Parts feeder and component assembly device

Abstract

The parts feeder (13) of the present invention comprises: a main body (41), which is provided with a parts supply mechanism for supplying parts to a parts removal position (13K); a slot insertion portion (42), which slides in one direction along a slot provided on a feeder base (22); a fixed member (51), which protrudes in one direction from the main body and is fixed to a fixing mechanism (31) provided on the feeder base (22); a fixing release member (52), which performs a fixing release operation on the fixing mechanism (31) so as to release the fixing of the fixed member (51) performed by the fixing mechanism (31); an operating member (53), which is displaced by an external force; and a transmission mechanism (60), which transmits the displacement of the operating member to the fixing release member so that the fixing release member performs a fixing release operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a component feeder which is mounted on a slot of a feeder base provided in a component mounting device and is used, and the component mounting device provided with the component feeder. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a part feeder that functions as a part supply portion in a part assembly device for assembling parts to a substrate has a slot insertion portion at the lower part of a main body, and the main body has a part supply mechanism for supplying parts to a part supply port. The slot insertion portion is inserted horizontally relative to a slot formed in a feeder base and is thereby mounted on the feeder base. A rod-shaped operating member is provided on the main body. When the operating member is operated in the up and down directions with the slot insertion portion inserted into the slot, a clamping member connected to the operating member by a linkage mechanism operates to clamp a clamped portion provided on the feeder base, thereby fixing the part feeder to the feeder base (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-3160 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a component assembly device, a change in the type of substrate on which the components are mounted results in a replacement operation such as changing the configuration or number of component feeders in the feeder base. In a manufacturing plant using component assembly devices, changes in the type of substrate (model change) occur frequently, and therefore there is an urgent need to improve the efficiency of the component feeder replacement operation. In addition, research has also been conducted to automate the replacement operation of the component feeder, hoping that the replacement operation can be performed through operations suitable for automation.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a parts feeder and a component mounting device that can efficiently perform a replacement operation of the parts feeder with respect to the feeder base.

[0008] The parts feeder of the present invention is installed in a slot of a feeder base of a parts assembly device and used, wherein the parts feeder comprises: a main body, which has a parts supply mechanism for supplying parts to a parts removal position where an assembly head of the parts assembly device removes parts; a slot insertion portion, which is provided on the main body and slides in one direction to be inserted into the slot; a fixed member, which protrudes from the main body in one direction and is fixed to a fixing mechanism provided on the feeder base by sliding; a fixing release member, which operates the fixing mechanism that fixes the fixed member so as to release the fixing of the fixed member performed by the fixing mechanism; an operating member, which is displaced by an external force; and a transmission mechanism, which transmits the displacement of the operating member to the fixing release member so that the fixing release member performs a fixing release operation.

[0009] The component assembly device of the present invention comprises a component feeder for supplying components, a feeder base having a slot capable of assembling the component feeder, and an assembly head for picking up the components supplied by the component feeder assembled in the slot and assembling the components on the substrate, wherein a fixing mechanism for fixing the component feeder is provided on the feeder base, and the component feeder comprises: a main body, which is provided with a component supply mechanism for supplying components to a component removal position for removing components from the assembly head; a slot insertion portion, which is provided on the main body and slides in one direction to be inserted into the slot; a fixed member, which protrudes from the main body in one direction and is fixed to the fixing mechanism by sliding; a fixing release member, which operates the fixing mechanism that fixes the fixed member to release the fixing of the fixed member performed by the fixing mechanism; an operating member, which is displaced by external force; and a transmission mechanism, which transmits the displacement of the operating member to the fixing release member to cause the fixing release member to perform a fixing release operation.

[0010] According to the present invention, the replacement work of the parts feeder with respect to the feeder base can be performed efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a side view of the main parts of the component mounting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2A It is a side view of the parts feeder which is one embodiment of this invention.

[0013] Figure 2B It is a bottom view of the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a parts feeder mounted on the feeder base.

[0015] Figure 4This is a perspective view of a feeder base included in the component mounting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5A It is a perspective view of a fixing mechanism included in a component mounting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5B It is a plan view of a fixing mechanism included in a component mounting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6A These are explanatory diagrams before and after a component feeder is mounted on a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6B These are explanatory diagrams before and after a component feeder is mounted on a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a component feeder is mounted on a slot of a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a component feeder is mounted on a slot of a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of a transfer mechanism of a parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram of a transfer mechanism of a parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of a fixed member and a clamp releasing member included in a parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11A This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the fixing mechanism when the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention is assembled to the feeder base.

[0026] Figure 11B This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the fixing mechanism when the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention is assembled to the feeder base.

[0027] Figure 11C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the fixing mechanism when the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention is assembled to the feeder base.

[0028] Figure 11DThis is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the fixing mechanism when the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention is assembled to the feeder base.

[0029] Figure 12A These are explanatory views before and after a parts feeder is removed from a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12B These are explanatory views before and after a component feeder is removed from a feeder base included in a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13A It is an explanatory diagram of a fixing release operation performed by a fixing release member when removing the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention from the feeder base.

[0032] Figure 13B It is an explanatory diagram of a fixing release operation performed by a fixing release member when removing the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention from the feeder base.

[0033] Figure 13C It is an explanatory diagram of a fixing release operation performed by a fixing release member when removing the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention from the feeder base.

[0034] Figure 13D It is an explanatory diagram of a fixing release operation performed by a fixing release member when removing the parts feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention from the feeder base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 A component assembly device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The component assembly device 1 is a device that repeatedly performs component assembly operations of assembling components BH onto a substrate KB brought in from an upstream process side and unloading the substrate KB to a downstream process side. For ease of explanation, the horizontal axis along the conveying direction of the substrate KB in the component assembly device 1 is set as the X-axis, the horizontal axis perpendicular to the X-axis is set as the Y-axis, and the vertical axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis is set as the Z-axis. In addition, the direction along the X-axis when viewed from the operator OP is set as the left-right direction, and the direction along the Y-axis is set as the front-back direction. With respect to each component, the side farther from the operator OP is represented as the "front", and the side closer to the operator OP is represented as the "back".

[0036] exist Figure 1In the figure, the component assembly apparatus 1 includes a base 11, a substrate transport path 12, a parts feeder 13, an assembly head 14, a head moving mechanism 15, a component recognition camera 16, and a control device 17. The substrate transport path 12 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 12a and is extended along the X-axis on the base 11. The substrate transport path 12 carries the substrate KB sent from the upstream process side and positions it at a predetermined work position.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a feeder trolley 21 is connected to the front side when viewed from the operator OP of the base 11, that is, the rear end of the base 11. The feeder trolley 21 is provided with a feeder base 22 on the upper part. The part feeder 13 is mounted on the feeder base 22 so as to be easily loaded and unloaded, and supplies the part BH to the part supply port 13K provided on the inner side, that is, the front part when viewed from the operator OP. A plurality of part feeders 13 can be arranged along the X-axis on the feeder base 22. When the feeder trolley 21 is connected to the base 11, the plurality of part feeders 13 mounted on the feeder base 22 are connected to the base 11 together.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the assembly head 14 includes multiple nozzles 14N extending downward. Each nozzle 14N is capable of lifting and lowering and rotating about the Z axis. By applying vacuum pressure from a vacuum source (not shown), it can generate a suction force at the lower end. The head movement mechanism 15 is composed of, for example, an XY table mechanism, and moves the assembly head 14 along a horizontal plane (XY plane) in the area above the base 11.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the component recognition camera 16 is installed in the area between the substrate conveying path 12 and the feeder carriage 21 on the base 11. The component recognition camera 16 has its imaging optical axis directed upward. When the assembly head 14, which has components BH sucked by the nozzle 14N, passes overhead, the component recognition camera 16 images each component BH.

[0040] The control device 17 controls the operation of each part constituting the component mounting apparatus 1. Specifically, the control device 17 controls the conveyance operation of the substrate KB by the substrate conveyance path 12 and the positioning operation to the working position, and controls the supply operation of the components BH by each component feeder 13.

[0041] The control device 17 also controls the lifting and rotation of each of the multiple nozzles 14N included in the assembly head 14, and controls the lower end of each nozzle 14N to generate a suction force for the component BH. Furthermore, the control device 17 activates the head moving mechanism 15 to control the movement of the assembly head 14. Furthermore, the control device 17 controls the imaging operation of the component recognition camera 16.

[0042] When the component assembly apparatus 1 performs component mounting operations, the substrate transport path 12 first receives the substrate KB delivered from the upstream process and positions it at the operating position. After positioning the substrate KB, the head movement mechanism 15 operates to move the assembly head 14 above the parts feeder 13. The assembly head 14 then uses its multiple nozzles 14N to pick up components BH. With the components BH held by the nozzles 14N, the assembly head 14 moves so that it passes over the component recognition camera 16, which then recognizes each component BH.

[0043] After the component recognition camera 16 identifies the component BH, the head movement mechanism 15 moves the assembly head 14 above the substrate KB. The assembly head 14 then mounts the component BH at the target assembly coordinates set on the substrate KB. This series of operations, consisting of component BH suction, recognition, and assembly, is repeated. After all components BH to be mounted on the substrate KB have been mounted, the substrate transport path 12 operates to unload the substrate KB toward the downstream process. This completes the component assembly operation for one substrate KB.

[0044] In the component mounting apparatus 1 having such a structure, the present embodiment has a characteristic feature in the structure of the parts feeder 13 , which will be described below.

[0045] First, the structure of the feeder base 22 on which the parts feeder 13 is mounted will be described. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a feeder base 22 included in the component mounting apparatus 1 and the component feeder 13 attached to the feeder base 22 . Figure 4 is a perspective view of the feeder base 22. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 In the embodiment, the feeder base 22 is composed of a plate-like component formed into a rectangular shape as a whole. A plurality of slot forming components 23 are arranged at intervals along the X-axis on the upper surface of the feeder base 22. The slot forming component 23 forms a slot for assembling the part feeder 13 on the feeder base 22. One slot forming component 23 is composed of a first slot forming component 23A arranged in the front area of the upper surface of the feeder base 22 (the upper surface area on the side farther when viewed from the operator OP) and a second slot forming component 23B arranged in the rear area (the upper surface area on the side closer when viewed from the operator OP). The first slot forming component 23A is a rod-shaped component having a T-shaped cross section and is slender along the Y-axis, and the second slot forming component 23B is a block-shaped component having a side parallel to the YZ plane. The first slot forming member 23A and the second slot forming member 23B form one slot (slot 23S) by forming another first slot forming member 23A and second slot forming member 23B adjacent to each other at a distance in the X direction.

[0046] Figure 7A2 is an XZ sectional view of the first slot forming member 23A and the feeder base 22. As shown in the figure, two first slot forming members 23A arranged at a distance MH1 in the X direction form a first slot 23SA having an inverted T-shaped cross section. Figure 7B This is an XZ cross-sectional view of the second slot-forming member 23B and the feeder base 22. As shown, two second slot-forming members 23B, spaced a distance MH2 apart in the X direction, form a second slot 23SB having a width MH2. The first slot 23SA and the second slot 23SB are aligned along the Y-axis to form a single slot 23S. In this embodiment, each slot 23S constitutes a single slot. In other words, the slot is an upwardly open groove formed by the side surfaces of the two slot-forming members 23 and the upper surface of the feeder base 22 exposed between the two slot-forming members 23.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, each part feeder 13 is selectively inserted and installed in one of the plurality of slots 23S. At this time, the part feeder 13 is inserted by sliding from the front side toward the back side of the slot 23S when the operator OP observes it. Hereinafter, this sliding direction is referred to as the assembly direction ( Figure 4 In addition, when removing the parts feeder 13 from the slot 23S, the parts feeder 13 is moved in the disengagement direction ( Figure 4 The dotted arrow Re) slides.

[0048] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the embodiment, a feeder stopper 24 is provided at the inner end of the feeder base 22 for positioning the part feeder 13 inserted into the slot 23S. An upper pin insertion hole 24A and a lower pin insertion hole 24B are provided at the upper and lower parts of the feeder stopper 24 in configurations corresponding to the slots 23S, respectively. The part feeder 13 has an upper pin 43 and a lower pin 44 at its front end portion. When the part feeder 13 is inserted into the slot 23S and moved in the assembly direction At, the upper pin 43 is inserted into the upper pin insertion hole 24A, and the lower pin 44 is inserted into the lower pin insertion hole 24B, which will be described later. Thus, the position (height position) of the front end portion of the part feeder 13 at least along the Z-axis direction and the position along the X-axis direction are determined.

[0049] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4In the embodiment, a bracket 25 having a shape extending toward the rear and lower portion of the feeder base 22 is provided on the lower surface of the rear portion (the front side when viewed from the operator OP) of the feeder base 22. In this embodiment, the bracket 25 is composed of a first component 25A assembled on the lower surface of the feeder base 22 and a second component 25B assembled on the lower surface of the first component 25A. The first component 25A extends rearward along the Y-axis, and a socket 26 is provided on its rear end surface in a configuration corresponding to each slot 23S. The socket 26 is a component that constitutes one side of the connector for electrical wiring. In addition, the second component 25B extends rearward along the Y-axis and has an L-shaped cross-section at its rear end that is bent downward. In addition, a locking pin 27 is provided on the portion that is bent downward in a configuration corresponding to each slot 23S. The socket 26 and the locking pin 27 are both provided in a state of protruding rearward along the Y-axis direction.

[0050] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the embodiment, a plurality of support portions 22B are provided at intervals along the X-axis at the rear end of the feeder base 22. The plurality of support portions 22B are arranged so that the spaces between adjacent support portions 22B are located on an extension line of the slots 23S. A fixing mechanism 31 is provided in the spaces between adjacent support portions 22B, corresponding to the respective slots 23S. Figure 5A It is a perspective view of the fixing mechanism 31 . Figure 5B 31 is a top view of the fixing mechanism 31. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B As shown, the arm 32 is provided as a whole, extending in the Y-axis direction, and a biasing spring 36. A support shaft 22J extending along the X-axis passes through the middle portion of the arm 32. Both ends of the support shaft 22J are supported by the support portions 22B, and the support shaft 22J supports the arm 32 in the space between the support portions 22B. Therefore, the arm 32 is supported by the support portion 22B in a state in which it can swing about the support shaft 22J.

[0051] The arm 32 includes a pair of frames 32a, an operated portion 35 connecting the rear ends of the pair of frames 32a, a fixing member 34 provided at the middle of the pair of frames 32a, and a receiving portion 33 connecting the front ends of the pair of frames 32a. The arm 32 includes the fixing member 34 at a position farther rearward from the support shaft 22J, and the operated portion 35 at a position farther rearward from the fixing member 34. In other words, the operated portion 35 is located farther from the support shaft 22J than the fixing member 34. The fixing member 34 and the operated portion 35 are formed of a smooth pin or a roller (bearing) rotatable about an axis along the X-axis.

[0052] exist Figure 5A as well as Figure 5BIn the embodiment, the biasing spring 36 of the fixing mechanism 31 is mounted on the first member 25A of the bracket 25 and biases the receiving portion 33 of the arm 32 upward. When the parts feeder 13 is not inserted into the slot 23S, the arm 32 swings under the action of the biasing spring 36 and comes to rest at a position where the receiving portion 33 abuts the lower surface of the feeder base 22. Thus, in this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 31 includes an arm 32 that swings around an axis (support axis 22J) that intersects horizontally with a direction (assembly direction At) and extends in a disengagement direction Re that is opposite to the axial direction. The arm 32 is configured to include a fixing member 34 at a position away from the axis in the disengagement direction, and an operated portion 35 as a cam follower at a position away from the fixing member 34 in the disengagement direction Re. The operated portion 35 is mounted at a position that is farther away from the support axis 22J, which serves as the swing fulcrum of the fixing mechanism 31, than the fixing member 34.

[0053] Next, the structure of the parts feeder 13 will be described. Figure 2A is a side view of the parts feeder 13. Figure 2B 13 is a bottom view of the parts feeder. Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B In the figure, the parts feeder 13 as a whole has an L-shaped main body 41 along the YZ plane. The main body 41 has the aforementioned component supply port 13K at the upper part near the front end, and has a component supply mechanism (not shown) inside that supplies components BH to the component supply port 13K. The downwardly protruding portion of the rear part of the main body 41 serves as a connecting portion 46. As an example of the parts feeder 13, it can be a tape feeder having a component supply mechanism for transporting a carrier tape containing components, or a bulk feeder having a component supply mechanism for transporting components stored in a box arranged in a row.

[0054] exist Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B In the embodiment, an upper pin 43 and a lower pin 44 as a first engaging portion are respectively provided in a manner protruding forward at the front end portion of the main body 41. The upper pin 43 is provided at the upper portion of the front end portion of the main body 41, and the lower pin 44 is provided at the lower portion of the front end portion of the main body 41.

[0055] A slot insertion portion 42 and an engaging protrusion 45 are provided on the front lower surface of the main body 41. The slot insertion portion 42 has a shape (an inverted T-shaped cross section) that can be inserted into the first slot 23SA provided in the feeder base 22. The slot insertion portion 42 is inserted from the rear of the first slot 23SA, and the main body 41 is pressed in until its front end abuts against the feeder stopper 24 provided on the feeder base 22. Figure 7AThe slot insertion portion 42 inserted into the first slot 23SA is shown in cross section together with the feeder base 22. The slot insertion portion 42 has a width dimension W1 at its upper end that is narrower than the slot width MH1 of the first slot 23SA, but a width W2 at its lower end that is wider than the slot width MH1, resulting in a cross-sectional shape that fits within the inverted T-shaped cross section of the first slot 23SA.

[0056] exist Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B The engaging protrusion 45 is shaped to be inserted into the second slot 23SB provided in the feeder base 22. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the engaging protrusion 45, when viewed from below, is a cylindrical pin, and it protrudes downward from the main body 41. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 45 is located on an extension of the slot insertion portion 42, i.e., on the center line of the slot insertion portion 42 along the Y-axis. When the slot insertion portion 42 is inserted into the first slot 23SA, the engaging protrusion 45 is guided by the slot insertion portion 42 while being inserted into the second slot 23SB.

[0057] Figure 7B The state in which the engaging protrusion 45 is inserted into the second slot 23SB is shown in the XZ cross-sectional view. The dimension D (diameter D) of the engaging protrusion 45 in the slot width direction is such that it is smaller than the slot width MH2 of the second slot 23SB, resulting in a tolerance of "clearance fit". Therefore, the engaging protrusion 45 can slide along the Y axis within the second slot 23SB, but is constrained relative to the direction along the X axis. In addition, the engaging protrusion 45 abuts against the upper surface (upper surface of the slot) of the feeder base 22 between the second slot forming member 23B. When the parts feeder 13 is fixed to the feeder base 22 by the fixing mechanism 31, a downward force based on the fixing mechanism 31 acts on the parts feeder 13, but most of this force is concentrated on the narrow contact surface where the engaging protrusion 45 contacts the feeder base 22. As a result, the engaging protrusion 45 is pressed against the feeder base 22 with a relatively strong force, so that the parts feeder 13 is firmly fixed to the feeder base 22.

[0058] exist Figure 2A In the connecting portion 46, the fixed member 51 and the plug 47 constituting the connector for the electrical wiring are protruded forward. When the main body 41 is mounted on the feeder base 22, the plug 47 is connected to the socket 26 (see Figure 4 )connect.

[0059] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment, a bottom plate 48 having a shape extending in the front-back direction is attached to the lower end of the connecting portion 46, that is, below the fixed member 51. The front end of the bottom plate 48 is formed into a bent portion 48K bent upward, and the center of the bent portion 48K is as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, an engagement hole 48H consisting of an opening is provided. Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B 1 is an explanatory diagram before and after the feeder base 22 of the component assembly device 1 is assembled with the part feeder 13. Figure 6B As shown, when the slot insertion portion 42 is inserted into the inner side of the first slot 23SA, the engagement pin 27 is inserted into the engagement hole 48H and engaged.

[0060] Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 13 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission mechanism of the parts feeder 13. Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the embodiment, a fixed member 51 is provided at the connecting portion 46 of the main body 41. The fixed member 51 has a shape extending along the Y-axis as a whole. The rear end of the fixed member 51 is fixed to the main body 41, and the front end of the fixed member 51 protrudes forward from the connecting portion 46.

[0061] A recessed portion 51K opening upward is provided at the front end portion 51F of the fixed member 51. Figure 8 As shown, the recessed portion 51K has an inclined surface 51T with an ascending gradient toward the front end. An upwardly open relief portion 51H is provided at a position rearwardly of the fixed member 51, away from the recessed portion 51K. Furthermore, a cam surface 51C extending from the recessed portion 51K to the upper edge of the relief portion 51H forms an upwardly inclined slope from the recessed portion 51K toward the relief portion 51H.

[0062] exist Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the embodiment, a clamp release member 52 is provided on the connection portion 46. The clamp release member 52 is supported by a pin 52P, which is attached to the connection portion 46 at both ends and extends along the X-axis, and is able to swing freely about the pin 52P. The front end of the clamp release member 52 is a clamp release claw 52T that protrudes forward from the pin 52P. The clamp release member 52 is adjacent to the fixed member 51 along the X-axis, and the clamp release claw 52T is located approximately to the side of the clearance portion 51H. The rear end of the clamp release member 52 is located behind the pin 52P and is equipped with a third pulley 63, which will be described later.

[0063] exist Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the embodiment, an operating member 53 is provided at the rear end of the main body 41. The operating member 53 is provided to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the main body 41. The rear portion of the operating member 53 protrudes rearward from the rear end of the main body 41. The operating member 53 is located at the front position ( Figure 8 ) and the rear position ( Figure 9 The operating member 53 is located in the front position by abutting against a front abutting portion (not shown) provided in the main body 41 from the rear, and is located in the rear position by abutting against a rear abutting portion (not shown) provided in the main body 41 from the front.

[0064] exist Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the embodiment, a wire 60 is provided in the main body 41 to connect the operating member 53 and the fixed member 51. One end of the wire 60 is attached to the operating member 53 via an upper wire fixing portion 60A, and the other end of the wire 60 is attached to a wire fixing portion 46K fixed to the connecting portion 46 via a lower wire fixing portion 60B.

[0065] exist Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the figure, the middle portion of the wire 60 is supported by multiple pulleys (a first pulley 61, a second pulley 62, and a third pulley 63). The first pulley 61 is mounted on the upper portion of the main body 41, and the second pulley 62 is mounted on the connecting portion 46. The third pulley 63 is mounted on the rear end of the clamp release member 52. The first pulley 61 and the second pulley 62 are assembled to the connecting portion 46 in a fixed position, while the third pulley 63 changes position up and down as the clamp release member 52 swings. The wire 60 extends forward between the upper wire fixing portion 60A and the first pulley 61, and bends downward at the first pulley 61. The wire 60 that bends downward at the first pulley 61 bends upward at the second pulley 62, and bends downward at the third pulley 63 to reach the lower wire fixing portion 60B.

[0066] exist Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the embodiment, a spring member 64 is provided in the wire fixing portion 46K. The spring member 64 always applies upward force to the rear end portion of the clamp release member 52. Therefore, the clamp release member 52 swings to a position where the wire 60 is fully stretched by the third pulley 63 and then stops. Figure 8 As shown, when the operating member 53 is in the forward position, the clamp releasing member 52 becomes substantially horizontal, and the clamp releasing claw 52T at the front end is substantially the same as or lower than the bottom surface of the escape portion 51H of the fixed member 51 (standby position). Figure 9As shown, when the operating member 53 is in the rearward position, the clamp release member 52 is pulled by the wire 60 and swings in the direction indicated by the arrow R. As a result, the upper surface of the clamp release claw 52T of the clamp release member 52 moves to a position higher than the cam surface 51C (the clamp release position). It should be noted that the operating member 53 is pulled into the interior of the main body 41 by the wire 60 due to the action of the spring member 64, and therefore is always in the forward position. When the operator OP pulls the operating member 53 rearward, the operating member 53 moves to the rearward position.

[0067] As described above, when the operator OP pulls the operating member 53 backward from the state where the operating member 53 is located in the front position ( Figure 9 The upper wire fixing portion 60A moves backward as shown by the arrow P in the figure. As a result, the wire 60 between the first pulley 61 and the second pulley 62 is pulled upward, and the rear end of the clamp release member 52 is pulled downward by the wire 60 via the third pulley 63. Therefore, the clamp release member 52 is swung with the pin 52P as a fulcrum while compressing the spring member 64 ( Figure 9 As shown by the arrow R in the figure, the front end of the clamp release claw 52T moves from the standby position to the clamp release position. In this embodiment, the wire 60 serves as a transmission mechanism that transmits the displacement of the operating member 53 caused by the external force in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned one direction to the clamp release member 52, which serves as the fixing release member. It should be noted that in addition to the wire 60 as a transmission mechanism, other mechanical elements such as connecting rods can also be used.

[0068] When the parts feeder 13 of such a structure is mounted on the feeder base 22, the operator OP inserts the front end portion of the slot insertion portion 42 into the slot 23S with the operating member 53 positioned in the front position (in a state where the operating member 53 is not operated). Then, the parts feeder 13 is moved along the slot 23S in the assembly direction At ( Figure 6A Arrow At) slide, the main body 41 is pressed into the inner side of the feeder base 22 until the front end of the main body 41 abuts against the feeder stopper 24 ( Figure 6A → Figure 6B ). Thus, the fixed member 51 of the parts feeder 13 is set on the fixing mechanism 31 of the feeder base 22 (refer to Figures 11A to 11D ) is fixed. The upper pin 43 of the part feeder 13 fixed to the feeder base 22 is embedded in the upper pin insertion hole 24A of the feeder stopper 24, and the lower pin 44 is embedded in the lower pin insertion hole 24B. In addition, the engaging protrusion 45 is inserted into the second slot 23SB (refer to Figure 7B ), the engaging pin 27 on the feeder base 22 side is inserted into the engaging hole 48H on the parts feeder 13 side and engaged.

[0069] The engaging hole 48H serves as the second engaging portion of this embodiment. Here, the "second engaging portion" refers to a portion provided on the main body 41 at a position rearward of the slot insertion portion 42 and engaging with a member (in this embodiment, the engaging pin 27) located below the upper surface of the feeder base 22 when the slot insertion portion 42 is inserted into the slot 23S.

[0070] Furthermore, as the parts feeder 13 slides in the assembly direction At, the plug 47 of the parts feeder 13 engages with the socket 26 provided on the side of the feeder base 22, and the parts feeder 13 is electrically connected to the control device 17 of the component assembly apparatus 1. Thus, the operation of the parts feeder 13 can be controlled by the control device 17.

[0071] Next, refer to Figures 11A to 11D The fixing operation of the fixed member 51 by the fixing mechanism 31 will be described. Figures 11A to 11D This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the fixing mechanism when assembling the parts feeder of one embodiment of the present invention to the feeder base. When the slot insertion portion 42 of the parts feeder 13 is inserted into the inner side of the slot 23S of the feeder base 22, the cam surface 51C of the fixed member 51 of the parts feeder 13 abuts against the operated portion 35 of the fixing mechanism 31 ( Figure 11A → Figure 11B ). The highest point 51G of the front end portion 51F of the fixed member 51 passes through a position lower than the operated portion 35, so the cam surface 51C first contacts the operated portion 35 of the fixing mechanism 31. When the parts feeder 13 slides further in the assembly direction At from this state, the cam surface 51C moves while pushing up the operated portion 35 by its inclined surface shape. As a result, the arm 32 swings around the support shaft 22J against the urging force of the urging spring 36 ( Figure 11C Arrow M). When the arm 32 is pushed up by the cam surface 51C and swings, the fixing member 34 also moves upward. When the highest point 51CG of the rear end of the cam surface 51C reaches directly below the operated portion 35, the highest point 51G of the front end portion 51F reaches a position slightly passing directly below the fixing member 34 or the center of the fixing member 34 in the assembly direction At ( Figure 11C ).

[0072] When the parts feeder 13 inserted into the slot 23S moves further in the assembly direction At and its front end abuts against the feeder stopper 24, the escape portion 51H of the fixed member 51 arrives just below the operated portion 35 and the recessed portion 51K also arrives just below the fixing member 34. At this time, the operated portion 35, which has lost the support of the cam surface 51C, falls toward the escape portion 51H, so that the arm 32 swings in the reverse direction ( Figure 11DArrow N). Then, the fixing member 34 descends as the arm 32 swings, and is pressed toward the recessed portion 51K directly below it ( Figure 11D ). Thus, the fixing mechanism 31 engages (clamps) the fixing member 34 with the fixed member 51 and fixes the parts feeder 13 to the feeder base 22 ( Figure 6B ).

[0073] In this way, the component assembly device of the present embodiment can fix the parts feeder 13 to the feeder base 22 by simply inserting the slot insertion portion 42 of the parts feeder 13 into the slot 23S of the feeder base 22 and moving it in the assembly direction At. The fixing mechanism 31 is provided with a strong urging spring 36 that exerts a sufficient clamping force for fixing the parts feeder 13. When the parts feeder 13 is fixed to the feeder base 22, it is necessary to use the components of the parts feeder 13 to operate the fixing mechanism 31 against the urging spring 36. In order to achieve this, in the present embodiment, a cam surface 51C for operating the fixing mechanism 31 is provided on the fixed component 51 provided on the parts feeder 13.

[0074] Here, the fixing mechanism 31 includes a fixing member 34 and an operated portion 35, which are mounted on an arm 32 that swings around an axis (pin 52P) that intersects horizontally with a direction (assembly direction At). The arm 32 extends in a disengagement direction Re, which is opposite to the aforementioned direction, and has the fixing member 34 at a position away from the pin 52P in the disengagement direction Re, and has the operated portion 35 at a position further away from the fixing member 34 in the disengagement direction. Furthermore, the fixed member 51 pushes up the operated portion 35 using a cam surface 51C. The cam surface 51C is an inclined surface that becomes higher toward the disengagement direction Re, and when the fixed member 51 moves in the direction (assembly direction At), the operated portion 35 is displaced upward. In other words, the fixing member 34 is not directly pushed up by the cam surface 51C, but is indirectly pushed up by operating the operated portion 35. As described above, the installation position of the operated portion 35 is farther from the support shaft 22J than the installation position of the fixing member 34. Therefore, the fixed member 51 can push the fixing member 34 to a height that does not interfere with the highest point 51G of the front end portion 51F of the fixed member 51 with less force than when the fixing member 34 is directly pushed up. In addition, it is possible to cooperate with the force-increasing action of the cam surface 51C to reduce the reaction force from the fixing mechanism 31 when the parts feeder 13 is pressed into the feeder base 22. In other words, the pressing force when the parts feeder 13 is pressed into the feeder base 22 can be reduced.

[0075] As described above, in a state where the fixed member 51 is clamped by the fixing piece 34, not only the first engaging portion (upper pin 43 and lower pin 44) provided at the front end portion of the main body 41 is engaged with the first engaged portion (feeder stopper 24) on the feeder base 22 side, but also the engaging hole 48H as the second engaging portion is engaged with the second engaged portion (engaging pin 27) ( Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B The first engaged portion and the second engaged portion are arranged in a positional relationship so as to clamp the upper surface of the feeder base 22 up and down, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the parts feeder 13 are engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion, so that the lateral shaking of the component supply port 13K (component removal position) is effectively suppressed.

[0076] In addition, when the fixed member 51 is clamped by the fixing member 34, the engaging protrusion 45 is engaged with the slot 23S. As mentioned above, the diameter D of the engaging protrusion 45 is smaller than the prescribed tolerance of the groove width MH2 of the second slot 23SB, so that the lateral shaking becomes a level without problems. Therefore, the lateral shaking of the parts feeder 13 is also effectively suppressed by the engaging protrusion 45. Moreover, the engaging protrusion 45 is strongly pressed against the upper surface of the slot (the upper surface of the feeder base 22 in this embodiment) by the force of the fixing member 51 pressed downward by the fixing member 34, so that a stable assembly state can be maintained.

[0077] Thus, in this embodiment, the rigidity of the parts feeder 13 against lateral shaking is extremely high when it is mounted on the feeder base 22. Therefore, even if the assembly head 14 frequently moves and stops during the operation of the parts assembly device 1, thereby exciting the parts feeder 13 with a large excitation force, the lateral shaking of the parts feeder 13 is suppressed, and the amplitude of the lateral shaking of the parts supply port 13K can be suppressed.

[0078] Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B These are explanatory diagrams before and after the parts feeder 13 is removed from the feeder base 22 . Figures 13A to 13D 13 is an explanatory diagram of the fixing release operation performed by the clamp release member 52 as the fixing release member when removing the parts feeder 13 from the feeder base 22. When the operator OP removes the parts feeder 13 mounted on the feeder base 22, he pulls the operating member 53 backward (in the separation direction Re) ( Figure 9 、 Figure 12A As a result, the operating member 53 moves from the front position to the rear position, and the clamp releasing member 52 swings in the direction of lowering the rear end side through the wire 60 ( Figure 13A → Figure 13BTherefore, the operated portion 35 in the escape portion 51H is pushed up by the clamp releasing claw 52T and is lifted up to the same level as or higher than the highest point 51CG of the cam surface 51C adjacent to the escape portion 51H ( Figure 13B ). In addition, along with this, the fixing member 34 is disengaged from the recessed portion 51K, and the clamping state based on the fixing member 34 is released. The clamp releasing member 52 functions as a fixing releasing member for performing the fixing releasing operation of the fixing mechanism 31. In addition, the clamp releasing member 52 causes the displacement of the operating member 53 which is displaced by the external force in the disengagement direction Re opposite to the one direction ( Figure 9 、 Figure 12B The fixing releasing operation (indicated by the arrow P in FIG) is performed in conjunction with the wire 60 (transmission mechanism), that is, the fixing member 34 is released from the recessed portion 51K.

[0079] In this way, the clamp release member 52 of the parts feeder 13 of the present embodiment is operated by the pulling operation of the operating member 53, so that the fixing piece 34 fixing the fixed member 51 is separated from the fixed member 51. In detail, the operating member 53 and the clamp release member 52 are connected by the wire 60. When the operating member 53 is pulled toward the rear of the main body 41, the clamp release member 52 swings and the fixing piece 34 is separated from the fixed member 51. In such a structure, by using the wire 60, the direction of force is easily converted, and the mechanism for operating the clamp release member 52 by the operating member 53 can be constructed lightly and compactly.

[0080] The operator OP pulls the operating member 53 backward, and even after the clamping of the fixing piece 34 by the fixed member 51 is released, the operator continues to pull the operating member 53 toward the rear of the main body 41. As a result, the slot insertion portion 42 moves backward and disengages from the feeder base 22, so that the parts feeder 13 can be removed from the feeder base 22. During this period, the recessed portion 51K of the fixed member 51 moves away from the bottom of the fixing piece 34 in the disengagement direction Re. On the other hand, the operated portion 35 moves along the cam surface 51C of the fixed member 51 ( Figure 13B → Figure 13C ) and disengages from the cam surface 51C ( Figure 13D ).

[0081] Thus, in the parts feeder 13 of this embodiment, after the operating member 53 is pulled toward the rear of the main body 41 and the clamping release member 52 works to release the clamping of the fixing member 34 by the fixed member 51, when the operating member 53 is further pulled toward the rear of the main body 41, the slot insertion portion 42 is disengaged from the slot 23S under the action of its pulling force. When the conventional parts feeder disclosed in patent document 1 is removed from the feeder base, the operator needs to operate the operating member in the vertical direction and pull the parts feeder horizontally from the feeder base, so there is a problem of poor working efficiency. In addition, in recent years, for the purpose of saving manpower, research has been conducted on the operation of removing the parts feeder from the feeder base by using a robot. However, in this case, in addition to the action axis for moving the parts feeder in the horizontal direction, the robot also needs an action axis for operating the above-mentioned rod-shaped operating member in the vertical direction. In this way, the structure and operation of the robot become complicated and the cost may become high. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the operator OP can smoothly perform both the release and removal of the parts feeder 13 by pulling the operating member 53 in the disengagement direction Re.

[0082] As described above, in the parts feeder 13 (and the component assembly device 1) of the present embodiment, when the slot insertion portion 42 provided on the main body 41 is inserted into the slot 23S of the feeder base 22, by this action, the fixed member 51 is clamped by the fixing member 34 of the clamping unit, i.e., the fixing mechanism 31, provided on the feeder base 22. In addition, when the operating member 53 is pulled toward the rear of the main body 41, the clamping release member 52 is operated by this operation, so that the fixed member 51 clamped by the fixing member 34 is detached from the fixed member 51. In this way, the fixing and releasing operations of the parts feeder 13 relative to the feeder base 22 are very simple, and the operating direction is also unified into the direction in which the parts feeder 13 slides along the slot. Therefore, even in the case of having a robot perform these operations, simple operations are sufficient, and it is possible to prevent the cost from increasing due to the use of an expensive robot that needs to perform complex operations.

[0083] Furthermore, in the parts feeder 13 of the present embodiment, the fixed member 51 does not directly push up the fixing piece 34 that is forced downward, but rather pushes up the operated portion 35 located behind the fixing piece 34. This allows the fixing piece 34 to be pushed up with a smaller force as a preparatory operation for clamping the fixing piece 34. Therefore, the pressing force when the parts feeder 13 is pressed into the feeder base 22 can be reduced.

[0084] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified. For example, in the above embodiments, the slot is a groove (slot 23S), but the shape of the slot can also be a structure other than a groove (such as a track).

[0085] Industrial Applicability

[0086] A parts feeder and a component assembly device can be provided that can efficiently perform a replacement operation of the parts feeder relative to the feeder base.

[0087] Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1. Component assembly device; 12. Substrate conveying path; 13. Parts feeder; 13. K. component supply port (component removal position); 14. Assembly head; 22. Feeder base; 23. S. slot; 23. SA. first slot; 23. SB. second slot; 24. Feeder stopper (first engaged portion); 27. Engaging pin (second engaged portion); 31. Fixing mechanism; 34. Fixing member; 35. Operated portion; 41. Main body; 42. Slot insertion portion; 43. Upper pin (first engaging portion); 44. Lower pin (first engaging portion); 45. Engaging protrusion; 48. H. engaging hole (second engaging portion); 51. Fixed member; 51. K. recessed portion; 52. Clamping release member; 53. Operating member; 60. Wire rod; BH component.

Claims

1. A parts feeder which is mounted on a slot of a feeder base of a component assembly device and used, wherein: The parts feeder has: a main body including a component supply mechanism for supplying components to a component removal position where a mounting head provided in the component mounting device removes components; a slot insertion portion, which is provided on the main body and slides in one direction to be inserted into the slot; a fixed member protruding from the main body toward the one direction and fixed to a fixing mechanism provided on the feeder base by sliding; a fixing releasing member for operating the fixing mechanism fixing the fixed member to release the fixing of the fixed member by the fixing mechanism; an operating member that is displaced by an external force; as well as a transmission mechanism that transmits the displacement of the operating member to the fixing release member to cause the fixing release member to perform the fixing release operation, The fixing mechanism comprises a fixing member which is pressed downward by an elastic member. The fixed member has a recessed portion opening upward, and the fixed member is fixed to the fixing mechanism by the fixing piece abutting against the recessed portion from above under the elastic force of the elastic member. The fixing mechanism includes an arm that swings around an axis horizontally intersecting the one direction and extends from the axial direction in a disengagement direction opposite to the one direction, the arm having the fixing piece at a position away from the axis in the disengagement direction, and having an operated portion that is lifted from below by the fixing release member at a position away from the fixing piece in the disengagement direction. The fixed member includes a cam surface having an inclination that becomes higher as it moves away from the recessed portion toward the disengagement direction; and an escape portion that is adjacent to a terminal end of the cam surface in the disengagement direction and that allows the operated portion that has passed through the cam surface by sliding in the one direction to escape downward. When the operated portion reaches the avoidance portion, the fixing mechanism swings the arm under the action of the elastic force so that the fixing member abuts against the recessed portion.

2. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein The fixing release member lifts the operated portion located in the escape portion from below by the fixing release operation, thereby swinging the arm to lift the fixing piece from the recessed portion.

3. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein The transmission mechanism transmits the displacement of the operating member in a disengaging direction opposite to the one direction to the unfastening member, thereby causing the unfastening member to perform the unfastening operation.

4. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein The transmission mechanism at least includes a wire.

5. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein The parts feeder also has: at least one first engaging portion provided at a front end portion of the main body portion, and engaging with a first engaged portion provided at a position higher than an upper surface of the feeder base when the slot insertion portion slides in the one direction and is inserted into the slot; and At least one second engaging portion is provided at a position of the main body lower than the fixed member, and when the slot insertion portion slides in the one direction and is inserted into the slot, the second engaging portion engages with a second engaged portion provided at a position lower than the upper surface of the feeder base.

6. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein The parts feeder further includes an engaging protrusion that protrudes downward from the main body and is inserted into the slot.

7. The parts feeder according to claim 6, wherein The engaging protrusion is arranged at a rearward position relative to the slot insertion portion, and when the fixed member is fixed to the fixing mechanism, the engaging protrusion is pressed against the upper surface of the slot.

8. A component assembly device comprising a component feeder for supplying components, a feeder base having a slot in which the component feeder can be mounted, and an assembly head for picking up the component supplied by the component feeder mounted in the slot and mounting the component on a substrate, wherein: The feeder base is provided with a fixing mechanism for fixing the parts feeder. The parts feeder has: a main body including a component supply mechanism for supplying the component to a component removal position where the assembly head removes the component; a slot insertion portion, which is provided on the main body and slides in one direction to be inserted into the slot; a fixed member protruding from the main body toward the one direction and fixed to the fixing mechanism by sliding; a fixing releasing member for operating the fixing mechanism fixing the fixed member to release the fixing of the fixed member by the fixing mechanism; an operating member that is displaced by an external force; and a transmission mechanism that transmits the displacement of the operating member to the fixing release member to cause the fixing release member to perform the fixing release operation, The fixing mechanism comprises a fixing member which is pressed downward by an elastic member. The fixed member has a recessed portion open upward, The fixed member is fixed to the fixing mechanism by the fixing piece abutting against the recessed portion from above under the elastic force of the elastic member. The fixing mechanism includes an arm that swings around an axis horizontally intersecting the one direction and extends from the axial direction in a disengagement direction opposite to the one direction, the arm having the fixing piece at a position away from the axis in the disengagement direction, and having an operated portion that is lifted from below by the fixing release member at a position away from the fixing piece in the disengagement direction. The fixed member includes a cam surface having an inclination that becomes higher as it moves away from the recessed portion toward the disengagement direction; and an escape portion that is adjacent to a terminal end of the cam surface in the disengagement direction and that allows the operated portion that has passed through the cam surface by sliding in the one direction to escape downward. When the operated portion reaches the avoidance portion, the fixing mechanism swings the arm under the action of the elastic force so that the fixing member abuts against the recessed portion.

9. The component assembly device according to claim 8, wherein: The fixing release member lifts the operated portion located in the escape portion from below by the fixing release operation, thereby swinging the arm to lift the fixing piece from the recessed portion.

10. The component assembly device according to claim 8, wherein The transmission mechanism transmits the displacement of the operating member in a disengaging direction opposite to the one direction to the unfastening member, thereby causing the unfastening member to perform the unfastening operation.

11. The component assembly device according to claim 8, wherein The transmission mechanism at least includes a wire.

12. The component assembly device according to claim 8, wherein The component mounting device further includes a first engaged portion provided at a position higher than the upper surface of the feeder base and a second engaged portion provided at a position lower than the upper surface of the feeder base. The parts feeder also has: at least one first engaging portion engaged with the first engaged portion provided at the front end portion of the main body; and At least one second engaging portion is provided on the main body at a position lower than the fixed member and is engaged with the second engaged portion.

13. The component assembly device according to claim 8, wherein The parts feeder further includes an engaging protrusion that protrudes downward from the main body and is inserted into the slot.

14. The component assembly device according to claim 13, wherein: The engaging protrusion is arranged at a rearward position relative to the slot insertion portion, and when the fixed member is fixed to the fixing mechanism, the engaging protrusion is pressed against the upper surface of the slot.

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