Work apparatus and production line

A work apparatus and a production line that effectively moves a work apparatus at a production line while reducing setup costs. A work apparatus of the production line includes an exchanging device configured to perform collecting and supplying of an exchange element set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters; a first rail provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters, extending in the conveyance direction of the circuit board, and including a planar traveling path; and a moving device configured to move the exchanging device along the first rail by driving a driving wheel configured to engage with the traveling path of the first rail via friction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a work apparatus and a production line.

BACKGROUND ART

A work apparatus, in a production line configured from multiple electronic component mounters lined up in a conveyance direction of a circuit board, performs specified work with respect to each of the multiple electronic component mounters. For example, disclosed in patent literature 1 is a replenishment device that automatically supplies and collects feeders to and from electronic component mounters as an example of the above specified work. The device of patent literature 1 is configured to move the above replenishment device to a specified position using a rack and pinion mechanism.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

BRIEF SUMMARY

Technical Problem

In the work apparatus configured as above, the engagement state of the rack and pinion affects the movement of the work apparatus. Therefore, for example, when the rack is formed from multiple connected rail members, the multiple rail members must be set maintaining the pitch of the rack teeth at the joins of the rail members. Further, it is necessary for the rack to be formed in a straight line, which increases the cost of setting up the work apparatus.

The present disclosure takes account of such circumstances and an object thereof is to provide a work apparatus and a production line that effectively moves a work apparatus at a production line while reducing setup costs.

Solution to Problem

A work apparatus of the present disclosure is applied to a production line configured from multiple electronic component mounters lined up in a conveyance direction of a circuit board, and performs specified work with respect to each of the multiple electronic component mounters. A work apparatus of the production line includes an exchanging device configured to perform collecting and supplying of an exchange element set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters; a first rail provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters, extending in the conveyance direction of the circuit board, and including a planar traveling path; and a moving device configured to move the exchanging device along the first rail by driving a driving wheel configured to engage with the traveling path of the first rail via friction.

A production line of the present disclosure includes: multiple electronic component mounters lined up in a row in a conveyance direction of a circuit board an exchanging device configured to perform collecting and supplying of an exchange element set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters; a first rail provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters, extending in the conveyance direction of the circuit board, and including a planar traveling path; and a moving device configured to move the exchanging device along the first rail by driving a driving wheel configured to engage with the traveling path of the first rail via friction.

Advantageous Effects

According to a configuration of the present disclosure, an exchanging device is moved in a direction in which electronic component mounters are lined up (a conveyance direction of a circuit board) by the driving of a driving wheel that engages with a first rail via friction. Thus, because the driving wheel engages the planar traveling path of the first rail via friction, the exchanging device can be moved by driving the driving wheel. Also, compared to a moving device with a configuration that uses a rack and pinion for which the rack must be configured with a specified accuracy, the moving device needs only to be configured such that a traveling path is formed on the first rail, with the driving wheel being capable of rolling on the traveling path. Accordingly, setup costs for applying the work apparatus to a production line and setup costs of a production line provided with the exchanging device are reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment

Configuration of Production Line1

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, production line1is configured from multiple electronic component mounters10lined up in a row in the conveyance direction (X direction) of circuit board Bd. Feeder storage device30used to store cassette-type feeders20is provided on the board loading side (upper left side inFIG. 1) of production line1. Also, machines such as a screen printer, a mounting inspection machine, or a reflow oven may be included in production line1.

In the present embodiment, exchanging robot50is applied as a work apparatus that performs specified work with respect to each of feeder storage device30and the multiple electronic component mounters10. Exchanging robot50and the other machines that configure production line1are configured to exchange various pieces of data with management device40via a network, which is not shown. Details regarding exchanging robot50are described later.

Feeder storage device30includes multiple slots and stocks feeders20set in those slots. When a feeder20is set in feeder storage device30, communication is possible between feeder20and management device40. Accordingly, identification codes (IDs) are allocated to slots of feeder storage device30and to feeders20set in those slots and memorized in management device40.

Management device40monitors the operating state of production line1, and performs control of production equipment including electronic component mounters10and feeder storage device30. Various types of data for controlling electronic component mounters10are stored in management device40. Management device40, when performing production processing for each item of production equipment, sends various data such as a control program to each item of production equipment as appropriate.

Configuration of Electronic Component Mounter10

As shown inFIG. 2, the multiple electronic component mounters10that configure production line1include: board conveyance device11, upper section slots12, lower section slots11, mounting head14, and head moving device15. In the descriptions below the horizontal width direction of electronic component mounters10, that is, the conveyance direction of circuit board Bd is the X direction, the horizontal depth direction of the electronic component mounters10is the Y direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction (vertical direction ofFIG. 1).

Board conveyance device11is configured from a belt conveyor or the like and consecutively conveys circuit boards Bd in a conveyance direction. Board conveyance device11positions circuit board Bd at a specified position inside electronic component mounter10. Then, after mounting processing has been performed by electronic component mounter10, board conveyance device11unloads circuit board Bd from electronic component mounter10.

Upper section slots12are arranged in an upper section of the front side of electronic component mounter10and support set feeders20such that operation is possible. That is, feeders20set in upper section slots12have operation controlled during mounting processing of mounting electronic components using electronic component mounter10such that electronic components are supplied to a removal section provided at a specified position of an upper section of the feeder.

Lower section slots13arranged below upper section slots12and stock set feeders20. That is, lower section slots13stock as spare feeders20to be used in production and temporarily stock feeders20that have been used in production. Note that, exchanging of feeders20to and from upper section slots12and lower section slots13may be performed automatically via exchanging robot50, which is described later, or by manual exchange by an operator.

Mounting head14is provided with a holding member (not shown) that holds an electronic component supplied from feeder20. The above holding member may be, for example, a suction nozzle that holds an electronic component via the supply of negative pressure, or a chuck that holds an electronic component by gripping. Mounting head14holds the holding member to be movable in the Z direction and rotatable around a Z axis. Head moving device15moves mounting head14in the XY directions via a linear drive mechanism.

Electronic component mounter10configured as described above controls operation of mounting head14, head moving device15, and feeders20via a control device, which is not shown. Also, electronic component mounter10performs mounting processing of mounting electronic components so as to transfer electronic components supplied from feeders20onto specified positions of circuit board Bd.

Configuration of Feeder20

The configuration of feeder20is described with reference toFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 3, feeder20includes case21, carrier tape22, tape reel23, tape feeding mechanism24, reel25, and feeder control device26. Case21is formed substantially as a flat box. Case21has a portion that can open and close. Case21removably (exchangeably) holds a tape reel23on which is wound carrier tape22.

Carrier tape22stores electronic components in storage sections formed in a central section in the width direction. Also, carrier tape22includes feeding holes formed at one edge in the width direction. The above storage sections and feeding holes are formed at regular intervals in the feeding direction of carrier tape22. Cover tape is attached to the upper surface of carrier tape22so as to cover the openings of the storage sections. Tape reel23is supported to be rotatable with respect to case21.

Case feeding mechanism24rotates a sprocket that engages with the feeding holes of carrier tape22. Accordingly, tape feeding mechanism24pitch feeds carrier tape22pulled from tape reel23to a removal section provided at a specified position on a top section of feeder20. Rail25supports carrier tape22pulled from tape reel23.

Feeder control device26, when feeder20is set on an upper section slot12of electronic component mounter10, supplies power from the electronic component mounter10via a connector. Thus, feeder control device26is in a state in which communication with the electronic component mounter10is possible. Feeder control device26controls operation of tape feeding mechanism24based on control commands or the like from electronic component mounter10.

Feeder20configured as described above, when tape feeding mechanism24pitch feeds carrier tape22, peels the cover tape at a position forward of the removal section of the electronic component so as to reveal the electronic component and allow it to be removed. In this manner, electronic components loaded in feeder20are supplied so as to be picked up by the holding member of mounting head14at the removal section on the top section of feeder20.

Configuration of Exchanging Robot50

Exchanging robot50, with respect exchanging elements that are feeders20that supply electronic components to be mounted on circuit board Bd, performs collecting and supplying of the feeders20between multiple electronic components10that configure production line1, and between feeder storage sections30. More specifically, exchanging robot50conveys a feeder20to be used in production of a circuit board product from feeder storage device30to a lower section slot13or an upper section slot12of an electronic component mounter10. Further, exchanging robot50exchanges a feeder20between the upper section slots12and the lower section slots13of the electronic component mounters10. Also, exchanging robot50conveys used feeders20from electronic component mounter10to feeder storage device30.

As shown inFIG. 4, exchanging robot50is provided with exchanging device51, first rail52, second rail53, separation prevention guide54, moving device60, and position detecting device80(refer toFIG. 5). Exchanging device51performs collecting and supplying of feeders20set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters10. In detail, exchanging device51is provided with a moving mechanism that moves a clamp (not shown) that grips a feeder20in the Y direction and the Z direction.

As shown inFIG. 4, exchanging device51includes upper section transfer section51athat transfers feeders20to be exchanged to and from upper section slots12, and lower section transfer section51bthat transfers feeders20to be exchanged to and from lower section slots13. Exchanging device51controls the gripping state and YZ-direction position of the above clamp at upper section transfer section51aand lower section transfer section51bbased on control commands from electronic component mounter10or management device40.

As shown inFIG. 1, first rail52is provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters10. In more detail, first rail52is provided between the upper section slots12and the lower section slots13in the vertical direction on each of the multiple electronic component mounters10. Note that, in the present embodiment, first rail52is configured such that individual rail members of the same shape are connected in the X direction on each of the multiple electronic component mounters10and feeder storage devices30. Adjacent rail members are arranged in a substantially straight line and may be arranged with a slight gap in the XYZ directions at the joins.

Also, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, first rail52includes planar traveling path52athat extends in the conveyance direction (X direction) of the circuit board. In the present embodiment, traveling path52ais formed perpendicular to a horizontal plane (XY plane) and facing exchanging device51. Traveling path52aof first rail52engages with driving wheel72, which is described later, via friction. Therefore, traveling path52a, so long as the overall form is planar, may be configured, for example, with a slit or recess or protrusion for preventing driving wheel72from rotating idly. Also, further formed on first rail52may be upper surface section52bparallel to the horizontal plane, and side surface section52cperpendicular with respect to upper surface section52band facing the opposite side to exchanging device51.

Second rail53is provided on the front section of the multiple electronic component mounters10at a different vertical position to first rail52. In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, second rail53is provided below first rail52and lower section slots13of electronic component mounters10. Second rail53extends in the conveyance direction (X direction) of circuit board Bd, is perpendicular with respect to the horizontal plane (XY plane), and is formed with support section53afacing the exchanging device51side.

Support section53aof second rail53supports third guide roller64, which is described later, in a rotatable manner. Separation prevention guide54includes a facing surface that faces support section53aand prevents third guide roller64that rolls along support section53aof second rail53from separating from support section53a. Accordingly, separation prevention guide54, when an external force acts to cause exchanging device51overall to tilt, contacts third guide roller64and curtails the tilting of exchanging device51.

First rail52and second rail53configured as described above are provided along the entire length of production line1in the X direction. That is, first rail52and second rail53extend from the circuit board Bd loading side to feeder storage device30. Thus, exchanging device51, by operation of moving device60, which is described later, is configured to be able to move to any position in the X direction including anywhere on the front side of the multiple electronic component mounters10and the feeder storage device30.

Moving device60engages driving wheel72of driving unit70, which is described later, with traveling path52aof first rail52via friction, and moves exchanging device51along first rail52by driving a driving wheel72. As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, moving device60includes main body section61, first guide roller62, second guide roller63, third guide roller64, biasing mechanism65, and driving unit70. Main body unit61of moving device60is a frame member that holds exchanging device51. Also, bracket61afor attaching driving unit70is formed on main body unit61.

As shown inFIG. 5, first guide roller62engages in a rollable manner with upper surface section52bof first rail52. Thus, first guide roller62regulates downwards movement of exchanging device51held by main body section61. Second guide roller63engages in a rollable manner with side surface section52cof first rail52. By this, second guide roller63regulates movement of exchanging device51in a horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of circuit board Bd. In the present embodiment, multiple first guide rollers62and multiple second guide rollers63are arranged alternately in the X direction.

As shown inFIG. 4, third guide roller64rolls along support section53aof second rail53. By this, third guide roller64maintains the posture of exchanging device51. Here, when first guide roller62and second guide roller63support exchanging device51engaged by first guide roller62, due to the relationship between the support position and the center of gravity of exchanging device51, a moment arises at exchanging device51that rotates exchanging device51around an axis line parallel to the X axis. Specifically, a force occurs that makes the lower section of exchanging device51approach the second rail53side.

With respect to this, by third guide roller64that can rotate around an axis line parallel to the Z axis contacting second rail53at the lower section of exchanging device51, the posture of exchanging device51is maintained against this moment. In this manner, because exchanging device51is supported in three directions by three types of guide rollers, an upright posture not contacting floor surface2is maintained.

As shown inFIG. 6, driving unit70is configured from base plate71, driving wheel72, driving motor73, and transmission mechanism74. With base plate71, plate section71athat extends in the Y direction is attached to bracket61aof main body section61to be slidable in the Y direction. Also, flange section71bthat extends down from the lower surface of plate section71ais formed on base plate71.

As shown inFIG. 4, driving wheel72is provided between upper section transfer section51aof exchanging device51and lower section transfer section51bin the vertical direction. Also, as shown inFIG. 6, driving wheel72is attached to base plate71to be rotatable around an axis line parallel to the Z axis. An external section of driving wheel72is formed from a rubbery elastic material such as urethane. Driving wheel72engages with traveling52aaccording to a specified friction force by being biased towards traveling path52aof metal first rail52. By this, driving wheel72is configured such that driving force can be transmitted to traveling path52a. Electric power is supplied to driving motor73, which outputs a driving force. In the present embodiment, driving motor73is supported on base plate71such that the driving axis is parallel to the Z axis.

Transmission device74transmits driving power output by driving motor73to driving wheel72. In the present embodiment, transmission device74is a belt-type device configured from pulley74aarranged coaxially with driving wheel72and that rotates together with driving wheel72, and endless belt74bhung between an output shat of driving motor73and pulley74a. Transmission mechanism74transmits driving force to driving wheel72after reducing the rotation speed of driving motor73.

Biasing mechanism65biases driving wheel72towards traveling path52asuch that they are engaged via friction. Here, driving wheel72is integrated in a unit with driving motor73provided on base plate71and transmission mechanism74that transmits the driving force. That is, driving unit70is configured to be slid as one body in the Y direction with respect to main body section61. Here, in the present embodiment, biasing mechanism65is configured to bias driving wheel72against traveling path52aby pushing driving unit70to the first rail52side with respect to main body section61by the elastic force of spring65a.

Spring65aof biasing mechanism65is arranged in a compressed state between bracket61aof main body section61and flange section71bof base plate71. By this, driving unit70is in a state always pushed to the traveling path52aside in the Y direction with respect to main body section61. In this manner, with biasing mechanism65, even if there is a level difference or a gap at the join of adjacent rail members that configure first rail52, driving wheel72is maintained in a state contacting traveling path52aof first rail52. Also, moving device60drives driving wheel72that engages with traveling path52aof first rail52via friction so as to move exchanging device51along first rail52.

Also, as shown inFIG. 7, first range R1in the vertical direction in which driving wheel72engages with traveling path52aof first rail52and second range R2in the vertical direction in which second guide roller63engages with side surface section52coverlap. In the present embodiment, first range R1is set to include second range R2. According to such a configuration, driving wheel72of moving device60is positioned to sandwich first rail52between driving wheel72and second guide roller63. That is, second range R2in which second guide roller63regulates movement in the Y direction of exchanging device51faces first range R1in which driving wheel72transmits driving force to first rail52. By this, the biasing of driving wheel72via biasing mechanism65is stable.

As shown inFIG. 5, position detecting device80includes toothed belt81, pinion82, and rotary encoder83. Toothed belt81is formed of a rubbery elastic material and is provided in the X direction along first rail52. Pinion82is provided on main body section61of moving device60to be rotatable around an axis line parallel to the Y axis. Pinion82is held such that an engaged state with teeth of toothed belt81is maintained. Rotary encoder83is a rotation angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of pinion82.

Position detecting device80detects the position in the X direction of exchanging device51and moving device60in production line1based on the output pulses of rotary encoder83. By this, the control device (not shown) of exchanging robot50controls operation of moving device60so as to move exchanging device51to a position in the X direction in accordance with control commands, based on the current position of exchanging device51and control commands issued by electronic component mounter10or management device40.

Effects of Embodiment

A work apparatus (exchanging robot50) of production line1is applied to production line1configured from multiple electronic component mounters10lined up in a conveyance direction of a circuit board Bd, and performs specified work with respect to each of the multiple electronic component mounters10. The work apparatus (exchanging robot50) includes exchanging device51configured to perform collecting and supplying of an exchange element (feeder20) set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters10; first rail52provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters10, extending in the conveyance direction of the circuit board Bd, and including planar traveling path52a; and moving device60configured to move exchanging device51along first rail52by driving a driving wheel72configured to engage with traveling path52aof first rail52via friction.

Production line1includes: multiple electronic component mounters10lined up in a row in a conveyance direction of circuit board Bd; exchanging device51configured to perform collecting and supplying of an exchange element (feeder20) set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters10; first rail52provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters10, extending in the conveyance direction of the circuit board Bd, and including planar traveling path52a; and moving device60configured to move exchanging device51along first rail52by driving a driving wheel72configured to engage with traveling path52aof first rail52via friction.

According to such a configuration, exchanging device51is moved in a direction in which the electronic component mounters10are lined up (the conveyance direction of circuit board Bd) by the driving of driving wheel72that engages with first rail52via friction. Thus, because driving wheel72engages planar traveling path52aof first rail52via friction, exchanging device51can be moved by driving a driving wheel72. Also, compared to a moving device with a configuration that uses a rack and pinion for which the rack must be configured with a specified accuracy, moving device60of the present embodiment needs only to be configured such that traveling path52ais formed on first rail52, with driving wheel72being capable of rolling on traveling path52a. Accordingly, setup costs for applying exchanging robot50to production line1and setup costs of production line1provided with exchanging device51are reduced. In detail, when a rack and pinion mechanism is used in the moving device, if the rack is formed from multiple connected rail members, the multiple rail members must be set maintaining the pitch of the rack teeth at the join of the rail members. Therefore, restrictions arise in the positional relationship of adjacent electronic component mounters10. In contrast, with the present embodiment, it is sufficient that planar traveling path52ais formed on first rail52such that driving wheel72is capable of traveling by being engaged via friction. Thus, compared to a configuration in which rack teeth are formed in a straight line, manufacturing costs of first rail52are reduced. Further, because there is no engaging of metal teeth as with a rack and pinion mechanism, noise when traveling is reduced.

Also, traveling path52ais formed perpendicular to a horizontal plane and facing exchanging device51. Moving device60includes biasing mechanism65that biases driving wheel72towards traveling path52asuch that they are engaged via friction. According to such a configuration, driving wheel72of moving device60is maintained in a favorable state biased towards traveling path52aof first rail52by biasing mechanism65so as to be engaged with traveling path52avia friction. By this, because the driving force is transmitted to first rail52via driving wheel72, driving wheel72is prevented from rotating idly and traveling ability of moving device60is improved. Also, even if there is a gap or level difference between adjacent first rails52, because driving wheel72is appropriately moved by biasing mechanism65, design tolerances or the like of first rail52are absorbed, and favorable traveling is maintained. Thus, freedom in the setup position of the multiple electronic component mounters10is improved and setup costs for production line1are reduced.

Also, moving device60includes main body section61that holds exchanging device51and driving unit70configured from driving wheel72, driving motor73, and transmission mechanism74that transmits driving force output by driving motor73to driving wheel72. Biasing mechanism65biases driving wheel72towards traveling path52aby pushing driving unit70to the first rail52side with respect to main body section61. According to such a configuration, driving wheel72of moving device60is configured to be integrated as one with driving motor73and transmission mechanism74, and is slidable in the Y direction with respect to main body section61. By this, the driving force is reliably transmitted to driving wheel72and driving wheel72is engaged with traveling path52avia friction. Thus, driving wheel72is reliably prevented from rotating idly and traveling ability of moving device60is improved.

Also, further formed on first rail52is upper surface section52bparallel to the horizontal plane, and side surface section52cperpendicular with respect to upper surface section52band facing the opposite side to exchanging device51. Moving device60also includes first guide roller62rotatably engaged with upper surface section52bof first rail52and configured to regulate movement downwards of exchanging device51, and second guide roller63rotatably engaged with the side surface section52cof first rail52and configured to regulate movement of exchanging device51in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of circuit board Bd. According to such a configuration, exchanging device51is in a state engaged with first rail52of electronic component mounter10via first guide roller62and second guide roller63of moving device60. For example, when a rail is set on floor surface2on which electronic component mounter10is set, the rail must be fixed in accordance with any unevenness in floor surface2. With respect to this point, in the above configuration, because exchanging device51is in a state not contacting floor surface2, exchanging robot50can be set up regardless of the state of floor surface2. Accordingly, set up costs for setting up exchanging robot50at production line1are reduced. Further, first guide roller62and second guide roller63function as supporting rollers that support exchanging device51. By this, because a load is not applied to driving wheel72of moving device60in accordance with the supporting of exchanging device51, it is possible to make driving unit70and biasing mechanism65dedicated for moving, such that driving unit70and biasing mechanism65can be made compact. Accordingly, exchanging robot50overall can be made compact.

Also, a range (first range R1) in the vertical direction in which driving wheel72engages with traveling path52aand a second range (second range R2) in the vertical direction in which second guide roller63engages with side surface section52coverlap. According to such a configuration, driving wheel72of moving device60is positioned to sandwich first rail52between driving wheel72and second guide roller63. That is, second range R2in which second guide roller63regulates movement in the V direction of exchanging device51faces first range R1in which driving wheel72transmits driving force to first rail52. By this, the biasing of the driving force by biasing mechanism65is stable. Accordingly, operation during work and movement of exchanging device51is stabilized.

Also, the work apparatus (exchanging robot50) is further provided with second rail53provided on the front section of the multiple electronic component mounters10at a different vertical direction position than first rail52, extending in the conveyance direction of circuit board Bd, and formed with support section53aconfigured to be perpendicular with respect to the horizontal plane and facing exchanging device51. Moving device60also includes third guide roller64that rolls along support section53aof second rail53and maintains the posture of exchanging device51. According to such a configuration, the posture of exchanging device51is maintained by third guide roller64of moving device60. Here, depending on the positions of first guide roller62and second guide roller63in moving device60, a moment arises acting to rotate exchanging device51and moving device60around an axis parallel to the conveyance direction (X direction) of circuit board Bd. With respect to this, by providing third guide roller64rotatably along second rail53, exchanging device51is supported against this moment. In this manner, the posture of exchanging device51supported from three directions is stable, and operation during work or movement of exchanging device51is stabilized.

Also, the exchange element is feeder20that supplies electronic components to be mounted on circuit board Bd. Exchanging device51performs collecting and supplying of feeders20between each of the multiple electronic component mounters10. According to such a configuration, the work apparatus is exchanging robot50that performs exchanging work of feeders20between electronic component mounters10. A feeder20must be set at an upper section slot12or a lower section slot13appropriately in accordance with mounting processing of the electronic components. Also, if a component runs out during mounting processing, the progress of mounting processing may be delayed and the cycle time increased. Thus, by feeders20being automatically exchanged by the exchanging robot, it is possible to accurately set feeders20, and to prevent components from running out. Thus, the work apparatus is particular effective when applied to an exchanging robot for feeders20.

Also, upper section slots12that hold set feeders24such that operation is possible, and lower section slots13provided below upper section slots12and that stock set feeders20are each provided on the multiple electronic component mounters10. First rail52is provided between the upper section slots12and the lower section slots13in the vertical direction on each of the multiple electronic component mounters10. Exchanging device51includes upper section transfer section51athat transfers feeders20to be exchanged to and from upper section slots12, and lower section transfer section51bthat transfer feeders20to be exchanged to and from lower section slots13. Driving wheel72is provided between upper section transfer section51aand lower section transfer section51bin the vertical direction. According to such a configuration, driving wheel72of moving device60engages via friction with traveling path52aof first rail52provided between upper section slots12and lower section slots13of electronic component mounters10in the vertical direction. By this, driving unit70and biasing mechanism65are arranged between upper section transfer section51aand lower section transfer section51band exchanging device51for feeders20can be made compact. Also, because driving wheel72engages with traveling path52aof first rail52between the upper section and lower section of the work apparatus, it is possible to favorably support exchanging device51and the posture of exchanging device51can be kept more stable.

Alternative Embodiment

In the embodiment above, moving device60is configured with a single driving wheel72. In contrast, moving device60may be configured with multiple driving wheels72arranged in a line at different positions in the X direction. Also, the outermost section of driving wheel72is formed of an elastic material such as urethane or rubber. With respect to this, driving wheel72may be formed from various materials so long as the configuration allows engaging via friction without engaging teeth with traveling path52aof first rail52. However, from the point of view of preventing driving wheel72from rotating idly, the above embodiment is favorable.

Also, traveling path52awith which driving wheel72engages is configured to be perpendicular to a horizontal plane. However, so long as the configuration is such that driving wheel72can engage with traveling path52avia friction, traveling path52amay form a horizontal plane in the X direction or a tilted plane, with driving wheel72being driven engaging with the traveling path52avia friction. The same effects are achieved with such a configuration as with the configuration of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, moving device60includes driving unit70in which driving wheel72and the like are integrated. Driving unit70, as well as including transmission mechanism74, may be configured such that the output axis of driving motor73is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of driving wheel72. Also, moving device60may be configured such that driving motor73is fixed to the bracket61aside of main body section61, and such that driving wheel72is movable in the Y direction relative to driving motor73.

Also, first guide roller62and second guide roller63are arranged adjacently to each other to be rotatably engaged with upper surface section52band side surface section52cformed on first rail52. In contrast, first guide roller62and second guide roller63may be configured to be arranged separated from each other in the Y direction or the Z direction. However, from the viewpoint of making first rail52and moving device60compact, as in the first embodiment, it is favorable to have a configuration in which first guide roller62and second guide roller63are arranged close to each other.

The third guide roller of moving device60is arranged at a position in the Z direction corresponding to supporting section53aof third rail53provided below first rail52. In contrast, for example, second guide roller63may be arranged above upper section slots12of electronic component mounter10and first rail52and third guide roller64may be configured to be arranged at a position in the Z direction corresponding to supporting section53aof the second rail53. The same effects are achieved with such a configuration as with the configuration of the first embodiment.

Exchanging Device

In the first embodiment, the exchange element that is the exchange target for exchanging robot50is feeder20that is set on electronic component mounter10and that supplies electronic components to be mounted on circuit board Bd. In contrast, exchanging robot50that is the work apparatus may be applied to an exchange element other than feeder20. Specifically, for example, a nozzle station or a waste tape collection container exchangeably set on electronic component mounter10may be the exchange element.

The above nozzle station may be set at a specified position inside electronic component mounter10and may hold suction nozzles to be automatically exchanged by mounting head14. A nozzle station must hold suction nozzles that correspond to the component types of the electronic components to be used in the production of a circuit board product. Here, by arranging a nozzle station storage device at production line1and automatically exchanging nozzle stations between the storage device and the electronic component mounters10, productivity at production line1can be improved.

Also, the above waste tape collection container may be set below the upper section slots12of electronic component mounter10to function as a container in which waste tape generated from the feeders20supplying the electronic components is collected. This waste tape is, for example, a portion of carrier tape22from which electronic components have been removed cut to an appropriate length. The capacity of the waste tape collection container is limited. Therefore, it is effective to use exchanging robot50to, for example, maintain a favorable production state in which the amount of waste tape collected in the waste tape collection container is equal to or less than a specified amount.

In a case in which feeder20is a stick feeder, exchanging robot50may also be configured to perform supply of sticks and collection of empty sticks. Also, in a case in which feeder20is a bulk feeder, exchanging robot50may be configured to supply bulk components, supply component cases that store bulk components, and collect empty component cases. With such configurations too, it is possible to automatically supply and collect exchange elements, thus improving production efficiency at production line1.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST