JP7534896B2 - Object Association System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an object association system.

The object association system associates multiple objects that are combined and handled in substrate-related operations performed by substrate-related operations machines. Substrate-related operations machines include component mounting machines that mount components such as electronic components on substrates and printers that print solder on substrates. The component mounting machine, for example, includes a reel that stores components and a feeder that detachably holds the reel and feeds the components from the reel. When the reel is set on the feeder for replacement or the like, the worker is required to perform a verify operation in order to associate the reel with the feeder. This verify operation is achieved by the worker reading, with a code reader, an identification code indicating individual information attached to the surface of the reel and an identification code indicating individual information attached to the surface of the feeder.

A reading device is known that reads the identification code attached to each object (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this reading device, the identification code of each object is read individually.

JP 2013-73454 A

However, if the identification codes of multiple objects are read individually, there is a risk that the association between the feeder and the reel will be incorrect due to the identification code of a reel that is different from the reel actually set in the feeder being read. In this case, there is a risk that the wrong component will be mounted on the board by the component mounting machine.

The present specification aims to provide an object association system that can improve the accuracy of association between objects that are treated in combination with each other and are subject to code reading.

This specification discloses an object association system that associates multiple objects that are combined and handled in a substrate-related operation performed by a substrate-related operation machine, each of the multiple objects having an identification code indicating individual information attached to an outer surface, the object association system including a reading unit that reads the identification code, the reading unit having a readable range that is large enough to include the identification codes of the multiple objects in a combined state, and a batch reading unit that reads the identification codes of each of the multiple objects collectively when the identification codes of each of the multiple objects are included in the readable range, and the object association system includes an association control unit that associates the multiple objects when the batch reading unit has successfully read the identification codes of each of the multiple objects collectively.

According to the present disclosure, association of multiple objects that are handled in combination with each other in substrate-related operations can be performed by reading the identification codes of the multiple objects all at once when the identification codes of the multiple objects are included in the readable range of the reading unit. In this case, even if the identification codes of the multiple objects are read individually at different times, the identification codes are not associated with each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of association of multiple objects that are handled in combination with each other in substrate-related operations.

1 is a plan view of a substrate-related performing machine included in an object association system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a side view of a feeder holding a reel provided in a substrate-related operating apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an object association system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between a feeder holding a reel and a readable range of a code reader. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed in the object association system of the present embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing combinations of a reel and a container case that are combined and handled in a substrate-related operation in an object association system according to a first modified embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing combinations of feeders and containers that are combined and handled in a substrate-related operation in an object association system according to a second modified embodiment. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing combinations of trays and tray pallets that are combined and handled in a substrate-related operation in an object associating system according to a third modified embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a combination of a solder container and a container case that are combined and handled in a substrate-related operation in an object association system according to a fourth modified embodiment. FIG.

Below, an embodiment of the object association system will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration of the object association system The object association system 1 of this embodiment is a system that associates multiple objects that are combined and handled in a substrate-related operation performed by a substrate-related operation machine 10. The substrate-related operation machine 10 is a component mounting machine that mounts components, such as electronic components, onto a substrate 2 as a substrate-related operation. As shown in FIG. 1 , the substrate-related operation machine 10 includes a substrate transport unit 11, a component supply unit 12, and a component transfer unit 13.

The board transport unit 11 is a part that transports the board 2 in the transport direction X. The board transport unit 11 is composed of a belt conveyor or the like. The board transport unit 11 positions the board 2 transported in the transport direction X at a predetermined position.

The component supply unit 12 is a section that supplies components, such as electronic components, to be mounted on the board 2 to the component transfer position Ps. The component supply unit 12 has a feeder 12a that sends out components. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeder 12a is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder 12a is detachably mounted in a slot 12b provided in the main body of the substrate-related operation machine 10. The feeder 12a is mounted in any one of a plurality of slots 12b arranged in a row in the transport direction X.

Feeder 12a has a reel holding section 16 on which reel 15 is detachably held. Reel 15 is a disk-shaped member on which carrier tape is wound, containing components to be mounted on board 2 at a predetermined pitch. Reel 15 is rotatably held relative to the body of feeder 12a. Feeder 12a uses a motor to feed and move the carrier tape wound on reel 15 in horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of board 2, thereby sending out the components contained on the carrier tape to component transfer position Ps at the tip of feeder 12a.

The feeder 12a has an identification code (hereinafter referred to as the feeder identification code C1) attached to its outer surface. The feeder identification code C1 is a code indicating individual information for identifying the feeder 12a. The feeder identification code C1 is, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a wireless tag. The feeder identification code C1 is attached to a sticker and is affixed to the side of the feeder 12a. It is preferable that the feeder identification code C1 is affixed to the feeder 12a at a position close to the holding position of the reel 15 in the feeder 12a (for example, at the rear end of the feeder 12a).

The reel 15 has an identification code (hereinafter referred to as reel identification code C2) attached to its outer surface. The reel identification code C2 may be, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a wireless tag. The reel identification code C2 may be the same type of code as the feeder identification code C1 described above, or may be a different type of code. The reel identification code C2 may also include a part code (for example, a part model number set by a manufacturer, etc.) of a part housed in the carrier tape wound on the reel 15. The reel identification code C2 is attached to a sticker and affixed to the side of the reel 15.

The feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 are each arranged on the same surface (e.g., a common side surface of the feeder 12a and the reel 15) when viewed from the outside of the combined feeder 12a and the reel 15 with the reel 15 held by the feeder 12a. In this state, the worker can visually recognize both the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 at the same time.

The component transfer unit 13 is a section that transfers components supplied to the component transfer position Ps by the component supply unit 12 onto the board 2 that has been positioned at a predetermined position by the board transport unit 11. The component transfer unit 13 has a mounting head 13a that can be moved to any position. A suction nozzle (not shown) is removably attached to the mounting head 13a. This suction nozzle can pick up components using negative pressure or the like. The mounting head 13a picks up the components supplied to the component transfer position Ps by the component supply unit 12 with the suction nozzle, and then moves the picked-up components so that they are moved to a position above the board 2 that has been positioned at a predetermined position by the board transport unit 11, and the suction of the components by the suction nozzle is released by releasing the negative pressure, and the components are transferred to the board 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the object association system 1 includes a code reader 20 and a host computer 30. The code reader 20 may be incorporated in the substrate-related operation machine 10, or the code reader 20 may be mounted on a cart and movable in the production factory where the substrate-related operation machine 10 is installed.

The code reader 20 is a reading unit capable of reading the feeder identification code C1 attached to the feeder 12a and the reel identification code C2 attached to the reel 15. The code reader 20 is capable of changing the number of identification codes read in one scan, and has a single mode function for reading one identification code, and a multi-mode function for reading multiple identification codes (two in this embodiment) at once. The code reader 20 has an operation switch unit 21, an imaging unit 22, a control unit 23, an external input/output unit 24, and a display unit 25.

The operation switch section 21 is a section that can be operated by an operator. The operation switch section 21 includes a mode selection section 21a for selecting a mode function to be executed from a single mode function and a multi-mode function. In other words, this mode selection section 21a is a section for selecting whether or not to execute simultaneous reading of the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2.

The imaging unit 22 is a part that captures an image of the object to be read by handheld operation of the operation switch unit 21. The control unit 23 is a part that converts image data captured by the imaging unit 22 and performs code reading. The external input/output unit 24 is a part that communicates with the host computer 30. The display unit 25 is a monitor that can be viewed by the operator.

The imaging unit 22 of the code reader 20 has a readable range S as an area in which the code reading operation is performed (see FIG. 4). This readable range S is large enough to include both the feeder identification code C1 of the feeder 12a and the reel identification code C2 of the reel 15 when the reel 15 is held in the feeder 12a and combined with each other. The size of this readable range S is also large enough to include both the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 regardless of the rotational position of the reel 15 held in the feeder 12a.

When an operator performs a handheld operation for code reading on the operation switch unit 21, the code reader 20 performs a code reading operation. During the code reading operation, the code reader 20 reads the identification code within the readable range S, and when it detects that at least one of the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 is included in the readable range S, it transmits information on the identification code to the host computer 30.

Communication between the substrate-related processing machine 10 and the host computer 30, and communication between the code reader 20 and the host computer 30, is performed using a communication system such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

The host computer 30 has a CPU, memory, and control circuitry, and executes various processes according to a predetermined program. The host computer 30 has a control unit 31 and a storage unit 32. The storage unit 32 stores a control program for controlling the substrate-related operation machine 10, job data D1 for producing the substrate 2 as planned, and management data D2. The control unit 31 reads and executes the control program from the storage unit 32, and is capable of controlling and managing the substrate-related operation machine 10 that is under management.

The control unit 31 receives information transmitted from the code reader 20 and performs various controls based on the information. Specifically, when the reel 15 is attached to the feeder 12a and held thereon, the control unit 31 executes a verify operation to associate the feeder 12a with the reel 15, and manages the feeder 12a and the reel 15. That is, based on the information of the identification codes C1 and C2 transmitted from the code reader 20, the control unit 31 associates the feeder 12a attached to the main body of the substrate-related operation machine 10 with the reel 15 held thereon, and stores both identification codes C1 and C2 in the memory unit 32 as management data D2, which will be described later.

The above job data D1 is data that defines, for example, a production plan such as the position and order of components to be mounted on the board 2 by the substrate-related operation machine 10 and the number of substrates 2 to be produced. When the substrate 2 is produced, the host computer 30 transmits the job data D1 to the substrate-related operation machine 10. The substrate-related operation machine 10 mounts the components on the substrate 2 according to the job data D1 from the host computer 30.

The above-mentioned management data D2 is, for example, data indicating whether or not a feeder 12a is placed in the slot 12b of the substrate-related operation machine 10, and data indicating the reel 15 held by the feeder 12a.

In addition, the substrate-related operation machine 10 acquires component information such as the component code of the component that can be supplied from the attached feeder 12a, the maximum number of components that can be supplied, and the number of components supplied (used), and transmits this information to the host computer 30 along with information on the identification codes of the feeder 12a and the reel 15 (i.e., the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2). When the host computer 30 receives the component information from the substrate-related operation machine 10, it associates the feeder 12a having the feeder identification code C1 with the reel 15 having the reel identification code C2 and stores (manages) this information in the memory unit 32. The host computer 30 can calculate the time when the feeder 12a will run out of components, based on, for example, the number of components remaining on the feeder 12a and the reel 15, the number of components used per board 2 to be produced, the production speed of the board 2, the reduction rate of components, etc.

2. Operation of the Object Association System When the reels 15 are set and held in the feeders 12a by a reel loader device or the like, an operator uses the code reader 20 to perform a verifying operation for associating the feeders 12a and the reels 15 with each other.

Specifically, the worker attaches and holds the reel 15 in the reel holding portion 16 of the feeder 12a (step S100 shown in FIG. 5), then moves the code reader 20 to the side of the combined reel 15 and feeder 12a, and orients the imaging unit 22 of the code reader 20 toward the side of the combined reel 15 and feeder 12a. At this time, the code reader 20 is set so that the readable range S of the imaging unit 22 includes both the feeder identification code C1 of the feeder 12a and the reel identification code C2 of the reel 15. Then, in this state, the worker selects the multi-mode function with the mode selection unit 21a of the operation switch unit 21, and performs handy operation for code reading.

When the above handheld operation is performed, the code reader 20 scans the readable range S once with the imaging unit 22 to capture an image, and performs a code reading operation to simultaneously read the two identification codes C1 and C2 using the multi-mode function (step S110). In this code reading operation, the code reader 20 detects whether or not both the feeder identification code C1 of the feeder 12a and the reel identification code C2 of the reel 15 are included in the readable range S of the imaging unit 22. The code reader 20 then transmits the detection result from the external input/output unit 24 to the host computer 30.

When the operation switch unit 21 is operated handily while both the feeder identification code C1 of the feeder 12a and the reel identification code C2 of the reel 15 are included in the readable range S of the imaging unit 22 as described above, the control unit 23 of the code reader 20 detects that both the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 are included in the readable range S. In other words, when the multi-mode function is selected, if both the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 are included in the readable range S of the imaging unit 22, the code reader 20 reads both the identification codes C1 and C2 at the same time (step S120).

Then, the code reader 20 judges whether or not the simultaneous reading of both identification codes C1 and C2 is successful (step S130). This judgment is made based on whether or not the number of identification codes that are included in the readable range S and that are read matches a predetermined number (two in this embodiment) that is preset by the multi-mode function.

If the number of identification codes read within the readable range S is two, the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2, the code reader 20 determines that the simultaneous reading of both identification codes C1 and C2 has been successful (positive determination in step S130). In this case, the code reader 20 transmits the information indicated by the identification codes C1 and C2 in a mutually associated state from the external input/output unit 24 to the host computer 30 (step S140).

When the control unit 31 of the host computer 30 receives information on the two mutually associated identification codes C1 and C2 transmitted from the code reader 20, it determines that the multi-mode function of the code reader 20 has successfully read the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 at once, and associates the feeder 12a having the feeder identification code C1 with the reel 15 having the reel identification code C2 and stores them in the storage unit 32 (step S150). When this storage is performed, the feeder 12a and the reel 15 are associated, and the identification codes C1 and C2 are treated as management data D2 and are used for substrate-related operations such as substrate production in the substrate-related operation machine 10.

If the code reader 20 is successful in reading the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 together, information about the successful reading may be displayed on the display unit 25. In this case, the operator can visually check the display unit 25 of the code reader 20 to know whether the simultaneous reading of both identification codes C1 and C2 was successful or not.

On the other hand, if the number of identification codes read within the readable range S is not two but one or three or more, the code reader 20 determines that the simultaneous reading of both identification codes C1 and C2 was not successful, i.e., an error occurred in the simultaneous reading (negative determination in step S130). In this case, the code reader 20 does not transmit the information indicated by the identification codes C1 and C2 in an associated state (step S160).

If the control unit 31 of the host computer 30 does not receive information on the two mutually associated identification codes C1, C2 transmitted from the code reader 20, it does not associate the feeder 12a with the reel 15 and does not store the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 in the memory unit 32 (step S170). In this case, the feeder 12a and the reel 15 are not associated and are not used for substrate-related operations in the substrate-related operation machine 10.

If an error occurs in the simultaneous reading of the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 by the code reader 20, information about the failure to read may be displayed on the display unit 25. In this case, the operator can visually check the display unit 25 of the code reader 20 and recognize that the simultaneous reading of both identification codes C1 and C2 has failed.

In this way, in the object association system 1, the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 are arranged on the same plane as seen from the outside of the combined feeder 12a and reel 15 with the reel 15 held by the feeder 12a, and the code reader 20 is moved so that both the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 are included in its readable range S, and a code reading operation is performed using the code reader 20 in its multi-mode function. In this case, if both the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 are included in the readable range S of the code reader 20, both identification codes C1 and C2 are read together in one scan.

If the code reader 20 is successful in reading both identification codes C1 and C2 at the same time, the feeder 12a having the feeder identification code C1 and the reel 15 having the reel identification code C2 are associated and stored in the memory unit 32. On the other hand, if an error occurs in the code reader 20 reading both identification codes C1 and C2 at the same time, the feeder 12a and the reel 15 are not associated, and both identification codes C1 and C2 are not stored in the memory unit 32.

Therefore, by holding the reel 15 in the feeder 12a, the reel 15 is combined with the feeder 12a and handled in the substrate-related processing machine 10, and the feeder 12a and the reel 15, each having the identification code C1 or C2 on their outer surfaces, can be associated with each other by reading both identification codes C1 and C2 simultaneously in the multi-mode function of the code reader 20 while the reel 15 is held in the feeder 12a. In this case, even if both identification codes C1 and C2 are read individually at different times in the single-mode function or the like, regardless of whether the reel 15 is held in the feeder 12a or not, the feeder 12a and the reel 15 are not associated with each other.

This makes it possible to prevent incorrect association of the feeders 12a and reels 15, which are handled in combination with each other, and improves the accuracy of the association. This makes it possible to eliminate erroneous execution of substrate-related work by the substrate-related work machine 10 (specifically, incorrect mounting of components on the board 2 by the substrate-related work machine 10), and improves the reliability of substrate-related work.

In the above embodiment, the feeder 12a and the reel 15 correspond to the "object" described in the claims. The feeder identification code C1 or the reel identification code C2 corresponds to the "identification code" described in the claims. The code reader 20 corresponds to the "reading unit" described in the claims. The code reader 20 when the multi-mode function is selected corresponds to the "collective reading unit" described in the claims. When the control unit 23 successfully reads the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 in a collective manner, the control unit 23 associates the feeder 12a with the reel 15. When an error occurs in the collective reading of the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2, the control unit 23 does not associate the feeder 12a with the reel 15. This corresponds to the "error determination unit" described in the claims.

3. Modified Form Incidentally, in the above embodiment, the combination of the feeder 12a and the reel 15, in which the reel 15 is held by the reel holding portion 16 of the feeder 12a in the substrate-related operation machine 10, is given as an example of a plurality of objects to be handled in combination and have their codes read. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the combination of the reel 15 and the storage case 40, in which the reel 15 is stored in the storage case 40 in a storehouse or the like (see FIG. 6 ). In this modified form, the reel identification code C2 of the reel 15 and the case identification code C41 of the storage case 40 are read together by the code reader 20, and the reel 15 with the reel identification code C2 and the storage case 40 with the case identification code C41 are associated with each other.

These multiple objects may also include a combination of a feeder 12a and a storage case 50, such as a storage facility where the feeder 12a is stored in the storage case 50 (see FIG. 7). In this modified embodiment, the feeder identification code C1 of the feeder 12a and the case identification code C51 of the storage case 50 are read together by the code reader 20, and the feeder 12a with the feeder identification code C1 and the storage case 50 with the case identification code C51 are associated with each other.

These multiple objects may also include a combination of a tray 60 and a tray pallet 70, in which the tray 60 on which parts are placed is held by the tray pallet 70 (see FIG. 8). In this modified embodiment, the tray identification code C61 of the tray 60 and the pallet identification code C71 of the tray pallet 70 are read together by the code reader 20, and the tray 60 with the tray identification code C61 and the tray pallet 70 with the pallet identification code C71 are associated with each other.

These multiple objects may also include a combination of a solder container 80 and a storage case 90, in which a solder container 80 containing solder is held in the storage case 90 (see FIG. 9). In this modified embodiment, the solder identification code C81 of the solder container 80 and the case identification code C91 of the storage case 90 are read together by the code reader 20, and the solder container 80 with the solder identification code C81 and the storage case 90 with the case identification code C91 are associated with each other.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the multi-mode function is selected in the mode selection section 21a of the operation switch section 21, a code reading operation is performed in which the feeder identification code C1 and the reel identification code C2 in the readable range S are read together using the code reader 20. If the combined reading is successful, the feeder 12a having the feeder identification code C1 and the reel 15 having the reel identification code C2 are associated with each other.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the code reader 20 reads an identification code contained in the readable range S without selecting a mode, and the read identification code is contained in two separate areas in the readable range S, it may be determined that the simultaneous reading of the two identification codes in the readable range S has been successful, and the objects having the two identification codes may be associated with each other.

1: Object association system, 2: Substrate, 10: Substrate-related processing machine, 12a: Feeder, 15: Reel, 20: Code reader, 21: Operation switch section, 21a: Mode selection section, 22: Imaging section, 23: Control section, 30: Host computer, 31: Control section, 32: Memory section, C1: Feeder identification code, C2: Reel identification code, S: Readable range.

Claims (4)

1. An object association system for associating a reel around which a carrier tape containing components is wound and a feeder that detachably holds the reel and feeds the components from the reel, the object association system being used in a substrate-related operation performed by a substrate- related operation machine, the object association system comprising:
The reel and the feeder each have an identification code indicating individual information attached to an outer surface thereof,
the identification code of the reel and the identification code of the feeder are arranged at positions where they can be simultaneously viewed while the reel is held by the feeder;
The object association system includes a reading unit that reads the identification code,
the reading unit has a readable range that is a size that includes both the identification code of the reel and the identification code of the feeder when the reel is held by the feeder, and a batch reading unit that reads the identification codes of the reel and the feeder together when the identification codes of the reel and the feeder are included in the readable range,
The object association system includes an association control unit that associates the reel and the feeder when the batch reading unit successfully reads the identification codes of the reel and the feeder at the same time. The object association system of claim 1 , wherein the association control unit does not associate the reel with the feeder when an error occurs in the batch reading of the identification codes of the reel and the feeder by the batch reading unit. 3. The object association system according to claim 2, further comprising an error determination unit that determines that an error has occurred in the batch reading of the identification codes of the reels and the feeders by the batch reading unit when the number of the identification codes included in the readable range is different from a predetermined number. The object association system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a mode selection unit that selects whether or not to perform simultaneous reading of the identification codes of the reels and the feeders by the simultaneous reading unit.

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