Roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus and method of mounting components on flexible circuit board

Abstract

A roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus includes a feeding device, a component setting device, and a compression device. The feeding device is used to transport a flexible circuit board, which has a pair of mounting surfaces opposite to each other. The component setting device includes a pair of jigs and a loading assembly. Each of the pair of jigs has an inner surface extending along a vertical direction. The feeding device transports the flexible circuit board along the vertical direction to be sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the pair of jigs. At least one of the jigs has at least one hollowed area partially exposing the mounting surface. The loading assembly is used to set a plurality of components on the mounting surface partially exposed by the hollowed area. The compression device is used to compress the components and the flexible circuit board. The present invention uses the hollowed area on the jigs to achieve the purpose of simultaneously mounting components on both sides of the flexible circuit board, thereby improving the production efficiency of mounting components on the flexible circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus and a method for mounting components on a flexible circuit board, and more particularly to a roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus and method suitable for simultaneously mounting components on both sides of a flexible circuit board. Background Technology

[0002] As the technology for manufacturing flexible circuit boards (Flexible Circuit Boards) matures and the number of components mounted on them increases, some Flexible Circuit Boards now have components mounted on both the front and back sides. In the production process of these Front and Back Side Flexible Circuit Boards, the board is typically placed horizontally on a work platform first. Then, components are mounted on one side of the board. Next, the board is flipped over, and other components are mounted on the other side. However, with the increasing demand for Flexible Circuit Boards, this single-sided component mounting process is no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a roll-to-roll component mounting device and a method for mounting components on a flexible circuit board, so as to improve the production efficiency of flexible circuit boards.

[0004] A roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a feeding device, a component setting device, and a pressing device. The feeding device is used to transport a flexible circuit board having a pair of opposing mounting surfaces. The component setting device includes a pair of jigs and a loading assembly. Each of the jigs has an inner surface extending in a vertical direction. The feeding device transports the flexible circuit board in the vertical direction between the inner surfaces, so that the flexible circuit board is clamped between the inner surfaces. At least one of the jigs has at least one cutout area, which partially exposes the mounting surface. The loading assembly is used to set a plurality of components on the mounting surface partially exposed by the cutout area. The pressing device is used to press the components to the flexible circuit board.

[0005] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding device includes a moving member adapted to move in a vertical direction and used to adjust the flexible circuit board, wherein the moving member moves in a vertical direction to generate a travel distance, and the travel distance controls the pulling length of the flexible circuit board conveyed into the component setting device.

[0006] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding device further includes two fixed rollers. The two fixed rollers are used to transport the flexible circuit board, wherein the movable element is located between the two fixed rollers and adjusts a portion of the flexible circuit board located between the two fixed rollers.

[0007] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus further includes a cutting device. The cutting device is used to cut the flexible circuit board after it has been pressed together by the pressing device.

[0008] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the roll-to-roll component mounting device further includes a steering roller. The steering roller is used to convey the flexible circuit board after it has been pressed by the pressing device, and to convey the flexible circuit board to the cutting device in a horizontal direction.

[0009] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the inner surfaces of the fixture is between 12 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0010] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described component setting device includes bolts and nuts for locking the fixture.

[0011] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fixture includes an embedded magnet and a protrusion, wherein the embedded magnet is embedded in the fixture and the protrusion is used to space the inner surface of the fixture.

[0012] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fixture includes a mating protrusion and a slot.

[0013] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described component setting device further includes at least one heater for connecting the fixture and for heating the flexible circuit board.

[0014] A method for mounting elements on a flexible printed circuit board according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: A flexible printed circuit board is provided, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has a pair of mounting surfaces opposite each other. The flexible printed circuit board is conveyed in a vertical direction between a pair of fixtures. The fixtures clamp the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the fixtures are positioned on the mounting surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board along the conveying direction of the flexible printed circuit board and partially expose the mounting surfaces. A plurality of elements are disposed on at least one mounting surface of the flexible printed circuit board clamped by the fixtures. After the elements are disposed on the mounting surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board, the fixtures are removed from the mounting surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board. After the fixtures are removed, the elements are pressed onto at least one mounting surface of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0015] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the method of mounting the elements on the flexible circuit board further includes cutting the flexible circuit board after pressing the elements onto at least one mounting surface of the flexible circuit board.

[0016] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fixture clamps the flexible circuit board between the fixtures by means of bolts and nuts.

[0017] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the jigs are joined together by magnetic force and clamp the flexible circuit board.

[0018] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fixture uses mutually cooperating protrusions and slots on the fixture to clamp the flexible circuit board between the fixtures.

[0019] In at least one embodiment of the invention, a heating fixture is further included before setting the element on at least one mounting surface of the flexible circuit board, such that the temperature of the fixture is between 40°C and 200°C.

[0020] Based on the above, the present invention sandwiches a flexible circuit motherboard between the opposing inner surfaces of a pair of fixtures. The hollowed-out areas on these fixtures partially expose the opposing mounting surfaces of the flexible circuit motherboard. The hollowed-out areas on the fixtures are used to achieve the purpose of simultaneously mounting components on both sides of the flexible circuit motherboard, thereby improving the production efficiency of mounting components on the flexible circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a roll-to-roll component mounting device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2A and Figure 2B for Figure 1 Enlarged views of the feeding device in different states.

[0023] Figure 3A for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the component mounting device.

[0024] Figure 3B for Figure 3A The side view of region A in the image.

[0025] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C for Figure 3A Schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the hollowed-out areas of the fixture.

[0026] Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 7A for Figure 4A Schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the fixture.

[0027] Figure 5B and Figure 5C They are respectively Figure 5A The jig in the image is shown in side views before and after clamping the flexible circuit board.

[0028] Figure 6B and Figure 6C They are respectively Figure 6A The jig in the image is shown in side views before and after clamping the flexible circuit board.

[0029] Figure 7B and Figure 7CThey are respectively Figure 7A The jig in the image is shown in side views before and after clamping the flexible circuit board.

[0030] Figure 7D for Figure 7B A top view of the fixture.

[0031] Figure 8A and Figure 8B for Figure 1 Enlarged views of the pressing device in different states.

[0032] Figures 9A to 9C for Figure 1 Enlarged views of the cutting and receiving devices in different states.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for mounting elements on a flexible circuit board according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following text, to clearly present the technical features of this application, the dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness, and depth) of the elements (e.g., circuit boards, fixtures, rollers, and areas) in the accompanying drawings will be enlarged proportionally, and the number of some elements may be reduced. Therefore, the description and explanation of the embodiments below are not limited to the number of elements in the drawings or the dimensions and shapes presented by the elements, but should cover dimensions, shapes, and deviations from both due to actual manufacturing processes and / or tolerances. For example, a flat surface shown in the drawings may have rough and / or non-linear characteristics, and an acute angle shown in the drawings may be rounded. Therefore, the elements presented in the accompanying drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to precisely depict the actual shape of the elements, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0035] Secondly, the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "substantially" used in this application not only encompass explicitly stated numerical values ​​and ranges, but also the permissible deviation range understood by a person skilled in the art. This deviation range can be determined by errors that occur during measurement, such as those arising from limitations of the measurement system or process conditions. Furthermore, "approximately" can indicate a deviation within one or more standard deviations of the aforementioned numerical values, such as ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5%. The use of terms such as "approximately," "approximately," or "substantially" in this application allows for the selection of acceptable deviation ranges or standard deviations based on optical, etching, mechanical, or other properties, and does not apply to all optical, etching, mechanical, and other properties using a single standard deviation.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a roll-to-roll component mounting device 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The roll-to-roll component mounting device 100 includes a feeding device 110, a component setting device 120, a pressing device 130, a cutting device 140, and a receiving device 150.

[0037] The feeding device 110 includes fixed rollers 114 and 116, and a moving member 118, and is capable of conveying the flexible circuit board 112. Before the roll-to-roll component mounting equipment 100 begins operation, the flexible circuit board 112 can be wound around the fixed rollers 111 to fix the flexible circuit board 112 onto the fixed rollers 111. The moving member 118 is located between the fixed rollers 114 and 116.

[0038] The flexible circuit board 112 can be mounted using a roll-to-roll component mounting device 100. Essentially, it can be a circuit board with a complete circuit structure and a pair of opposing mounting surfaces. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 112 may contain only a single circuit layer or multiple circuit layers. It should be understood that the material, dimensions, and wiring of the flexible circuit board 112 can be adjusted according to actual requirements. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flexible circuit board 112 can be between 12 micrometers and 100 micrometers, for example, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, or 96 micrometers. Figure 1 The arrow in the figure indicates the direction of travel of the flexible circuit motherboard 112 in the roll-to-roll component mounting equipment 100.

[0039] A feeding device 110, including fixed rollers 114 and 116, is used to transport the flexible circuit board 112. The fixed rollers 114 and 116 can change the direction of travel of the flexible circuit board 112 and help maintain tension, so that the flexible circuit board 112 remains flat and wrinkle-free during transport, thus ensuring smooth transport of the flexible circuit board 112. For details, please refer to... Figure 1 The flexible circuit board 112, which originally traveled vertically, was changed to travel horizontally after passing through the fixed roller 114. Then, due to the fixed roller 116, the travel direction of the flexible circuit board 112 became vertical.

[0040] Figure 2A and Figure 2B for Figure 1 The image shows a partially enlarged view of the feeding device 110 in different states. The moving part 118 in the feeding device 110 is adapted to move vertically and is used to adjust a portion of the flexible circuit board 112 between the fixed rollers 114 and 116. More specifically... Figure 2AThe movable component 118 is for adjusting the previous implementation state of the flexible circuit motherboard 112, while Figure 2B The movable component 118 is used to adjust the implementation state of the flexible circuit motherboard 112.

[0041] like Figure 2B As shown, the moving part 118 moves vertically, generating a travel distance D1, causing the original moving part 118a to move downwards to become the adjusted moving part 118b. The horizontal height of the original moving part 118a is higher than the horizontal height of the adjusted moving part 118b. It should be noted that... Figure 2B In this context, moving parts 118a and 118b refer to the same moving part 118. Moving parts 118a and 118b are used to distinguish moving part 118 in different states. The travel distance D1 can be equated to the travel distance of moving part 118. Figure 2B For example, the travel distance D1 can be the position of the moving part 118 when the flexible circuit motherboard 112 is not adjusted (e.g., Figure 2B The movable element 118a, shown by the dashed line, adjusts the flexible circuit board 112 to the stop position (e.g., the movable element 118a) to adjust the flexible circuit board 112 to the stop position. Figure 2B The distance between the moving parts 118b, as shown by the solid line in the middle.

[0042] The travel distance D1 controls the conveying of the flexible circuit board 112 to the component setting device 120 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The length of the material to be pulled is specified. It should be understood that this length of material to be pulled is within the dimensional range of the flexible circuit board 112 when components are installed in the subsequent component mounting device 120.

[0043] Figure 3A for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the component setting device 120. The component setting device 120 includes a pair of jigs 122 and a loading assembly 124. The jigs 122 include a first portion 122a and a second portion 122b opposite to the first portion 122a, wherein the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b are two independent components. The first portion 122a has an inner surface 122as, and the second portion 122b has an inner surface 122bs. The inner surfaces 122as and 122bs extend in a vertical direction, while the feeding device 110 (see Figure 124) is also shown. Figure 1 The flexible circuit motherboard 112 is conveyed vertically between the inner surface 122as of the first portion 122a and the inner surface 122bs of the second portion 122b, so that the flexible circuit motherboard 112 is sandwiched between the inner surfaces 122as and 122bs. It should be noted that sandwiching the flexible circuit motherboard 112 in the fixture 122 helps to keep part of the flexible circuit motherboard 112 in an upright position.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fixture 122 may be made of fiberglass, stainless steel, or antistatic synthetic stone. In some embodiments, the fixture 122 may be, for example, an aluminum plate, a carbon fiber plate, or a high-temperature resistant acrylic plate.

[0045] Figure 3B for Figure 3A A side view of region A in the diagram. At least one of the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b of the fixture 122 has a plurality of cutout regions 125, and the cutout regions 125 partially expose the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board 112, wherein in this embodiment, each of the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b may have a cutout region 125. Figure 3B As shown, the width W1 of the fixture 122 (including the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b) is greater than the width W2 of the flexible circuit board 112. Various embodiments of the cutout area 125 of the fixture 122 will be discussed later. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Detailed description is provided.

[0046] Still referencing Figure 3A The loading assembly 124 of the component placement device 120 is located on opposite sides of the fixture 122. The loading assembly 124 includes a first loading portion 124a and a second loading portion 124b. Specifically, the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b of the fixture 122, and the flexible circuit board 112, are located between the first loading portion 124a and the second loading portion 124b. More specifically, the first loading portion 124a is located outside the first portion 122a of the fixture 122, such that the first portion 122a is located between the flexible circuit board 112 and the first loading portion 124a. The second loading portion 124b is located outside the second portion 122b of the fixture 122, such that the second portion 122b is located between the flexible circuit board 112 and the second loading portion 124b.

[0047] The loading assembly 124 (including a first loading portion 124a and a second loading portion 124b) is used to place multiple components on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board 112 partially exposed in the cutout area 125 of the fixture 122 (including a first portion 122a and a second portion 122b), such as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the cutout area 125 on the fixture 122 partially exposes the opposing mounting surfaces of the flexible circuit motherboard 112, so as to simultaneously mount components on both sides of the flexible circuit motherboard 112, thereby improving the production efficiency of mounting components on the flexible circuit board.

[0048] The aforementioned components can be electronic components, such as active and passive components, or non-electronic components, such as reinforcing sheets and shielding covers. In some embodiments, the first loading part 124a and the second loading part 124b can both be robotic arms, wherein the installation parameters (such as moving distance and installation force) of the robotic arms (e.g., the first loading part 124a and the second loading part 124b) can be adjusted according to the material and thickness characteristics of the flexible circuit board 112 to avoid the flexible circuit board 112 from breaking during installation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the component placement device 120 further includes at least one heater (not shown). The heater is connected to a fixture 122 and is used to heat the flexible circuit board 112. In some embodiments, the heater heats the fixture 122 such that the temperature of the fixture 122 is between 40°C and 200°C, for example, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, or 180°C. Specifically, since one end of the component to be mounted contains adhesive for bonding, when the component is placed on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board 112, the adhesive on the component melts at least partially, thereby mounting the component onto the flexible circuit board 112. It should be understood that, in embodiments of the invention, the component mounted in the component placement device 120 will be subsequently pressed by the pressing device 130 (which will...). Figure 8A and Figure 8B Further pressing steps will be carried out in the detailed description in the text.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3A The roll-to-roll component mounting device 100 also includes a pair of fixed rollers 102. The fixed rollers 102 are used to fix the flexible circuit board 112 after it has been turned by the fixed rollers 116, and in particular to keep the flexible circuit board 112 in a vertical orientation without shifting or bending during component placement.

[0051] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C for Figure 3A Schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the hollowed-out area 125 of the fixture 122. It should be understood that, Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The number, size, and distribution of the cutout areas 125 shown are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. More or fewer cutout areas 125 or other forms of distribution are also included in the embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the number, size, and distribution of the cutout areas 125 can be adjusted according to actual requirements.

[0052] like Figure 4AAs shown, the first part 122a and the second part 122b of the fixture 122 have the same distribution of hollow areas 125, so that the hollow areas 125 of the first part 122a can correspond to the hollow areas 125 of the second part 122b respectively. Figure 4B As shown, the first part 122a and the second part 122b of the fixture 122A have different distributions of hollow areas 125, and the number of hollow areas 125 in the first part 122a is less than the number of hollow areas 125 in the second part 122b. Figure 4C As shown, the first part 122a of the fixture 122B has multiple open areas 125, while the second part 122b has no open areas 125.

[0053] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the stroke of the robotic arm of the loading assembly 124 can be adjusted so that the number of components actually disposed on the flexible circuit board 112 may be equal to or less than the number of components. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The number of cutout areas 125 in the jigs 122, 122A, and 122B shown.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C In some embodiments, the width W1 of the illustrated jigs 122, 122A, and 122B is between 250 mm and 500 mm, for example, 300, 350, 400, or 450 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the illustrated jigs 122, 122A, and 122B is between 300 mm and 500 mm, for example, 350, 400, or 450 mm. It should be understood that the width W1 and length L1 of the jigs 122, 122A, and 122B can be adjusted according to actual requirements.

[0055] Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 7A for Figure 4A Schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the fixture 122. In detail, Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 7A The method of fixing between the first part 122a and the second part 122b is depicted.

[0056] Figure 5B and Figure 5C They are respectively Figure 5A Side views of fixture 122 before and after clamping the flexible circuit board 112. (See attached image.) Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b of the fixture 122 contain a plurality of holes 126, which are located at the corners of both the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b. Figure 5C As shown, bolt 1261 and nut 1262 pass through holes 126 in fixture 122. Bolt 1261 and nut 1262 are used to secure the first part 122a and the second part 122b of fixture 122. In other words, fixture 122 clamps the flexible circuit board 112 by means of bolt 1261 and nut 1262. Figure 3A As shown.

[0057] It should be noted that, Figures 5A to 5C The size and position of the holes 126, bolts 1261, and nuts 1262 can be adjusted according to the size of the fixture 122 to achieve the function of fixing the fixture 122. In some embodiments, the distance D2 between the inner surface 122as of the first portion 122a and the inner surface 122bs of the second portion 122b is between 12 micrometers and 100 micrometers, for example, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, or 96 micrometers. It should be understood that the size of the distance D2 depends on the flexible circuit motherboard 112 (not included in the original text). Figure 5C The thickness is shown in the figure.

[0058] Figure 6B and Figure 6C They are respectively Figure 6A Side views of fixture 122 before and after clamping the flexible circuit board 112. (See attached image.) Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the first part 122a of the fixture 122 includes a protrusion 1271, and the second part 122b of the fixture 122 includes a recess 1272 that cooperates with the protrusion 1271. Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C The fixture 122 includes an embedded magnet (not shown). The embedded magnet may be located in the recess 1272, and the first portion 122a may be made of a ferromagnetic material. In other words, using the aforementioned embedded magnet and the first portion 122a, the fixture 122 can be magnetically joined together and clamp the flexible circuit board 112, as... Figure 3A As shown. However, in other embodiments, the recess 1272 of the second portion 122b of the fixture 122 may not be included. The protrusion 1271 serves to space the inner surface 122as of the first portion 122a and the inner surface 122bs of the second portion 122b.

[0059] It should be noted that, Figure 6B and Figure 6CThe dimensions and positions of the protrusions 1271 and concave portions 1272 can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the fixture 122 to achieve the function of fixing the fixture 122. The distance D2 between the inner surfaces 122as and 122bs is the same as... Figure 5C The description will not be repeated here.

[0060] Figure 7B and Figure 7C They are respectively Figure 7A Side view of fixture 122 before and after clamping flexible circuit board 112. Figure 7D for Figure 7B A top view of fixture 122. (See attached image.) Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7D As shown, the first portion 122a of the fixture 122 includes a protrusion 1281, and the second portion 122b of the fixture 122 includes a groove 1282 that mates with the protrusion 1281. Figure 7C As shown, a portion of the protrusion 1281 is disposed in the slot 1282, so that the first portion 122a is secured in the second portion 122b.

[0061] When it is necessary to engage the first part 122a and the second part 122b of the fixture 122, one end of the protrusion 1281 of the first part 122a is aligned with one end of the slot 1282 of the second part 122b. Then, the first part 122a is pushed vertically towards the second part 122b, thereby engaging the first part 122a and the second part 122b. In other words, the fixture 122 uses the cooperating protrusion 1281 and slot 1282 to clamp the flexible circuit board 112 between the fixture 122, such as... Figure 3A As shown.

[0062] It should be noted that, Figure 7B and Figure 7C The size and position of the protrusion 1281 and the slot 1282 can be adjusted according to the size of the fixture 122 to achieve the function of fixing the fixture 122. Furthermore, although... Figure 7D The illustrated protrusion 1281 is in the shape of a dovetail tenon and the slot 1282 is in the shape of a dovetail groove, but other shapes of tenons can still be used to realize the invention. The distance D2 between the inner surface 122as and the inner surface 122bs is the same as... Figure 5C The description will not be repeated here.

[0063] Figure 8A and Figure 8B for Figure 1The image shows a partial enlarged view of the pressing device 130 in different states. Specifically, the pressing device 130 includes a pair of pressing plates 132, each of which has an inner surface (not shown). The pressing plates 132 extend vertically, and the feeding device 110 feeds a flexible circuit board 112 vertically, such that the flexible circuit board 112 with components mounted is fed between the inner surfaces of the pair of pressing plates 132 via fixed rollers 102. Figure 1 and Figure 8A As shown.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 8A The pressing device 130 is used to press the components to the flexible circuit board 112. For details, please refer to... Figure 1 The components installed in the component setting device 120 will undergo a further pressing step in the pressing device 130 to make the components more securely mounted on the flexible circuit board 112. In some embodiments, the pressing device 130 consists of two smooth and flat electrically conductive heating plates that can provide temperatures between 40°C and 200°C, such as 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, or 180°C.

[0065] If the laminating device 130 provides a temperature greater than 200°C, it may cause spotting or further damage to the surface of the components on the flexible circuit board 112. If the laminating device 130 provides a temperature less than 40°C, the adhesive on the components may not melt completely, resulting in components easily falling off or poor electrical connection of the flexible circuit board 112.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 8B When the execution is complete, Figure 8A In the pressing step, the pressing plate 132 in the pressing device 130 is removed from the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board 112. At this time, the feeding device 110 continues to feed the flexible circuit board 112 in the vertical direction. The pressing step of the present invention is a double-sided simultaneous pressing, thus improving the production efficiency of mounting components on flexible circuit boards and helping to reduce production costs.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 8A and 8B As shown, the roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus 100 further includes a guide roller 104 for conveying the flexible circuit motherboard 112 after being pressed by the pressing device 130, and conveying the flexible circuit motherboard 112 horizontally to the subsequent cutting device 140. It is worth noting that the guide roller 104 uses a relatively large diameter roller to prevent components on the flexible circuit motherboard 112 from deforming or falling off. In some embodiments, the diameter of the guide roller 104 is larger than the diameter of the fixed roller 102 and / or the fixed roller 116.

[0068] Please refer to this again. Figure 1 The roll-to-roll component mounting equipment 100 applies tension to the flexible circuit motherboard 112 using fixed rollers 116, fixed rollers 102, and steering rollers 104. The fixture 122 clamps the flexible circuit motherboard 112 and serves to fix (or support) the flexible circuit motherboard 112, making the flexible circuit motherboard 112 more stable when mounting components.

[0069] Figures 9A to 9C for Figure 1 Enlarged views of the cutting device 140 and the receiving device 150 in different states are shown below. Please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 9A The roll-to-roll component mounting device 100 also includes a pair of fixed rollers 106, which are used to fix the flexible circuit board 112 after it has been turned by the steering roller 104, so that the flexible circuit board 112 can maintain a horizontal movement.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 9A The cutting device 140 includes a cutting blade 142. The cutting device 140 is used to cut materials processed by the pressing device 130 (see reference). Figure 1 The flexible circuit board 112 after lamination. Specifically, when the flexible circuit board 112 is transported to... Figure 9A At the cutting position shown, the flexible circuit motherboard 112 is cut into a flexible circuit board 113 by the cutter 142. The flexible circuit board 113 can be a working panel or a strip, and the flexible circuit board 113 has multiple circuit board units.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 9B and Figure 9C The receiving device 150 includes a picking arm 152 and a collection box 154. The picking arm 152 is used to move the cut flexible circuit board 113 from the cutting device 140 into the collection box 154. Specifically, the picking arm 152 includes a suction nozzle (not shown) and rotates about a rotation axis 153 to move directly above the flexible circuit board 113. The picking arm 152 uses the suction nozzle to adhere the flexible circuit board 113 to the picking arm 152, such that... Figure 9B As shown. Next, the picking arm 152 rotates about the rotation axis 153 (for example, rotates 180 degrees along the rotation axis 153) to move the flexible circuit board 113 and place the flexible circuit board 113 into the collection box 154, as shown. Figure 9C As shown.

[0072] Please refer to this again. Figure 1 When the material handling arm 152 rotates and forms a shape like Figure 9CIn the current state, rotating the fixed roller 111, fixed roller 114, moving part 118, fixed roller 116, fixed roller 102, steering roller 104, and fixed roller 106 causes the flexible circuit board 112 to be transported again to the position shown in the image. Figure 9A The cutting position is shown.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for mounting an element on a flexible printed circuit board according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Method 1000 includes steps 1002 to 1012.

[0074] In step 1002, as Figure 1 As shown, a flexible circuit motherboard 112 is provided, wherein the flexible circuit motherboard 112 has a pair of mounting surfaces facing each other.

[0075] In step 1004, as Figure 1 and Figure 3A As shown, the flexible circuit motherboard 112 is conveyed vertically between a pair of fixtures 122 arranged vertically.

[0076] In step 1006, please refer to the above regarding... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The description states that the fixture 122 clamps the flexible circuit motherboard 112, wherein the fixture 122 is placed on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit motherboard 112 along the conveying direction of the flexible circuit motherboard 112, and the mounting surface is partially exposed.

[0077] In some embodiments, since the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b of the fixture 122 have substantially the same size, after the fixture 122 is placed on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board 112 along the conveying direction of the flexible circuit board 112, the relative positions of the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b are finely adjusted so that the edge of the first portion 122a is aligned with the edge of the second portion 122b.

[0078] In step 1008, please refer to the above regarding... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The description states that multiple components are disposed on at least one mounting surface of the flexible circuit motherboard 112 clamped by the fixture 122.

[0079] In step 1010, please refer to the above regarding... Figure 3A and Figure 3B According to the description, after setting the components on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit motherboard 112, the fixture 122 is removed from the mounting surface of the flexible circuit motherboard 112.

[0080] In step 1012, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8AAfter removing the fixture 122, the pressing element is pressed onto at least one mounting surface of the flexible circuit motherboard 112.

[0081] This invention sandwiches a flexible circuit board between the opposing inner surfaces of a pair of fixtures. The cutout areas on these fixtures partially expose the opposing mounting surfaces of the flexible circuit board. The cutout areas on the fixtures are used to simultaneously mount components on both sides of the flexible circuit board, thereby improving the production efficiency of mounting components on the flexible circuit board.

[0082] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0083] [Symbol Explanation] 100: Roll-to-roll component mounting equipment 102: Fixed roller 104: Steering roller 106: Fixed roller 110: Feeding device 111: Fixed roller 112: Flexible Circuit Board 114: Fixed roller 116: Fixed roller 118: Moving parts 118a: Moving part 118b: Moving part 120: Component setting device 122: Jig 122A: Fixture 122B: Fixture 122a: Part 1 122as: Inner surface 122b: Part Two 122bs: Inner surface 124: Loading components 124a: First loading section 124b: Second loading section 125: Hollowed-out area 126: Hole 1261: Bolt 1262: Nut 1271 : convex part 1272 : Concave 1281 : convex part 1282: Card slot 130: Pressing device 132: Pressed plate 140: Cutting device 142: Cutting knife 150: Receiving device 152: Material handling arm 154: Collection Box A: Area D1: Trip distance D2: Distance W1: Width W2: Width L1: Length.

Claims

1. A roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus characterized by comprising: Include: A feeding device for conveying a flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board has a pair of opposing mounting surfaces, the feeding device comprising: A movable element, adapted to move along a vertical direction, and used to adjust the flexible circuit board; At least three fixed rollers are used to transport the flexible circuit board, wherein the movable element is located between two of the fixed rollers and adjusts a portion of the flexible circuit board located between the two fixed rollers, while the flexible circuit board is wound around one of the fixed rollers; Component setting device, comprising: A pair of fixtures, each having an inner surface extending along the vertical direction, and a feeding device conveying the flexible circuit board between the inner surfaces along the vertical direction to clamp the flexible circuit board between the inner surfaces, at least one of the fixtures having at least one cutout area partially exposing the mounting surface, wherein a moving member moves along the vertical direction to generate a travel distance, and the travel distance controls the pulling length of the flexible circuit board conveyed into the component setting device; as well as A mounting assembly for placing multiple components on the mounting surface partially exposed in the cutout area; as well as A pressing device for pressing the component to the flexible circuit board.

2. The roll-to-roll component mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A cutting device is used to cut the flexible circuit board after it has been pressed by the pressing device.

3. The roll-to-roll component mounting device according to claim 2, wherein, Also includes: The steering roller is used to transport the flexible circuit board after it has been pressed by the pressing device, and to transport the flexible circuit board to the cutting device in a horizontal direction.

4. The roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance between the inner surfaces of the fixture is between 12 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

5. The roll-to-roll component mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the component setting device further comprises: At least one heater is connected to the fixture and used to heat the flexible circuit board.

6. A method for mounting components on a flexible circuit board, characterized in that, Include: A flexible circuit motherboard is provided, wherein the flexible circuit motherboard has a pair of mounting surfaces facing each other; A feeding device is provided, wherein the feeding device includes a plurality of fixed rollers; The flexible circuit board is wound around one of the fixed rollers; After the flexible circuit board is wound around one of the fixed rollers, the feeding device conveys the flexible circuit board in a vertical direction between a pair of fixtures arranged in the vertical direction; The fixture is used to clamp the flexible circuit board, wherein the fixture is placed on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board along the conveying direction of the flexible circuit board and partially exposes the mounting surface; Multiple components are disposed on at least one mounting surface of the flexible circuit motherboard, which is clamped by the fixture; After the element is placed on the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board, the fixture is removed from the mounting surface of the flexible circuit board. as well as After the fixture is removed, the element is pressed onto at least one of the mounting surfaces of the flexible circuit board.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Also includes: After the element is pressed onto at least one of the mounting surfaces of the flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board is cut.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising heating the fixture before placing the element on at least one of the mounting surfaces of the flexible circuit board, such that the temperature of the fixture is between 40°C and 200°C.

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