Electronic component mounting machine and operating instruction method for the same

A challenge to be met by the invention is to provide an electronic component mounting machine that makes up an electronic component mounting line and that standardizes an operation input method, to thus enable lessening of work load on an operator during performance of operation input action, and an operation instruction method for use with the electronic component mounting machine. In electronic component mounting machines that make it possible for a single machine to perform a plurality of types of works by replacement of a work head to be built into a common platform according to a type of work, a production start button to a model change button are provided as common individual input parts in a basic operation command input part of a display panel of an operation unit regardless of a work type. Control processing and computation processing commensurate with an operation instruction entered by way of the individual input part are performed according to a work program and a computation processing program corresponding to the work head recognized by a plug-in function.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic component mounting machine used in an electronic component mounting line for mounting electronic components on a substrate, to thus manufacture a mounted board as well as to an operation instruction method for the electronic component mounting machine.

BACKGROUND ART

An electronic component mounting line for manufacturing a mounted board by mounting electronic components on a substrate is built by connecting a plurality of electronic component mounting machines, like an electronic component loader and an inspection machine, (see; e.g., Patent Document 1). In an example described in connection with Patent Document 1, a test inspection station that is an inspection machine is coupled to a downstream side of a plurality of component mounting stations that are electronic component loaders. The machines are respectively connected to a host computer.

RELATED ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem that the Invention is to Solve

In the configuration, data and programs are transmitted from the host computer to the respective machines in the electronic component mounting line. However, operation for starting, stopping, and performing maintenance of the machines must be performed on a per-machine basis. For this reason, each of the machines making up the electronic component mounting line is individually equipped with an operation input unit to which an operator makes an access to perform required operation input action. A principle commonly used for the operation input unit includes an input part, like an icon, set on a screen of a display panel, and the operator carries out required operation input action by performing operation on the screen.

However, when an operating instruction is input by way of each of the machines used in the related-art electronic component mounting line, including the related art example machines described in connection with Patent Document 1, operational problems, such as those described below, arise. Specifically, the electronic component mounting line is built from a plurality of types of machines including different working details, and therefore display panels used for making an operation input also differ from each other in terms of a configuration. Therefore, an operator who performs monitoring of the electronic component mounting line and maintenance of the same must perform operation input action on the display panels whose configurations differ according to the types of the machines. The operator is required to become familiar with operations of the respective types of machines.

In the electronic component mounting line, various types of inspection machine are recently built into the line in response to a request for enhancement of quality control. Since such an inspection machine has a nature differing from that of a working machine, like a component loader, the inspection machine is also different from the working machine in terms of an operation method. Thus, learning an operation method for the inspection machine puts a heavy load on an inexperienced operator. Thus, in relation to the electronic component mounting machines making up the related-art electronic component mounting line, an operation input method changes according to the types of the machines, which poses a difficulty in lessening the load put on the operator at the time of performing operation input action.

Accordingly, the present invention aims at providing an electronic component mounting machine that enables standardization of an operation input method for respective electronic component mounting machines making up an electronic component mounting line, thereby lessening a work load imposed on an operator during performance of operation input action, as well as providing an operation instruction method for the electronic component mounting machine.

Means for Solving the Problem

An electronic component mounting machine of the present invention is an electronic component mounting machine that is used in an electronic component mounting line for mounting an electronic component on a substrate, so as to produce a mounted board, and that is capable of performing a plurality of types of works by a single machine by replacement of a work head to be built into a common platform according to a type of work to be performed by the machine. The machine includes: a substrate conveyance mechanism that conveys the substrate through an interior of the machine and a head transfer mechanism which transfers the replaceably attached work head to perform the work, the substrate conveyance mechanism and the head transfer mechanism making up the platform, a storage section that stores a plurality of types of work programs by means of which a mechanism control part that controls the work head and a work operation mechanism including the head transfer mechanism and the substrate conveyance mechanism to so as to carry out working operations performs control processing commensurate with the plurality of types of working operations and a plurality of types of computation processing programs by means of which a computation processing part that performs computation processing required to perform the working operations performs computation processing commensurate with the plurality of types of working operations; an execution control part that controls the mechanism control part and the computation processing part, so as to let the mechanism control part and the computation processing part perform control processing and computation processing commensurate with the work type; an operation instruction input unit that has individual input parts for individually inputting an operation instruction of a machine operator to the execution control part according to instruction descriptions and that is at least commonly equipped with the individual input part, regardless of the work type, for an individual operation instruction including at least a work start/end instruction meaning start or end of working operation of the machine; and a work head recognition unit for recognizing a type of a work head attached to the head transfer mechanism. The execution control part determines a work program corresponding to the work head recognized by the work head recognition unit and a computation processing program, from among the plurality of types of stored work programs and computation processing programs, and lets the mechanism control part and the computation processing part perform control processing and computation processing commensurate with an operation instruction, which has been input by the individual input part, according to the determined work program and the determined computation processing program.

An operation instruction method for use with electronic component mounting machines of the present invention is an operation instruction method for use with an electronic component mounting machine that is used in an electronic component mounting line for mounting an electronic component on a substrate, so as to produce a mounted board, that is capable of performing a plurality of types of mounting operations by a single machine by replacement of a work head to be built into a common platform according to a type of mounting operation to be performed by the machine, and that issue operation instructions for letting the electronic component mounting machine perform working operation and computation processing. The electronic component mounting machine includes: a substrate conveyance mechanism that conveys the substrate through an interior of the machine and a head transfer mechanism which transfers the replaceably attached work head to perform the work, the substrate conveyance mechanism and the head transfer mechanism making up the platform; a storage section that stores a plurality of types of work programs by means of which a mechanism control part that controls the work head and a work operation mechanism including the head transfer mechanism and the substrate conveyance mechanism to thereby carry out working operations performs control processing commensurate with the plurality of types of working operations and a plurality of types of computation processing programs by means of which a computation processing part that performs computation processing required to perform the working operations performs computation processing commensurate with the plurality of types of working operations; an execution control part that controls the mechanism control part and the computation processing part, thereby letting the mechanism control part and the computation processing part perform control processing and computation processing commensurate with the work type; an operation instruction input unit that has individual input parts for individually inputting an operation instruction of a machine operator to the execution control part according to instruction descriptions and that is at least commonly equipped with the individual input part, regardless of the work type, for an individual operation instruction including at least a work start/end instruction meaning start or end of working operation of the machine; and a work head recognition unit for recognizing a type of a work head attached to the head transfer mechanism. There is determined a work program corresponding to the work head recognized by the work head recognition unit and a computation processing program, from among the plurality of types of stored work programs and computation processing programs, and the mechanism control part and the computation processing part are caused to perform control processing and computation processing commensurate with an operation instruction, which has been input by way of the individual input part, according to the determined work program and the determined computation processing program.

Advantage of the Invention

According to the present invention, in an electronic component mounting machine that is capable of performing a plurality of types of works for a single machine by replacement of a work head to be built into a common platform according to a type of work to be performed by the machine, an operation instruction input unit that issues an operation instruction to a mechanism control part for controlling a working operation mechanism and an execution control part for controlling a computation processing part which performs computation processing required to perform working operation is commonly provided, regardless of a type of work descriptions, with individual input parts for individually making an input according to instruction descriptions. A work program corresponding to the work head recognized by a work head recognition unit and a computation processing program are determined from among a plurality of types of stored programs, and the mechanism control part and the computation processing part are caused to perform control processing and computation processing commensurate with an operation instruction, which has been input by the individual input part, according to the work program determined by recognition and the determined computation processing program. The method for making an operation input to the respective machines is standardized, thereby lessening work load on an operator during performance of operation input action.

EMBODIMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is now described by reference to the drawings.FIG. 1is an oblique perspective view of an electronic component mounting system of an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a plan view of a platform of an electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is a cross sectional view of the plat form of the electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4is a plan view of the electronic component mounting system of the embodiment of the present invention.FIGS. 5 and 6are descriptive views of a working head and an ancillary fixture used in the electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7is a section diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8is a descriptive view of a program and data stored in the electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9is a descriptive view of an operation screen appearing on an operation unit of the electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10is a flowchart showing an operation instruction method for use in the electronic component mounting machine of the embodiment of the present invention.

First, a configuration of an electronic component mounting system1is described by reference toFIG. 1. The electronic component mounting system1is built by connecting in series a plurality of electronic component mounting machines (hereinafter abbreviated simply as “machines”) M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5. The electronic component mounting system has a function of mounting electronic components on a substrate, thereby manufacturing a mounted board. In the electronic component mounting system1, a substrate printed with solder bonding paste in an upstream machine is sent (as designated by arrow “a”) to a substrate conveyance mechanism3by way of a conveyance inlet2in the machine M1situated at the topmost upstream position. The substrate is sequentially conveyed through an interior of the electronic component mounting system1in direction X (a direction of conveyance of a substrate). The thus-carried-in substrate are subjected to operations of the respective machines and further conveyed to downstream machines.

An operation unit4by way of which a machine operator operates a corresponding machine is provided on each of sides of the machines M1to M5. Each of the operation units4has a display panel4a, and various screens, like an operation guidance screen, appear on the display panel4a. The machine operator can input an operation instruction by touch panel switches set in the screen. A fixture storage compartment5for storing an ancillary fixture appropriate for work performed by the equipment is provided in a lower portion of the side surface of the machine (seeFIGS. 3 and 4).

The machines M1to M5are configured in such a way that a single machine can perform a plurality of types of work by exchanging a work head to be built into a common platform according to a type of work to be performed by the machine. An ancillary fixture conforming to the work head of the machine is removably loaded into the corresponding fixture storage compartment5. An exemplification provided herein shows that a carriage8including a plurality of tape feeders6and component feed reels7arranged side by side is loaded in each of the fixture storage compartments5of the machines M2to M5. Each of the tape feeders6feeds electronic components held on a carrier tape to a loading head that is a work head for loading a component, and each of the component feed reels7holds in a wound state the carrier tape to be fed by the tape feeder6.

A common platform that acts as a base for the machines M1to M5is now described by reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. InFIG. 3, the substrate conveyance mechanism3is disposed in the center of a bench10along the direction X. The substrate conveyance mechanism3conveys a substrate9carried in from an upstream position, placing the thus-conveyed substrate at a work position in the machine. The fixture storage compartment5is provided on either side of the bench10with the substrate conveyance mechanism3interposed therebetween, by partially cutting the bench10so as to make a deep recess toward the center of the bench. A first ancillary fixture17, like the carriage8shown inFIG. 1, is removably loaded into each of the fixture storage compartments5. A second ancillary fixture15is interposed between one fixture storage compartment5and a corresponding substrate conveyance mechanism3. The second ancillary fixture15is used for work in association with a corresponding work head14and removably attached to a corresponding attachment section16defined in the bench10as shown inFIG. 3.

A Y-axis actuation table11is placed at one end of the bench10along its direction Y. Two tables; namely, an X-axis actuation table12A and an X-axis actuation table12B, are attached to the Y-axis actuation table11. As shown inFIG. 3, the X-axis actuation tables12A and12B are slidable in the direction Y along guide rails11adisposed on a side surface of the Y-axis actuation table11. The X-axis actuation tables12A and12B are actuated in the direction Y by a linear motor mechanism incorporated in the Y-axis actuation table11. An X-axis movable attachment base13is attached to the X-axis actuation table12A so as to be slidable in the direction X, and another X-axis movable attachment base13is attached to the X-axis actuation table12B so as to be slidable in the direction X. The X-axis movable attachment bases13are actuated in the direction X by linear motor mechanisms incorporated in the respective X-axis actuation tables12A and12B.

The work heads14commensurate with the type of work to be performed by the machine are removably attached to the respective X-axis movable attachment bases13. Therefore, the Y-axis actuation table11and the X-axis actuation tables12A and12B act as a head transfer mechanism for transferring the replaceably attached work heads14to perform the work. The head transfer mechanism built in the bench10and the substrate conveyance mechanism3that conveys the substrate9within the machine make up a common platform that is to serve as a base for the machines M1to M5. A working operation mechanism built by attaching to the platform the work heads14, the first ancillary fixtures17, and the second ancillary fixtures15is enclosed by a machine cover10a.

An example individual configuration of each of the machines in the electronic component mounting system1is now described by reference toFIG. 4. The machine M1has a function of applying a resin adhesive to the substrate9printed with solder bonding paste in an upstream machine and inspecting the substrate before and after application of the resin adhesive. Specifically, an inspection head14A is attached to the X-axis actuation table12A of the machine M1, and an application head14B is attached to the X-axis actuation table12B of the same. A first ancillary inspection fixture17A is attached to the fixture storage compartment5assigned to the X-axis actuation table12A. A first ancillary application fixture17B is attached to the fixture storage compartment5assigned to the X-axis actuation table12B.

The machines M2, M3, and M4each have the same configuration and a function of loading electronic components on the substrate9that is coated with a resin adhesive and that has finished undergoing inspection. Specifically, each of the X-axis actuation tables12A and12B in each of the machines is equipped with a loading head14C. A first loading ancillary fixture17C is stored in each of the fixture storage compartments5of the respective machines M2, M3, and M4. The loading head14C picks up an electronic component from the corresponding first loading ancillary fixture17C, thereby transferring and loading the thus-picked up electronic component to and on the substrate9positioned by the substrate conveyance mechanism3.

In addition, the machine M5has in combination a function of loading an electronic component on the substrate9and a function of inspecting the thus-loaded electronic component. Specifically, the X-axis actuation table12A of the machine M5is equipped with the inspection head14A, and the X-axis actuation table12B of the machine M5is equipped with the loading head14C. The first ancillary inspection fixture17A is stored in the fixture storage compartment5assigned to the X-axis actuation table12A, and the first loading ancillary fixture17C is stored in the fixture storage compartment5assigned to the X-axis actuation table12B.

By reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, an explanation is now given to the work head14(the inspection head14A, the application head14B, and the loading head14C), the second ancillary fixture15(a calibration unit15A, a sacrificial squirt unit15B, and a nozzle storage unit15C), and the first ancillary fixture17(the first ancillary inspection fixture17A, the first ancillary application fixture17B, and the first loading ancillary fixture17C) in terms of a configuration and an attachment form. As shown inFIG. 5, an imaging unit20for capturing an image of the substrate9to be inspected predominates in the inspection head14A. As a result of being attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13, the inspection head14A is moved by the head transfer mechanism, to thus capture an image of the substrate9to be inspected.

The application head14B is configured in such a way that a dispenser22is held by a vertical base21in a vertically movable manner. The dispenser22has a function of squirting a resin adhesive for bonding an electronic component from a nozzle22aattached to a lower portion of the dispenser. The application head14B is attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13and then moved to an elevated position above the substrate9by the head transfer mechanism, whereby it becomes possible to apply a resin adhesive to arbitrary points of resin application on the substrate9. The loading head14C has a configuration in which a suction nozzle24is removably attached to each of a plurality of nozzle attachment units23cprojecting from a lower portion of a head body23. The loading head14C is attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13, thereby being moved by the head transfer mechanism. The suction nozzles24adsorb and hold electronic components to thereby pull the electronic components out of corresponding tape feeders6, thereby transferring and loading the thus-pulled electronic components to and on a substrate.

In the inspection head14A, an attachment surface20ais provided on the imaging unit20. In the application head14B, an attachment surface21ais provided on the vertical base21. In the loading head14C, an attachment surface23ais provided on the head body23. The attachment surfaces20a,21a, and23aare brought into contact with an attachment base surface13aprovided on the X-axis movable attachment base13, whereupon the inspection head14A, the application head14B, and the loading head14C are respectively attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13. A head sensor20bis provided on the imaging unit20; a head sensor21bis provided on the vertical base21; and a head sensor23bis provided on the head body23. With the inspection head14A, the application head14B, and the loading head14C attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13, an attachment detection sensor13bprovided on the X-axis movable attachment base13detects the head sensors20b,21b, and23b. A recognition processing part36e(seeFIG. 7) to be described later detects, as a recognition signal, a detection signal output from the attachment detection sensor13b, whereby a type of the work head14attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13is recognized.

An explanation is now given to the second ancillary fixtures15that are selectively attached to the corresponding attachment section16according to a type of the work head14. The calibration unit15A is used in combination with the inspection head14A and configured by placing a calibration plate26on a bench25. The inspection head14A is transferred to a position over the calibration unit15A to thereby capture an image of the corresponding attachment section16. An image captured status achieved when the imaging unit20has acquired an image is thereby calibrated. The sacrificial squirt unit15B is used in combination with the application head14B and supplies a sacrificial squirt sheet29to a resin adhesive sacrificial squirt stage27claid on an upper surface of a bench27. The sacrificial squirt sheet29is fed to a position on the sacrificial squirt stage27cby a feed reel28a, and the sheet is then taken up by a take-up reel28b. The application head14B is moved to a position above the sacrificial squirt unit15B, where the dispenser22is lowered with respect to the sacrificial squirt stage27c. Trial squirt for checking a squirted state of a resin adhesive and a sacrificial squirt for eliminating an unwanted resin adhesive adhering to the nozzle22aare carried out.

The nozzle storage unit15C is used in combination with the loading head14C and configured such that the plurality of suction nozzles24are held in an upper surface of a nozzle storage table30. There is performed nozzle replacement operation involving transferring the loading head14C to a position over the nozzle storage unit15C and lowering the nozzle attachment units23cwith respect to the nozzle storage table30. The suction nozzles24can thereby be replaced according to a type of a target electronic component.

In the calibration unit15A, an attachment surface25ais provided on the bench25. In the sacrificial squirt unit15B, an attachment surface27ais provided on the bench27. In the nozzle storage unit15C, an attachment surface30ais provided on the nozzle storage table30. The attachment surfaces25a,27a, and30aare brought into contact with an attachment base surface16aof the attachment section16, whereby the calibration unit15A, the sacrificial squirt unit15B, and the nozzle storage unit15C are attached to the attachment section16. A unit sensor25bis provided in the bench25; a unit sensor27bis provided in the bench27; and a unit sensor30bis provided in the nozzle storage table30. With the calibration unit15A, the sacrificial squirt unit15B, and the nozzle storage unit15C attached to the attachment section16, an attachment detection sensor16bprovided in the attachment section16detects the unit sensors25b,27b, and30b. The recognition processing part36e(seeFIG. 7) to be described later detects as a recognition signal a detection signal from the attachment detection sensor16b, thereby recognizing a type of the second ancillary fixture15attached to the attachment section16.

By reference toFIG. 6, the first ancillary fixtures17attached to the respective fixture storage compartments5of each of the machines M1to M5are now described. According to the type of the work head14, three types of the first ancillary fixtures17; namely, the first ancillary inspection fixture17A, the second ancillary application fixture17B, and the first loading ancillary fixture17C, are selectively stored in each of the fixture storage compartments5. The first ancillary inspection fixture17A is used in correspondence with the inspection head14A and built by placing on the carriage8a recognition processing unit19and a cover unit18for covering an area located above the recognition processing unit19. The recognition processing unit19has a built-in recognition processor19bhaving a function of subjecting image data acquired by the inspection head14A to recognition processing.

The first ancillary application fixture17B does not have any special function commensurate with the application head14B and is attached simply as a safety cover for covering an area located above the corresponding fixture storage compartment5, to thus close the fixture storage compartment. The first loading ancillary fixture17C is made by placing on the carriage8the plurality of tape feeders6and the component feed reels7side by side. The loading head14C is horizontally transferred, to thus make an access to the first loading ancillary fixture17C, whereby the suction nozzle24pulls an electronic component out of a corresponding tape feeder6.

A fixture joint connector17ais provided on the first loading ancillary fixture17C. A fixture joint connector18ais provided on the first ancillary application fixture17B. A fixture joint connector19ais provided on the first ancillary inspection fixture17A. The first ancillary fixture17A, the first ancillary application fixture17B and the first loading ancillary fixture17C are attached to each of the fixture storage compartments5of the respective machines M1to M5. Thus, the fixture connectors17a,18a, and19aare fitted and connected to a main unit connector10bprovided on the corresponding fixture storage compartment5. The first ancillary inspection fixture17A, the first ancillary application fixture17B, and the first loading ancillary fixture17C output plug-in signals corresponding to respective types of the fixtures to the recognition processing part36e(seeFIG. 7), where the types of the first ancillary fixtures17attached to the corresponding fixture storage compartment5are recognized.

A configuration of a control system is now described by reference toFIG. 7. The respective machines M1to M5are connected to a host computer31by way of an LAN system32, and the respective machines M1to M5are collectively controlled by the host computer31. The host computer31transmits various programs and data to the respective machines M1to M5. A control system of each of the machines M1to M5includes a communication section33, a read/write processing section34, a storage section35, and a control processing section36.

The communication section33is connected to the LAN system32and exchanges a signal with the other machines and the host computer31by way of the LAN system32. The read/write processing section34performs processing for writing the programs and data received by way of the communication section33into the storage section35and processing for reading the programs and data from the storage section35. The control processing section36controls a working operation mechanism37of each of the machines according to the programs and data read from the storage section35and an operation instruction input by way of an input part38bprovided in the display panel4aof the operation unit4(seeFIG. 1). The working operation mechanism37is made up of the substrate conveyance mechanism3, the work head14, the head transfer mechanism including the Y-axis actuation table11and the X-axis actuation tables12A and12B, and the ancillary fixtures15and17.

A detailed configuration and function of each of the sections is hereunder described. The control processing section36includes as internal processing functions a display control part36a, an execution control part36b, a mechanism control part36c, a computation processing part36d, and the recognition processing part36e. The display control part36aperforms control processing for letting a display part38aof the display panel4aprovided in the operation unit4display a display screen like an operation screen. According to an operation instruction input by way of the input part38bset in the display panel4a, the execution control part36bcontrols the mechanism control part36cand the computation processing part36d. The mechanism control part36ccontrols the working operation mechanism37including the work head, the head transfer mechanism, and the substrate conveyance mechanism, thereby letting the working operation mechanism perform working operation. The computation processing part36dperforms computation processing required to perform work. The execution control part36bcontrols the mechanism control part36cand the computation processing part36d, thereby performing control processing and computation processing commensurate with the type of work to be performed by the corresponding machine.

As shown inFIG. 8, the storage section35includes a program storage part40and a data storage part41. Each of the program storage part40and the data storage part41stores programs and data, such as those provided below. Programs stored in the program storage part40include a substrate conveyance operation program40a, a mounting operation program40b, an application operation program40c, an inspection processing program40d, a loading head calibration program40e, an application head calibration program40f, an inspection head calibration program40g, and a model change processing program40h.

The substrate conveyance operation program40ais a working operation program for conveying the substrate9by the substrate conveyance mechanism3and positioning the substrate at a predetermined work position. The mounting operation program40bis an operation program for conveying and loading an electronic component to and on the substrate9by the loading head14C. The application operation program40cis an operation program for applying a resin adhesive to the substrate9by the application head14B. The inspection processing program40dis a processing program for capturing an image of the substrate9by use of the inspection head14A, thereby letting the recognition processing unit19perform recognition processing. Specifically, the substrate conveyance operation program40a, the mounting operation program40b, the application operation program40c, and the inspection processing program40dcorrespond to a plurality of types of work programs for letting the work head14and the working operation mechanism37including the head transfer mechanism and the substrate conveyance mechanism perform working operations commensurate with a plurality of types of works.

On the occasion of execution of any of the working operation programs, a reference is made to substrate conveyance data41a, mount data41b, application data41c, and inspection processing data41dstored in the data storage part41. The substrate conveyance data41aare data, like a substrate conveyance width and a conveyance speed employed when the substrate conveyance mechanism3conveys a substrate. The mount data41bare data that corresponds to a combination of a component mount position for each substrate type with a type of component to be mounted. The application data41care data that corresponds to a combination of a resin application position for each substrate type with squirting conditions, such as an amount of squirt from the dispenser22. The inspection processing data41dare data, like an inspection position to be taken as an inspection target and a determination threshold value used for checking a failure or a non-failure during an inspection.

The loading head calibration program40e, the application head calibration program40f, and the inspection head calibration program40gare programs for performing processing to let the loading head14C, the application head14B, and the inspection head14A respectively, automatically detect errors in attachment positions which arise when the heads are newly attached and perform necessary calibration computation, thereby matching the thus-calibrated positions to control parameters used in operation control of mechanical coordinate systems unique to the respective machines and the drive mechanism like the head transfer mechanism. Specifically, the loading head calibration program40e, the application head calibration program40f, and the inspection head calibration program40gare a plurality of types of computation processing programs for letting the computation processing part that performs computation processing necessary to perform working operation, such as calibration processing, perform computation processing commensurate with a plurality of types of working operations. On the occasion of performance of calibration computation, a reference is made to the loading head calibration data41e, the application head calibration data41f, and the inspection head calibration data41gstored in the data storage part41. The model change processing program40his a program for performing processing required when a type of a substrate loaded into the electronic component mounting system1is switched. On the occasion of execution of the model change processing program40h, a reference is made to the model change processing data41hstored in the data storage part41.

The storage section35provided in each of the machines M1to M5stores a plurality of types of work programs by means of which the mechanism control part36cthat controls the work head14and the working operation mechanism including the head transfer mechanism and the substrate conveyance mechanism3to thereby carry out working operation performs control processing commensurate with the plurality of types of working operations; and a plurality of types of computation processing programs by means of which the computation processing part36dthat performs computation processing required to perform the working operations performs computation processing commensurate with the plurality of types of working operations.

The recognition processing part36erecognizes a type of the work head14attached to the corresponding X-axis movable attachment base13, a type of the second ancillary fixture15attached to the corresponding attachment section16, and a type of the first ancillary fixture17attached to the corresponding fixture storage compartment5in accordance with a recognition signal39; namely, detection signals from the detection sensor in the work head14and the detection sensor in the second ancillary fixture15, and a plug-in signal transmitted as a result of fitting of a connector during attachment of the first ancillary fixture17. The head sensor provided in the work head14, the attachment detection sensor13bthat outputs a detection signal upon detection of the sensor, and the recognition processing part36eserve as a work head recognition unit that recognizes a type of work head attached to the head transfer mechanism.

Likewise, the fixture connectors17a,18a, and19aprovided in each of the first ancillary fixtures17, the main unit connector10bthat fits to the connectors, thereby outputting a plug-in signal, the unit sensors25b,27b, and30b, provided in each of the second ancillary fixtures15, and the attachment detection sensor16bthat detects the sensors, thereby outputting a detection signal act as an ancillary fixture recognition unit that recognizes a type of the first ancillary fixture17attached to the corresponding fixture storage compartment5and a type of the second ancillary fixture15attached to the corresponding attachment section16.

When reading a program and data from the storage section35in order to control the mechanism control part36cand the computation processing part36d, the execution control part36bmakes a reference to a result of recognition of the recognition processing part36e. Specifically, the execution control part36bidentifies a program and data commensurate with a type of the work head14attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13, reading the thus-identified program and data from the storage section35. In accordance with the program and the data, the execution control part36bcontrols the mechanism control part36cand the computation processing part36d.

The configuration of the display panel4ais now described by reference toFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 9, a basic operation command input part42that assumes a touch panel form intended to be used by the machine operator to enter an operation instruction for the work of a machine and a detailed information display area43are set within the display panel4a. An image of the basic operation command input part42and an image of the detailed information display area43are displayed by the display control part36acontrolling the display part38a.

The basic operation command input part42is an operation instruction input unit by way of which the machine operator performs input operation in connection with basic operation items. The basic operation command input part42is equipped with operation buttons, such as a production start button42a, a stop button42b, a calibration button42c, and a model change button42d. By actuation of these operation buttons, the input part38bperforms processing for inputting operation specifics to the execution control part36b.

By actuation of the production start button42a, the machine starts production operation. Production operation is stopped or completed by actuation of the stop button42b. By actuation of the calibration button42c, calibration processing required after the work head14of the machine has been replaced with a different type of the work head is automatically performed. By actuation of the model change button42d, processing required in association with alteration of a type of a substrate to be produced, such as data replacement processing, is automatically performed. These are example operation buttons set on the basic instruction command input part42. An operation button assigned to an operation command other than those mentioned above can also be provided, as required. Detailed information for adding supplements to descriptions of the basic operation command input part42is displayed in the detailed information display area43, as required.

In the configuration of the display panel4a, operation buttons, such as the production start button42a, the stop button42b, the calibration button42c, and the model change button42d, act as individual input parts for letting the machine operator individually input an operation instruction to the execution control part36baccording to instruction descriptions. The configuration of the display panel employed herein includes at least a work start/end instruction meaning start or end of working operation of the machine. In the present embodiment, the display panel4ain each of the machines M1to M5displays the basic operation command input part42having a display configuration, such as that shown inFIG. 9, regardless of the type of a work to be performed by the machine.

The basic operation command input part42displayed on the display panel4ais commonly provided with, regardless of the type of work, individual input parts for individual operation instructions, like the production start button42ato the model change button42d. In the present embodiment, a touch panel; namely, the individual input parts fitted into the display panel4a, is used. However, as a matter of course, an input type of the individual input part is not limited to the touch panel type. Various types of switches, such as a mechanical actuation switch and a digital switch, can be used.

By reference toFIG. 10, an explanation is now given to an operation instruction method for issuing an operation instruction for letting each of the machines M1to M5making up the electronic component mounting system1perform working operation and computation processing. First, when the configuration of the machines of the electronic component mounting system1is newly changed, the work head14and the ancillary fixtures15and17required in each of the machines M1to M5making up the electronic component mounting system1are replaced (ST1). Specifically, the machine operator performs operation for replacing the work head14, the second ancillary fixtures15, and the first ancillary fixtures17attached to the common platform with fixtures commensurate with types of works newly assigned to the respective machines.

Next, the work head14and the ancillary fixtures15and17are recognized (ST2). Specifically, the work head14, the second ancillary fixtures15, and the first ancillary fixtures17are newly attached to the X-axis movable attachment base13, the attachment section16, and the fixture storage compartment5, whereby the recognition signal39is output to the control processing section36by a plug-in function. The identification processing part36erecognizes types of work with which the newly attached work head14, the newly attached second ancillary fixtures15, and the newly attached first ancillary fixtures17are commensurate.

Work programs and computation processing programs assigned to the recognized work head14, the recognized second ancillary fixtures15, and the recognized first ancillary fixtures17and data corresponding to the programs are specified and read from the storage section35(ST3). These processing operations are performed by the execution control part36b. In relation to the machines subjected to change operation, updating software commensurate with hardware that performs operation newly assigned to the machines is thereby completed.

The machine operator subsequently inputs an operation instruction (ST4). The machine operator here selects a required instruction input on the display panel4aof the operation unit4. For instance, when the machines immediately start work for production, the production start button42aprovided in the basic operation command input part42of the display panel4ais actuated. When production is stopped, the stop button42bis actuated. When the newly attached work head14is determined to be newly subjected to calibration processing, the calibration button42cis actuated. Moreover, when a model of a mounted board to be produced needs to be changed in the course of production, the inspection processing program40dis actuated.

By the actuation operations, an operation instruction including a different description is input to the execution control part36bfrom the input part38b. According to the work program and the computation processing program specified in (ST3), the execution control part36blets the mechanism control part36cand the computation processing part36dperform control processing and computation processing commensurate with details of the operation instruction (ST5). Individual parts of the machines making up the working operation mechanism37perform the working operation commensurate with the operation instruction input by the machine operator.

Specifically, under the operation instruction method, a work program and a computation processing program corresponding to a work head recognized by the work head recognition unit are determined from the plurality of types of stored work programs and computation processing programs. The execution control part36blets the mechanism control part36cand the computation processing part36dperform control processing and computation processing commensurate with an operation instruction input from the individual input part, like the production start button42a, provided in the display panel4aby the machine operator, according to the determined work program and the determined computation processing program.

During the input operation for the operation instruction, a layout of an individual input part, like the production start button42a, of the display panel4ais common regardless of types of work descriptions assigned to the respective machines M1to M5. Even when any one of the machines M1to M5is taken as an operation target, the machine operator can perform input operation by use of a single operation screen at all times. In particular, even when an inspection machine that differs from a general working machine, like a component loader, in terms of an operation method is mixedly present in the electronic component mounting system1, it becomes possible to use a standardized operation input method for all of the machines. Even when an inexperienced operator monitors the electronic component mounting system1made up of machines including a plurality of types of work descriptions and performs maintenance of the system, it becomes easy for the operator to become familiar with the operation method, so that work load imposed on the operator during performance of operation input action can be lessened.

The present invention has been described in detail by reference to the specific embodiment. However, it is manifest to those skilled in the art that the present invention be susceptible to various alterations or modifications without departing the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present patent application is based on Japanese Patent Application (JP-A-2008-258137) filed on Oct. 3, 2008, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The electronic component mounting system and the operation instruction method for use with the electronic component mounting system of the present invention yield an effect of standardizing a method for operating and making an input to respective electronic component mounting machines making up an electronic component mounting line and enabling lessening of work load imposed on an operator during performance of operating input action. Thus, the system and the method are useful for an electronic component mounting system built by interlinking of a plurality of machines.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SYMBOLS