Surface mounting device and an informing method

An informing device includes a loading section feeding automatically a subsequent component tape that is preset in the tape feeder when the component tape that is being fed by the feeding device has no component. A controller is configured to determine whether the component tape that is being fed by the feeding device and the subsequent component tape are present in the tape feeder or only one of the component tape and the subsequent component tape is present in the tape feeder based on a management table, and configured to control a display section to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder before the subsequent component tape is preset when only one of the component tapes is present in the tape feeder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2017/039294, filed Oct. 31, 2017, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The technology described herein relates to an informing device of informing information on a tape feeder and an informing method.

Background Art

There has been known a tape feeder that feeds a component tape that includes components thereon to a component supply position to supply the components to a component mounting device. There have been known some tape feeders in which two component tapes can be present at the same time, as described, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-11328.

Specifically, the feeder2described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-11328 includes a tape chute2S in which the supply tape60(corresponding to a component tape) is inserted and a detachable tape presser plate38that presses the supply tape60on the tape chute2S from the above. When the component tape60inserted in the tape chute2S (corresponds to a first tape feed path) is automatically loaded and used for mounting the components in the feeder2, an operator detaches the tape presser plate38and lifts up an intermediate portion of the supply tape60so as to travel above the tape presser plate38(corresponds to a second tape feed path).

Next, the operator inserts a top end portion60a′ of the supply tape60′ to be used next in the tape chute2S and attaches the tape presser plate38from the above. Thus, the subsequent supply tape60′ is previously inserted in the tape chute2S before all of the electronic components included in the currently used supply tape60are used. In the following description, the operation of previously inserting the subsequent supply tape60′ is referred to as “presetting”.

If the control device80of the electronic component mounting device1determines all of the electronic components included in the currently used supply tape60are used, the preset subsequent supply tape60′ is automatically loaded.

SUMMARY

In the automatic loading of the subsequent supply tape60′, if another subsequent supply tape is not preset before all of the electronic components included in the component tape60′ are used, the mounting operation of the component mounting device may be stopped due to the component shortages. However, the operator is not always near the feeder2and often works in another place. Therefore, the operator is less likely to know that the subsequent supply tape60′ has been automatically loaded (in other words, a further subsequent supply tape can be preset).

The specification discloses the technology of improving utility for an operator's operations of presetting a component tape in a tape feeder that automatically loads a preset component tape.

An informing device described herein is an informing device informing information on a tape feeder that supplies a component to a component mounting device by feeding a component tape including the component to a component supply position. The informing device includes a feeding device feeding the component tape toward the component supply position, a loading section automatically feeding a subsequent component tape that is preset in the tape feeder to the feeding device when the component tape that is being fed by the feeding device has no component, an informing section, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether the component tape that is being fed by the feeding device and the subsequent component tape are present in the tape feeder or only one of the component tape and the subsequent component tape is present in the tape feeder based on management information for managing presence of the component tape in the tape feeder, and configured to control the informing section to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder before the subsequent component tape is preset when only the one of the component tape and the subsequent component tape is present in the tape feeder.

The above informing device informs that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder if only one component tape is in the tape feeder. Thus, the operator can know that the subsequent component tape can be preset. According to the informing device, in the tape feeder that performs loading of the preset component tape, utility for the user who presets the component tape can be improved.

The controller may be configured to control the informing section to keep informing that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder until the subsequent component is preset.

The informing device keeps displaying that presetting is possible. Therefore, when the operator stops by the informing device for some work, the operator can easily know that the subsequent component tape can be preset. The operator who knows that the subsequent component tape can be preset can preset the component tape while doing another work. Therefore, the operator need not quit another work to go to the place where the tape feeder is installed every time the tape feeder is in the state in which presetting is possible. According to the informing device, the working efficiency of the operator who presets the component tape can be improved.

The tape feeder may include a tape feed path along which the component tape is fed. When only the one component tape is present in the tape feeder and the one component tape is preset in the tape feed path, the controller may be configured to control the informing section to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feed path after the one component tape is fed by the loading section and reaches the feeding device.

According to the above informing device, the operator presets the subsequent component tape after the loading of a preceding component tape is completed. This reduces possibility of presetting of the subsequent component tape during the loading of the preceding component tape.

The tape feed path may include a first tape feed path in which the subsequent component tape is preset, a second tape feed path that is next to the first tape feed path, and a switching section configured to switch the tape feed path for the component tape that is fed by the loading section and reaches the feeding device from the first tape feed path to the second tape feed path. When only the one component tape is present in the tape feeder and the one component tape is preset in the first tape feed path, the controller may be configured to control the informing section to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the first tape feed path after the one component tape is fed by the loading section and reaches the feeding device.

According to the informing device, in the tape feeder including the branched tape feed paths including the first tape feed path and the second tape feed path, the operator can know that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the first tape feed path.

The controller may be configured to control the informing section to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder and also inform information on a number of remaining components stored in the component tape that is fed to the feeding device by the loading section and supplying the component to the component mounting device.

If the number of remaining components included in the component tape that is fed to the feeding device (namely, the component tape that is supplying the components) is small, it is desirable for the operator to preset the subsequent component tape as soon as possible.

According to the informing device, the operator can know the number of remaining components included in the component tape that is supplying the components from the information relating the number of remaining components. Therefore, if the number of remaining components is small, presetting is performed promptly and the possibility of stopping the mounting operation of the component mounting device due to the component shortage is reduced. Furthermore, according to the informing device, when the subsequent component tape can be preset in several tape feeders, one of the tape feeders in which the subsequent component tape is to be preset first can be determined based on the information relating the number of remaining components.

The tape feeder may include a light emitting section. The controller may be configured to control the light emitting section to light, blink, or flicker before the subsequent tape is preset in the tape feed path when only the one component tape is present in the tape feeder.

The informing device described above displays that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder with lighting, blinking, or flickering of the light emitting section of the tape feeder in addition to the display on the informing section. Therefore, the operator knows whether the subsequent component tape can be preset or not more easily.

The controller may be configured to control the informing section not to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder until mounting of the components on a predefined number of boards is completed after the component mounting device starts mounting the components on a first board.

When the production of the boards is started, the components are supplied for a while from the component tape that has been set first. It is preferable to set first component tapes in all of the tape feeders, respectively, and start production and perform presetting thereafter. If it is informed that the subsequent component tape can be preset in this case, such informing may be excessive in some cases.

In the above informing device, the controller controls not to inform that presetting is possible until mounting of the components on a predefined number of boards is completed after the component mounting device starts mounting the components on a first board.

The controller may be configured to control the informing section not to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder when the component mounting device can complete mounting of the components on a scheduled number of boards with the components stored in the component tape that is fed to the feeding device by the loading section.

If the component mounting device can complete the mounting of the components onto the scheduled number of boards with the components stored in the component tape that is fed to the feeding device, the subsequent component tape need not be preset. In such a case, the display indicating that presetting is possible may make an operator to perform unnecessary presetting.

The above informing device does not inform that a subsequent component tape can be preset. This prevents an operator from performing unnecessary presetting.

The component tape may be wound around a tape reel. When the tape reel around which the component tape preset in the tape feeder has a diameter greater than a reference value, the controller may be configured to control the informing section to inform that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder after the component tape is fed by the loading section and reaches the feeding device and the components are supplied from the component tape and when a length of a remaining component tape becomes a certain length or smaller.

The component tape is normally fed to the tape feeder while being wound around a tape reel. However, the tape feeder may have a small space for receiving the tape reel. If the reel has a small diameter (the reel having a diameter smaller than a reference value), two reels can be installed in the space at the same time. However, if the reel has a large diameter (the reel having a diameter of the reference value or larger), two reels may not be installed in the space at the same time.

Therefore, in the above informing device, the components are supplied from the component tape that is wound around the large diameter tape reel and if a length of the remaining component tape is a predefined length or smaller, the indication that presetting is possible is informed.

In such a case, the operator who knows that presetting is possible releases the rest of the component tape from the tape reel and detaches only the tape reel. This provides a space that can receive the tape reel of the subsequent component tape. Then, the operator installs the tape reel of the subsequent component tape and presets the component tape that is wound around the tape reel.

Thus, according to the above informing device, even if two large diameter tape reels cannot be installed at the same time, the operator can preset the subsequent component tape before the number of components included in the component tape that is supplying the components becomes zero.

A method of informing with an informing device described herein is a method of informing information on a tape feeder that supplies components to a component mounting device by feeding a component tape including the components to a component supply position. The method includes a loading process of automatically feeding the subsequent component tape that is preset in the tape feeder when the component tape that is being fed by the feeding device for feeding the component tape to the component supply position has no component, and an informing process of determining whether the component tape fed by the feeding device and the subsequent component tape are present in the tape feeder or only one component tape is present in the tape feeder based on management information for managing presence of the component tape in the tape feeder, and informing with the informing device that the subsequent component tape can be preset in the tape feeder before the subsequent component tape is preset when only the one component tape is present in the tape feeder.

According to the above informing method, utility for an operator's operations of presetting a component tape in a tape feeder that automatically loads a preset component tape can be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

A first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 16. In the following description, the left-right direction and the front-back direction inFIG. 1correspond to an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, respectively, and the vertical direction corresponds to a Z-axis direction inFIG. 2. In the following description, the right side and the left side inFIG. 1correspond to an upstream side and a downstream side, respectively. In the following description, some of the same components are not provided with symbols in the drawings.

(1) Whole Configuration of Surface Mounting Device

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a surface mounting device1includes a component mounting device10and four tape component supply devices40. The component mounting device10mounts components E such as electronic components on a board P such as a printed circuit board. The tape component supply device40supplies the components E included in a component tape90(referFIG. 3) to the component mounting device10.

(1-1) Component Mounting Device

The component mounting device10includes a base mount11, a back-up mechanism, which is not illustrated, a transfer conveyer12, a head unit13, a head transfer section15, two component imaging cameras18, a controller101, and a display section102(one example of an informing section) that are illustrated inFIG. 10. The controller101and the display section102configure an informing device in the first embodiment.

The base mount11has a rectangular plan view shape and a flat upper surface. A quadrangular frame A illustrated with a chain double-dashed line represents a working space for mounting the component E on the board P.

The back-up mechanism, which is not illustrated, is disposed below the working space A. The back-up mechanism fixes and lifts up the board P that has been conveyed by the transfer conveyer12to the working space A.

The transfer conveyer12is configured to introduce the board P to the working space A from an upstream side with respect to the X-axis direction and discharge the board P on which the components E are mounted in the working space A to a downstream side. The transfer conveyer12includes a pair of conveyer belts12A,12B and a conveyer driving motor115(referFIG. 10). The conveyer belts12A,12B are moved in circulation in the X-axis direction. The conveyer driving motor115drives the conveyer belts12A and12B. The conveyer belt12A on the back side is movable in the front-back direction so as to adjust a distance between the two conveyer belts12A and12B according to a width of the board P.

The head unit13supports mount heads14that suction and release the components E. A configuration of the head unit13will be described later.

The head transfer section15transfers the head unit13in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction within a certain movable area. The head transfer section15includes a beam16, a pair of Y-axis guide rails17, an X-axis servo motor111, and a Y-axis servo motor112. The beam16supports the head unit13so as to be movable in the X-axis direction in a reciprocating manner. The Y-axis guide rails17support the beam16so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction in a reciprocating manner. The X-axis servo motor111is configured to move the head unit13in the X-axis direction in a reciprocating manner. The Y-axis servo motor112is configured to move the beam16in the Y-axis direction in a reciprocating manner.

The two component imaging cameras18capture images of the components E from a lower side that are suctioned by the mount heads14. The component imaging camera18on the front side is disposed between the two tape component supply devices40that are disposed on a front side of the transfer conveyer12and are arranged in the X-axis direction. The component imaging camera18on the back side is disposed between the two tape component supply devices40that are disposed on a back side of the transfer conveyer12and are arranged in the X-axis direction.

Next, the head unit13will be described with reference toFIG. 2. The head unit13includes mount heads14(eight mount heads14in this embodiment), Z-axis servo motors113(FIG. 10), and a R-axis servo motor114(FIG. 10). Each of the mount heads14is supported so as to be moved up and down and rotatable around an axis thereof. Each of the Z-axis servo motors113is configured to move up and down each mount head14independently. The R-axis servo motor114is configured to rotate all of the mount heads14around the respective axes at the same time. The head unit13in this embodiment is a so-called in-line type head unit and includes the mount heads14that are arranged in the X-axis direction. The in-line type head unit13is described as one example; however, the head unit13may be a so-called rotary head including the mount heads14that are arranged on a circumference of the head unit13.

Each mount head14includes a nozzle shaft14A and a suction nozzle14B that is attached to a lower edge of the nozzle shaft14A so as to be detachable. The suction nozzle14B is supplied with negative pressure and positive pressure from an air supply device, which is not illustrated, via the nozzle shaft14A. The suction nozzle14B suctions the component E according to the supply of negative pressure and releases the component E according to the supply of positive pressure.

(1-2) Tape Component Supply Device

First, the component tape90will be described with reference toFIG. 3. The component tape90includes a carrier tape92, the components E, and a top tape93. The carrier tape92includes recesses91that are arranged at equal intervals in a longitudinal direction thereof. The components E are stored in the respective recesses91. The top tape93is bonded to an upper surface of the carrier tape92. The component tape90includes feeder holes94on one edge section thereof. The feeder holes are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction and teeth of a sprocket included in the tape feeder50(referFIG. 1) are inserted in the respective feeder holes94. According to rotation of the sprocket, the component tape90is conveyed.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, two tape component supply devices40are arranged in the X-axis direction on each of the front side and the back side of the transfer conveyer12. Four tape component supply devices40are arranged in total. As illustrated inFIG. 4, each tape component supply device40includes a feeder install section41where the tape feeders50are installed and a reel support section43that supports a tape reel42(hereinafter, simply referred to as a reel42) around which the component tape90is wound.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the tape feeders50are installed in the feeder install section41to be arranged laterally and aligned with each other.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the reel support section43is disposed on a back lower side with respect to the feeder install section41. The reel support section43includes reel holders45and two reel holders45are included in every tape feeder50. The reel holder45rotatably supports the reel42around which the component tape90is wound. One of the two reel holders45is disposed on an upper level and another one is disposed on a lower level. Casters46that support the tape component supply device40to be movable are attached to a lower surface of the reel support section43.

A reel ID is assigned to each of the reels42to uniquely identify each reel42. A component ID is used to represent a type of the component; however, in this embodiment, different reel IDs are assigned to the reels42around which the component tapes90including the components having the same component ID are wound. Bar codes (not illustrated) representing the reel IDs are labelled on the surfaces of the reels42(for example, side surfaces).

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the tape feeder50includes a body section51, and a tape feed path52, a switching member53(one example of a switching section), a loading section54, a feeding device55, a tape guide56, a first tape sensor57, a second tape sensor58, a third tape sensor59, a feeder control section, which is not illustrated, an operation section71(referFIG. 6), and an indicator61(referFIG. 6) that are arranged in the body section51.

The body section51is made of aluminum with die casting and has a long shape elongated in the front-back direction (the Y-axis direction). The position S inFIG. 5is a component supply position where the component E is supplied to the component mounting device10. A feeder ID is assigned to the tape feeder50for uniquely identifying the tape feeder50and a bar code (not illustrated) representing the feeder ID is labelled on the surface of the body section51(for example, an upper surface or a back surface).

The tape feed path52is a feed path along which the component tape90is fed and extends through a back portion of the body section51in the front-back direction. The tape feed path52includes a narrow and long front-side feed path62in a front portion thereof and a back-side feed path63in a back portion thereof. The back-side feed path63becomes wider in a vertical direction as it extends backwards from a border between the front-side feed path62and the back-side feed path63. The component tape90that is inserted into the tape feed path52travels out of the tape feed path52in a middle portion of the body section51with respect to the front-back direction. The component tape90is exposed from the body section51upward and fed to the component supply position S along the upper surface of the body section51.

The switching member53is attached to the back-side feed path63from the back side of the tape feeder50so as to be detachable therefrom. The switching member53is configured to define the back-side feed path63into a first tape feed path63A and a second tape feed path63B and also configured to switch the tape feed path for the component tape90that is inserted (set) in the first tape feed path63A and loaded to the second tape feed path63B. When the switching member53is mounted in the back-side feed path63, the second tape feed path63B is next to the first tape feed path63A. A configuration of the switching member53and switching of the tape feed path while using the switching member53will be described later.

The loading section54is included above the first tape feed path63A to face the first tape feed path63A. The loading section54is configured to automatically feed the component tape90whose top end portion is inserted to the first tape feed path63A to the feeding device55(namely, loading). The loading section54includes a back-side sprocket65and a gear group66. The back-side sprocket65includes teeth that are to be fit in the feeding holes of the component tape90that is inserted in the first tape feed path63A. The gear group66is configured to transfer rotation driving power of a back-side motor64to the back-side sprocket65.

The feeding device55is installed in a front side portion of the body section51and is disposed on a downstream side in the feeding direction of the component tape90than the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B. The feeding device55includes a front-side motor67, a front-side sprocket68, and a gear group69. The front-side sprocket68includes teeth that are to be engaged with the feeding holes of the component tape90. The gear group69is configured to transfer rotation driving power of the front-side motor67to the front-side sprocket68. The front-side sprocket68that is meshed with the loaded component tape90is intermittently rotated to stop the component tape90such that each of the components E included in the component tape90is stopped at the component supply position S sequentially to supply the components E.

The loading is completed when the component tape90is fed by the loading section54to the feeding device55and meshed with the teeth of the front-side sprocket68of the feeding device55.

The tape guide56is mounted on a front portion of the upper surface of the body section51. The tape guide56is for guiding the component tape90that has travelled through the tape feed path52and is exposed upward from the body section51to the front-side sprocket68and has a narrow long shape in the front-back direction.

An exposing device, which is not illustrated, is disposed inside the tape guide56and on a backward side than the component supply position S (in other words, on an upstream side in the tape feed direction than the component supply position S). The exposing device is for removing the top tape93to expose the component E. As illustrated inFIG. 3, one edge side portion of the top tape93is peeled off by the exposing device and folded toward one side of the carrier tape92. Accordingly, the components E stored in the recesses91are exposed. The exposing device may cut a middle portion of the top tape93and opens on both sides to expose the components E.

The first tape sensor57, the second tape sensor58, and the third tape sensor59are for detecting whether the component tape90is present or not. The first tape sensor57is disposed to face the first tape feed path63A of the back-side feed path63. The second tape sensor58is disposed to face the front-side feed path62. The third tape sensor59is disposed on a downstream side in the feeding direction of the component tape90than the front-side sprocket68of the feeding device55.

The feeder control section, which is not illustrated, is disposed in a lower section of the tape feeder50and configured to control each section of the tape feeder50under control by the controller101of the component mounting device10, which will be described later.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the operation section71is included on the back-side upper surface of the body section51. The operation section71includes a loading button and a discharge button. An operator operates the operation section71to manually instruct the device to load or discharge the component tape90.

The indicator61includes three LEDS70(one example of a light emitting section) of green, yellow, and red. The LEDs70are for informing the number of remaining components E in the component tape90that is loaded and supplying the components E to the component mounting device10by the color of the LED70. If the number of remaining components E is sufficiently large, the green LED70is lighted on. If the number of remaining components E is getting smaller, the yellow LED70is lighted on. If the number of remaining components E is quite small, the red LED70is lighted on.

The color of red represents a warning indicating that the remaining number is very small. If the remaining number is very small, the controller101of the component mounting device10, which will be described later, lights on the red LED70and makes a predefined warning noise to warn the operator. In this embodiment, the waring noise is referred to as an operator call.

Although details will be described later, the indicator61is used for displaying that a subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A.

(1-3) Configuration of Switching Member and Switching of Tape Feed Path Using Switching Member

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the switching member53includes an upper member80and a lower member81. The upper member80and the lower member81are joined each other at one ends thereof (the right side portions inFIG. 7) with a connecting screw82. A coil spring, which is not illustrated, is wound around a shaft of the connecting screw82. Therefore, when the switching member53is detached from the body section51, another ends of the upper member80and the lower member81are slightly away from each other due to an elastic force of the coil spring.

The lower member81of the switching member53includes flange portions83that extend from two side surfaces thereof with respect to a width direction of the component tape90to be fed, respectively. The body section51includes slits84on two side surfaces of the back-side feed path63so as to open backward thereof. The slits84are formed in a thin and long shape extending in the front-back direction. The switching member53is attached to the body section51while the portion thereof including the connecting screw82being as a front side. The flange portions83of the lower member81are supported by the slits84.

The upper member80includes contact walls85that extend upward slightly from the respective edges of the upper surface thereof with respect to the width direction. The contact walls85have a space therebetween and the space is larger than the width dimension of the component tape90. A part of the teeth of the back-side sprocket65of the loading section54is put in the space between the contact walls85when the switching member53is attached to the body section51.

When the switching member53is attached to the body section51, the contact walls85receive an upward force due to an elastic restoring force of the coil spring. Accordingly, the switching member53is held in the back-side feed path63. This suppresses the switching member53from being detached from the body section51.

FIG. 8illustrates the component tape90that is inserted into the first tape feed path63A and fed by the loading section54and reaches the feeding device55and is meshed with the front-side sprocket68of the feeding device55(the state illustrated inFIG. 5). Since the component tape90is meshed with the front-side sprocket868, the component tape90can continue to be fed even after the tape feed path for the subsequent component tape90that is inserted (set) in the first tape feed path63A and loaded is switched to the second tape feed path63B.

If the operator detaches the switching member53in this state, the component tape90drops because of its own weight as illustrated inFIG. 7. If the operator attaches the switching member53in this state, the back-side feed path63is divided into the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B by the switching member53again as illustrated inFIG. 9. The tape feed path for the component tape90is switched from the first tape feed path63A to the second tape feed path63B.

(2) Electric Configuration of Component Mounting Device

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the component mounting device10includes the controller101, the display section102, and an operation section103. The controller101includes a calculation processing section104, a motor controller105, a storing section106, an image processing section107, an external input/output section108, a feeder communication section109, and a server communication section110.

The calculation processing section104includes a CPU, a ROM, and RAM and is configured to execute a control program stored in the ROM to control each of the sections of the surface mounting device1. The calculation processing section104may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) instead of or in addition to the CPU.

The motor controller105is configured to rotate each of the X-axis servo motor111, the Y-axis servo motor112, the Z-axis servo motor113, the R-axis servo motor114, and the conveyer driving motor115under the control of the calculation processing section104.

The storing section106stores various kinds of data. Various kinds of data includes information on the produced number of boards P or the type of boards P that are to be produced, information on the mounting coordinate or the mounting angle of the components E, and information on the mounting order of the components E.

The image processing section107is configured to receive image signals that are output by the component imaging camera18and generate digital images based on the output image signals.

The external input/output section108is a so-called interface and is configured to receive detection signals that are output by various kinds of sensors116that are included in a body section of the component mounting device10. The external input/output section108is configured to control operations on various kinds of actuators117based on the control signals that are output by the calculation processing section104.

The feeder communication section109is connected to a feeder controller of each tape feeder50. The controller101controls the tape feeders50via the feeder communication section109. The controller101receives detection signals detected by the tape sensor of each tape feeder50via the feeder communication section109.

The server communication section110is for communicating with a server computer120(hereinafter, simply referred to as a server120) that manages information on each of the tape feeders50that are installed in the tape component supply device40. The server communication section110is connected to the server120via a transmission network such as a local area network (LAN) so as to establish communication.

The display section102includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and a driving circuit that drives the display device. Although details will be described later, the display section102displays (one example of informing) that presetting is possible when a subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A.

The operation section103includes an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse. An operator can perform various setting by operating the operation section103.

(3) Management Table for Tape Feeder

Next, the management table130(one example of management information) that is stored in the server120will be described with reference toFIGS. 11A-11C. The management table130is a table for collectively managing information on each of the tape feeders50that are installed in the tape component supply device40. As illustrated inFIG. 11A, the management table130includes a feeder set position box, a feeder ID box, a first reel ID box, and a second reel ID box. The management table130includes other boxes which are not described.

The feeder set position box previously stores the position in the feeder install section41of the tape component supply device40where the tape feeder50is installed. The feeder ID box previously stores the feeder ID of the tape feeder50that is installed in the feeder install section41of the tape component supply device40.

Specifically, each of the tape feeders50is electrically connected to the component mounting device10so as to transmit corresponding to the feeder set position. Therefore, the controller101can obtain the feeder ID and the feeder set position of each tape feeder50. The feeder ID and the feeder set position that are obtained by the controller101are transmitted from the controller101to the server120and the feeder ID and the feeder set position that are associated with each other are registered in the management table130.

When only one component tape90is present in the tape feeder50, the reel ID of the reel around which the one component tape90is wound is registered in the first reel ID box. When two component tapes90(namely, a preceding component tape90and a subsequent component tape90) are present in the tape feeder50, the reel ID of the component tape90that is present in the second tape feed path is registered in the second reel ID box.

The reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box when a component tape90is detected by the first tape sensor57after the reel ID is read by a barcode reader, which will be described later. The reel ID that is registered in the first reel ID box is deleted when the reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box and no reel ID is registered in the second reel ID box and the component tape90is discharged in response to determination that the component tape90has no component. When the reel IDs are registered in both of the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box, respectively, the reel ID that is registered in the second reel ID box is deleted in response to determination that the component tape90has no component.

FIG. 12illustrates the tape feeder50before starting the mounting of the components E on the board P (hereinafter, referred to as production). InFIG. 12, an operator sets a first component tape90in the first tape feed path63A to start producing the board P.

An operator reads the reel ID of the tape reel42around which the component tape90to be set with using a portable type barcode reader (not illustrated) that is connected to the server120so as to establish communication before setting the component tape90in the tape feeder50. Then, the operator sets a top end portion of the component tape90in the first tape feed path63A of the tape feeder. When the top end portion of the component tape90is set in the first tape feed path63A, the component tape90is detected by the first tape sensor57and the read reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box of at the corresponding feeder set position. In other words, the reel ID is registered when a new component tape90is inserted in the first tape feed path63A and detected by the first tape sensor57.

The tape feeder50may include a feeder instruction LED that is different from the indicator61described earlier. The feeder instruction LED of the tape feeder50in which the component tape90is to be set may be lighted on. According to such a configuration, the operator can easily know the tape feeder50in which the component tape90is to be set.

The reel ID may be read after the component tape90is set (or preset) in the first tape feed path.

As illustrated inFIG. 11B, the feeder ID and the reel ID that have been read are transmitted to the server120and the transmitted reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box of the management table130that is included in the same row having the feeder ID that matches the transmitted feeder ID. If the reel ID of another component tape90is read while the reel ID being registered in the first reel ID box and the component tape90is detected by the first tape sensor57, as illustrated inFIG. 11A, the reel ID registered in the first reel ID box is moved up to the second reel ID box and the reel ID of the other component tape90is registered in the first reel ID box.

In other words, the reel ID is registered in the second reel ID box when the reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box and the subsequent component tape90is preset. The reel ID that has been registered in the first reel box is shifted to the second reel ID box.

In this embodiment, the first tape sensor57is disposed on a downstream side of the back-side sprocket65and the component tape90is detected by the first tape sensor57at a position where the set (or preset) component tape90is meshed with the back-side sprocket65and further fed. However, the first tape sensor57may be disposed on an upstream side of the back-side sprocket65as long as the component tape90is meshed with the sprocket65.

When the reels42are installed in the respective tape feeders50, the above-described series of reading and registering operations are performed for every set of the tape feeder50and the reel42. Namely, if the feeder IDs or the reel IDs are read successively, an alarm is output and the reading cannot be accepted.

If the tape feed path is switched to the second tape feed path63B and the component tape90is discharged with no component, the reel ID is deleted from the second reel ID box as illustrated inFIG. 11C.

If the tape path for the loaded component tape90is not switched to the second tape feed path63B, the reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box. Furthermore, even if the tape path is switched, a subsequent component tape90may not be preset. In such a case, the state is maintained and the component tape90(a loaded component tape90) supplies the components and if the component tape90has no component any more, the component tape90is discharged. The reel ID is deleted from the first reel ID box and no reel ID is registered in any of the reel ID boxes.

If the component tape90is present in each of the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B (namely, if the two component tapes90are present in the tape feeder50) and the preset component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A is pulled out due to some reasons, the component tape90is not detected by the first tape sensor57and the reel ID registered in the first reel ID box is deleted.

In such a state, the reel ID registered in the second reel ID box is moved down to the first reel ID box. Namely, the reel ID registered in the first reel ID box is not necessarily the reel ID of the reel around which the component tape90preset in the first tape feed path63A is wound but may be the reel ID of the reel around which the component tape90that is present in the second tape feed path63B.

The management table130is stored not only in the server120but the same data related to the component mounting device10may be stored in the storing section106of the controller101.

Only for determining whether the presetting is possible or not, the presence of the component tape90may be registered in the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box of the management table130instead of the reel IDs.

(4) Displaying that Presetting is Possible

In this embodiment, the following operation is referred to as setting of the component tape90. In an initial state having no component tape90, the component tape90is inserted in the first tape feed path63A and is meshed with the teeth of the back-side sprocket65and supported by the switching member53to maintain the engagement state.

In the present embodiment, the following operation is referred to as presetting. When the previously set component tape90is loaded to be able to supply the components E, the subsequent component tape90is set in the first tape feed path. Namely, presetting is a special case of setting.

The controller101determines whether the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A based on the management table130and the detection result of each of the tape sensors. If it is determined that the presetting is possible, the controller101keeps displaying on the display section102that the presetting is possible until the subsequent component tape90is preset in the first tape feed path63A. It is determined that the presetting is possible, when the reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box and no reel ID is registered in the second reel ID box.

It is determined that the component tape is preset, when the reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box and no reel ID is registered in the second reel ID box as illustrated inFIG. 11Cand the component tape is detected by the first tape sensor57.

It is determined whether presetting is possible not based on the detection results of the first to third tape sensors but based on the management table130because it cannot be determined appropriately whether presetting is possible only based on combinations of the detection results of ON (the component tape90is present) and OFF (the component tape90is not present). Hereinafter, details will be described.

The component tape90is detected by the first to third tape sensors at the same time when the same component tape90is detected by the three tape sensors as illustrated inFIG. 5and when the first tape sensor57detects the component tape90that is inserted in the first tape feed path63A and the second and third tape sensors detect another component tape90that is inserted in the second tape feed path63B as illustrated inFIG. 13.

In the state illustrated inFIG. 5, if the tape feed path for the component tape90that is inserted in the first tape feed path63A is switched to the second tape feed path63B, the first tape feed path63A becomes free and the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A. On the other hand, in the state illustrated inFIG. 13, the component tape90is present in each of the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B. Therefore, another component tape90cannot be preset. Thus, it cannot be determined correctly whether presetting is possible or not only by the first to third tape sensors. The first to third tape sensors are used in an auxiliary manner for displaying that presetting is possible or not.

Next, the processes that are performed when the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A will be specifically described. In the following two cases, presetting is possible in this embodiment.

When no component tape90is in the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B, the component tape90is set in the first tape feed path63A and loaded.

When no component tape90is in the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B and the component tape90is set in the first tape feed path63A, the component tape90is loaded. The loading of the component tape90is started when the component tape90is set in the first tape feed path63A and the operation section71of the tape feeder50is operated or when the operation start button of the surface mounting device1is pressed after set-up changes.

After the loading is completed, the operator switches the tape feed path for the loaded component tape90to the second tape feed path63B and this allows the subsequent component tape90to be preset in the first tape feed path63A.

If the loading is not completed, the tape feed path can be switched as long as the component tape90is meshed with the front-side sprocket68and therefore, presetting is possible. It cannot be determined whether the component tape90is meshed with the front-side sprocket68until the component tape90is detected by the third tape sensor59. Therefore, if the third tape sensor59detects the component tape90, the display indicating that presetting is possible is allowed.

Namely, after the component tape90is inserted in the tape feed path63A and the first reel ID is registered as illustrated inFIG. 11B, the loading is started. Then, if the component tape90is detected by the third tape sensor59, the display indicating that presetting is possible is allowed. The loading is completed when the component tape90stops to allow the component E to be sucked. Therefore, it is preferable to display that presetting is possible after the component tape90stops and the loading is completed.

In the present embodiment, the feeding device55includes only one front-side sprocket68. The feeding device55may include at least two sprockets arranged along the tape feed path. After the component tape90is meshed with one sprocket, a subsequently fed component tape90may be meshed with another one sprocket. In such a configuration, if the tape is meshed with the first sprocket, the switching of the tape feed path can be performed. In such a configuration, the exposing device for removing the cover tape from the component tape90to expose the component E is preferably disposed between the two sprockets and the tape sensor detecting the component tape90may be disposed between the first sprocket and the exposing device within the feeding device55. If the component tape90is detected by the tape sensor, the display indicating that presetting is possible is allowed.

If the component tape90that is in the second tape feed path63B has no components, the component tape90is discharged and the component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A is loaded.

If the component tape90that is in the second tape feed path63B has no components, the component tape90is discharged and the component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A is automatically loaded. If the loading is completed, the operator switches the tape feed path for the loaded component tape90to the second tape feed path63B such that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A. Other processes in the case B are similar to those in the case A.

Next, the flow of displaying that presetting is possible with using the management table130will be described more specifically.

As described earlier,FIG. 12illustrates a state in which the operator sets the first component tape90in the first tape feed path63A. In this case, as illustrated inFIG. 11B, the reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box. Therefore, the management table is changed from the state in which no reel ID is registered in each of the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box to the state in which the reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box.

When the management table is changed to the state in which the reel ID is registered in only the first reel ID box, the controller101controls the loading section54to feed the component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A to the feeding device55(namely, loading the component tape90).

As described earlier, the loading of the component tape90is started when the component tape90is set in the tape feed path63A and the operation section71of the tape feeder50is operated or when the operation start button of the surface mounting device1is pressed after the set-up changes.

If the component tape90is detected by the third tape sensor59, the controller101supposes that the loading is completed (in other words, the component tape90reaches the feeding device55) and stops the loading section54. Accordingly, the loading of the component tape90that is set in the first tape feed path63A is completed (namely, the above-described case A is established).

If the component tape90is set (or preset) in the first tape feed path63A and the component tape90is pulled out before starting the loading, the first tape sensor57does not detect the component tape90. Such information is transmitted from the controller101of the component mounting device10to the server120and the reel ID is deleted from the first reel ID box. Therefore, the loading is not performed. If the controller101detects that the component tape90is not detected by the first tape sensor57, the loading may not be performed (namely, the controller may not rotate the motor64).

After completing the loading, the controller101keeps displaying on the display section102that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A until the subsequent component tape90is preset in the first tape feed path63A. Specific displaying manners will be described later.

Namely, if the management table130is shifted to the state in which the reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box (the state illustrated inFIG. 11B), the loading is started. If the component tape90is meshed with the front-side sprocket68and detected by the third tape sensor59, it is supposed that the loading is completed and the display indicating that presetting is possible is started.

The operator looks at the display section102and notices that presetting is possible and switches the tape feed path for the component tape90that is inserted in the first tape feed path63A to the second tape feed path63B as illustrated inFIG. 13and presets the subsequent component tape90in the first tape feed path63A. After reading the feeder ID and the reel ID with the barcode scanner, the operator presets the subsequent component tape90in the first tape feed path.

If the first tape sensor57detects the preset component tape90, the reel ID that is registered in the first reel ID box is moved up to the second reel ID box and the reel ID of the preset component tape90is registered in the first reel ID box as illustrated inFIG. 11A. Namely, the management table130is shifted from the state in which a reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box to the state in which reel IDs are registered in both of the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box, respectively. If the management table130is shifted to this state, the controller101determines that the subsequent component tape90is preset in the first tape feed path63A and cancels the display indicating that presetting is possible.

The tape feed path for the component tape90is switched to the second tape feed path63B by the operator and such a component tape90is fed by the feeding device55sequentially and the components E are supplied to the component mounting device10. If the second tape sensor58does not detect the component tape90and the mount head14fails to suction the component E a certain number of times or more (for example, three times) successively, the controller101determines the component tape has no component thereon.

The method of determining whether the components E run out or not is not limited to the above described one but may be another one. For example, the number of components E that have been suctioned from one component tape90is counted and when the counted number reaches the number of components E included in the component tape90, it may be determined that the components run out. Or when the whole component tape90has been fed and the third tape sensor59detects no tape, it may be determined that the components run out.

If determining that the component tape has no component, the controller101rotates the feeding device55and discharges the component tape90to the front side. As illustrated inFIG. 11C, the reel ID of the discharged component tape90is deleted from the second reel ID box of the management table130. Accordingly, the management table130is shifted from the state in which a reel ID is registered in each of the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box to the state in which a reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box.

The component tape90that is a target to be discharged may be completely discharged when the subsequent component tape90is loaded and pushes out the component tape90that is a target to be discharged. In such a case, since the subsequent component tape90pushes out the component tape90that is a target to be discharged, a border between the two tapes may not be found. Therefore, when the front-side sprocket68starts to rotate continuously for discharging the component tape90that is a target to be discharged, it may be supposed that the component tape90that is a target to be discharged is discharged and the reel ID may be deleted. Or when predetermined time is passed after the front-side sprocket68has started to rotate continuously, it may be supposed that the component tape90to be discharged is discharged and the reel ID may be deleted.

If the management table is shifted to the state in which a reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box, the controller101performs loading of the component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A (namely, the case B described earlier is established). If the loading is completed, the controller101displays on the display section102that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path63A. Subsequent operations are similar and will not be described.

If the operator does not preset the subsequent component tape90after the loading of the component tape90that is set in the first tape feed path63A, the loaded component tape90is fed sequentially while being inserted in the first tape feed path63A and the components are supplied. If the component tape90has no component any more, the tape is discharged. Then, the reel ID of the component tape90is deleted from the first reel ID box. Then, no reel ID is registered in each of the first reel ID box and the second ID box and therefore, the display indicating that the presetting is possible is cancelled.

A personal computer that is present away from the surface mounting device1may display that presetting is possible. In such a case, the display section102and the tape feeder50do not display that presetting is possible until the loading is completed; however, the personal computer may display that presetting is possible by determining whether presetting is possible or not only based on the management table130.

After determining that the component shortage occurs in the state ofFIG. 11A, the controller101stores the instruction of discharging the component tape90and the instruction of loading, and thereafter the controller101may display that presetting is possible when the third tape sensor59detects the component tape90.

(5) Determination Process Determining Whether Presetting is Possible

Next, with reference toFIG. 14, a determination process of determining whether presetting is possible performed by the controller101will be described. This process is performed every time the state of the management table130described earlier is changed.

In S101, the controller101determines whether the target tape feeder50has a function of automatically loading the component tape90. If the controller101determines that the target tape feeder50has a function of automatically loading the component tape90, the process proceeds to S102and otherwise the process is terminated.

In S102, the controller101determines whether no reel ID is registered in each of the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box of the management table130. If the controller101determines that the reel ID is registered in at least one of the reel ID boxes, the process proceeds to S103. If determining that no reel ID is registered in each of the reel ID boxes, the controller101determines the display indicating that presetting is possible is not necessary and the process is terminated.

In S103, the controller101determines whether a reel ID is registered in both of the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box of the management table130. If the controller101determines that the reel ID is registered in only one of the reel ID boxes, the process proceeds to S104. If determining that a reel ID is registered in both of the reel ID boxes, the controller101determines that presetting is impossible and the process is terminated.

In S104, the controller101determines whether the loading of the component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A is completed according to the detection of the component tape90by the third tape sensor59. If the controller101determines that the loading is not completed, the process proceeds to S105and if determining that the loading is completed, the process proceeds to S106.

In S105, the controller101waits until the loading is completed.

In S106, the controller101displays on the display section102that presetting is possible.

(6) Manner of Displaying that Presetting is Possible

Next, a manner of displaying that presetting is possible will be described. In this embodiment, the display section102and the indicator61of the tape feeder50display that presetting is possible.

(6-1) Display with Display Section

FIG. 15illustrates a management screen150displayed on the display section102. The management screen150is a screen for managing the tape feeders50and generally includes an operation instruction area151, a production monitor area152, a message area153, and a grid area154.

The operation instruction area151is used by an operator for performing various kinds of operations on the component mounting device10and the tape component supply device40.

The production monitor area152is used by an operator for monitoring the state of the tape feeder50. The production monitor area152schematically displays the tape component supply devices40that are connected to the component mounting device10. The tape feeders50that are installed in the tape component supply devices40are displayed on each of the tape component supply devices40. Each tape feeder50is schematically displayed with a vertically-long rectangular shape155.

FIG. 16is an enlarged view illustrating the vertically-long rectangular shape155representing the tape feeder50. An inner color of the vertically-long rectangular shape155represents the number of remaining components E stored in the component tape90(namely, the loaded component tape90) that is supplying the components E. Specifically, similar to the indicator61of the tape feeder50described earlier, if the remaining of the remaining components E is sufficiently large, the inside of the vertically-long rectangular shape155is displayed with green. If the number of the remaining components E is getting smaller, the inside of the vertically-long rectangular shape155is displayed with yellow. If the number of the remaining components E is quite small, the inside of the vertically-long rectangular shape155is displayed with red.

When the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the tape feeder50, a magenta frame156is displayed on the vertically-long rectangular shape155. Accordingly, the operator can know that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the tape feeder50. If the subsequent component tape90is preset, the magenta frame156is deleted.

The color of the frame156is not limited to magenta but may be any color as appropriate. The frame156may be displayed with blinking.

The message area153is an area for displaying various kinds of messages relating the tape feeders50. The message of “presetting is possible” is displayed on the message area153if the tape feeders50include at least one tape feeder50where a component tape can be preset. If the tape feeders50include several tape feeders50where component tapes can be preset, the installation position of the tape feeder that is located on the most downstream side (the left side) is also displayed. This massage informs the operator that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in at least one tape feeder50.

The grid area154is an area for displaying detailed information relating the tape feeders50in a table. The grid includes columns that indicate whether presetting is possible or not. If the tape feeder50can receive a component tape to be preset, the corresponding column is filled with “*” that indicates that presetting is possible.

(6-2) Display with Indicator61of Tape Feeder

If the subsequent component tape90can be preset, a lighting mode of one of the LEDs70that is lighted according to the number of the remaining components E included in the component tape90that is supplying the components E is switched to blinking as illustrated inFIG. 6. Accordingly, the operator can know that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the tape feeder50. If the subsequent component tape90is preset in the tape feeder50, the lighting mode of the LED70is switched from blinking to lighting.

The display indicating that presetting is possible may not be displayed with blinking but with lighting or may be displayed with flickering.

(7) Advantageous Effects of Embodiment

According to the informing device (the controller101and the display section102) according to the first embodiment as described above, the informing device displays that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the tape feeder50if just one component tape90is in the tape feeder50. Thus, the operator can know that the subsequent component tape90can be preset. According to the informing device, in the tape feeder50that performs loading of the preset component tape90, utility for the user who presets the component tape90can be improved.

Furthermore, the informing device keeps displaying that presetting is possible. Therefore, when the operator stops by the informing device for some work, the operator can easily know that the subsequent component tape90can be preset. The operator who knows that the subsequent component tape can be preset can preset the component tape90while doing another work. Therefore, the operator need not quit another work to go to the place where the tape feeder50is installed every time the tape feeder is in the state in which presetting is possible. According to the informing device, the working efficiency of the operator who presets the component tape90can be improved.

According to the informing device, if just one component tape90is present in the tape feeder50, the display section102displays that the subsequent component tape90can be preset after the one component tape90is fed by the loading section54and reaches the feeding device55. Therefore, the operator presets the subsequent component tape90after the loading of a preceding component tape90is completed. This reduces possibility of presetting of the subsequent component tape90during the loading of the preceding component tape90.

According to the informing device, in the tape feeder50including the branched tape feed paths including the first tape feed path and the second tape feed path, the operator can know that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the first tape feed path.

According to the informing device, the display section102displays that the subsequent component tape90can be preset and also displays information (the color of the inside of the vertically-long rectangular shape155) on the number of remaining components E stored in the component tape90that is supplying the components E. If the number of remaining components E included in the component tape90that is supplying the components E is small, it is desirable for the operator to preset the subsequent component tape90as soon as possible. According to the informing device, the operator can know the number of remaining components E included in the component tape90that is supplying the components E from the information relating the number of remaining components E. Therefore, if the number of remaining components E is small, presetting is performed promptly and the possibility of stopping the mounting operation of the component mounting device10due to the component shortage is reduced. Furthermore, according to the informing device, when the subsequent component tape90can be preset in several tape feeders50, one of the tape feeders50in which the subsequent component tape90is to be preset first can be determined based on the information relating the number of remaining components E.

The informing device displays that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in the tape feeder50with lighting, blinking, or flickering of the LED70of the tape feeder50in addition to the display on the display section102. Therefore, the operator knows whether the subsequent component tape90can be preset or not more easily.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 17.

The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the display indicating that presetting is possible is not displayed in the case (A) and the case (B) described below.

(A) After the component mounting device10starts mounting of the components E to a first board P (hereinafter, referred to as “production”) and until the producing of the predefined number of boards P is finished.

When the production of the board P is started, the operator sets the component tapes90in the first tape feed paths63A of the tape feeders50, respectively. In such a case, the set component tape90is loaded and the subsequent component tape90can be preset in each tape feeder50.

However, when the production is started, the components E are supplied for a while from the component tape90that has been set first. It is preferable to set first component tapes90in all of the tape feeders50, respectively, and start production and perform presetting thereafter. If the controller controls to display that the subsequent component tape90can be preset in this case, such display may be excessive in some cases. Therefore, the controller101controls not to display that presetting is possible until the predefined number of boards P are produced after starting production.

(B) When the component mounting device10can produce the scheduled number of boards P with the components E stored in the component tape90that is loaded and supplying to the component mounting device10.

For example, ten boards P are scheduled to be produced and five components E are to be mounted on one board, and if the component tape90has component shortage at the time of finishing seven boards P, the component tape90that is preset in the first tape feed path63A is loaded.

In the first embodiment, completion of the loading leads to display that the subsequent component tape90can be preset. However, if the loaded component tape90includes fifteen components E or more, the rest of the boards P can be produced. Therefore, the subsequent component tape90need not be preset. In such a case, the display indicating that presetting is possible may make an operator to perform unnecessary presetting.

The controller101compares the number of components E stored in the loaded component tape90and the total number of components E to be mounted on the rest of the boards P to be produced. If determining that the number of components E stored in the loaded component tape90is equal to or greater than the total number of components E to be mounted on the rest of the boards P to be produced, the controller101controls not to display that presetting is possible even if the subsequent component tape90can be preset.

Next, with reference toFIG. 17, the determination process of determining whether presetting is possible performed by the controller101according to the second embodiment will be described.

S101to S106are similar to those of the first embodiment and will not be described.

In S201, the controller101determines whether production of the predefined number of boards P is completed after the component mounting device10have started the production of a first board P. If it is completed, the process proceeds to S202and if it is not completed, the indication that presetting is possible is not displayed and the process is terminated.

In S202, the controller101determines whether the component mounting device10can complete the production of the scheduled number of boards P with the components E stored in the loaded component tape90. If such production cannot be completed, the process proceeds to S106and if it can be completed, the indication that presetting is possible is not displayed and the process is terminated.

According to the informing device in the second embodiment described above, the display section102does not display that a subsequent component tape90can be preset before the mounting of the components E onto the predefined number of boards P is completed after the component mounting device10has started mounting the component E onto the first board P. This suppresses an excessive number of times of display.

According to the informing device, if the component mounting device10can complete the mounting of the components E onto the scheduled number of boards P with the components E stored in the component tape90that is supplying the components E, the display section102does not display that a subsequent component tape90can be preset. This prevents an operator from performing unnecessary presetting.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 18.

The tape component supply device40may have a small space for receiving the reels42. If the reel42has a small diameter (the reel42having a diameter smaller than a reference value), two reels42can be installed in the space at the same time. However, if the reel42has a large diameter (the reel42having a diameter of the reference value or larger), two reels42may not be installed in the space at the same time. In such a case, even if the indication that presetting is possible is displayed at the timing that the loading of the component tape90is completed, an operator cannot preset another component tape90since the reel42around which the loaded component tape90is wound is already installed.

Therefore, if the reel42around which the component tape90is wound is a large diameter reel42, the controller101in the third embodiment displays that presetting is possible at different timing from the first embodiment. Details will be described below.

As is in the case A described in the first embodiment, if no component tape90is in the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B and the component tape90is set in the first tape feed path63A, the component tape90is loaded by the loading section54. In the third embodiment, when the loading of the component tape90that is wound around a small diameter reel42is completed, the indication that a subsequent component tape90can be preset is displayed.

On the other hand, even if the loading of the component tape90that is wound around a large diameter reel42is completed, the indication that presetting is possible is not displayed immediately. If the components E are supplied from the loaded component tape90and a length of the remaining component tape90is a predefined length or smaller, the indication that presetting is possible is displayed. The predefined length may be represented by meters (m) or the number of remaining components E included in the component tape90.

In such a case, an operator who knows that presetting is possible switches the tape feed path for the loaded component tape90to the second tape feed path63B. However, the rest (a length of the remaining portion) of the component tape90is still wound around the large diameter reel42. Therefore, the reel42of the subsequent component tape90cannot be installed in the space.

After switching the tape feed path for the loaded component tape90to the second tape feed path63B (or before switching), the operator releases the rest of the component tape90from the reel42and detaches only the reel42. This provides a space that can receive the reel42of the subsequent component tape90. After only the reel42is detached, the rest of the component tape90hangs on the tape feeder50while being spirally curled. The rest of the component tape90is short and the components E can be supplied without any problems.

Then, the operator installs the reel42of the subsequent component tape90and presets the component tape90that is wound around the reel42in the first tape feed path63A. Thus, the subsequent component tape90can be preset before the component shortage of the loaded component tape90.

Next, with reference toFIG. 18, the determination process of determining whether presetting is possible performed by the controller101according to the third embodiment will be described.

S101to S106are similar to those of the first embodiment and will not be described.

In S301, the controller101determines whether the reel is the large diameter reel42. If the reel is not the large diameter reel42, the process proceeds to S106. If the reel is the large diameter reel42, the process proceeds to S302.

In S302, the controller101waits until the length of the remaining component tape90becomes the predefined length or smaller and if the length of the remaining component tape is the predefined length or smaller, the process proceeds to S106.

According to the informing device in the third embodiment described above, if the length of the remaining component tape90that is wound around the large diameter reel42becomes the predefined length or smaller, the indication that presetting is possible is displayed. Therefore, even if two large diameter reels42cannot be installed at the same time, the operator can preset the subsequent component tape90before the number of remaining components E included in the component tape90(namely, the loaded component tape90) that is supplying the components E becomes zero.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 19.

The informing device according to the fourth embodiment collectively monitors the number of remaining components E included in each of the component tapes90that are used in the surface mounting devices1(all of the surface mounting devices1). In the following description, the informing device according to the fourth embodiment is referred to as a component remaining number monitor.

The component remaining number monitor is a so-called personal computer that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication section, a display section (such as a liquid crystal display), and an operation section (such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel). The component remaining number monitor is connected to the server120, which is described in the first embodiment, via a communication network so as to communicate.

FIG. 19is a component remaining number monitor screen170that is displayed on a display section of the component remaining number monitor. The component remaining number monitor screen170displays a grid area171in which information on the tape feeders50installed in each of the tape component supply devices40that are disposed on one floor is displayed. The screen170includes boxes indicating whether presetting is possible or not and if the tape feeder50is in a state that presetting is possible, “*” indicating that presetting is possible is displayed in a corresponding box.

On the component remaining number monitor screen170, a background of a row including information on each of the tape feeders50is displayed with a color according to the number of remaining components E included in the component tape90that is inside the tape feeder50and supplying the components E (namely, the loaded component tape90).

However, on the component remaining number monitor screen170, the frame color of each row cannot be changed. Therefore, for example, the characters for the information on the tape feeder50that is in a state in which presetting is possible are displayed with magenta. The background color of the row for the tape feeder50that is in a state in which presetting is possible may be changed. The tape feeder50that is in a state in which presetting is possible may be displayed with any other method as appropriate.

According to the component remaining number monitor in the fourth embodiment described above, the operator can check a list for the component mounting devices10to find the tape feeders50in which the subsequent component tapes90can be preset.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 20.

As described earlier, the tape component supply device40includes the casters46. Therefore, the operator can move the tape component supply device40to another place away from the component mounting device10(for example, a warehouse for the component tapes90) and set the component tape90into each tape feeder50(hereinafter, referred to as off-line set-up). The informing device according to the fifth embodiment informs an operator of the component tape90that is to be set in each tape feeder50at the time of the off-line set-up. In the following description, the informing device according to the fifth embodiment is referred to as an off-line set-up device.

The off-line set-up device is a so-called personal computer that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication section, a display section (such as a liquid crystal display), and an operation section (such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel). The off-line set-up device is connected to the server120, which is described in the first embodiment, via a communication network so as to communicate.

FIG. 20illustrates an off-line set-up navigation screen160displayed on the display section of the off-line set-up device. The off-line set-up navigation screen160includes a grid area161similar to the grid area154in the first embodiment and a display area162that schematically displays the tape component supply device40.

In the off-line set-up operation, an operator reads the feeder ID and the reel ID with the barcode reader and the read IDs are transmitted to the server120and registered in the management table130. However, the off-line set-up device cannot obtain detection signals of the tape sensors from the tape component supply device40. Therefore, the off-line set-up device determines whether presetting is possible or not only based on the management table130.

Specifically, if no component tape90is in the first tape feed path63A and the second tape feed path63B and the operator sets the component tape90in the first tape feed path63A, the reel ID is registered in the first reel ID box. If the management table is changed to the state in which the reel ID is registered only in the first reel ID box, the controller101controls to display that presetting is possible. A manner of displaying that presetting is possible is substantially same as that in the first embodiment and will not be described.

The operator notices that presetting is possible and operates a loading button included in the tape feeder50to perform the loading. Then, the operator switches the tape feed path for the component tape90to the second tape feed path63B and presets a subsequent component tape90in the first tape feed path63A.

If the subsequent component tape90is preset, the reel IDs are registered in the first reel ID box and the second reel ID box, respectively. If the management table is in this state, the controller101cancels the display indicating that presetting is possible.

The off-line set-up device that may be connected to the tape component supply device40via the connection cable may obtain detection signals of the tape sensors from the tape component supply device40. In such a configuration, the controller101of the off-line set-up device checks the detection signals of the tape sensors.

According to the off-line set-up device in the fifth embodiment described above, the working efficiency of the operator who presets the component tape90can be improved when the tape component supply device40is moved to another place away from the component mounting device10and sets the component tape90in each tape feeder50.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The technology described herein is not limited to the embodiments described in the above description and the drawings. The following embodiments may be included in the technical scope of the technology described herein, for example.

(1) The first embodiment includes the detachable switching member53as the switching member; however, it is one example and the switching member is not limited to the one. For example, the switching member may be opened in the right-left direction by an operator's operation. In such a configuration, the switching member is opened in the right-left direction so that the component tape90that is set (or preset) in the first tape feed path63A drops down. Thus, the tape feed path is switched from the first tape feed path63A to the second tape feed path63B.

(2) In the first embodiment, the operator manually switches the tape feed path for the component tape90from the first tape feed path63A to the second tape feed path63B by the operator's attachment or detachment of the switching member53. The switching member may be configured to automatically switch the tape feed path to the second tape feed path63B at the time of completion of the loading. For example, in the switching member that is configured to be opened in the right-left direction, the switching member may be opened in the right-left direction by the motor to automatically switch the tape feed path to the second tape feed path63B.

(3) The manner of displaying that presetting is possible described earlier is one example and is not limited to the above one. The display manner indicating that presetting is possible may be altered as appropriate.

(4) In the above embodiments, the informing section keeps displaying and informing that the subsequent component tape can be preset until the subsequent component tape is preset. However, the informing section may inform for a certain period or intermittently before the subsequent component tape is preset.

(5) In the above embodiments, the tape feed path includes the first tape feed path and the second tape feed path. However, the tape feed path may not be branched into two and two component tapes may be inserted in one tape feed path.

(6) In the above embodiments, the display section102displays and informs that the component tape90can be preset but may inform with informing noise, for example.