually confirm the state of the parts feeder and, while observing the work discharge state as a whole, set the drive conditions of the drive unit to be adjusted. It is possible to select from a plurality of items related to the vibration conditions of the drive unit displayed on the screen of the display unit, and adjust the selected vibration conditions of the drive unit using the operation unit. Since it is not required to see the hand of the operator, it is possible to adjust to realize the optimum transfer of the workpiece while observing the workpiece discharge situation. Further, the parts feeder controller according to the present invention includes a control unit that allocates an item to be adjusted by the operation unit to each operation unit. Therefore, when the operator selects a plurality of items to be adjusted, The control unit arbitrarily allocates adjustment functions for items (items subject to adjustment operation) related to the types of drive units displayed on the display unit and the vibration conditions of a plurality of specified drive units, so that individual adjustments can be made by each operation unit. Operation can be performed smoothly and appropriately. That is, according to the present invention, it is easy to visually recognize various types of adjustment operation target items on the display section, and the operator can operate the operation section in an analog manner while viewing the parts feeder while displaying the digital display. and the advantages of analog operation.

In particular, if the parts feeder controller according to the present invention further includes a case that integrally accommodates the display unit, the operation unit, and the control unit, these units can be unitized to provide excellent handling properties. It is possible to facilitate the setting process of the controller at the feeder installation site.

In this case, if the plurality of operation units in the case are separated from the display unit, it is possible to prevent the operation units from obstructing the operator's view of the display unit. As compared with a configuration in which they are not spaced apart from each other, a part of the display is not occupied by the operation section, so that the screen size of the display can be maximized.

Further, in the parts feeder controller according to the present invention, the control unit causes the display unit to display an item (adjustment operation target item) related to the vibration condition of which vibration source is assigned to each operation unit. If it has an allocation display function, the operator can intuitively understand the relationship between the adjustment operation target item and the operation unit by looking at the contents displayed on the display unit. Therefore, even in a configuration in which there are many adjustment operation target items displayed on the display unit and a plurality of operation units are provided, it is difficult for the operator to recognize which operation unit can be used for adjustment operation. can be prevented/suppressed, and it is possible to smoothly perform adjustment operations using each operation unit.

Moreover, a parts feeder according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a controller having the above configuration.

The work in the present invention can be, for example, a minute component such as an electronic component, but may be an article other than the electronic component.

According to the present invention, the amplitude, frequency, etc., of the drive unit to be controlled can be adjusted while visually observing the workpiece being conveyed by using the operation unit that can adjust the items to be adjusted by an operation involving a tactile sensation. It is possible to adjust the vibration conditions intuitively and intuitively, and since it is equipped with multiple operation parts, it is possible to adjust different parameters (adjustment operation items) at the same time, and parameters can be adjusted individually. It is possible to provide a controller for a parts feeder that can shorten the adjustment time compared to adjusting one by one.

1 is an overall schematic side view of a parts feeder to which a parts feeder controller according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. The whole perspective view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. The front view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. The rear view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. The left view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. The right view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. The top view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. The bottom view of the controller for parts feeders which concerns on the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the AA cross section, the BB cross section, and the CC cross section of FIG. 3 with partial omission; The figure which shows an example of the screen display of the controller which concerns on the same embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a screen display corresponding to FIG. 10 when one adjustment operation target item is selected; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen display corresponding to FIG. 10 when two adjustment operation target items are selected;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A controller 1 according to the present embodiment is applicable to a parts feeder X, which is a parts supply device, as shown in FIG. The parts feeder X vibrates and conveys workpieces, which are precision parts such as IC chips and minute coils. A linear feeder 3 for conveying in a direction and sorting out works having proper postures, a return feeder 4 for returning works determined to be inappropriate by the linear feeder 3 to the bowl feeder 2, and a hopper 5 for feeding works into the bowl feeder 2. and

The bowl feeder 2, the linear feeder 3, and the return feeder 4 are arranged on a common base X1, for example, and assembled as a unit in an appropriately positioned state so that parts can be delivered smoothly in cooperation with each other. , the hopper 5 is arranged above the bowl feeder 2 . In particular, since the precision parts as described above are extremely small, the parts feeder X for this type of application has each feeder (bowl feeder 2, linear feeder 3 , return feeders 4) are arranged in close proximity.

The bowl feeder 2 includes a bowl 21 serving as a conveying section capable of accommodating workpieces supplied from the hopper 5 serving as component loading means shown in phantom lines in FIG. The bowl 21 has a circular bottom part with a bulging center in plan view, a spiral track as a conveying part that spirals uphill while circling the inner peripheral surface of the bowl 21 from the peripheral edge part of the bottom part, and the spiral track is formed. and a transport groove. The conveying groove has a V-shaped cross section orthogonal to the running direction, and a rectangular parallelepiped work such as an IC chip is conveyed with two surfaces in contact with the two surfaces of the V-shaped groove. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the transport groove is not limited to the V-shape, and may be a U-shape.

The driving portion 22 has an electromagnet and a leaf spring that supports the bowl 21 from below. Vibration is transmitted from the driving portion 22 to the bowl 21 by the excitation of the electromagnet, and the bowl 21 is torsionally vibrated. In addition to the electromagnet, there is also a drive unit that uses a piezoelectric element. By driving the driving part 22 to vibrate the bowl 21, the workpieces are sequentially conveyed along the spiral track.

The linear feeder 3 has a linear track 31 as a conveying portion linearly extending along the conveying direction, and a driving portion 32 positioned below the linear track 31 .

A single conveying groove extending horizontally is formed in the upper portion of the linear track 31 in the longitudinal direction. This conveying groove also has a V-shaped cross section orthogonal to the running direction, and a rectangular parallelepiped work such as an IC chip is conveyed with two surfaces in contact with two surfaces of the V-shaped groove. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the transport groove is not limited to the V-shape, and may be a U-shape.

The bowl feeder 2 and the linear feeder 3 are connected via a connection block (not shown), and the groove of the bowl feeder 2 and the groove of the linear feeder 3 are linked via a conveying groove having a V-shaped cross section provided in the connection block. It is

The driving portion 32 has an electromagnet and a leaf spring that supports the linear track 31 . When vibration is transmitted from the drive unit 32 to the linear track 31 by excitation of the electromagnet, the linear track 31 reciprocates. By driving the drive unit 32 to vibrate the linear track 31 , the workpieces are successively transported downstream in the transport direction along the linear track 31 .

The linear feeder 3 includes a determination unit including a camera for determining the posture of the work, and a work removal unit that removes the work that is not in the proper posture from the linear track 31 by air. is to be sent to

The return feeder 4 has a return track 41 as a conveying section extending parallel to the linear track 31 of the linear feeder 3 and a driving section 42 positioned below the return track 41 . The work conveying direction on the return track 41 is opposite to the work conveying direction on the linear track 31 . The return feeder 4 may be configured to be driven using the vibration of the drive section 32 of the linear feeder 3 instead of the drive section 42 .

One or a plurality of horizontally extending conveying grooves are formed in the upper portion of the return track 41 in the longitudinal direction, and the work is transported in contact with two surfaces of the conveying groove having a V-shaped cross section perpendicular to the traveling direction. can be transported. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the transport groove is not limited to the V-shape, and may be a U-shape. The work removed from the linear track 31 by the work removing portion of the linear feeder 3 passes through the return feeder 4 and is returned to the bowl 21 of the bowl feeder 2 .

The hopper 5 is configured to supply the workpieces to be fed into the bowl 21 along the funnel-shaped inner surface from the nozzle portion on the lower end side. is making The hopper 5 is also driven by the drive section 52 so as to smoothly transfer the workpiece to the nozzle section side. All or at least one of the feeders (bowl feeder 2, linear feeder 3, return feeder 4, hopper 5) in this embodiment may have a drive section using a piezoelectric element instead of an electromagnet.

Such a parts feeder X includes a controller 1 capable of adjusting vibration conditions of a bowl feeder 2, a linear feeder 3, a return feeder 4, a bowl feeder 2, and a hopper 5 each having a drive unit. More precisely, the objects to be controlled by the controller 1 are the amplitudes and frequencies (vibration conditions of ). Hereinafter, each feeder (bowl feeder 2, linear feeder 3, return feeder 4) together with the hopper 5 will be referred to as a drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H), It is assumed that the controller 1 adjusts the vibration conditions of each drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H).

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the controller 1 displays the display unit 11 and items related to the vibration conditions of the drive units B, L, R, and H (adjustment operation target items 112 ), operate a plurality of operating units 12 capable of adjusting the vibration conditions for items 112 related to the vibration conditions of the specified plurality of driving units L, R, B, and H, and operate the items to be adjusted by each operating unit 12. A control unit 13 (see FIG. 1) allocated to each unit 12 is provided, and these display unit 11, operation unit 12 and control unit 13 are unitized using a common case 14.

As shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 11 displays items 112 related to the vibration conditions of each driving unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) on a touch panel type screen (touch panel display) 110, for example. It is something to do. In this embodiment, on the screen 110 of the touch panel type, "LF" 111L, "RF" 111R, "BF" 111B, "HP" are displayed as items indicating the types of the linear feeder L, the return feeder R, the bowl feeder B, and the hopper H. 111H is displayed on the screen 110, and items 112 related to the vibration conditions of the drive units (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) are displayed on the screen 110. R, hopper H), first adjustment operation target items 112a, 112b, 112c for setting the amplitude and voltage value for each drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) , 112d, and second adjustment operation target items 112e, 112f, 112g, and 112h for setting the frequency of each drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H).

Therefore, when the operator selects one of the first adjustment operation target items 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d, the work conveying speed by the selected drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) is changed to When the operator selects any of the second adjustment operation target items 112e, 112f, 112g, and 112h, the selected drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L , return feeder R, and hopper H). The adjustment of the frequency is an adjustment that is set so that the conveying force is efficiently transmitted to the workpiece according to the amplitude.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the third adjustment operation target item for soft start to slow the start of each drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) 112i, 112j, 112k, and 112m are also displayed on the screen 110. FIG. Further, on the touch panel type screen 110, selection items of function switching 115, cancel 116, save 117, and screen switching 118 are also displayed on the screen.

The operation unit 12 uses a rotary encoder, as shown in FIG. It is arranged in a form protruding in the direction away from the screen 110). In the present embodiment, an operation unit 12 (such as an encoder) operated by an operator is located near each lower corner of a case 14 which has a substantially rectangular shape in front view and whose four corners are rounded. A left operating section 12L and a right operating section 12R) are provided. In this embodiment, of the case 14 having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, the part where the operation part 12 is arranged is directed (more specifically, obliquely downward) away from the central part of the case 14 relative to the other parts. It is set in a bulging shape. As a result, the size of the screen 110 of the display unit 11 is reduced by considering the layout area of the operation unit 12 while securing the layout area of the two operation units 12 (the left operation unit 12L and the right operation unit 12R). circumvent the restrictions above.

Note that the controller 1 of the present embodiment is of a tablet type, and the display unit 11 and the operation unit 12 are provided in a thin box-shaped case 14 so as to be visible from the front (front) of the controller 1 ( 2), and the control unit 13 is housed inside the case 14 (see FIG. 1). The case 14 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. are designed in a rounded shape. Further, the case 14 may be an integrally molded product, but in this embodiment, a two-part type in which a front case and a rear case are assembled to each other to form a box shape is applied.

The controller 1 according to the present embodiment has a screen 110 (touch panel display) of a predetermined size provided in the central portion of the front surface 141 of the case 14, and the operation section 12 is arranged below the lower edge of the display screen 110. . In the present embodiment, the screen 110 of the display unit 11 is arranged behind the front surface 141 of the case 14 , and a stepped portion 1D is formed on the periphery of the screen 110 as a boundary portion of the case 14 . In addition, the multi-button 15 and the save button 16 are located at predetermined positions in the case 14 that do not overlap the screen 110 and the operation unit 12, specifically, at positions near predetermined upper portions of the left and right sides of the display screen 110. are provided. The multi-button 15 and the save button 16 are composed of switch buttons that can be pressed by the operator, and are arranged in a form that protrudes forward from the case 14 . The multi-button 15 and the save button 16 are smaller than the operation unit 12 described above. Smaller than the projection dimension. In particular, in this embodiment, a linear groove 145 extending from the portion of the case 14 where the multi-button 15 is arranged toward the screen 110 (see FIG. 2), and A straight line 118 extending toward the multi-button 15 (a straight line 118 displayed on the screen, see FIG. 10) is set so as to form a mutually continuous straight line (guide line), and the multi-button 15 is related to "function switching 115". It is set so that the operator can intuitively understand that it is a button.

In the controller 1 of the present embodiment, the case 14 having a plurality of engagement holes (not shown) formed in the rear surface 142 is applied, and the controller 1 is set at a predetermined position by hooking the engagement holes on appropriate mounting portions. be able to. A hooking string hole is also formed in the rear surface 142 of the controller 1 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment includes a power supply device (power unit) 6 that supplies power to the drive units (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H). It is provided separately from the parts feeder controller 1, and the power supply device 6 and the parts feeder controller 1 are connected by an appropriate communication cable (eg, LAN cable, harness, etc.). The communication cable functions as a serial communication line for transferring setting information regarding each drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H). Electric power of a predetermined voltage can be supplied from the control device 6 to the controller 1 .

According to such a parts feeder X, the power supply device 6 is arranged on a common base X1 together with the drive units (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H), while the parts feeder controller 1 is a position different from the base X1, for example, a position where it is possible to observe the state of transport of the work by the drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) and can be operated by the operator can be placed in any position. The power line is for enabling the controller 1 to be used only by connecting it to the driving unit control device 6, and the controller 1 may be provided with a separate power source. Along with this, it is also possible to wirelessly connect the controller 1 and the driving unit control device 6 . In addition, each drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) is fed using the linear feeder connection port, return feeder connection port, bowl feeder connection port, and hopper connection port provided in the drive unit controller 6. can be connected by wiring.

The parts feeder X of this embodiment has a structure in which a base X2 is arranged under a base X1, and the base X1 and the base X2 are connected by a vibration isolating means X3 such as an anti-vibration rubber or an anti-vibration spring. A device 6 is arranged between a base X1 and a base X2. Note that the drive unit control device 6 may be directly attached to the base X2.

The discharge port (downstream end of the linear transport path 31) of the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment is connected to an appropriate supply destination facility, and the operation command section of the supply destination facility controls the parts feeder X (parts feeder controller 1 may be the control unit 13 of the parts feeder controller 1, or may be a control unit different from the control unit 13 of the parts feeder controller 1). Coordination on control can be achieved.

Next, adjustment processing of the parts feeder X using the parts feeder controller 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, the screen 110 of the display unit 11 displays the main screen 110 shown in FIG. B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) is determined, and the corresponding item is selected from the adjustment operation target items 112 displayed on the screen 110 (by pressing the touch panel display).

Upon receiving the selection operation process by the operator, the control unit 13 of the controller 1 determines which operation unit 12 is to be used to perform the operation regarding the adjustment operation target item 112 by each operation unit 12, and displays the determined content on the screen 110. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the operator selects one adjustment operation target item (the amplitude adjustment item 112a of the linear feeder L in the illustrated example), the control unit 13 of the controller 1 operates as shown in FIG. , the selected adjustment operation target item 112a is highlighted (for example, displayed in a first highlight color such as blue), and an operation instruction mark 119 (4 minutes ) are displayed at two locations on the left and right lower corners of the adjustment operation target item 112a. In this case, no matter which one of the two operation units 12 (the left operation unit 12L and the right operation unit 12R) is turned, the adjustment related to the adjustment operation target item (the amplitude adjustment item 112a of the linear feeder L in the illustrated example) is performed. operation can be performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the first adjustment operation target item 112 is selected by the operator, the second adjustment operation target item (amplitude adjustment item 112b of the return feeder R in the illustrated example) is selected by the operator. , the control unit 13 of the controller 1 highlights the selected second adjustment operation target item 112 similarly to the first adjustment operation target item 112 (for example, the first highlight color such as blue). ), and an operation instruction mark 119 (a quarter-circle mark in the illustrated example) indicating that an adjustment operation can be performed by the operation unit 12 is displayed at either of the left and right lower corners of each of the adjustment operation target items 112a and 112b. Display in one place. In the illustrated example, a quarter circle-shaped operation instruction mark 119 is displayed at the lower right corner of the first selected adjustment operation target item (the amplitude adjustment item 112a of the linear feeder L in the illustrated example), and the second A quarter-circle-shaped operation instruction mark 119 is displayed at the lower left corner of the adjustment operation target item (amplitude adjustment item 112b of the return feeder R in the illustrated example) selected for adjustment operation. In this case, the right operation section 12R can be used to perform an adjustment operation on the first selected adjustment operation target item (in the illustrated example, the amplitude adjustment item 112a of the linear feeder L), and the second selected adjustment operation can be performed. The adjustment operation regarding the target item (the amplitude adjustment item 112b of the return feeder 4 in the illustrated example) can be performed by the left operation section 12L. As described above, in the present embodiment, the adjustment operation for the first selected adjustment operation target item 112 can be performed by the right operation unit 12R, and the second selected adjustment operation target item can be adjusted by the right operation unit 12R. Allocation is performed by the control unit 13 of the controller 1 so that the adjustment operation regarding 112 can be performed by the left operation unit 12L. Note that the adjustment operation for the first selected adjustment operation target item 112 can be performed by the left operation unit 12L, and the adjustment operation for the second adjustment operation target item 112 can be performed by the right operation. Allocation that can be performed by the unit 12R may be set to be performed by the control unit 13 of the controller 1. FIG. The operator can also select two adjustment operation target items for one drive unit. For example, the amplitude adjustment item 112a of the linear feeder L may be selected as the first adjustment operation target item 112, and the frequency adjustment item 112e of the linear feeder L may be selected as the second adjustment operation target item 112. . Even in such a case, the control unit 13 of the controller 1 highlights the two selected adjustment operation target items 112a and 112e and displays the operation instruction mark 119 indicating that the adjustment operation by the operation unit 12 is possible. A process of displaying one of the left and right lower corners of each of the adjustment operation target items 112a and 112e is executed.

After selecting the adjustment operation target item 112 and viewing the operation instruction mark 119 on the screen 110 of the display unit 11 , the operator observes the amount of work discharged by the parts feeder X and the like, and adjusts the screen 110 of the display unit 11 . By performing appropriate operations (operations to rotate the encoders) on the left and right operation units 12RL and 12R as instructed by the operation instruction marks 119 without looking at the two adjustment operation target items (the linear feeder 3 in the illustrated example). and the amplitude adjustment item 112b of the return feeder 4) can be performed simultaneously or with a time lag.

When the operator performs an operation to select a "save 117" item on the screen 110 or presses a save button 16 provided at a position outside the screen 110 in the case 14, the adjustment operation by the operation unit 12 is performed. Later settings can be saved. When the operator selects the item "Cancel 116" on the screen 110, the selected adjustment operation target item 112 is changed to another adjustment operation target item 112, or the drive unit (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder) is canceled. R, hopper H) can be returned to the state before the adjustment operation by the operation unit 12 .

As described above, the controller 1 for the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment sets items (adjustment operation target items 112) related to the vibration conditions of the drive units (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H). a display unit 11 displayed on a common screen 110; a plurality of operation units 12 capable of performing an adjustment operation on a specified adjustment operation target item 112 among the adjustment operation target items 112 displayed on the display unit 11; A control unit 13 that allocates the adjustment operation target items 112 by the operation unit 12 to each operation unit 12, and each operation unit 12 is capable of performing an adjustment operation on the adjustment operation target items 112 by an operation accompanied by a tactile sensation. Therefore, the operator can visually check the work transfer state (work discharge state, etc.) in the parts feeder X, and adjust the target drive units (bowl feeder B, linear feeder L, return feeder R, hopper H) can be selected from among the adjustment operation target items 112 displayed on the screen of the display unit 11, and the operation unit 12 can be used to perform the adjustment operation on the selected adjustment operation target item 112. According to the parts feeder controller 1 according to the present embodiment, since it is not required to look at the hand of the operation unit 12 during the adjustment operation by the operation unit 12, the work can be conveyed optimally while watching the work discharge state. In addition, even when the operator selects a plurality of adjustment operation target items 112, the control unit 13 allows the operator to select the adjustment operation target to be handled by each of the plurality of operation units 12. By arbitrarily assigning to each target item 112, adjustment processing for a plurality of adjustment operation target items 112 can be performed individually using a plurality of operation units 12, simultaneously in real time, or smoothly with a time lag.

In particular, since the parts feeder controller 1 according to this embodiment includes the display unit 11, the operation unit 12, and the control unit 13 in the common case 14, these units (the display unit 11, the operation unit 12, By unitizing the control unit 13), the handling is excellent, and the setting processing of the controller 1 at the site where the parts feeder X is introduced can be facilitated. Furthermore, in the parts feeder controller 1 according to the present embodiment, since the plurality of operation units 12 are arranged in the case 14 at positions separated from the display unit 11, when the operator views the screen 110 of the display unit 11, It is possible to avoid a situation in which the operation unit 12 appears to overlap with the front of the screen 110, and compared to a configuration in which the operation unit 12 is arranged at a position overlapping a part of the display unit 11, the display unit 11 can be is not occupied by the operation unit 12, the screen size of the display unit 11 can be maximized.

In addition, the parts feeder X controller 1 according to the present embodiment, as the control unit 13, causes the display unit 11 to display which adjustment operation target item 112 is assigned to each operation unit 12. Since the display function is applied, the operator sees the content (operation instruction mark 119) displayed on the display unit 11 and intuitively grasps the relationship between the adjustment operation target item 112 and the operation unit 12. can do. Therefore, even if there are many adjustment operation target items 112 displayed on the display unit 11 and the parts feeder controller 1 is provided with a plurality of operation units 12, it is possible to determine which operation unit 12 can be used for the adjustment operation. It is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations caused by the operator's difficulty in recognizing them, and it is possible to smoothly perform adjustment operations using each operation unit 12 .

As described above, according to the parts feeder controller according to the present embodiment, when the operator selects a target item to be operated, the operator can recognize which operation unit 12 should be used for the operation. It can be operated intuitively, shortening adjustment time and reducing stress.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to each embodiment described above. For example, in the above embodiment, a tablet having a touch panel display is used as the parts feeder controller, but a smart phone or the like may be used. The means of communication between the controller and the power unit is not particularly limited, and may be Blue-tooth, Wifi, light, or the like.

The principle of work transport by each driving unit may be transport by elliptical vibration, transport by traveling waves, or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the parts feeder includes a linear feeder, a return feeder, a bowl feeder, and a hopper. Even if there is only one bowl feeder or only one bowl feeder, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

The "vibration condition of the driving unit" may be either the amplitude (voltage) or the frequency, or may be a condition related to vibration other than the amplitude (voltage) and the frequency.

Also, the operation unit may be any one that can be operated with a sense of touch. For example, instead of a knob type using an encoder, a knob type (that can be rotated), a joystick, a button type that can be pressed with a finger, a switch, etc. A type, a touch sensor, etc. may be applied. Furthermore, if there is a tactilely recognizable portion such as a step (1D shown in FIG. 2) on the edge of the screen of the display unit, the step can be set as the operation unit. A plurality of operation units may be provided, and each operation unit may have a different tactile sense or a different operation method.

In the above-described embodiment, the "quarter circle mark" is exemplified as the operation instruction mark displayed on the screen of the display unit. You can also

A parts feeder controller without a case may also be used.

It is also possible to change the types and number of items displayed on the screen of the display unit.

Further, it is possible to add a function to detect an analog operation amount to the operation unit and digitally apply feedback control to the vibration condition of the driving unit.

A parts feeder to which the controller according to the present invention can be applied may be any parts feeder having at least one driving unit. Therefore, for example, if the hopper does not have the drive unit described in the above embodiment, but instead discharges the work downward from the nozzle discharge end by its own weight without relying on vibration, such a hopper (nozzle discharge Equipped with a bowl feeder having a drive unit, regardless of whether or not it has a conveying means (belt conveyor type, linear feeder type, etc.) that receives the work discharged from the end and conveys it toward the bowl of the bowl feeder A controller according to the present invention can be applied to a parts feeder.

Micro parts such as electronic parts can be given as an example of the work that is the object to be conveyed, but the work may be articles other than the electronic parts.

In addition, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1 controller 11 display unit 112 items related to vibration conditions 12 operation unit 13 control unit 14 cases 22, 32, 42, 52 drive units B, L, R, H bowl feeder, linear feeder, return feeder , hopper X ... parts feeder

Claims (5)

A controller applied to a parts feeder having multiple types of drive units capable of conveying workpieces by vibration,
a display unit for displaying a plurality of items relating to vibration conditions of the respective driving units on a common screen;
a plurality of operation units capable of adjusting a vibration condition of a specified item among the plurality of items related to the vibration condition of each driving unit displayed on the display unit;
a control unit that allocates an item to be adjusted by each operation unit to each operation unit;
each of the operation units is capable of adjusting the item to be adjusted by an operation involving a sense of touch;
The control unit displays, on the screen of the display unit, an operation instruction mark indicating that an adjustment operation by the operation unit is possible on the adjustment operation target item assigned to each operation unit. ,
An operator operates the operation unit based on the operation instruction mark displayed on the screen of the display unit so that the vibration conditions of the drive units can be adjusted simultaneously. controller for parts feeder. 2. The parts feeder controller according to claim 1, further comprising a case that integrally houses said display section, said operation section, and said control section. 3. The parts feeder controller according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of operation sections in the case are located at locations separated from the display section. 4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an adjustment operation target item assignment display function for displaying on the display unit which adjustment operation target item is assigned to which operation unit among the plurality of operation units. Controller for parts feeder described in . A parts feeder comprising the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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