Device attachment member

A device attachment member used for a manufacture work machine equipped with: a device necessary for performing a manufacture work; a main frame on which the device is to be installed; and a controller configured to control the device, the device attachment member including a main body to be attached to the device, wherein the device attachment member includes an identification-information recording medium in which is recorded identification information, the device being identified by the controller based on the identification information, the identification-information recording medium being incorporated in the main body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device attachment member to be attached to a device configured to perform a manufacture work.

BACKGROUND ART

As a manufacture work machine, there is known, for instance, a manufacture work machine described in the following Patent Literature 1, namely, a manufacture work machine equipped with a device necessary for performing a manufacture work, a main frame on which the device is installed, and a controller for controlling the device. In such a manufacture work machine, it is possible to replace the device installed on the main frame with a different device, whereby a manufacture work machine with high versatility is realized.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the manufacture work machine configured such that the device installed on the main frame can be replaced with a different device, it is possible to install, on the main frame, a selected one of various devices that are distributed in the market. As a result, various manufacture works can be performed, ensuring a higher degree of versatility of the manufacture work machine. On the other hand, if the devices are randomly distributed, there may be a risk that low-quality devices are distributed, for instance. In this instance, it is impossible to ensure the reliability of the devices, making it difficult to ensure the reliability of the manufacture work machine. The present invention has been developed in view of such situations. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device attachment member that enables distribution of devices to be managed.

Solution to Problem

To achieve the object indicated above, a device attachment member according to the present invention includes a main body to be attached to a device and an identification-information recording medium in which is stored identification information based on which the device is identified by a controller, and the identification-information recording medium is incorporated in the main body.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The identification information indicated above is required by the controller to identify the device. If the controller cannot identify the device, the controller cannot control the device. That is, only the device to which is attached the device attachment member that is equipped with the identification-information recording medium is controlled by the controller. According to the device attachment member of the present invention, it is possible to manage distribution of the device by managing distribution of the device attachment member.

Forms of Invention

There will be explained various forms of an invention which is considered claimable (hereinafter referred to as “claimable invention” where appropriate). Each of the forms is numbered like the appended claims and depends from the other form or forms, where appropriate. This is for easier understanding of the claimable invention, and it is to be understood that combinations of constituent elements that constitute the invention are not limited to those described in the following forms. That is, it is to be understood that the claimable invention shall be construed in the light of the following description of various forms and embodiment. It is to be further understood that, as long as the claimable invention is construed in this way, any form in which one or more constituent elements is/are added to or deleted from any one of the following forms may be considered as one form of the claimable invention.

The following form (1) indicates a structure based on which the claimable invention is made. Forms in which the technical features of any of the following forms (2)-(18) are added to the form (1) may be forms of the claimable invention. In this respect, a form in which the technical features of the form (2) are added to the form (1) corresponds to claim1. A form in which the technical features of the form (3) are added to claim1corresponds to claim2. A form in which the technical features of the forms (4) and (5) are added to claim2corresponds to claim3. A form in which the technical features of the form (9) are added to claim2or3corresponds to claim4. A form in which the technical features of the form (10) are added to any one of claims2-4corresponds to claim5. A form in which the technical features of the form (12) are added to any one of claims1-5corresponds to claim6. A form in which the technical features of the form (13) are added to any one of claims1-6corresponds to claim7. A form in which the technical features of the forms (14) and (15) are added to any one of claims1-7corresponds to claim8.

(1) A device attachment member used for a manufacture work machine equipped with: a device necessary for performing a manufacture work; a main frame on which the device is to be installed; and a controller configured to control the device, the device attachment member comprising a main body to be attached to the device.

This form is a basis on which the claimable invention is made. There are listed, in this form, basic constituent elements of the device attachment member and basic constituent elements of the manufacture work machine in which the device attachment member is used. In the “manufacture work machine” described in this form, the device installed on the main frame can be replaced with a different device, making it possible to realize the manufacture work machine with high versatility.

The “manufacture work” described in this form, namely, a target work of the present manufacture work machine, is not particularly limited, but may include an assembling work of assembling a plurality of components (parts) into an assembled article and various works in which certain processing, treatment or the like is performed on a work object (which is a concept that includes “component (part)”, “assembled article”, “object to be processed or treated”, etc.,). More specifically, as the work to perform certain processing, a work, such as a press work, in which the work object is deformed, a work, such as a cut-off work, in which a part of the work object is cut off, and a work, such as a cutting work, in which the work object is shaped, may be the target work, for instance. As the work to perform a certain treatment, a surface modification work in which a surface of the work object is modified by laser, plasma or the like, a coating work in which an adhesive, a coloring agent or the like is applied to the work object, a heat treatment work in which the work object is heated and cooled, and a surface finishing work such as grinding, may be the target work, for instance. Further, an inspection work of inspecting work results of the assembling work and the works in which certain processing, treatment or the like is performed may be the target work.

The “device” described in this form is a device necessary for performing the manufacture work. More specifically, where the target work is the assembling work, for instance, each of the following (a)-(d) may be installed on the main frame as the device described in this form: (a) a conveyor configured to perform conveyance for conveying one component from an outside of the manufacture work machine and for conveying the assembled article out of the manufacture work machine; (b) a component supplier configured to supply another component; (c) a work head device configured to hold another component supplied by the component supplier for mounting another component on a substrate or the like; and (d) a head moving device configured to move the work head device that holds the component for moving the component. In the assembling work or in the inspection work of inspecting the result of the assembling work, an image taking device, such as a camera, for taking an image of the component or the assembled article to recognize the position and the posture thereof, the assembling accuracy, etc., may be the above-indicated device configured to perform image taking processing as the work. In the assembling work, an adhesive applier for applying an adhesive to at least one of two components for bonding the two components to each other may be the above-indicated device configured to perform adhesive application as the work. Further, the device configured to perform laser processing or plasma processing may be the above-indicated device in the manufacture work in which the laser processing or the plasma processing is performed.

(2) The device attachment member according to the form (1), comprising an identification-information recording medium in which is recorded identification information, the device being identified by the controller based on the identification information, the identification-information recording medium being incorporated in the main body.

As described above, various kinds of devices are employable as the device that constitute the manufacture work machine. Such various kinds of devices are distributed in the market, resulting in enhanced versatility of the manufacture work machine. On the other hand, if the devices are randomly distributed, there may be a risk that low-quality devices are distributed. In this instance, it is impossible to ensure the reliability of the devices, and it becomes difficult to ensure the reliability of the manufacture work machine. In view of this, the device attachment member described in this form is equipped with the identification-information recording medium in which is recorded the identification information based on which the device is identified by the controller, and the identification-information recording medium is incorporated in the main body of the device attachment member. The identification information recorded in the identification-information recording medium is required by the controller to identify the device. If the controller cannot identify the device, the controller cannot control the device. That is, only the device to which the device attachment member equipped with the identification-information recording medium is attached is controlled by the controller. Accordingly, where a maker of the manufacture work machine manages distribution of the device attachment member, it is possible to prevent distribution of a device produced by a non-qualified third party and to ensure the reliability of the device and the reliability of the manufacture work machine.

The “identification-information recording medium” described in this form is a medium in which the identification information is recorded. For instance, the “identification-information recording medium” may be a medium in which the identification information is stored utilizing memory or the like, or may be a medium in which the identification information is recorded utilizing bar codes or the like. The identification information recorded in the identification-information recording medium needs to be inputted to the controller. For instance, identification information may be inputted to the controller by wireless communication, wired communication or the like, or may be inputted to the controller utilizing equipment, such as a bar code reader, capable of reading information. Moreover, where the identification-information recording medium that is visually recognizable by an operator is employed, the identification information may be inputted to the controller by the operator.

In the “identification-information recording medium”, in addition to the identification information, there may be recorded various information such as performable-motion information and a distinction ID of the identification-information recording medium. The performable-motion information is information as to a motion that can be performed by the device recognized based on the identification information. The performable-motion information includes information of a motion itself that the device can perform when the device performs the manufacture work. For instance, where the device is the component supplier, the performable-motion information includes information that the component can be supplied. Where the device is the mounter, the performable-motion information includes information that the component can be held or released. Further, the performable-motion information includes capabilities, dimensions, etc., of the device.

(3) The device attachment member according to the form (2), comprising a transmitter which is capable of transmitting the identification information recorded in the identification-information recording medium and which incorporates the identification-information recording medium, the device attachment member functioning as a transmitter-equipped member.

According to this form, the identification information can be automatically inputted to the controller, thereby ensuring convenience.

(4) The device attachment member according to the form (3), wherein the main body has a hole that is open to a surface, and the transmitter is disposed in the hole.

The “hole” described in this form may be a closed-end hole or a through-hole as long as the hole has a shape that permits the transmitter to be disposed therein. The “transmitter” described in this form may be fitted in the hole with or without a clearance.

(5) The device attachment member according to the form (4), wherein the transmitter is disposed in the hole so as to be sealed by resin.

By managing distribution of the device attachment member equipped with the identification-information recording medium, it is possible to manage distribution of the device. However, where the device attachment member equipped with the identification-information recording medium can be easily duplicated, it becomes difficult to manage distribution of the device attachment member per se. In the device attachment member described in this form, the transmitter is disposed in the hole so as to be sealed by the resin, thereby making it difficult to take the transmitter out of the hole. If the transmitter should be forcibly taken out of the hole, the transmitter would be broken and the identification-information recording medium would be also broken. Accordingly, in the device attachment member described in this form, it is difficult for a third party to obtain the identification-information recording medium, rendering it difficult to duplicate the device attachment member equipped with the identification-information recording medium. Therefore, according to the device attachment member described in this form, it is possible to manage distribution of the device attachment member with high reliability, so that the reliability of the device and the manufacture work machine can be ensured.

(6) The device attachment member according to the form (5), wherein a surface of the resin in a state in which the transmitter is disposed in the hole is flush with the surface to which the hole of the main body is open.

According to this form, the surface to which the hole is open can be made flat, facilitating installation of the device attachment member to the main frame at the surface.

(7) The device attachment member according to the form (5) or (6), wherein the resin is thermoplastic resin.

According to this form, the thermoplastic resin softened by being heated is poured into the hole, whereby the transmitter can be disposed in the hole so as to be sealed by the thermoplastic resin without any clearance. According to this form, it becomes difficult to take the transmitter out of the hole.

(8) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (4)-(7), wherein the hole is formed such that an opening thereof is located at a position at which the opening is opposed to an antenna that is provided on the main frame and that can receive the identification information, in a state in which the device to which the main body of the device attachment member is attached is installed on the main frame.

This form can reduce a communication distance of the transmitter, enabling downsizing of the transmitter.

(9) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (3)-(8), wherein the transmitter is an RF tag.

The “RF tag” described in this form is used in a system in which information is exchanged by wireless communication, namely, the so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and is called a wireless tag or an IC tag. In some RF tags, it is very difficult to read the identification information recorded therein unless formal procedures are executed when reading the identification information. That is, some RF tags are very difficult to be duplicated. According to this form, therefore, even if the transmitter is taken out of the hole without being broken, the transmitter per se is configured to be difficult to be duplicated and accordingly distribution of the device attachment member can be managed with higher reliability.

(10) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (3)-(9), wherein the transmitter is configured such that the identification information recorded in the identification-information recording medium is transmitted according to a protocol different from a protocol according to which the controller transmits a command for controlling the device.

(11) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (1)-(10), comprising a communication cable which is provided on the main body and through which the controller transmits a command for controlling the device.

In an instance where a maker of the manufacture work machine in which the device attachment member equipped with the identification-information recording medium is used gives another maker (hereinafter referred to as a “third vendor” where appropriate to be distinguished from the maker indicated above) permission to produce the device, it is required to provide the third vendor with the device attachment member equipped with the identification-information recording medium. It is further required to disclose control logic in accordance with commands from the controller for assuring operations of the device according to the commands from the controller. It is noted however that, where a communication path of the commands from the controller is identical with a communication path of the identification information, logic for reading the identification information is also disclosed by the disclosure of the control logic. Accordingly, even if there is employed, as the transmitter, the RF tag in which the identification information recorded therein is difficult to be read, the identification information can be easily read from the RF tag. That is, even if the RF tag is originally constructed to be difficult to be duplicated, the disclosure of the logic for reading the identification information may cause the RF tag to be easily duplicated. In the above two forms, the transmission path of the commands of the controller for controlling the device differs from the transmission path of the identification information. Therefore, even if the control logic is disclosed, the logic for reading the identification information is not disclosed. Accordingly, the above two forms sufficiently enjoys the advantage of employing, as the transmitter, the RF tag configured such that the identification information recorded therein is difficult to be read.

The “protocol” described in the former one of the above two forms defines an agreement, a procedure, a rule or the like as to communication between the controller and the device attachment member. The “protocol” described in the former one of the above two forms includes not only an agreement of communication data itself, but also an agreement of a transmission path of data or the like between the controller and the device attachment member, more specifically, an agreement of the kind of cables and connectors in wired communication, an agreement of frequency bands in wireless communication, and so on.

(12) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (1)-(11), comprising a device-side terminal fixed to the main body and configured to be connected to a frame-side terminal provided in the main frame, for electrically connecting the device and the controller to each other via the main body when the device is controlled by the controller, the controller being configured to transmit a command for controlling the device via the device-side terminal.

According to this form, an electric connection portion of the device with respect to the main frame is provided in the device attachment member. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide, in the device itself, the electric connection portion with respect to the main frame, simplifying production, design, and so on of the device.

(13) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (1)-(12), comprising a device-side engagement portion provided in the main body for positioning the device at a prescribed position and configured to engage a frame-side engagement portion provided in the main frame.

In this form, the device is installed at the prescribed position, thereby ensuring a reference point upon operating of the device. In this respect, the reference point upon operating is a reference point when the device operates, and the motion of the device is controlled using the reference point as an origin.

(14) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (1)-(13), wherein the main body is configured such that the device is installed on the main frame via the main body.

(15) The device attachment member according to the form (14), wherein the main body includes a device attachment surface to be attached to the device and a frame contact surface to be held in close contact with a part of the main frame when the device to which the main body is attached is installed on the mainframe.

(16) The device attachment member according to the form (15), wherein the main body comprises a plate-like member, one of opposite surfaces of the plate member functioning as the device attachment surface while the other of the opposite surfaces functions as the frame contact surface, the plate member being sandwiched between the device and the main frame in a state in which the device is installed on the main frame.

According to the above three forms, the device is installed on the main frame via the device attachment member. It is accordingly not necessary to provide, in the device, any mechanism for installation on the main frame, simplifying production, design, and so on, of the device.

(17) The device attachment member according to the form (15) or (16),

wherein the main body has a hole that is open to a surface,

wherein the device attachment member comprises a transmitter which is disposed in the hole and which is capable of transmitting identification information, the device being identified by the controller based on the identification information, and

wherein the surface to which the hole is open is the frame contact surface.

This form makes it easy to obtain transmitted identification information on the main frame side.

(18) The device attachment member according to any one of the forms (1)-(17), wherein, in a state in which the device attachment member is mounted on a device holder for holding the device and is axed to a device-holder moving device that constitutes the main frame, the device attachment member is moved by the device-holder moving device, together with the device.

Where there is employed, as the above-indicated device, a device capable of performing a work in which a certain component or the like is mounted on the work object, a work in which certain processing, treatment or the like is performed on the work object, and so on, a moving device for moving the device to the vicinity of the work object is required. According to this form, such a moving device is provided as a constituent element of the main frame.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

There will be hereinafter explained in detail one embodiment of the claimable invention with reference to drawings. It is to be understood that the claimable invention may be embodied with various changes and modifications based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, in addition to the following embodiment and various forms described in the FORMS OF INVENTION.

Embodiment

<Structure of Manufacture Work Machine>

InFIG. 1, there is shown a manufacture work machine10equipped with device attachment members according to one embodiment. The manufacture work machine10is an assembling work machine configured to perform an assembling work as a manufacture work. More specifically, the manufacture work machine10is a work machine configured to perform a work of mounting, onto a substrate as a first component, a mount component as a second component. The manufacture work machine10includes a plurality of devices configured to perform respective work elements that constitute the assembling work to be performed by the manufacture work machine10. The plurality of devices are configured to be installed on a main frame12shown inFIG. 2via corresponding device attachment members. In the following explanation, a longitudinal direction of the main frame12is referred to as a front-rear direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is referred to as a left-right direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is referred to as an up-down direction.

The main frame12includes a base20and a head moving device26configured to move two work head devices22,24that will be explained in detail. The head moving device26as a device-holder moving device is an XYZ-robot-type moving device and is disposed at an upper end of the base20. The head moving device26includes a planar-type moving device32configured to move two sliders28,30together along the horizontal plane. The two work head devices22,24are installed on the respective sliders28,30. The planar-type moving device32is constituted by: a left-right direction moving device (X-direction moving device)34configured to linearly move the two sliders28,30in the left-right direction; and a front-rear direction moving device (Y-direction moving device)36configured to linearly move the two sliders28,30in the front-rear direction. In other words, the planar-type moving device32is configured to move the two sliders28,30to respective arbitrary positions on the horizontal plane. The head moving device26further includes two up-down direction moving devices (Z-direction moving devices)38,40configured to move the corresponding sliders28,30in the up-down direction independently of each other. The up-down direction moving devices38,40are configured to be moved by the planar-type moving device32on the horizontal plane, together with the slider28,30, and to move the sliders28,30to respective arbitrary positions in the up-down direction at the respective arbitrary positions on the horizontal plane. That is, the head moving device26is configured to move the work head devices22,24to respective arbitrary positions and to permit the work head devices22,24to perform respective works at the respective arbitrary positions.

As shown inFIG. 1, the plurality of devices installed on the main frame12include a component supplier50configured to supply mount components, a first work head device22configured to perform a main work in a work of mounting the mount component on the substrate, and a second work head device24configured to perform an auxiliary work for the main work. The component supplier50is disposed at one end, in the front-rear direction, of the base20that partially constitutes the main frame12. The two work head devices22,24are disposed on the respective sliders28,30of the head moving device26that partially constitutes the main frame12.

The first work head device22is capable of holding the mount component supplied from the component supplier50so as to convey the mount component. As shown inFIG. 3, the first work head device22has, at its lower end, a component suction nozzle52. The first work head device22is a component holding head22capable of suction-holding and releasing the component by means of the component suction nozzle52. More specifically, the component suction nozzle52communicates with a negative-pressure air passage and a positive-pressure air passage via a positive/negative pressure supplier54(FIG. 15) and is configured to suction-hold the component by a negative pressure and to release the suction-held component by a slight positive pressure supplied thereto. The component holding head22is installed on the slider28, as a device holder, of the head moving device26via an interface56for the component holding head22(hereinafter abbreviated as “holding head IF56” where appropriate) shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The holding head IF56is one example of the device attachment member.FIG. 5is a perspective view showing the holding head IF56as viewed from one side thereof opposite toFIG. 4.

The holding-head IF56includes a rear plate portion58, as a main body, having a generally rectangular shape, and an upper plate portion60extending from an upper end of the rear plate portion58in a direction perpendicular to the rear plate portion58. The holding-head IF56is attached to a rear surface of the component holding head22on one surface thereof (shown inFIG. 4) functioning as a device attachment surface, the one surface being on one side of the rear plate portion58on which the upper plate portion60extends. Further, the holding-head IF56is attached to an upper end surface of the component holding head22on a lower surface of the upper plate portion60. A leg portion62is provided at a lower end of the rear plate portion58of the holding-head IF56, and an engagement block64is provided at an upper end portion of another surface of the rear plate portion58(shown inFIG. 5), functioning as a frame contact surface, that is not attached to the component holding head22. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 2, a support portion66is provided at a lower end portion of the slider28of the head moving device26for supporting the leg portion62of the holding-head IF56, and a block fitting portion68is provided at a front-side upper portion of the slider28. The block fitting portion68is configured to engage the engagement block64of the holding-head IF56for fixation.

A distal end of the leg portion62of the holding-head IF56is formed so as to have a wedge shape and is configured to be fitted into the V-shaped support portion66of the slider28, thereby defining a position of the component holding head22in the up-down direction. Further, the engagement block64of the holding-head IF56is configured to be fitted in the block fitting portion68of the slider28, such that side surfaces of the engagement block64come into close contact with the block fitting portion68, thereby defining a position of the component holding head22in the left-right direction. In other words, the support portion66and the block fitting portion68each as a frame-side engagement portion engage the leg portion62and the engagement block64each as a device-side engagement portion, thereby making it possible to install the component holding head22at a prescribed position of the slider28via the holding-head IF56. It is noted here that the fixation of the engagement block64with respect to the block fitting portion68can be released with one-touch action. Accordingly, the holding-head IF56, namely, the component holding head22, is installable on and removable from the slider28.

A holding-head connector69is provided at a distal end of the upper plate portion60of the holding-head IF56. The holding-head connector69is electrically connected to the component holding head22via communication lines (not shown). The holding-head connector69as a device-side terminal is connected to a frame-side terminal (not shown) provided in the main frame12, whereby the component holding head22is electrically connected to a main central control device70(FIG. 15), as a controller, that will be explained in detail. Thus, the holding-head IF56and the component holding head22are integral to each other, and the holding-head IF56functions as an electric and physical interface for the component holding head22.

As shown inFIG. 5, a closed-end hole72is formed at a lower end portion of the above-indicated frame contact surface of the rear plate portion58of the holding-head IF56to which the slider28is to be attached. In the closed-end hole72, an RF tag74is disposed so as to be sealed by resin76, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6taken along line A-A inFIG. 5. The RF tag74is constituted by: an IC chip78(FIG. 15), as an identification-information recording medium, in which is recorded identification information based on which the component holding head22is identified by the main central control device70(FIG. 15) that will be explained; and an antenna80(FIG. 15) for transmitting the identification information recorded in the IC chip78. The RF tag74functions as a transmitter configured to transmit the identification information. The RF tag74has a cylindrical shape with a small height and has an outside diameter that is substantially the same as an inside diameter of the closed-end hole72, whereby the RF tag74is fitted in the closed-end hole72without clearance. The resin76by which the RF tag74is sealed in the closed-end hole72is thermoplastic resin. The resin76softened by being heated is poured into the closed-end hole72in which the RF tag74is fitted, and the resin76is cured, so that the RF tag74is sealed in the closed-end hole72by the resin76. The resin76softened by being heated is poured into the closed-end hole72so as to reach the edge of the closed-end hole72, so that the surface of the resin76is flush with the surface of the rear plate portion58to which the closed-end hole72is open.

The holding-head IF56equipped with the RF tag74as the transmitter functions as a transmitter-equipped member. The slider28to which the holding-head IF56is attached is provided with an antenna82(FIG. 15) capable of receiving the identification information transmitted from the RF tag74. The antenna82is disposed at a position at which the antenna82is opposed to the opening of the closed-end hole72formed in the rear plate portion58in a state in which the holding-head IF56is attached to the slider28, so that the antenna82can receive the identification information transmitted from the RF tag74. The antenna82is connected to the main central control device70(FIG. 15) and transmits the received identification information to the control device, thereby permitting the component holding head22to be identified by the control device.

The second work head device24is capable of performing an auxiliary work element necessary for mounting, on the substrate, the mount component held by the component holding head22. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 7, the second work head device24is a dispenser head24having, at its lower end, a dispenser nozzle84and an ejection device86(FIG. 15) for ejecting an arbitrary amount of adhesive from the dispenser nozzle84. Like the component holding head22, the dispenser head24is installed on the slider30of the head moving device26via an interface88for the dispenser head24(hereinafter abbreviated as “dispenser-head IF88” where appropriate) having substantially the same structure as the holding-head IF56. The dispenser-head IF88is also provided with a leg portion90, an engagement block92, a dispenser-head connector94, an RF tag100including an IC chip96(FIG. 15) and an antenna98(FIG. 15), and a closed-end hole104in which the RF tag100is disposed so as to be sealed by resin102. The slider30is also provided with a support portion106for supporting the leg portion90of the dispenser-head IF88, a block fitting portion107into which the engagement block92is fitted, and an antenna108(FIG. 15) capable of receiving the identification information transmitted from the RF tag100. Accordingly, the dispenser-head IF88functions as an electric and physical interface for the dispenser head24and also functions as a transmitter-equipped member equipped with the transmitter capable of transmitting the identification information of the dispenser head24.

As shown inFIG. 8, the component supplier50is a feeder-type supplier. The component supplier50includes: a plurality of tape feeders110each configured to supply the mount components one by one at a prescribed component-supply position; and a feeder holding table112that holds the plurality of tape feeders110. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the feeder holding table112is constituted by a horizontal support plate114and an upright wall116that extends in the vertical direction from one end of the support plate114in the front-rear direction thereof. A pair of guide rails118are provided at end portions of the support plate114in the left-right direction. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 2, a slide mechanism120is disposed at one end of the base20of the main frame12in the front-rear direction. The slide mechanism120is configured to slidingly move the guide rails118in the horizontal direction, and the feeder holding table112is arranged to be inserted into the base20along the slide mechanism120from the front side of the base20.

When the feeder holding table112is inserted into the base20, the feeder holding table112is installed on the base20via an interface122for the feeder holding table112(hereinafter abbreviated as “holding-table IF122” where appropriate) as a device attachment member for the feeder holding table112. As shown inFIG. 10, the holding-table IF122is fixedly provided at the one end of the support plate114of the feeder holding table112from which the upright wall116extends. The holding-table IF122includes a connection surface124that extends downward from the one end of the support plate114.

As shown inFIG. 11, a holding-table connector126is provided on the connection surface124. The holding-table connector126is electrically connected to the feeder holding table112. The holding-table connector126as a device-side terminal is connected to a frame-side terminal (not shown) provided in the base20, whereby the feeder holding table112is electrically connected to the main central control device70(FIG. 15). InFIG. 11, there are only shown the support plate114of the feeder holding table112, the holding-table IF122provided on the support plate114, and the pair of guide rails118. On the connection surface124of the holding-table IF122, there are provided a pair of engagement pins128that extend in the horizontal direction. When the feeder holding table112is inserted into the base20, the pair of engagement pins128come into engagement with a pair of engagement holes (not shown) formed in the base20. According to the arrangement, the feeder holding table112is installed on the base20at a prescribed position of the base20. Thus, the holding-table IF122functions as an electric and physical interface for the feeder holding table112.

A closed-end hole130is formed in the connection surface124of the holding-table IF122, as in the holding-head IF56. In the closed-end hole130, an RF tag132(FIG. 15) having the same structure as the RF tags74,100is disposed so as to be sealed by resin134. Like the RF tags74,100, the RF tag132is constituted by an IC chip136and an antenna138(FIG. 15). An antenna140(FIG. 15) capable of receiving the identification information transmitted from the RF tag132is provided in the base20such that the antenna140is opposed to the opening of the closed-end hole130in a state in which the feeder holding table112is installed on the base20. The antenna140is connected to the main central control device70(FIG. 15) and is configured to transmit the received identification information to the control device, thereby permitting the feeder holding table112to be identified by the control device. That is, the holding-table IF122functions as a transmitter-equipped member equipped with the transmitter capable of transmitting the identification information of the feeder holding table112.

Each of the plurality of tape feeders110held on the feeder holding table112includes: a reel (not shown) around which is wound a taping as the mount component in the form of a tape; and a feeder drive device152(FIG. 15) configured to feed the taping from the reel by a prescribed pitch. Each tape feeder110is capable of feeding the mount component at a prescribed component-supply position. Each tape feeder110is configured to be installed on the feeder holding table112via an interface154for each tape feeder110(hereinafter abbreviated as “feeder IF154” where appropriate) as a device attachment member for each tape feeder110. The feeder IF154functions as an electric and physical interface for the tape feeder110.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 12, the feeder IF154is constituted by a T-groove guided portion156that extends in the front-rear direction and an upright portion158that extends in the vertical direction from one end of the T-groove guided portion156. The T-groove guided portion156is fixed to a bottom of the tape feeder110having a generally rectangular shape as viewed from the lateral side thereof, and the upright portion158is fixed to one side of the tape feeder110in the front-rear direction, whereby the tape feeder110and the feeder IF154become integral with each other. A plurality of T-grooves160are formed in an upper surface of the support plate114of the feeder holding table112such that the T-grooves160extend in the front-rear direction so as to be parallel to one another. The T-groove guided portion156of the feeder IF154is configured to be fitted in the T-groove160.

As shown inFIG. 12, a tape-feeder connector162as a device-side terminal is provided on one surface of the upright portion158of the feeder IF154that is opposite to another surface on which the tape feeder110is fixed. The tape-feeder connector162is electrically connected to the tape feeder110. On the above-indicated one surface of the upright portion158, a pair of engagement pins164are provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 9, on the upright wall116of the feeder holding table112, a tape-feeder connector166to which the tape-feeder connector162is connectable and a pair of engagement holes168with which the pair of engagement pins164are engageable are provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of T-grooves160. In a state in which the feeder IF154attached to the tape feeder110is fitted in one T-groove160, the feeder IF154is pushed toward the upright wall116of the feeder holding table112, so that the tape-feeder connector162is connected to the tape-feeder connector166while the engagement pins164engage the engagement holes168. As a result, the tape feeder110is electrically connected to the feeder holding table112and is installed on the feeder holding table112at a prescribed position of the feeder holding table112. That is, the tape feeder110is electrically connected to the main central control device70(FIG. 15) via the feeder holding table112and is installed on the base20at a prescribed position of the base20.

As in the holding-head IF56, etc., a closed-end hole170is formed in the above-indicated one surface of the upright portion158of the feeder IF154on which the tape-feeder connector162and the engagement pins164are provided. An RF tag172(FIG. 15) having the same structure as the RF tag74, etc., is disposed in the closed-end hole170so as to be sealed by resin174. The RF tag172is also constituted by an IC chip176and an antenna178(FIG. 15). An antenna180(FIG. 15) capable of receiving the identification information transmitted from the RF tag172is disposed on the upright wall116of the feeder holding table112so as to be opposed to the opening of the closed-end hole170in a state in which the tape feeder110is installed on the feeder holding table112. The antenna180is also connected to the main central control device70(FIG. 15), thereby permitting the tape feeder110to be identified by the control device. That is, the feeder IF154also functions as a transmitter-equipped member.

Other than the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, and the component supplier50, a conveyor182shown inFIG. 13may be installed on the main frame12. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a conveyor installation portion184is formed at a substantially middle portion, in the front-rear direction, of the base20of the main frame12, so as to extend in the left-right direction. The conveyor182is installed on the conveyor installation portion184via an interface186for the conveyor186(hereinafter abbreviated as “conveyor IF186” where appropriate) as a device attachment member.

The conveyor182is constituted by a main body portion188and a leg portion190for supporting the main body portion188. The main body portion188is constituted by: a pair of conveyor belts192configured to convey the substrate placed thereon in the left-right direction; a belt rotating device194(FIG. 15) configured to rotate the pair of conveyor belts192; a pair of flange portions196provided above the pair of conveyor belts192; and an elevating and lowering device198(FIG. 15) configured to fix the substrate by pushing the substrate onto the pair of flange portions196. The thus structured conveyor182is capable of conveying the substrate to a prescribed position in the left-right direction and fixing the substrate at the prescribed position.

As shown inFIG. 14, the conveyor IF186is a flat plate member having a generally rectangular shape and is constituted by a pair of leg support portions200located at opposite end portions in the width direction of the conveyor IF186and a central portion202located between the leg support portions200. The leg portion190of the conveyor182is fixed on upper surfaces of the leg support portions200, so that the conveyor IF186and the conveyor182become integral with each other. On a bottom surface of the conveyor installation portion184of the base20, there are fixed a pair of placement plates204(one of which is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) having substantially the same shape as the pair of leg support portions200. In an upper surface of each of the placement plates204, there is formed an engagement hole (not shown) that is to be engageable with an engagement pin (not shown) provided on a lower surface of each leg support portion200(opposite to an upper surface to which the conveyor182is fixed). According to the arrangement, the leg support portions200are substantially exactly fitted onto the placement plates204, whereby the conveyor182is installed on the base20at a prescribed position of the base20.

As in the holding-head IF56, etc., a closed-end hole206is formed in the lower surface of one of the leg support portions200, the lower surface being to come into close contact with the upper surface of the corresponding placement plate204. An RF tag208(FIG. 15) having the same structure as the RF tag74, etc., is disposed in the closed-end hole206so as to be sealed by resin210. The RF tag208is constituted by an IC chip212and an antenna214(FIG. 15). An antenna216(FIG. 15) capable of receiving the identification information transmitted from the RF tag208is provided on one of the placement plates204so as to be opposed to the opening of the closed-end hole206in a state in which the conveyor182is installed on the conveyor installation portion184. The antenna216is also connected to the main central control device70(FIG. 15), thereby permitting the conveyor182to be identified by the control device.

On the main frame12, there is installed an image taking device220configured to take images of the substrate and the mount component. The image taking device220is constituted by: a base camera222(FIG. 1) for taking an image of the mount component held by the component holding head22; and a head camera224(FIGS. 1, 3, and 7) for taking an image of the substrate, etc., on the conveyor182. The base camera222is disposed on the base20between the conveyor182and the component supplier50and is capable of performing image taking upwardly thereof. The component holding head22that holds the mount component is moved to above the base camera222, and the base camera222performs image taking. On the other hand, the head camera224is held by the slider28on which the component holding head22is installed and is capable of performing image taking downwardly thereof. The head camera224is moved by the head moving device26to above the conveyor182and the component supplier50, whereby the head camera224can take images of the substrate and the mount component.

The present manufacture work machine10is constituted by the six devices, i.e., the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the head moving device26, the component supplier50, the conveyor182, and the image taking device220. The six devices are respectively equipped with individual control devices. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 15, the head moving device26is equipped with a moving-device control device230for controlling operations of the X-direction moving device34, the Y-direction moving device36, and the two Z-direction moving devices38,40. Further, the head moving device26is equipped with four servo amps232,234,236,238respectively corresponding to the four moving devices34,36,38,40. The moving-device control device230sends a control signal to each servo amp232,234,236,238, whereby the operation of each moving device34,36,38,40is controlled.

The component holding head22is equipped with a component-holding-head control device240for controlling the operation of the positive/negative pressure supplier54and a drive circuit242for the positive/negative pressure supplier54. The component-holding-head control device240sends a control signal to the drive circuit242, whereby the operation of the positive/negative pressure supplier54is controlled. The dispenser head24is equipped with a dispenser-head control device244for controlling the operation of the ejection device86and a drive circuit246for the ejection device86. The dispenser-head control device244sends a control signal to the drive circuit246, whereby the operation of the ejection device86is controlled.

The feeder holding table112of the component supplier50is equipped with a supplier control device248for controlling the operation of the feeder drive device152of each tape feeder110, and each tape feeder110is equipped with a drive circuit250for the feeder drive device152. The supplier control device248and the drive circuit250are connected to each other via the tape-feeder connector162of the feeder IF154. The supplier control device248sends a control signal to the drive circuit250, whereby the operation of the feeder drive device152is controlled. The conveyor182is equipped with: a conveyor control device252for controlling the operations of the belt rotating device194and the elevating and lowering device198; a drive circuit254for the belt rotating device194; and a drive circuit256for the elevating and lowering device198. The conveyor control device252sends a control signal to each of the drive circuits254,256, whereby the operations of the belt rotating device194and the elevating and lowering device198are controlled.

The image taking device220is equipped with an image-taking-device controller258for executing sending of control signals to perform image taking by the base camera222and the head camera224and for executing processing of image data obtained by the image taking. While the image-taking-device controller258is provided in a sub central control device260that will be explained, the image-taking-device controller258is independent in the sub central control device260and is connected to a capture board264of the image taking device220via a bus262. Therefore, the image-taking-device controller258is not treated as a constituent element of the sub central control device260, but is treated as a constituent element of the image taking device220.

The manufacture work machine10is further equipped with a control device as a controller constituted by the main central control device70and the sub central control device260configured to control, in a centralized manner, the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the head moving device26, the component supplier50, the conveyor182, and the image taking device220. The main central control device70is mainly for transmitting a motion command to each of the individual devices230,240,244,248,252,258of the respective devices22,24,26,50,182,220. The main central control device70is connected, via a repeater hub266, to the individual devices230,240,244,248,252,258by respective serial communication cables268of the same kind for transmission of the motion commands.

The sub central control device260includes a sub central controller270. In the sub central controller270, there is stored a source program which is a basis of the motion commands to the individual control devices, namely, source data for performing a specific manufacture work. In the stored source data, the operation of each of the above-indicated six devices22,24,26,50,182,220is encoded. The sub central controller270is configured to convert the source data into the motion commands in a specific programming language and to transmit the converted motion commands to the main central control device70. The sub central controller270and the main central control device70are connected to each other by a LAN cable274via a hub272, and the motion commands converted in the sub central controller270are transmitted to the main central control device70via the LAN cable274. To the hub272, one end of each of six LAN cables274which are identical to the LAN cable274in kind is connected, and another end of each of the six LAN cables274is connected to a corresponding one of the individual control devices of the respective six devices.

In the manufacture work machine10, the identification information of each of the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the component supplier50, and the conveyor182is transmitted to the main central control device70via USB cables276of the same kind. More specifically, the antennas82,108capable of respectively receiving the identification information of the component holding head22and the identification information of the dispenser head24are connected to the main central control device70by the USB cable276via a reader-writer278and a selector280. The antennas140,216capable of respectively receiving the identification information of the feeder holding table112of the component supplier50and the identification information of the conveyor182are connected to the main central control device70by the USB cable276via a reader-writer282and a selector284. Further, the antennas180capable of receiving the identification information of the tape feeders110of the component supplier50is connected to the main central control device70by the USB cable276via a reader-writer286and a selector288. Each of the selectors280,284,288connects a plurality of antennas and one reader-writer. Each of the reader-writers278,282,286decodes the identification information received by the antennas and transmits the decoded identification information to the main central control device70. The identification information transmitted from the RF tags74,100,132,172,208and received by the antennas is encoded, and the encoded identification information is not recognized by the main central control device70. Accordingly, the encoded identification information needs to be decoded by the reader-writers278,282,286.

The present manufacture work machine10is provided with a display290of a touch-panel type through which information as to the operation of the manufacture work machine10is inputted and outputted. The display290is connected to the main central control device70and the sub central controller270. More specifically, the display290is connected to the main central control device70by a LAN cable274which is identical to the above-indicated LAN cable274in kind via the hub272and is connected to the sub central controller270by a serial communication cable292and an RGB analog cable294. The manufacture work machine10is further provided with an emergency stop switch296that is connected to the main central control device70and the individual control devices of the respective devices22,24,26,50,182,220by I/O cables300via a terminal relay298. To the main central control device70, there are connected: a plurality of switches302such as a power source switch and a start-up switch of the manufacture work machine10; and a plurality of indicator lamps304such as an indicator lamp indicating that the manufacture work machine10is in startup and an indicator lamp indicating that the manufacture work machine10is in an operable state. The serial communication cable268, the LAN cable274, the I/O cable300are connected to the individual control devices240,244,248of the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, and the component supplier50via the connectors62,94,126provided in the interfaces56,88,122corresponding to the respective devices22,24,50.

<Operation of Manufacture Work Machine>

In the present manufacture work machine10, the six devices, i.e., the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the head moving device26, the component supplier50, the conveyor182, and the image taking device220, perform respective works according to the source data stored in the sub central controller270, whereby a mounting work of mounting the component onto the substrate is performed. It is noted, however, that the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the component supplier50, and the conveyor182among the above-indicted six devices22,24,26,50,182,220is configured to be able to perform respective works only when the identification information of the respective four devices22,24,50,182is confirmed by the main central control device70.

More specifically, in an instance where the four devices22,24,50,182are installed on the main frame12via the corresponding interfaces56,88,122,154,186, the identification information of the respective devices22,24,50,182is transmitted from the corresponding RF tags74,100,132,172,208incorporated in the respective interfaces56,88,122,154,186upon startup of the manufacture work machine10. The transmitted identification information is received by the corresponding antennas82,108,140,180,216provided so as to correspond to the respective devices, and the received identification information is transmitted to the corresponding reader-writers278,282,286via the corresponding selectors280,284,288. The reader-writers278,282,286decode the identification information transmitted thereto and transmit the decoded identification information to the main central control device70via the corresponding USB cables276. In this way, the identification information of the respective devices22,24,50,182is confirmed by the main central control device70, so that the devices22,24,50,182are identified by the main central control device70. When the devices22,24,50,182are identified, the above-indicated six devices22,24,26,50,182,220perform the respective works according to the source data.

To be more specific, the source data relating to the assembling work is initially converted in the sub central controller270into a plurality of motion commands for the respective devices. The plurality of motion commands are transmitted from the sub central controller270to the main central control device70via the LAN cable274and are sequentially transmitted by the main central control device70to the individual control devices of the respective six devices22,24,26,50,182,220via the respective serial communication cables268. The motion commands transmitted from the main central control device70are transmitted to all of the individual control devices without particularly specifying destination devices. However, each motion command designates the device to be operated by the motion command. Therefore, the individual control device of the device to be operated receives the motion command corresponding thereto, and the device in question operates in accordance with the motion command. That is, the main central control device70is configured to transmit the motion command to each of the six devices22,24,26,50,182,220according to a certain specific protocol. On the other hand, the identification information of each of the above-indicated four devices22,24,50,182is configured to be transmitted to the main central control device70according to a protocol different from the certain specific protocol indicated above.

The motion commands corresponding to the six devices22, etc., will be briefly explained. The motion commands corresponding to the conveyor182include a motion command for conveying the substrate to a specific position and a motion command for conveying the substrate from the specific position. The motion command corresponding to the component supplier50includes a motion command for supplying the mount component to a specific position. The motion command corresponding to the dispenser head24includes a motion command for ejecting an adhesive onto the substrate. The motion commands corresponding to the component holding head22include a motion command for holding the mount component supplied by the component supplier50and a motion command for releasing the mount component held by the component holding head22onto the substrate on which the adhesive has been ejected. The motion commands corresponding to the head moving device26include a motion command for moving the component holding head22and the dispenser head24to a specific position above the substrate and a motion command for moving the mount component supplied by the component supplier50to a position at which the mount component can be held by the component holding head22. The motion commands corresponding to the image taking device220include: a motion command for permitting the base camera222to take an image of the mount component held by the component holding head22and for obtaining information as to the holding state on the basis of data of the taken image and a motion command for permitting the head camera224to take an image of the substrate and for obtaining positional information of the substrate on the basis of data of the taken image. On the basis of the motion commands, the above-indicated six devices perform the respective works, thereby producing an article in which the mount component is fixed onto the substrate by the adhesive.

When the identification information of the respective devices22,24,50,182is confirmed by the main central control device70, the motion commands are transmitted, so that each device performs the work. In some cases, the work is not performed by each device even where the identification information is confirmed by the main central control device70. More specifically, in the manufacture work machine10constructed as described above, one antenna can receive the identification information of one device. However, the present manufacture work machine10employs the antennas with the so-called anti-collision function. Accordingly, each antenna is capable of receiving and confirming a plurality of pieces of identification information, and one antenna may sometimes receive a plurality of pieces of identification information due to some reasons. This hardly happens in a normal use of the manufacture work machine, and it is accordingly considered that some abnormalities are occurring. Therefore, where a plurality of pieces of identification information is confirmed from one antenna, the motion commands are stopped to be transmitted.

When the source data is converted in the sub central controller270into a plurality of motion commands, performable-motion information is referred to. The performable-motion information is information as to the motion that can be performed by each device. The performable-motion information may be stored in advance in the sub central controller270or the like, and the performable-motion information of each device may be referred to by utilizing the identification information transmitted from each device. To be more specific, the identification information of the device that is transmitted therefrom upon its startup may contain a distinction ID of the device, and there may be stored, in the sub central controller270or the like, a correspondence table indicating a correspondence between the distinction ID and the performable-motion information of the device. Then the performable-motion information may be arranged to be referred to on the basis of the distinction ID. In this arrangement, the performable-motion information can be referred to by utilizing the identification information of each device when the motion command is generated. Further, the identification information may directly contain the performable-motion information. Moreover, the identification information may contain not only the distinction ID and the performable-motion information, but also various sorts of information. For instance, the identification information may contain manufacture identification information based on which a manufacture of the device can be identified (e.g., “01” where the device is manufactured by a company A), device-type identification information based on which the work that can be performed by the device can be identified (e.g., “CH” where the device is a device for holding and releasing a component, i.e., the so-called carry head device), or device identification information based on which the device per se can be identified (e.g., a manufacturing lot number of the device or a type number of the device).

The performable-motion information includes a motion that can be performed by each device, an operating range, dimensions, capabilities (performance), control gains, etc., of each device. The motion that can be performed by each device includes a motion that can be performed by each device when the device performs the work. More specifically, the performable-motion information includes supply of the components where the device is the component supplier50. The performable-motion information includes holding or releasing of the component where the device is the component holding head22. The capabilities (performance) of the device includes output capabilities of an electromagnetic motor where the device is equipped with the electromagnetic motor, concretely, a feeding pitch of the taping by the electromagnetic motor where the device is the tape feeder110of the component supplier50.

<Replacement of Device Installed on Main Frame>

As shown inFIG. 2indicating a state in which the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the component supplier50, and the conveyor182are removed from the main frame12, the component holding head22, the dispenser head24, the component supplier50, and the conveyor182are easily installable on and removable from the main frame12. To be more specific, the component holding head22as the work head device22and the dispenser head24as the work head device24are easily installable on and removable from the respective sliders28,30via the holding-head IF56and the dispenser-head IF88, respectively, as interfaces56,58for the work head devices22,24(hereinafter referred to as “head-device IFs56,58” where appropriate). The tape feeder110of the component supplier50is installable on and removable from the feeder holding table112via the feeder IF154, and the feeder holding table112is easily installable on and removable from the base20by utilizing the slide mechanism120, via the holding-table IF122and the pair of guide rails118. The conveyor182is easily installable on and removable from the conveyor installation portion184of the base20via the conveyor IF186. Thus, the above-indicated devices22, etc., are configured to be easily installable and removable by being installed on the main frame12via the corresponding interfaces56, etc.

To the respective positions at which the work head devices22,24, the component supplier50, and the conveyor182have been installed, other work head devices, other component suppliers, and other conveyors can be installed in place of the work head devices22,24, the component supplier50, and the conveyor182. To be more specific, in place of the component supplier50, a component supplier310shown inFIG. 16can be installed. The component supplier310includes: a feeder holding portion312to which tape feeders each having a structure similar to that of the tape feeders110are installed; an accommodating portion316in which are accommodated a plurality of component trays314on each of which the mount components are placed: and a tray moving device318configured to move one of the component trays314from the accommodating portion316to a position at which the component can be supplied to the component holding head22. That is, the component supplier310is formed such that a tape-feeder-type supplier and a tray-unit-type supplier become integral to each other. To the component supplier310, there are attached a holding-table IF and a pair of guide rails that are the same as the holding-table IF122and the pair of guide rails118attached to the feeder holding table112of the component supplier50are attached. According to the arrangement, the component supplier310can be easily installed on the base20, in place of the component supplier50. Further, a supplier320of a tray unit type (FIG. 17) can be installed, in place of the component supplier50. To the supplier320, the above-indicated holding-table IF and the pair of guide rails118are attached. According to the arrangement, the supplier320can be also installed easily on the base20, in place of the component supplier50. Where the component supplier is the tray-unit-type supplier, it is possible to supply components with a larger size, as compared with the tape-feeder type supplier. That is, in the present manufacture work machine10, the component supplier can be replaced with another one depending upon the component to be supplied, enabling various products to be manufactured.

To the respective positions at which the work head devices22,24are installed, namely, to the sliders28,30, other work head devices can be installed, in place of the work head devices22,24. To be more specific, there may be installed: a high-frequency welder330for performing a heat treatment by a high-frequency wave: a laser generator332for performing laser processing; a UV irradiator334for performing processing by UV irradiation; a hot-air blower336for performing a heat treatment by applying hot air; a screw fastener338for performing screw fastening processing; a screw attaching/fastening device340for performing screw holding/releasing and screw fastening processing in a state in which a screw is held; a double dispenser342having two dispenser nozzles and configured to perform ejection of two kinds of auxiliary agents; a mounter344for performing holding and releasing another component and for performing adjustment of a component hold position; and a solder cream printer346. The head-device IFs56,88are attached to the high-frequency welder330, the laser generator332, etc., that can be installed in place of the work head devices22,24. The high-frequency welder330, the laser generator332, etc., are installed on the sliders28,30via the head-device IFs56,88. Accordingly, the high-frequency welder330, the laser generator332, etc., can be easily installed on and removed from the sliders28,30.

As explained above, in the present manufacture work machine10, there can be employed, as the work head device, the devices having various functions. Accordingly, where there arises a need of performing a work of fixing a component to a substrate due to design changes or the like, in place of the work of fixing the component to the substrate by the adhesive, for instance, it is possible to deal with the need not by changing the manufacture work machine per se, but by replacing the dispenser head24with the screw attaching/fastening device340. Moreover, while the manufacture work in the manufacture work machine10is the assembling work, the work head device may be changed so as to perform, as the manufacture work, a work in which certain processing, treatment or the like is performed on the work object. More specifically, the work head device may be changed so as to perform various sorts of works such as a work (e.g., a press work) in which the work object is deformed, a work (e.g., a cut-off work) in which a part of the work object is cut off, a work (e.g., a cutting work) in which the work object is shaped, a work (e.g., a surface modification work) in which a surface of the work object is modified by laser, plasma or the like, a work (e.g., a surface finishing work) such as grinding, a work of irradiating the work object with a light, ultraviolet rays, an electromagnetic wave, etc., for the purpose of fixation, curing, etc. In other words, according to the present manufacture work machine, various manufacture works can be performed by changing the work head devices.

In place of the conveyor182, other kinds of conveyors may be installed such as a double conveyor350of a module type (FIG. 17), a single conveyor, a conveyor of a lift and carry type, or a conveyor of a pick and place type (illustration of which is omitted). The conveyor IF186is attached to the double conveyor350, the single conveyor, etc., that can be installed in place of the conveyor182. The double conveyor350, the single conveyor, etc., are installed on the conveyor installation portion184of the base20via the conveyor IF186. Accordingly, the double conveyor350, the single conveyor, etc., are also easily installable on and removable form the base20. The conveyor of the lift and carry type is configured to lift, by an elevating and lowering mechanism, a holding table on which the substrate or the like is placed and to carry the thus lifted holding table in the conveyance direction by a carrying mechanism. Accordingly, the conveyor of the lift and carry type is capable of properly conveying the work object even where the work object is relatively heavy. The conveyor of the pick and place type is configured to lift the work object such as the substrate by suction and to move the sucked work object in the conveyance direction.

Accordingly, the conveyor of the pick and place type is capable of properly conveying the work object even where the work object has a relatively fragile structure. Thus, in the present manufacture work machine10, it is possible to change the conveyors depending upon the work object such as the substrate, enabling various products to be manufactured.

The head moving device26, the base camera222, and the head camera224are also removable from the base20and are replaceable with other head moving devices and cameras. However, in the present manufacture work machine10, the head moving device26, the base camera222, and the head camera224are not equipped with interfaces corresponding thereto, and the devices26, etc., are not configured to be easily installed on and removed from the base20. It is noted, however, that the devices26, etc., may be equipped with interfaces corresponding thereto and the devices26, etc., may be installed on the base20via the interfaces, thereby realizing easy installation on and removal from the base.

<Construction of Manufacture Work Machine>

As explained above, the present manufacture work machine is constituted by the main frame12and the plurality of devices installed on the main frame12. The plurality of devices installed on the main frame12are selectable from among various devices. Accordingly, in order to construct the manufacture work machine in accordance with a user's demand, the user needs to determine the devices to be installed on the main frame12in accordance with the manufacture work to be performed and to prepare the determined plurality of devices.

As a method of preparing the plurality of devices, the user may purchase the main frame12from a certain maker. The user may further purchase the plurality of devices to be installed on the main frame12from the certain maker. That is, in this instance, the user purchases the manufacture work machine from the certain maker. As an alternative, the user may purchase the main frame12from a certain maker and may purchase at least one of the plurality of devices to be installed on the main frame12from another maker different from the certain maker. (Hereinafter, the above-indicated another maker may be referred to as “third vender” where appropriate for distinction from the certain maker.) In this instance, it is possible to use the device produced by the third vendor with high technological skills. Moreover, at least one of the plurality of devices may be produced by a user himself. In this instance, the user is free from a risk that information about the product is known to others, and therefore, confidentiality of the information about the product is ensured.

As explained above, however, in order to install the devices on the main frame12, the interfaces corresponding to the respective devices are required. To be more specific, the work head devices require the head-device IFs56,88. The component supplier requires the holding-table IF122. The tape feeder requires the feeder IF154. The conveyor requires the conveyor IF186. Further, for permitting the devices to be identified by the control device when the control by the control device is executed, there are required the RF tags capable of transmitting the identification information of the respective devices. Accordingly, the interfaces corresponding to the respective devices are required. Hence, where a party, such as the third vendor, other than the certain maker produces the device to be installed on the main frame, the party in question needs to purchase the interface corresponding to the device from the certain maker and to produce the device by attaching the interface thereto. In this respect, for the component supplier, not only the holding-table IF122, but also the pair of guide rails118need to be purchased from the certain maker in view of ease of installation on the base20, and the guide rails118need to be mounted on the component supplier.

As described above, where the party other than the certain maker purchases the interfaces corresponding to the respective devices and produce the devices by attaching the purchased interfaces to the devices, it is possible to produce the devices that are physically and electrically installable on and removable from the main frame12without any design changes for adapting the devices to the main frame12. Moreover, for the maker that produces and sells the main frame12and the manufacture work machine, it is possible to grasp the party that produces the devices to be installed on the main frame, so that the reliability of the devices can be ensured and the reliability of the manufacture work machine per se can be ensured.

However, there may be a party among the third vendors and so on that is reluctant to purchase the interfaces from the certain maker and that tries to produce the interfaces by itself. Existence of such a party cannot ensure the reliability of the devices to be installed on the main frame, and may pose a threat to the reliability of the manufacture work machine per se. In view of this, in each of the interfaces employed in the present manufacture work machine, the RF tag capable of transmitting the identification information of the corresponding device is disposed in the hole so as to be sealed by the resin. According to the arrangement, the RF tag is difficult to be taken out of the interface. Therefore, where a malicious third vendor or the like tries to forcibly take the RF tag out of the interface, for instance, the RF tag will be easily broken. Since the RF tag is disposed in the hole without clearance, it is very difficult to take the RF tag out of the interface without breaking the RF tag. The third vendor or the like cannot produce the interface without the RF tag. Accordingly, it is essential for a party who wishes to produce the device to be installed on the main frame to purchase the interface from the certain maker indicated above.

If a malicious third vendor or the like should take the RF tag out of the interface and attach the RF tag to a vicinity of an antenna capable of receiving the identification information, the device might operate in the manufacture work machine even where the authorized interface is not attached to the device. However, where the device to which the authorized interface is attached is installed at a position at which the RF tag is attached to the vicinity of the antenna, the antenna will receive two sorts of identification information because the antenna employed in the present manufacture work machine has the anti-collision function. In this case, the control device judges that some abnormalities are occurring, and the motion commands are stopped to be transmitted, as described above. Thus, even if the RF tag should be taken out of the interface, it is possible to prevent the RF tag to be abused.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS