Sorting machine for electronic component processing and method for confirming whether an insert is defective

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sorting machine for electronic component processing and a method for confirming whether an insert has defects. According to the present invention, the brightness difference of each part of the insert is used to confirm whether the insert has defects, and the operation of confirming whether the insert has defects during the tray standby period is improved by improving the transfer logistics of the tray, thereby improving the reliability of the equipment without increasing the production cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for confirming whether an insert for mounting an electronic component is defective. Background Art

[0002] The manufactured electronic components are shipped after undergoing a testing process or a sorting process, etc. In this process, a sorting machine for electronic component processing (hereinafter referred to as a "sorting machine") is used to process the electronic components.

[0003] For example, a sorting machine provided in the testing process of electronic components performs the following operations: moving the electronic components to be tested loaded on the customer tray to the test tray, then electrically connecting the electronic components loaded on the test tray to the tester, and classifying the electronic components that have completed the test according to the grade and moving them to the customer tray again. In this regard, reference may be made to the technology disclosed in Korean Publication Patent No. 10-2017-0108703 (hereinafter referred to as "the prior art").

[0004] That is, electronic components are supplied to the sorting machine in a state of being loaded on a customer tray, but usually the electronic components are moved from the customer tray and loaded on a processing tray (hereinafter referred to as a "tray") required for a process such as testing or sorting, and then undergo a processing process.

[0005] The trays are usually equipped with inserts for loading electronic components.

[0006] Although the interposer can have various structures depending on the size of the electronic component, the loading form, etc., there is a possibility of causing defects due to damage caused by use or detachment caused by impact.

[0007] If the insert is defective, defects may occur in the loading operation of the electronic components, so that the processing process cannot be carried out normally. In addition, during the loading process, the reliability of the equipment will be reduced due to damage to the expensive electronic components.

[0008] Therefore, various techniques for inspecting defects of inserts have been proposed.

[0009] However, due to factors such as the structure of the insert, the movement path of the insert, surrounding structures and lighting, it is difficult to apply any one inspection technology to a variety of sorting machines.

[0010] In addition, since a good normal image is compared with the captured image, the time burden may be increased, thereby reducing the processing capacity of the equipment. Of course, if a scanning camera with fine shooting and a computing device with high computing speed are applied, the time required for inspecting defects can be slightly shortened. However, since it is necessary to equip an expensive scanning camera and computing device, the production cost of the equipment is increased accordingly. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention is proposed in view of a technology capable of accurately checking defects of an insert while using an inexpensive area camera.

[0012] According to the present invention, a sorting machine for processing electronic components includes: a picker, which loads electronic components onto a tray at a loading position or unloads electronic components from a tray at an unloading position; a processor, which processes the electronic components loaded on the tray when the tray loaded with electronic components by the picker reaches the processing position; a plurality of conveyors, which cause the tray to circulate on a circulation path connected to the loading position again after passing through the loading position, the processing position and the unloading position; a camera, which is arranged to photograph inserts of the tray without electronic components loaded on the circulation path; and a controller, which controls the picker, the processor, the plurality of conveyors and the camera to confirm whether the insert is defective by comparing the image photographed by the camera with the information of a good and normal insert.

[0013] The camera is arranged to photograph the insert of the tray not loaded with electronic components between the loading position and the unloading position.

[0014] There is a standby position between the loading position and the unloading position where a tray without electronic components is located, and a specific conveyor among the multiple conveyors that moves the tray located at the unloading position toward the loading position through the standby position includes: a first clamper that clamps the tray located at the standby position or releases the clamp on the tray; a second clamper that clamps the tray located at the unloading position or releases the clamp on the tray and performs the clamping operation independently of the first clamper; and a mover that moves the tray located at the standby position toward the loading position by moving the first clamper or the second clamper from the unloading position toward the loading position or in the opposite direction. The controller moves the pallet at the standby position and the pallet at the unloading position to the loading position or moves the pallet at the unloading position to the standby position, wherein the controller simultaneously clamps the pallet at the standby position and the pallet at the unloading position by means of the first clamp and the second clamp, and then, when the pallet at the standby position moves to the loading position and the pallet at the unloading position moves to the stop position between the loading position and the standby position, the controller releases the clamping of the first clamp and then moves the pallet at the stop position to the standby position, and controls the conveyor and the camera to enable the camera to shoot the insert of the pallet in the process of moving from the stop position to the standby position.

[0015] There is a standby position between the loading position and the unloading position where a tray without electronic components is located, and the camera may be arranged between the unloading position and the standby position or between the standby position and the loading position.

[0016] The sorting machine for processing electronic components according to the present invention also includes: a heat-averaging chamber for applying thermal stress to the electronic components loaded on the tray from the loading position; and a heat-removing chamber for removing the thermal stress of the electronic components loaded on the tray before the tray moves to the unloading position; wherein the camera can be arranged between the unloading position and the heat-averaging chamber or between the heat-removing chamber and the unloading position.

[0017] The electronic component processing sorting machine according to the present invention further includes: a shielding plate for shielding the background when the camera is used to photograph the inserts in the tray, wherein the camera is located below the tray and the shielding plate is located above the tray.

[0018] According to the first form of the present invention, a method for confirming whether an insert for loading an electronic component has a defect includes: an input step of inputting information about a good and normal insert; a photographing step of photographing the insert; a first selection step of selecting a first region of interest from an image photographed in the photographing step based on a first part of the insert; a second selection step of selecting a second region of interest from the image photographed in the photographing step based on a second part of the insert that is different from the first part; and a confirmation step of confirming whether the insert has a defect based on information obtained from the first region of interest selected in the first selection step and the second region of interest selected in the second selection step.

[0019] According to the present invention, the method for confirming whether an insert for loading electronic components has defects also includes: a third selection step, after the second selection step, confirming the center of the second area of ​​interest, and further selecting a third area of ​​interest with the confirmed center as the center point, the confirmation step confirms whether the insert has defects by comparing the relative position deviations of the first area of ​​interest and the third area of ​​interest.

[0020] The first region of interest and the third region of interest are selected as rectangular boxes, and the rectangular sides of the third region of interest are parallel to the corresponding rectangular sides of the first region of interest.

[0021] The information inputted in the inputting step is the structure of the insert and the numerical information on the brightness of each part.

[0022] The third region of interest has a different brightness than the rest of the insert.

[0023] According to a second form of the present invention, a method for confirming whether an insert for loading electronic components has defects includes: an input step of inputting information about a good and normal insert; a photographing step of photographing the insert; a first selection step of selecting a first region of interest based on an image photographed in the photographing step of a first part of the insert; a second selection step of selecting a second region of interest from the image photographed in the photographing step based on a second part of the insert that is different from the first part; a third selection step of confirming the center of the second region of interest selected in the second selection step and selecting a third region of interest with the confirmed center as the center point; and a confirmation step of confirming whether the insert has defects by comparing the relative position deviations of the first region of interest and the third region of interest.

[0024] The first region of interest and the third region of interest are selected as rectangular boxes, and the rectangular sides of the third region of interest are parallel to the corresponding rectangular sides of the first region of interest.

[0025] The information inputted in the inputting step is the structure of the insert and the numerical information on the brightness of each part.

[0026] The third region of interest has a different brightness than the rest of the insert.

[0027] According to the present invention, since it is possible to accurately confirm whether an insert is defective by using an inexpensive area camera and a low-specification computing device, production costs can be reduced and reliability of equipment can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a conceptual plan view of a sorting machine for electronic component processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Conceptual extraction of the movement of trays implemented in a sorting machine.

[0030] Figures 3 to 5 Is applied to Figure 1 Extracted perspective view of the mounter of the handler for electronic component testing.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a reference figure for demonstrating the structure of a tray.

[0032] Figure 7 Is applied to Figure 6 Extraction diagram of the insert of the tray.

[0033] Figure 8 is Figure 1Extraction stereogram of the extraction conveyor and the structure combined with it in the sorting machine.

[0034] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 An extracted stereogram of a portion of the illustration.

[0035] Fig.10 is Figure 1 Flow chart of a method for testing insert defects implemented in a sorting machine.

[0036] Figures 11 to 15 It is used to illustrate Fig.10 Refer to the flowchart of FIG.

[0037] Figures 16 to 20 Is used to illustrate the Figure 1 Reference is made to the drawings for another embodiment of the present invention implemented in a sorting machine for electronic component processing of a different form.

[0038] Description of Reference Numerals

[0039] 100: Processor for processing electronic components 111: First pickup

[0040] 112: Second pickup 120: Processor

[0041] 130, T1, T2, T3: conveyor 132: first gripper

[0042] 133: Second clamper 134: Mover

[0043] 141 to 144: Camera 150: Shield

[0044] 170: Controller LP: Loading position

[0045] UP: Unloading position SP: Stop position

[0046] WP: Standby position DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions will be omitted or compressed as much as possible.

[0048] <Overview of the Sorter for Electronic Component Testing>

[0049] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a conceptual plan view of an electronic component processing sorting machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 1The sorting machine 100 is provided for the testing process of electronic components, which includes a supply recovery part SR, a first picker 111, a second picker 112, a processor 120, a plurality of conveyors 130, T1, T2, T3, T4, cameras 141 to 144, a baffle 150, a fixture 160 and a controller 170.

[0051] The supply recovery section SR is located at the front and is equipped to supply or recover electronic components loaded on the customer tray CT. This supply recovery section SR can have a form with a stacker as described in Korean Publication Patent No. 10-2017-0033131, or can have a form with a supply cart as described in Korean Publication Patent No. 10-2017-0103496. That is, no matter what form it is, the supply recovery section SR only needs to be able to store customer trays CT loaded with electronic components to be tested and customer trays CT loaded with electronic components that have completed testing. The customer tray CT can move forward and backward in the area of ​​the supply recovery section SR, and the first picker 111 and the second picker 112 perform operations on the customer tray CT located at the rear, and the customer tray CT that has completed the operation by the first picker 111 or the second picker 112 moves forward.

[0052] The first picker 111 moves the electronic components supplied by the supply recovery part SR to a test tray TT (hereinafter referred to as a "tray") as a processing tray located at the loading position LP. When the electronic components are moved to and loaded on the tray TT by the first picker 111, if there is a defect in the insert of the tray TT, the loading operation of the electronic components may be defective.

[0053] The second picker 112 moves the tested electronic components from the tray TT located at the unloading position UP to the customer tray CT located at the supply recovery section SR. Of course, during the operation by the second picker 112, the electronic components are sorted by test level and moved to the customer tray CT.

[0054] For reference, in the present embodiment, a first picker 111 for loading electronic components onto the tray TT and a second picker 112 for unloading electronic components from the tray TT are separately provided, but in consideration of test time, etc., the first picker 111 and the second picker 112 may be integrated into one picker, and the second picker 112 may be omitted when only the operation of loading electronic components onto the tray TT is required.

[0055] The processor 120 electrically connects the electronic components loaded on the tray TT moved to the test position TP as the processing position to the test socket of the tester and processes them. Obviously, the test of the electronic components is performed in a state where the electronic components are electrically connected to the test socket by the processor 120.

[0056] A plurality of conveyors 130, T1, T2, T3, and T4 cause the pallet TT to circulate along a closed loop path from the loading position LP via the test position TP and the unloading position UP and then return to the loading position LP. In the circulation path, which is one of the features of the present invention, the conveyor denoted by the reference numeral 130 is responsible for the transfer of the pallet TT formed in the section S from the unloading position UP to the loading position LP, which will be described in detail in other directories later.

[0057] Cameras 141 to 144 shoot inserts of the tray TT without electronic components between the loading position LP and the unloading position UP. Such cameras 141 to 144 are located below the tray TT. In the present embodiment, the reason for equipping four cameras 141 to 144 is that one electronic component is supported by two inserts and four inserts are confirmed at a time to increase the processing speed. Therefore, in the case where the processing speed does not need to be increased, only two cameras are required to confirm two inserts that are paired with each other. In addition, if there is a structure in which the electronic component is loaded on one insert and the processing speed does not need to be increased, only one camera may be provided.

[0058] When the insert of the tray TT is photographed by the cameras 141 to 144, the shielding plate 150 can shield the background that presents a complex shape due to the upper structure, so that a clear image of the insert can be obtained by the cameras 141 to 144. Therefore, the shielding plate 150 is located above the tray TT. Of course, there may be a narrow space where the shielding plate 150 cannot be set or the cameras 141 to 144 cannot be set in a space where the shielding plate cannot be arranged due to interference with other devices. Therefore, the shielding plate 150 is a structure that can be optionally equipped.

[0059] The fixer 160 is configured to fix the tray TT located at the standby position WP between the loading position LP and the unloading position UP.

[0060] The controller 170 controls the configuration and compares the images captured by the cameras 141 to 144 with the numerical information of a good normal insert to check whether the insert has a defect.

[0061] For reference, reference numeral 180 is a mounter on which a buffer tray BT for temporarily storing electronic components in various situations is installed. Also, SC is a heat soaking chamber for applying thermal stress to pre-assimilate the electronic components loaded on the tray TT from the loading position LP to a temperature based on the test conditions, TC is a test chamber for testing the electronic components loaded on the received tray TT, and DC is a heat removal chamber for removing thermal stress from the electronic components loaded on the tray TT before the tray TT loaded with the tested electronic components moves to the unloading position UP.

[0062] <Description of Movement of Pallet from Unloading Position to Loading Position>

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown in the conceptual diagram, there is a stop position SP and a standby position WP between the loading position LP and the unloading position UP. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the left-right width of the sorting machine 100, the right side of the stop position SP and the left side of the standby position WP overlap.

[0064] The stop position SP is where the tray TT moves from the unloading position UP and the standby position WP is where the tray TT stops at the stop position SP and moves back toward the unloading position UP. Of course, the tray TT at the stop position SP and the standby position WP is not loaded with electronic components.

[0065] First, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the tray TT without electronic components is located at the unloading position UP and the standby position WP, respectively, the transfer device 130 moves the two trays TT together toward the loading position LP. Figure 4 As shown, the tray TT located at the standby position WP moves to the loading position LP, and the tray TT located at the unloading position UP moves to the stop position SP.

[0066] In such Figure 4 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the conveyor 130 only moves the tray TT at the stop position SP backward toward the unloading position UP, so that the tray TT is Figure 5 The tray TT is moved to the standby position WP as shown. During this process, the cameras 141 to 144 photograph the inserted parts of the tray TT. In addition, in order to photograph with the cameras 141 to 144, it is preferable to consider implementing the conveyor 130 so that the tray TT is repeatedly moved and stopped and then moved backward in stages. If photographing is performed while the tray TT is moved backward in stages in this way, the cameras 141 to 144 can be composed of low-cost area cameras, thereby reducing production costs.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, the interval between the loading position LP and the unloading position UP is set to have a separate stop position SP and a standby position WP, so that during the time when the trays TT at the loading position LP are all filled and the time when the trays TT at the unloading position UP are all unloaded, one tray TT can move between the loading position LP and the unloading position UP and stop or standby. In addition, since the defect confirmation operation of the inserted parts can be performed during this time, the defect confirmation operation of the inserted parts does not reduce the operation rate of the sorting machine 100.

[0068] <Description of the pallet>

[0069] Before explaining the conveyor 130 that transfers the tray TT from the unloading position UP to the loading position LP and explaining the method of confirming an insert defect, the structure of the tray TT will be described first.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the tray TT has a setting frame IF and a plurality of inserts IT.

[0071] The setting frame IF is used to set a plurality of inserts IT. In addition, a clamping groove GG is formed on the left and right sides of the setting frame IF so that clamping and releasing of clamping can be performed by the conveyor 130.

[0072] The plurality of inserters IT are arranged so that a pair of inserters IT facing each other in the front-rear direction can load one electronic component ED. Figure 7 As shown, the insert IT has a fixing body B and a clamping part G.

[0073] The fixing body B is a portion fixed to the installation frame IF and is formed of a black resin material.

[0074] The clamping part G has a shape in which the lower end of the electronic component ED can be inserted and clamped, and is made of metal. Therefore, the fixed body B and the clamping part G have different brightness from each other, and in the images obtained by the cameras 141 to 144, the fixed body B and the clamping part G have a brightness difference. Of course, if it is configured to have different brightness from each other, there is no reason for the material or color of the fixed body B and the clamping part G to be limited by this embodiment.

[0075] <Description of the conveyor>

[0076] Figure 8 1 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor 130 responsible for transferring the tray TT from the unloading position UP to the loading position LP and a structure connected to the conveyor 130 .

[0077] The transfer device 130 is generally arranged between the loading position LP and the unloading position UP, and includes a pair of transfer rails 131a, 131b, a reference Fig. 9 The first clamper 132, the second clamper 133, and the mover 134 in the extraction diagram.

[0078] The pair of transfer rails 131 a and 131 b are fixedly provided on the substrate BP, and include a plurality of rollers R for guiding the movement of the tray TT that moves in the left-right direction.

[0079] The first clamper 132 can clamp or release the right side of the tray TT located at the standby position WP, and is equipped with a clamping pin 132a and a lifter 132b.

[0080] The clamp pin 132a is inserted into the clamp groove GG of the tray TT to engage and clamp the tray TT when ascending, and is disengaged from the clamp groove GG of the tray TT to release the clamping of the tray TT when descending.

[0081] The lifter 132 b lifts and lowers the clamping pins 132 a so that the clamping pins 132 a can clamp or release the tray TT.

[0082] The second clamper 133 can clamp or release the left side of the tray TT located at the unloading position UP, and has the same structure as the first clamper 132. Since such a second clamper 133 and the above-mentioned first clamper 132 are respectively equipped with a lifter 132b, the second clamper 133 and the first clamper 132 can perform clamping operations independently of each other.

[0083] The mover 134 moves the first clamper 132 and the second clamper 133 from the unloading position UP to the loading position LP or in the opposite direction, thereby moving the pallet TT located at the standby position WP to the loading position LP or moving the pallet TT located at the unloading position UP to the standby position WP. The mover 134 includes a transfer motor 134a and a transfer belt 134b, and the first clamper 132 and the second clamper 133 are coupled to the transfer belt 134b. Therefore, when the transfer motor 134a is operated in the forward or reverse direction, the transfer belt 134b rotates in the forward or reverse direction, and the first clamper 132 and the second clamper 133 coupled to the transfer belt 134b also move forward and backward in the left and right directions. Of course, when the pallet TT is clamped by the first clamper 132 and the second clamper 133, the pallet TT also moves forward and backward accordingly.

[0084] Next, the operation of the conveyor 130 will be described.

[0085] First, if the empty pallet TT is located at the standby position WP and the unloading position UP, respectively, the first clamp 132 and the second clamp 133 move toward the loading position LP located on the left side through the conveyor 130 while clamping the two pallets TT at the same time. Thus, when the pallet TT located at the standby position WP moves to the loading position LP and the pallet TT located at the unloading position UP moves to the stop position SP, the first clamp 132 releases the clamping of the pallet TT located at the loading position LP, and the second clamp 133 maintains the clamping of the pallet TT located at the stop position SP. In this state, while the first clamp 132 and the second clamp 133 retreat toward the right side of the unloading position LP, the pallet TT clamped by the second clamp 133 moves toward the standby position WP. In this way, in the process of the pallet TT located at the stop position SP moving backward to the standby position WP, at the time point when the insert IT is located directly above the cameras 141 to 144, the cameras 141 to 144 capture the image of the insert IT. To this end, the conveyor 130 makes the retreating tray TT repeatedly move and stop while retreating in stages, and the cameras 141 to 144 are controlled by the controller 170 to shoot at each time point when the tray TT stops. In this case, the cameras 141 to 144 can be implemented to shoot only one insert IT, or can be implemented to shoot multiple adjacent inserts IT at the same time. In addition, since the shooting is performed at the time point when the tray TT stops, the cameras 141 to 144 only need to be equipped as low-cost area cameras. Of course, if the performance of the cameras 141 to 144 is good, the cameras 141 to 144 can be implemented to shoot when retreating continuously, rather than shooting when retreating in stages with repeated movement and stopping.

[0086] In addition, according to the present embodiment, two shielding plates 150 are combined with the substrate BP in a manner spaced apart upward. In addition, the cameras 141 to 144 are arranged below the shielding plates 150 in a structure combined with the substrate BP. Here, the cameras 141 to 144 can be composed of a camera CAM, an illumination element L, a diffusion plate D, and the like.

[0087] As mentioned above Figure 8The transfer process of the tray TT and the inspection process of the insert IT is expanded based on the transfer device 130 as follows: the tray TT is transferred from the unloading position UP to the loading position LP through the transfer section TS. After the empty tray TT at the unloading position UP is transferred to the stop position SP, it is phased-backward in the first retreat section R1, and the insert IT is photographed and inspected in the first inspection section TE1 and the second inspection section TE2. In addition, the tray TT that has completed the inspection in the first retreat section R1 is further retreated in the second retreat section R2 and transferred to the standby position WP, and then transferred to the loading position LP.

[0088] <Method for checking whether the insert is defective>

[0089] Whether the insert IT is defective can be confirmed by comparing the numerical information input for the good and normal insert IT with the numerical information obtained from the images obtained by the cameras 141 to 144. Fig.10 Flowchart and Fig.11 Describe the image.

[0090] 1. Input step (S11)

[0091] First, the administrator inputs information about the good and normal insert IT (such as the structure of the insert or the brightness of each part). Fig.11 This can be achieved using the input window shown.

[0092] The information SD on the structure is dimensional information including the mechanical form and curvature of the insert IT, and is information that can be confirmed from the bottom surface.

[0093] In addition, the information BD about brightness is information about brightness on the image obtained from the mechanical form and bending, color and material, etc. For example, when the fixed body B is made of black resin material and the clamping part G is made of metal material with a metallic color, the bottom surface of the fixed body B and the clamping part G obviously have a brightness difference. In addition, due to the bending of the structure, there is also a brightness difference. Therefore, the brightness value of the bottom surface of the fixed body B on the image (which may have a predetermined range) and the brightness value of the bottom surface of the clamping part G (which may have a predetermined range) are input to the controller 170. This input can be achieved using an input device (touch screen or mouse or keyboard, etc.) equipped in the sorting machine 100. Of course, it is also possible to consider a method of inputting the relative brightness difference between the fixed body B and the clamping part G in a numerical value. In addition, the area of ​​the fixed body B and the area of ​​the clamping part G are set, and their outer shape and length are coordinate-typed to be input in numerical values.

[0094] At this time, the input value may be input within a predetermined range. This is because it takes into account that even with the same material and color, brightness may differ depending on lighting or other diffuse reflections or diffuse reflections of surrounding structures.

[0095] The input method can have various implementation forms, for example, Fig.11 As shown, by taking an image of the bottom surface of a normal insert IT, numerical values ​​such as the length or inclination of the bottom surface shape of the fixed body B or the bottom surface shape of the clamping part G and numerical values ​​such as the brightness of the fixed body B area or the brightness of the clamping part G area can be input through an input window displayed on the display M.

[0096] 2. Photographing step (S12)

[0097] The bottom surface of the normal insert IT is photographed. At this time, the administrator adjusts the normal insert IT to be located above the predetermined cameras 141, 142, 143, and 144 among the cameras 141 to 144. Of course, in the subsequent automation process, as described above, when the tray TT is phased backward, the cameras 141 to 144 photograph the bottom surface of the insert IT.

[0098] 3. Step of setting extraction area (S13)

[0099] The administrator selects the extraction area ES by dragging the mouse on the captured image. Fig.12 As shown, when the normal insert IT is used as a reference, the extraction area ES may include the entire area of ​​the clamping part G and a partial area of ​​the fixed body B. At this time, the administrator needs to set the extraction area ES in a manner that excludes the portion that may be confused with the brightness value of the clamping part G. More specifically, the frame F portion of the pallet TT is made of the same metal as the clamping part G and has the same silver color, so if the frame F portion of the pallet TT is included in the extraction area ES, it may confuse the computer during the automated inspection process.

[0100] For reference, the extraction region is set to complete the information input performed in the above-mentioned input step (11). Therefore, if the first region of interest, the second region of interest, and the third region of interest to be described later can be accurately selected to a degree that satisfies the inspection requirements only by the information input performed in the input step (11), the extraction region setting step (S13) can be omitted.

[0101] Of course, the controller 170 continuously displays the extraction area ES dragged and selected by the administrator through the display M of the sorting machine 100. Therefore, the administrator can select the accurate extraction area ES while confirming the extraction area ES selected by himself through the display M.

[0102] 4. Test execution step (S14)

[0103] If the administrator determines that the extraction area is set as desired, the administrator clicks a test button on the screen of the display M to implement a test.

[0104] 5. First selection step (S15)

[0105] According to the test implementation command of the administrator, the controller 170 captures an image again, confirms the extraction area ES from the captured image, and then based on the information input in the input step (S11), such as Fig.13 As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , a first region of interest A1 of a portion of the fixed body B including the insert IT is selected. Such a first region of interest A1 may be generated based on physical specifications of the fixed body B such as the size or brightness of the fixed body B.

[0106] In this embodiment, a part of the fixed body B observed from the first area of ​​interest A1 is the area where the clamping member G is located, and the area where the clamping member G is located is used as the first portion for setting the reference of the first area of ​​interest A1 in order to confirm the defect of the insert IT. However, if there is another portion that can serve as a reference in addition to the fixed body B, the other portion can also be selected as the first area of ​​interest A1, which will be described later.

[0107] 6. Second selection step (S16)

[0108] The controller 170 selects the second region of interest A2 based on the information input in the input step (S11) from the captured image with the second portion different from the first portion, which is a portion of the fixed body B. That is, the second region of interest A2 may be a specific portion of the insert IT, and in this embodiment, the second region of interest A2 is a region of the clamping member G having a brightness value different from that of the fixed body B.

[0109] Of course, depending on the implementation situation, the first selection step (S15) and the second selection step (S16) may be implemented simultaneously, or the second selection step (S16) may be implemented before the first selection step (S15), which is different from the order described above.

[0110] For reference, since the first area of ​​interest A1 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box based on a local area of ​​the fixed body B having the clamping part G, and the second area of ​​interest A2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box based on the clamping part G, the sides of each rectangular box may not be parallel to each other depending on the defective state of the insert IT.

[0111] In addition, as described above, in the case where the shielding plate 150 is not allowed to be provided, the second region of interest A2 on the image may not have a clear contrast with the first region of interest A1 due to diffuse reflection of light, etc. That is, there may be no contrast between the clamping member G and the local area of ​​the fixed body B having the clamping member G. In addition, in this case, it may be difficult to select the second region of interest A2. Therefore, referring to FIG. Fig.14 As shown in the example of , a position far from the clamping member G (eg, a region having a matching hole H into which a matching pin of a test socket is inserted) may also be selected as the first area of ​​interest A1.

[0112] 7. Third Selection Step (S17)

[0113] Further, the center O of the second area of ​​interest A2 is obtained, and a rectangle of a predetermined area with the center O as the center point is selected as the third area of ​​interest A3. This is related to the shape of the clamping member G protruding downward and obliquely in this embodiment. That is, the third selection step (S17) is used to select the bottom surface area of ​​the lower end of the clamping member G with the highest brightness value. Therefore, according to the shape of the clamping member G, etc., the third selection step (S17) can be omitted.

[0114] At this time, the third region of interest A3 can be selected by the rectangular area and brightness value of the bottom surface area pre-input in the input step (S11) and the center point of the clamping member G obtained by the second region of interest A2. Therefore, the third region of interest A3 has a narrower area than the second region of interest A2. In addition, the third region of interest A3 in the form of a rectangular box is set so that each side of the rectangle is parallel to each side of the rectangle selected as the first region of interest A1.

[0115] Similarly, the controller 170 displays the first region of interest A1 selected in the first selection step (S15), the second region of interest A2 selected in the second selection step (S16), the center O obtained in the third selection step (S17), and the selected third region of interest A3 through the display M, so that the administrator can continuously confirm the test situation. At this time, it is preferred that the third region of interest A3 and the center O can be displayed in a color different from the color of the extraction area ES, the first region of interest A1, and the second region of interest A2, and it is preferred that the third region of interest A3 and the center O are also displayed in different colors so that the administrator can easily confirm.

[0116] 8. Confirmation step (S18)

[0117] By comparing the numerical information of the first area of ​​interest A1, the second area of ​​interest A2, and the third area of ​​interest A3 with the numerical information input in the input step (S11), it is confirmed whether the insert IT is defective. At this time, the confirmation can be performed by combining the following various methods or selectively choosing.

[0118] For example, it may be a confirmation method to analyze whether the first area of ​​interest A1 has a shape or area different from the input value based on the information input in the input step (S11). This is a suitable method for determining whether the insert IT is defective when the fixing body B of the insert IT is out of place or has a shape or area different from the input information due to partial damage, etc.

[0119] For example, it can be a confirmation method by analyzing the relative position deviation or position relationship between the first area of ​​interest A1 and the second area of ​​interest A2. This is a suitable method for determining whether the insert IT is defective when the insert IT is tilted or twisted, and can be applied when the third area of ​​interest A3 is not selected. Therefore, in the case where the third area of ​​interest A3 is selected as in the present embodiment, it can be converted to a confirmation method by analyzing the relative position deviation or position relationship between the first area of ​​interest A1 and the third area of ​​interest A3, and further, the relative position deviation or position relationship between the second area of ​​interest A2 and the third area of ​​interest A3 can also be analyzed.

[0120] By selecting or mixing the above-mentioned multiple methods, if it is confirmed whether the insert IT is defective, the controller 170 outputs the result through the display M. Then, the administrator confirms whether the defect confirmation operation of the insert IT is performed normally based on the result and the result confirmed by the naked eye.

[0121] In addition, in the subsequent automated process, as described above, when the tray TT is phased backward, the cameras 141 to 144 photograph the bottom surface of the insert IT in the photographing step (S12), and then the first selection step (S15), the second selection step (S16), the third selection step (S17) and the confirmation step (S18) are sequentially performed. However, in the automated process, if it is confirmed as a defect in the confirmation step (S18), a jam occurs.

[0122] For reference, the above Fig.13 shows a normal insert, while Fig.15 An example of an insert in a defective state is shown.

[0123] Reference Fig.15 , showing a state where the first area of ​​interest A1, the second area of ​​interest A2, and the third area of ​​interest A3 are selected and displayed. Fig.15 It shows that the second area of ​​interest A2 and the third area of ​​interest A3 protrude forward relative to the first area of ​​interest A1, which means that the degree of protrusion of the insert IT is equivalent to the degree of inclination of the insert IT, which is a defective state.

[0124] Furthermore, the method for confirming whether the insert IT is defective as described above may be performed in various cases.

[0125] First, before starting the sorting machine 100 to process the electronic components ED, it can be performed as a preliminary operation. This will be described separately later.

[0126] Second, as described above, the photographing step (S12), the selecting step of the first area of ​​interest A1, the selecting step of the second area of ​​interest A2, the selecting step of the third area of ​​interest A3, and the confirming step (S18) can be continuously or periodically performed in an automated process for processing electronic components ED.

[0127] Thirdly, it may be performed in the case of replacing the electronic components ED to be processed by the sorting machine 100, thereby replacing the tray TT and applying the insert IT having other forms and specifications.

[0128] <Another example of a sorting machine for electronic component testing>

[0129] Fig.16 1 is a conceptual plan view of a sorter 200 for electronic component processing according to another example.

[0130] exist Fig.16 In the sorting machine 200, the tray TT also moves along the circulation path C connecting the loading position LP, the soaking chamber SC, the test chamber TC, the heat removal chamber DC and the unloading position UP with the loading position LP. Here, the partial paths represented by C1 and C2 are for testing the electronic components loaded on two trays TT at one time.

[0131] In addition, Fig.16 In the sorting machine 200, it is not possible to ensure a distance for the tray TT located between the unloading position UP and the loading position LP to be able to retreat in stages. Fig.16 In the sorting machine 200, there is no room for considering the step-by-step retreat on the circulation path C.

[0132] And, because in Fig.16 There is a lack of space for installing four cameras in the sorting machine 200, so only two cameras 241 and 242 are installed, and their positions can be in various ways.

[0133] For example, Fig.17As shown, the cameras 241 and 242 can be set between the unloading position UP and the standby position WP. In this case, the sorting machine 200 preferably realizes the staged movement of the tray TT from the unloading position UP to the standby position WP. Similarly, if the cameras 241 and 242 have good performance, it is also possible to achieve shooting while the tray TT is continuously moving.

[0134] For example, Fig.18 As shown, the cameras 241 and 242 can be set between the standby position WP and the loading position LP.

[0135] In addition, due to the narrow space, it is difficult to Fig.16 The shielding plate is set in the sorting machine 200, so, as mentioned above, the selection of the first area of ​​interest A1 can be adopted Fig.14 .

[0136] In addition, the inspection of the interposer IT defect may be performed during the preliminary operation before the test operation. Here, the preliminary operation refers to an operation for supplying an empty tray TT loaded with no electronic components to the sorter 200 and then observing whether the tray TT is normally transferred by operating the sorter 200.

[0137] Of course, the insert IT may be checked for defects in the preliminary operation and in the test operation. However, according to an embodiment, the insert IT may be checked for defects only during the preliminary operation. This is because, in the case of checking for defects in the insert IT in the test operation, there is a disadvantage that the processing speed of the sorting machine 200 is slowed down.

[0138] If it is implemented to check the insert IT for defects only in a preliminary operation, then Fig.19 As shown, the cameras 241 and 242 may also be arranged between the loading position LP and the soaking chamber SC, or as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the cameras 241 and 242 may also be arranged between the heat removal chamber DC and the unloading position UP. Of course, the arrangement of the cameras 241 and 242 according to this example may also be arranged between the heat removal chamber DC and the unloading position UP. Figure 1 The same arrangement is adopted in the sorting machine 100.

[0139] For reference, preferably, Fig.16 In the sorting machine, the tray TT is configured to move in stages in the corresponding sections so that appropriate photography can be performed even with low-specification cameras 241 and 242.

[0140] As described above, the present invention is specifically described by referring to the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, but the above embodiments only illustrate preferred examples of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments, and the scope of rights of the present invention should be understood as the scope in the claims and their equivalent concepts.

Claims

1. A sorting machine for electronic component processing, comprising: a picker that loads electronic components onto the tray at the loading position or unloads electronic components from the tray at the unloading position; a processor that processes the electronic components loaded on the tray when the tray loaded with the electronic components by the picker arrives at the processing position; a plurality of conveyors for causing the tray to circulate on a circulation path connected to the loading position again after passing through the loading position, the processing position and the unloading position; a camera arranged to photograph the bottom surface of the insert of the tray not loaded with electronic components on the circulation path; as well as a controller that controls the picker, the processor, the plurality of conveyors, and the camera, and compares the image captured by the camera with information of a good and normal insert to confirm whether the insert has a defect, wherein the controller selects a first region of interest based on a first portion of the bottom surface of the insert from an image of the bottom surface of the insert captured by the camera, selects a second region of interest based on a second portion of the bottom surface of the insert that is different from the first portion from the image, confirms a center of the selected second region of interest, and selects a third region of interest having the confirmed center as a center point, The insert comprises a fixing body and a clamping part into which the lower end of the electronic component is inserted and clamped. The first portion is a region where the clamping member is located and is used to set a reference for the first region of interest in order to confirm a defect of the insert. The first region of interest is selected as a rectangular box based on the size and brightness of the fixed body in a manner that includes a portion of the fixed body of the clamping member. The second region of interest is selected as a rectangular box having a brightness value different from that of the first region of interest. The third region of interest is selected as a rectangular box having a predetermined area based on the center point, and the rectangular side of the third region of interest is parallel to the rectangular side corresponding to the first region of interest, The controller determines that a situation in which the third region of interest protrudes relative to the first region of interest is a defect.

2. The electronic component processing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein: The camera is arranged to photograph the insert of the tray not loaded with electronic components between the loading position and the unloading position.

3. The electronic component processing sorting machine according to claim 2, wherein: There is a standby position between the loading position and the unloading position where a tray without electronic components is located. The specific conveyor among the plurality of conveyors that moves the pallet located at the unloading position toward the loading position via the standby position includes: A first clamper clamps the pallet at the standby position or releases the clamping of the pallet; a second gripper that grips the pallet at the unloading position or releases the gripper of the pallet and performs a gripping operation independently of the first gripper; and a mover, which moves the pallet at the standby position to the loading position or moves the pallet at the unloading position to the standby position by moving the first gripper or the second gripper from the unloading position to the loading position or in the opposite direction, Among them, after the controller simultaneously clamps the pallet at the standby position and the pallet at the unloading position through the first clamper and the second clamper, when the pallet at the standby position moves to the loading position and the pallet at the unloading position moves to the stop position between the loading position and the standby position, the controller releases the clamping of the first clamper, then moves the pallet at the stop position to the standby position, and controls the conveyor and the camera to enable the camera to shoot the insert of the pallet in the process of moving from the stop position to the standby position.

4. The electronic component processing sorting machine according to claim 2, wherein: There is a standby position between the loading position and the unloading position where a tray without electronic components is located. The camera is arranged between the unloading position and the standby position or between the standby position and the loading position.

5. The electronic component processing sorting machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a soaking chamber for applying thermal stress to the electronic components loaded on the tray from the loading position; and a heat removal chamber for removing thermal stress from electronic components loaded on the tray before the tray moves to the unloading position; in, The camera is arranged between the unloading position and the heat-saturating chamber or between the heat-removing chamber and the unloading position.

6. The electronic component processing sorting machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a shielding plate for shielding the background when the insert of the tray is photographed by the camera, Wherein, the camera is located below the tray. The shielding plate is located above the tray.

7. A method for confirming whether an insert for mounting an electronic component is defective, comprising: An input step for inputting information about a good and normal insert; A photographing step of photographing a bottom surface of the insert; a first selecting step of selecting a first region of interest from the image captured in the capturing step based on a first portion of the bottom surface of the insert; a second selecting step of selecting a second region of interest from the image captured in the capturing step based on a second portion of the bottom surface of the insert that is different from the first portion; a third selecting step of confirming the center of the second region of interest selected in the second selecting step, and selecting a third region of interest having the confirmed center as a center point; The insert comprises a fixing body and a clamping part into which the lower end of the electronic component is inserted and clamped. The first portion is a region where the clamping member is located and is used to set a reference for the first region of interest in order to confirm a defect of the insert. The first region of interest is selected as a rectangular box based on the size and brightness of the fixed body in a manner that includes a portion of the fixed body of the clamping member. The second region of interest is selected as a rectangular box having a brightness value different from that of the first region of interest. The third region of interest is selected as a rectangular box having a predetermined area based on the center point, and the rectangular side of the third region of interest is parallel to the rectangular side corresponding to the first region of interest, The controller determines that the third region of interest protrudes relative to the first region of interest as a defect.

8. The method for confirming whether an electronic component mounting insert has a defect according to claim 7, wherein: The information inputted in the inputting step is the structure of the insert and the numerical information on the brightness of each part.

9. The method for confirming whether an electronic component mounting insert has a defect according to claim 7, wherein: The third region of interest has a different brightness than the rest of the insert.

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