Blade changing device, cutting apparatus and method of manufacturing a cut product

Abstract

A blade replacement device includes a blade replacement mechanism including at least a first suctioner configured to suction a blade, a cover body configured to accommodate the blade replacement mechanism in the cover body, a closer configured to be integrally movable with the blade replacement mechanism and further configured to close an opening of the cover body in a state in which the blade replacement mechanism is accommodated in the cover body, and a gas sparger configured to sparge a gas to a blade suction surface of the first suctioner when the blade replacement mechanism is accommodated in the cover body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-083496, filed on May 23, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a blade changing device, cutting equipment, and a method for manufacturing cutting products. Background Technology

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a technology for preventing water, water droplets, water vapor, etc., from adhering to a blade changing mechanism. Specifically, patent document 1 discloses a waterproof cover that shields the suction unit of the blade changing mechanism when cutting an object. The waterproof cover has an open / close door, and the blade suction surface of the suction unit is housed within the waterproof cover with its orientation facing the opposite direction to the open / close door. This configuration prevents cutting water, water droplets, water vapor, etc., from adhering to the blade suction surface, thereby reducing the occurrence of malfunctions in the blade changing mechanism, etc.

[0005] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-65981 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In the blade replacement mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to keep the blade suction surface clean from the viewpoint of preventing malfunctions of the blade replacement mechanism.

[0009] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and provides a blade changing device, cutting equipment, and a method for manufacturing cutting products that can keep the blade suction surface clean.

[0010] The blade changing apparatus according to this disclosure includes: a blade changing mechanism including at least a first suction device configured to suction a blade; a cover body configured to house the blade changing mechanism within the cover body; a shut-off device configured to move integrally with the blade changing mechanism and further configured to close the opening of the cover body when the blade changing mechanism is housed within the cover body; and a gas injector configured to inject gas onto the blade suction surface of the first suction device when the blade changing mechanism is housed within the cover body.

[0011] The cutting apparatus according to this disclosure includes: the blade changing device described above; and a cutting mechanism configured to cut an object to be cut by a blade replaced by the blade changing device.

[0012] The method for manufacturing a cutting product according to this disclosure is a method of manufacturing a cutting product using the above-described cutting equipment, and includes: replacing the blade of the cutting equipment by means of a blade changing device; and cutting an object to be cut by the cutting equipment, the cutting equipment being equipped with the blade that is replaced when the blade is changed. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of the cutting equipment according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the blade changing device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the operation of the mover.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the shafts.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the retainer.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state of the opening of the main body of the movable plate closing the cover.

[0020] Figure 7A It is a three-dimensional view showing the shape of the first cleaning sponge, and Figure 7B This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first cleaning sponge.

[0021] Figure 8A It is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the cutting equipment, and Figure 8B It is a three-dimensional view showing the internal state of the main body of the cover.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing and cutting products.

[0023] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of cleaning the blade using air from an air nozzle. Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram showing the state after the second flange and the blade have been removed from the shaft, and Figure 10C This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a container holding a used blade.

[0024] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of cleaning the second flange using a second cleaning sponge. Figure 11BThis is a schematic diagram showing the retainer holding the unused blade in its current state, and Figure 11C This is a schematic diagram showing the state of cleaning the first flange with air from the air nozzle.

[0025] Figure 12A This is a schematic diagram showing the state of cleaning the first flange with the first cleaning sponge. Figure 12B This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the second flange and the blade are mounted to the shaft, and Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram showing the state of air being sprayed onto the blade's suction surface when contained within the cover body. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the detailed description given below to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, systems, and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the various embodiments.

[0027] <Configuration of Cutting Equipment 1>

[0028] First, the configuration of the cutting device 1 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when using, for example, a substrate W as the object to be cut by the cutting device 1, the configuration of the cutting device 1 will be described. The substrate W is obtained by resin molding a substrate on which a semiconductor chip is mounted.

[0029] As the molding substrate W, for example, a ball grid array (BGA) packaging substrate, a chip-scale package (CSP) packaging substrate, or a light-emitting diode (LED) packaging substrate can be used. Furthermore, in addition to the molding substrate W, a molded lead frame can also be used as the object to be cut; this molded lead frame is obtained by resin molding a lead frame on which a semiconductor chip is mounted.

[0030] Figure 1 The cutting apparatus 1 shown is a processing device that cuts and dices a molded substrate W, which is the object to be cut, into multiple cut products (products P). The cutting apparatus 1 includes a substrate supply module A, a cutting module B, and a storage module C as components. Each component is detachably attached to the other components and can be replaced.

[0031] <Substrate Supply Module A>

[0032] The substrate supply module A mainly includes a substrate supply mechanism 11 and a controller CTL.

[0033] The molded substrate W, which is the object to be cut, is unloaded from the substrate supply mechanism 11 and transferred to the cutting module B via a transfer mechanism (not shown). A controller CTL controls the operation of each component of the cutting equipment 1. By controlling each component of the cutting equipment 1 with the controller CTL, actions such as loading the molded substrate W, cutting the molded substrate W, inspecting the product P, and unloading the product P can be performed. The controller CTL can be set in a module other than the substrate supply module A. Furthermore, the controller CTL can be divided into multiple controllers and set. For example, a controller CTL can be set for each module, and each component can be controlled by linking the controller CTLs.

[0034] <Cuting Module B>

[0035] Figure 1 The cutting module B shown in the diagram mainly includes a cutting table 21, a cutting fixture 22, a moving mechanism 23, a rotating mechanism 24, a shaft 25, and a blade changing device 26.

[0036] In this embodiment, a dual-cutting-table type cutting device 1 having two cutting tables 21 is illustrated. A cutting fixture 22 is disposed on each cutting table 21. Each cutting table 21 is movable in the Y direction by a moving mechanism 23 and is rotatable in the θ direction by a rotating mechanism 24.

[0037] In this embodiment, a dual-axis cutting device 1 having two axes 25 is illustrated. The two axes 25 are capable of moving independently in the X and Z directions. The axes 25 are examples of cutting mechanisms according to this disclosure.

[0038] The blade changing device 26 is used to replace the blade 25a used on the shaft 25. The blade changing device 26 is located behind the shaft 25 (upper side in the figure). The blade changing device 26 mainly includes a blade changing mechanism 100, a cover 200, a cleaning mechanism 300, a blade changing table 400, an air nozzle 500, and a camera 600. Detailed configuration of the blade changing device 26 will be described later.

[0039] In the cutting module B, with the molded substrate W held on the cutting table 21, the cutting table 21 and the two shafts 25 move relative to each other, thereby cutting and dicing the molded substrate W. The blade 25a of the shaft 25 rotates in a plane including the Y and Z directions to cut the molded substrate W held on the cutting table 21. At this time, the molded substrate W can also be cut while simultaneously spraying cutting water onto the blade 25a. Furthermore, the blade 25a used on the shaft 25 can be replaced by the blade changing device 26 at appropriate intervals.

[0040] <Storage Module C>

[0041] The storage module C is mainly equipped with an inspection table 31 and a tray 32.

[0042] On inspection table 31, an assembly comprising multiple products P obtained by cutting and dicing the substrate W is placed. The multiple products P are inspected by an inspection camera (not shown) and classified as defect-free products and defective products. The classified defect-free products are stored on tray 32. The classified defective products are stored in a separately prepared tray (not shown) and excluded from the product P. Furthermore, it is not necessary to inspect the products P in storage module C.

[0043] <Detailed configuration of blade changing device 26>

[0044] Next, the configuration of the blade changing device 26 (blade changing mechanism 100, cover 200, cleaning mechanism 300, blade changing table 400, air nozzle 500, and camera 600) will be described. Since there are no particular limitations on the detailed structure, shape, etc. of the various components of the blade changing device 26, this embodiment will be appropriately simplified and the shapes of the various components will be shown.

[0045] <Blade changing mechanism 100>

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the blade changing mechanism 100 mainly includes a support 110, a retainer 120, and a mover 130.

[0047] The support member 110 supports the retainer 120 and the first cleaning mechanism 310, which will be described later. The support member 110 can be formed by combining suitable components (rod-like components, plate-like components, etc.). In this embodiment, the support member 110 is formed along one direction ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cuboid shape that elongates in the X direction.

[0048] The retainer 120 is configured to retain the blade 25a disposed in the shaft 25 and to fix the blade 25a to the second flange 25d of the shaft 25. The retainer 120 is disposed at one end of the support 110 along the longitudinal direction of the support 110.

[0049] Here, refer to Figure 4 The configuration of shaft 25 (especially the part related to the fixing of blade 25a) is described. Figure 4 One of the two shafts 25 is shown. Figure 2 A partial cross section of axis 25 on the left side of the figure.

[0050] A generally annular first flange 25c is fixed on the rotation shaft 25b of shaft 25. Furthermore, a generally annular second flange 25d is configured to face the first flange 25c. The second flange 25d is an example of a flange according to this disclosure.

[0051] The second flange 25d presses against the first flange 25c by fastening a detachable component 25e, such as a nut, to the boss portion of the first flange 25c. A first contact surface 25f and a second contact surface 25g, projecting in a direction facing each other, are respectively formed on the outer periphery of the first flange 25c and the second flange 25d. A generally annular blade 25a is held and fixed by the first contact surface 25f and the second contact surface 25g. A plurality of through holes 25h are formed in the detachable component 25e.

[0052] Figure 5 The holder 120 shown mainly includes a blade extractor 121, a flange extractor 122, and a detachable component rotator 123.

[0053] A blade suction device 121 is used to suction a blade 25a. The blade suction device 121 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. A suction port and a suction groove (not shown) configured to suction the blade 25a are suitably formed on the end face of the blade suction device 121 (hereinafter referred to as the blade suction surface 121a). The blade 25a can be suctioned and held on the blade suction surface 121a by drawing air from the suction port or the like using an external suction device. The blade suction device 121 is an example of a first suction device according to this disclosure.

[0054] A flange suction device 122 is used to suction the second flange 25d. The flange suction device 122 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The flange suction device 122 is disposed inside the blade suction device 121. A suction port and a suction groove (not shown) configured to suction the second flange 25d are suitably formed in the end face of the flange suction device 122 (hereinafter referred to as the flange suction surface 122a). The second flange 25d can be suctioned from the suction port of the flange suction device 122 by an external suction device and held on the flange suction surface 122a. The flange suction device 122 is an example of a second suction device according to this disclosure.

[0055] The removable component rotator 123 is used to attach the removable component 25e to the boss portion of the first flange 25c by rotating the removable component 25e and to remove the removable component 25e from the boss portion of the first flange 25c. The removable component rotator 123 is formed in an annular shape. The removable component rotator 123 is disposed inside the flange suction device 122. A plurality of protrusions 123a protruding in the X direction are disposed on the end surface of the removable component rotator 123. The protrusions 123a are disposed in the through hole 25h in the removable component 25e (see... Figure 4 At the corresponding position. The detachable component rotator 123 can be rotated by the power of the rotating mechanism (not shown).

[0056] The retainer 120 can attach and detach the removable member 25e by rotating the removable member rotator 123 with the protrusion 123a inserted into the through hole 25h in the removable member 25e. In addition, the retainer 120 can independently hold the blade 25a and the second flange 25d by the blade picker 121 and the flange picker 122, respectively.

[0057] As described above, the retainer 120 can remove the blade 25a and the second flange 25d attached to the shaft 25 from the shaft 25 by properly operating the blade picker 121, the flange picker 122, and the removable component rotator 123. Furthermore, the retainer 120 can also mount the blade 25a and the second flange 25d held by the retainer 120 onto the shaft 25.

[0058] The method of holding the blade 25a and the second flange 25d by the retainer 120 is not limited to the method of picking up and holding the blade 25a. For example, the blade 25a can also be mechanically held by hooking the claw-shaped member onto the blade 25a.

[0059] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The movable device 130 shown moves the support member 110 in any direction. The movable device 130 mainly includes a rotator 131, a first linear movable device 132, a second linear movable device 133, and a third linear movable device 134.

[0060] Rotator 131 rotates support member 110. Rotator 131 can rotate support member 110 by using driving force from a drive source such as an electric motor, while simultaneously supporting support member 110. Rotator 131 can rotate support member 110 about an axis parallel to the Y direction.

[0061] The first linear mover 132 moves the rotary unit 131 linearly. The first linear mover 132 can move the rotary unit 131 by using the driving force of a drive source such as an electric motor, while supporting the rotary unit 131. The first linear mover 132 can move the rotary unit 131 linearly along the Y direction.

[0062] The second linear mover 133 moves the first linear mover 132 linearly. The second linear mover 133 can move the first linear mover 132 by using the driving force of a drive source such as a motor, while supporting the first linear mover 132. The second linear mover 133 can move the first linear mover 132 linearly along the Z direction.

[0063] Figure 2The third linear mover 134 shown linearly moves the second linear mover 133. The third linear mover 134 can move the second linear mover 133 by using the driving force of a drive source such as a motor, while supporting the second linear mover 133. The third linear mover 134 can move the second linear mover 133 linearly in the X direction.

[0064] By combining the movements of the various components of the mover 130 configured as described above, the support 110 can be rotated arbitrarily around the axis along the Y direction, and the support 110 can be moved to any position.

[0065] <Cover 200>

[0066] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The cover 200 shown is used to prevent water droplets, cutting debris, etc. from adhering to the blade changing mechanism 100. The cover 200 mainly includes a cover body 210, a moving plate 220, and a seal 230.

[0067] The cover body 210 is configured to accommodate the blade changing mechanism 100. The cover body 210 is hollow and generally cuboid in shape to surround the blade changing table 400, which will be described later, from the sides and top. Therefore, the cover body 210 can separate the space where the shaft 25 is provided and the space where the blade changing table 400 is provided. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 Only one side surface of the cover body 210 is shown. Figure 1 (Surface on the right-hand side). An opening 211 and a leakage portion 212 are formed in the cover body 210.

[0068] Opening 211 is formed to penetrate one side surface of the cover body 210 (in this embodiment, Figure 1 (The surface on the right-hand side). The opening 211 is formed in a shape that allows the blade changing mechanism 100 to pass through. In this embodiment, an example of the opening 211 being formed in a rectangular shape is shown.

[0069] Figure 2 and Figure 6 The leak portion 212 shown is the part connecting the internal and external spaces of the cover body 210 when the moving plate 220, described later, closes the opening 211. The leak portion 212 is formed by cutting the cover body 210 along the X direction from one side surface (the side surface forming the opening 211) to the top surface of the cover body 210. The end of the leak portion 212 is connected to the upper end of the opening 211. In this embodiment, by forming the leak portion 212, interference between the cover body 210 and the mover 130 is avoided when the blade changing mechanism 100 moves between the internal and external spaces of the cover body 210.

[0070] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The movable plate 220 shown is configured to close the opening 211 of the cover body 210. The movable plate 220 is formed in a shape corresponding to the opening 211. Specifically, the movable plate 220 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape that is much larger than the opening 211. The movable plate 220 is disposed on one side of the support member 110 along the X direction. Figure 2 (Right side of the middle). The movable plate 220 is disposed on the mover 130 with its plate surface oriented in the X direction. Specifically, the movable plate 220 is disposed on the second linear mover 133 and is movable in the X direction integrally with the blade changing mechanism 100 (specifically, the support member 110) via the third linear mover 134. The movable plate 220 is an example of a shut-off device according to this disclosure.

[0071] The seal 230 is the contact portion between the sealing cover body 210 and the movable plate 220. The seal 230 is made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber). The seal 230 is disposed on the side surface of the movable plate 220 facing the cover body 210. The seal 230 is disposed along the outer periphery of the movable plate 220.

[0072] Cleaning Companies 300

[0073] Figure 1 The cleaning mechanism 300 shown is used for cleaning the flanges (first flange 25c and second flange 25d) configured to fix the blade 25a to the shaft 25. The cleaning mechanism 300 mainly includes a first cleaning mechanism 310 and a second cleaning mechanism 320.

[0074] Figure 3 The first cleaning mechanism 310 shown cleans the first flange 25c when mounted on the shaft 25. The first cleaning mechanism 310 mainly includes a first cleaning sponge 311 and an air nozzle 312.

[0075] Figure 3 and Figure 7A The first cleaning sponge 311 shown is a cleaning component for cleaning the first flange 25c. The first cleaning sponge 311 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a planar shape larger than the profile of the first flange 25c. The first cleaning sponge 311 is mounted to one longitudinal end of the support member 110 via a disc-shaped mounting member 311a. The first cleaning sponge 311 is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the support member 110 on the side opposite to the retainer 120. In other words, the first cleaning sponge 311 is positioned at a position 180 degrees reversed from the retainer 120 with respect to the rotation axis of the rotator 131.

[0076] First Cleaning Sponge 311 is not limited to Figure 7AThe shape shown is cylindrical, but it can have any shape. For example, as... Figure 7B In the modified example shown, the first cleaning sponge 311 can have a shape obtained by dividing the cylinder into multiple blocks. In this case, the first flange 25c can be cleaned through the corners of the sponge, thereby improving the cleaning performance of the first cleaning sponge 311.

[0077] Figure 3 The air nozzle 312 shown can discharge compressed air supplied from a compressor (not shown). The air nozzle 312 is located at one end of the support member 110 in the longitudinal direction (on the same side as the first cleaning sponge 311). The air nozzle 312 is configured such that the air discharge direction faces the side of the first cleaning sponge 311.

[0078] Figure 2 as well as Figure 8A and Figure 8B The second cleaning mechanism 320 shown cleans the second flange 25d in a removed state from the shaft 25 (a state held by the retainer 120). The second cleaning mechanism 320 is an example of a flange cleaning mechanism according to this disclosure. The second cleaning mechanism 320 mainly includes a second cleaning sponge 321 and a drive 322.

[0079] The second cleaning sponge 321 is a cleaning component used for cleaning the second flange 25d. The second cleaning sponge 321 is formed into a cylindrical shape having the same diameter as the second flange 25d. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The first cleaning sponge 311 shown has the same shape. A second cleaning sponge 321 is disposed on the top surface of the blade changing table 400, which will be described later, wherein the cylinder axis is oriented along the Z-direction. The second cleaning sponge 321 is an example of a flange cleaner according to this disclosure.

[0080] The actuator 322 rotates the second cleaning sponge 321. The actuator 322 includes a drive source such as a motor. The output shaft of the actuator 322 is connected to the second cleaning sponge 321. The second cleaning sponge 321 can rotate about an axis parallel to the Z direction by the driving force of the actuator 322.

[0081] Blade Changer 400

[0082] The blade changing station 400 is used to store unused blades 25a and used blades 25a. The blade changing station 400 mainly includes a used blade storage section 410 and an unused blade storage section 420.

[0083] The used blade storage section 410 is the part that stores the used blades 25a used in the storage shaft 25. The used blade storage section 410 is formed in the shape of a box with an open top. The used blade storage section 410 can store one blade 25a. In addition, the used blade storage section 410 can store multiple blades 25a.

[0084] The unused blade storage section 420 is a portion for storing unused blades 25a for replacement. The unused blade storage section 420 is formed in a prism shape extending vertically (up-down direction). The unused blade storage section 420 can hold the blade 25a by inserting it into the center of the blade 25a. The unused blade storage section 420 can store multiple blades 25a stacked vertically. Furthermore, by configuring the prism-shaped unused blade storage section 420 to expel air outwards (towards the blade 25a) from its side surface, multiple blades 25a can be easily separated from each other. The unused blade storage section 420 is an example of a replacement blade storage section according to this disclosure.

[0085] On the upper surface of the blade changing station 400, the used blade storage section 410, the unused blade storage section 420, and the second cleaning mechanism 320 are arranged side by side along the X direction. Specifically, the unused blade storage section 420, the used blade storage section 410, and the second cleaning mechanism 320 are arranged sequentially from the side near the opening 211 of the cover body 210.

[0086] The configuration of the used blade storage section 410 and the unused blade storage section 420 is not limited to this embodiment and can be changed arbitrarily. As an example, the used blade storage section 410 may also be formed into a prism shape extending in the vertical direction (up and down direction), as in the unused blade storage section 420.

[0087] <Air Nozzle 500>

[0088] An air nozzle 500 is used to inject gas (air in this embodiment) into the blade extractor 121 of the blade changing mechanism 100. The air nozzle 500 can discharge compressed air supplied from a compressor (not shown). The air nozzle 500 is located near the blade changing table 400. The air nozzle 500 is configured to discharge air horizontally. The air nozzle 500 is configured such that its tip (in the air discharge direction) faces the upper surface of the second cleaning sponge 321. Furthermore, as described later, the air nozzle 500 can increase the internal pressure (pressure of the internal space) of the shroud body 210 to prevent cutting debris and water droplets from entering the shroud body 210. The air nozzle 500 is an example of a gas injector according to this disclosure.

[0089] <Camera 600>

[0090] Camera 600 is used to image the interior of the cover body 210. Camera 600 is disposed inside the cover body 210. Camera 600 is configured such that its lens faces the blade changing station 400. In this embodiment, by arranging two cameras 600 inside the cover body 210, the entire blade changing station 400 (including the second cleaning mechanism 320, the used blade storage section 410, and the unused blade storage section 420 disposed on the blade changing station 400) is imaged. The arrangement and number of cameras 600 in this embodiment are exemplary and can be arbitrarily changed. The images captured by the cameras 600 are displayed, for example, on a display device located outside the cutting equipment 1, such as a monitor. The user of the cutting equipment 1 can confirm the state inside the cover body 210 by checking the images displayed on the display device.

[0091] <Methods for Manufacturing Cut Products>

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 9 The outline of a method for manufacturing a cut product using the cutting device 1 configured as described above (cut product manufacturing method) will be described.

[0093] The cutting product manufacturing method according to this embodiment mainly includes a blade changing process S10 and a cutting process S20. These processes will be described in sequence below.

[0094] The blade replacement process S10 is a process of replacing the blade 25a of the cutting equipment 1 by means of the blade replacement device 26.

[0095] Specifically, in the blade replacement process S10, the used blade 25a mounted on the shaft 25 is removed by the blade replacement mechanism 100, and an unused blade 25a is mounted on the shaft 25. In the blade replacement process S10, the blade replacement device 26 can also clean the flanges (first flange 25c and second flange 25d) used to fix the blade 25a.

[0096] After the blade 25a is replaced, the blade replacement process S10 transitions to the cutting process S20.

[0097] The cutting process S20 is a process of cutting the molded substrate W by installing the shaft 25 with the blade 25a that is replaced in the blade replacement process S10.

[0098] Specifically, in the cutting process S20, the molded substrate W is transferred from the substrate supply module A to the cutting module B. The molded substrate W, held on the cutting table 21 of the cutting module B, is cut by the shaft 25 and cut into multiple products P. The cut products P are classified into defect-free products and defective products in the storage module C. As described above, products P can be manufactured by cutting the molded substrate W.

[0099] In addition, although Figure 9 The method for manufacturing a cutting product is illustrated in a simplified manner, but the timing or number of times each process is performed, as well as the order in which the processes are executed, can be arbitrarily changed. For example, while repeatedly performing the cutting process S20, a blade replacement process S10 can be performed when the wear of the blade 25a is detected by an appropriate sensor if the wear exceeds a specified amount. Furthermore, the blade replacement process S10 can also be performed when the operating time of the cutting equipment 1, the number of times product P is produced, or other specified values ​​exceed a given time.

[0100] <Operation of Blade Changer 26>

[0101] Next, the operation of the blade changing device 26 in the cutting product manufacturing process (blade changing process S10 and cutting process S20) will be described in detail.

[0102] When changing blade 25a in blade changing process S10, firstly, as follows: Figure 10A As shown, the support member 110 is moved by the mover 130, causing the end of the air nozzle 312 to be oriented toward the blade 25a mounted to the shaft 25. In this state, air is discharged from the air nozzle 312 to remove cutting debris and water droplets adhering to the blade 25a. At this time, by slightly reciprocating the support member 110 while spraying air onto the blade 25a, the orientation and range of the air sprayed onto the blade 25a can be changed to more effectively remove cutting debris and the like.

[0103] Subsequently, as Figure 10B As shown, the support 110 is flipped by the mover 130, and the retainer 120 moves to a position facing the blade 25a on the shaft 25. Then, the second flange 25d and the blade 25a are separated from the shaft 25 by the retainer 120.

[0104] Subsequently, as Figure 10C As shown, the holder 120 is moved from above by the mover 130 to a position facing the used blade storage section 410 provided in the blade changing station 400. Then, the holder 120 is released from holding the blade 25a, and the used blade 25a is stored in the used blade storage section 410.

[0105] Subsequently, as Figure 11A As shown, with the axis of the retainer 120 (second flange 25d) aligned with the axis of the second cleaning sponge 321 of the second cleaning mechanism 320, the second flange 25d is moved by the mover 130 to a position where the second flange 25d contacts the top surface of the second cleaning sponge 321. In this state, the second cleaning sponge 321 is rotated by the driver 322 to clean the surface of the second flange 25d (specifically, Figure 4(The second contact surface 25g is shown). Furthermore, air is sprayed from the air nozzle 500 toward the second flange 25d and the second cleaning sponge 321. Therefore, cutting debris and the like adhering to the second flange 25d can be removed.

[0106] Subsequently, as Figure 11B As shown, the holder 120 is moved from above to a position facing the unused blade storage section 420 provided in the blade changing station 400 by the mover 130. Then, the unused blade 25a stored in the unused blade storage section 420 is held by the holder 120.

[0107] By providing a used blade storage section 410, an unused blade storage section 420, and a second cleaning mechanism 320 in the same blade changing station 400 as in this embodiment, the shortening of the travel distance of the holder 120 when moving between the used blade storage section 410, the unused blade storage section 420, and the second cleaning mechanism 320 can be prevented. Furthermore, by configuring the second cleaning mechanism 320 and the unused blade storage section 420 with the used blade storage section 410 in between, it is possible to prevent water droplets or the like from adhering to the unused blades 25a stored in the unused blade storage section 420 during the cleaning of the second flange 25d by the second cleaning mechanism 320. To prevent water droplets or the like from adhering to the unused blades 25a during the cleaning of the second flange 25d by the second cleaning mechanism 320, the air nozzle 500 can be configured to discharge air to the side opposite to the unused blade storage section 420.

[0108] Subsequently, as Figure 11C As shown, the support 110 is moved by the mover 130, and the end of the air nozzle 312 is oriented toward the first flange 25c mounted to the shaft 25. In this state, air is discharged from the air nozzle 312, removing cutting debris and water droplets that have adhered to the first flange 25c.

[0109] Subsequently, as Figure 12A As shown, the first cleaning sponge 311 of the first cleaning mechanism 310 is moved by the mover 130 to a position where the first cleaning sponge 311 contacts the first flange 25c mounted on the shaft 25. In this state, the shaft 25 cleans the surface of the first flange 25c (especially...). Figure 4 The first contact surface 25f is shown. This allows for the removal of cutting debris and the like adhering to the first flange 25c.

[0110] Subsequently, as Figure 12B As shown, the support 110 is flipped by the mover 130, and the retainer 120 moves to a position facing the first flange 25c of the shaft 25. Then, the second flange 25d and the blade 25a held by the retainer 120 are mounted to the shaft 25.

[0111] In the example above, the operation of changing the blade 25a of one shaft 25 has been described. However, since the operation of changing the blade 25a of another shaft 25 is substantially the same, the description will be omitted.

[0112] When cutting the molded substrate W in the cutting process S20, such as Figure 2 As shown by the double-dotted line, the blade replacement mechanism 100 (specifically, the support member 110 with the retainer 120) is housed within the cover body 210 via the opening 211.

[0113] Specifically, such as Figure 12C As shown, with the blade-absorbing surface 121a of the retainer 120 oriented downwards by the mover 130, the blade-absorbing surface 121a moves vertically to a position facing the second cleaning sponge 321 of the second cleaning mechanism 320. At this time, by closing the opening 211 with the moving plate 220, the internal space of the cover body 210 where the blade changing table 400 is provided and the external space of the cover body 210 where the shaft 25 is provided can be separated from each other. At this time, the cleaning second flange 25d (see...) Figure 11A Compared to the previous case, the mover 130 moves the holder 120 slightly further inward. Figure 12C (From center to left). At the same time, the movable plate 220 presses against the cover body 210, and the seal 230 is compressed due to elastic deformation. As a result, the gap between the cover body 210 and the movable plate 220 can be sealed, regardless of some dimensional errors and assembly errors of the individual components.

[0114] Furthermore, when the shaped substrate W is cut in the cutting process S20, air is sprayed from the air nozzle 500 toward the blade suction surface 121a of the holder 120.

[0115] As described above, in the cutting process S20, since the internal and external spaces of the cover body 210 are separated from each other, cutting debris or water droplets generated during the cutting of the molded substrate W can be prevented from adhering to the blade changing table 400 (specifically, the unused blade storage section 420 storing the replacement blade 25a) or the holder 120. Furthermore, the air sprayed from the air nozzle 500 can keep the blade suction surface 121a of the holder 120 clean.

[0116] Furthermore, since air is injected from the air nozzle 500 while the opening 211 of the cover body 210 is closed by the moving plate 220, the internal pressure (pressure of the internal space) of the cover body 210 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent cutting fragments and water droplets from entering the interior of the cover body 210.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown in the right-hand side view, air inside the cover body 210 can be discharged to the outside through the leak 212. Therefore, excessive pressure buildup inside the cover body 210 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the leak 212 is formed in the upper part of the cover body 210, the air discharged to the outside of the cover body 210 through the leak 212 will not stir up cutting debris and water droplets falling to the ground. Therefore, cutting debris and water droplets can be more effectively prevented from entering the interior of the cover body 210.

[0118] From the viewpoint of preventing air discharged from the leak 212 from swirling up cutting fragments, the leak 212 can be formed at least above the lowermost end of the movable plate 220. From the same viewpoint, the leak 212 can be formed at a relatively high position. For example, the leak 212 can be formed at a position higher than the vertical center of the movable plate 220, higher than the vertical center of the opening 211, higher than the air nozzle 500, etc. From the same viewpoint, the leak 212 can be formed so that it does not open downwards. In other words, the leak 212 can be formed as in this embodiment, opening upwards or towards the lateral side.

[0119] In this embodiment, the leakage portion 212 is formed in the cover body 210, but it may also be formed in, for example, the movable plate 220 or both the cover body 210 and the movable plate 220.

[0120] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and may be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0121] For example, the configuration (shape, quantity, etc.) of the various components illustrated in each of the above embodiments is not particularly limited and can be modified arbitrarily. As an example, the shapes of the cover body 210 and the movable plate 220 can be modified arbitrarily according to the shape, size, etc. of the blade changing mechanism 100.

[0122] Furthermore, the configuration of the mobile device 130 in this embodiment (refer to...) Figure 3 Examples (e.g., 120, 120, 13 ...

[0123] In this embodiment, an example of shaft 25 is shown when cleaning the first flange 25c (see [link]). Figure 12A However, a configuration such as rotating the first cleaning sponge 311 can be used.

[0124] The cleaning mechanism 300 according to this embodiment performs cleaning by using a sponge (first cleaning sponge 311 and second cleaning sponge 321) as a cleaning component, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and any cleaning component (e.g., a rag, etc.) can be used.

[0125] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism 300 according to this embodiment cleans the flange using a sponge and an air nozzle 312, but the method of cleaning the flange is not limited to this. The flange can be cleaned by any cleaning method. For example, the flange can be cleaned by spraying cleaning water onto it, or by sucking up cutting debris or the like attached to the flange. The cleaning mechanism 300 can clean the flange by combining multiple cleaning methods.

[0126] In this embodiment, an example of cleaning the first flange 25c with the first flange 25c mounted to the shaft 25 is shown (see [link]). Figure 11C and Figure 12A However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, cleaning of the first flange 25c can be performed while the first flange 25c is separated from the shaft 25. In this case, a separation mechanism for attaching and removing the first flange 25c can be provided to automatically attach and remove the first flange 25c.

[0127] In this embodiment, an example is shown where the retainer 120 and the first cleaning mechanism 310 are disposed on the support 110 and move integrally, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the retainer 120 and the first cleaning mechanism 310 may be disposed on separate components and may move independently of each other.

[0128] In this embodiment, an example has been shown of removing the blade 25a mounted to the shaft 25 and installing another blade 25a in the blade replacement step S10, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the blade replacement step S10, the blade 25a may also be installed onto the shaft 25 to which no blade 25a is attached. Furthermore, in the blade replacement step S10 performed after the cutting step S20 is completed, the work of removing only the blade 25a mounted to the shaft 25 (without installing another blade 25a) may be performed.

[0129] This embodiment illustrates a blade changing device 26 including a cleaning mechanism 300, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The blade changing device 26 does not necessarily need to include the cleaning mechanism 300.

[0130] The operation of the cutting device 1 illustrated in this embodiment is merely an example, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the operating sequence and operating mode of the various components of the cutting device 1 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0131] <Supplementary Notes>

[0132] The blade changing device 26 according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0133] The blade changing mechanism 100 includes at least a blade picker 121 (first picker), which is configured to pick up a blade 25a.

[0134] The cover body 210 is configured to house the blade changing mechanism 100 within the cover body 210;

[0135] A movable plate 220 (closer) is configured to move integrally with the blade changing mechanism 100, and is further configured to close the opening 211 of the cover body 210 when the blade changing mechanism 100 is housed within the cover body 210; and

[0136] An air nozzle 500 (gas injector) is configured to inject gas onto the blade suction surface 121a of the blade extractor 121 when the blade changing mechanism 100 is housed in the cover body 210.

[0137] By using the blade changing device 26 of the first aspect of this disclosure, cutting debris and water droplets adhering to the blade suction surface 121a can be removed. This keeps the blade suction surface 121a clean. As a result, malfunctions of the blade changing mechanism 100 and the like can be reduced. Furthermore, since the blade suction surface 121a can be kept clean, maintenance frequency or workload can be reduced, improving maintainability.

[0138] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the blade changing device 26 of the first aspect further includes an unused blade storage section 420 (replacement blade storage section), which is disposed inside the cover body 210 and configured to store a plurality of blades 25a for replacement by stacking blades 25a in a vertical direction.

[0139] In the blade changing device 26 of the second aspect of this disclosure, since multiple blades 25a can be stacked and stored, a retaining mechanism to prevent the blades 25a from falling is unnecessary. Therefore, malfunctions due to cutting debris and water droplets entering the mover and drive of the retaining mechanism can be avoided.

[0140] According to a third aspect of the invention, in the blade changing device 26 of the first or second aspect, the air nozzle 500 is further configured to spray gas onto the blade extractor 121 in a state in which the blade suction surface 121a is oriented downward.

[0141] The blade replacement device 26 of the third aspect of this disclosure can effectively remove cutting debris and water droplets adhering to the blade suction surface 121a.

[0142] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, the blade changing device 26 of any one of the first to third aspects further includes a seal 230, which is configured as a contact portion between the sealing cover body 210 and the moving plate 220 when the opening 211 is closed by the moving plate 220.

[0143] At least one of the selected components of the cover body 210 and the movable plate 220 is provided with a leakage part 212, which is located above the lowermost end of the movable plate 220 and configured to discharge air inside the cover body 210 to the outside of the cover body 210.

[0144] According to the blade changing device 26 of the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the internal pressure of the cover body 210 can be increased, and cutting fragments and the like can be prevented from entering the cover body 210. Furthermore, by discharging air from the cover body 210 via the leakage section 212, excessive increase in the internal pressure of the cover body 210 can be prevented. Additionally, by forming the leakage section 212 above the lowermost end of the moving plate 220, cutting fragments and the like can be prevented from being entangled by the air discharged from the cover body 210.

[0145] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the blade changing device 26 of any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a used blade storage section 410 disposed inside the cover body 210 and configured to store used blades 25a.

[0146] In the blade changing device 26 of the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the work of storing used blades 25a can be performed inside the cover body 210.

[0147] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, in the blade changing device 26 of any of the first to fifth aspects, the blade changing mechanism 100 further includes:

[0148] Flange suction device 122 (second suction device), which independently suctions the second flange 25d (flange) from blade suction device 121; and

[0149] A detachable component rotator 123 is configured to allow rotation of a detachable component 25e that allows attachment and removal of a blade 25a relative to a shaft 25.

[0150] In the blade changing device 26 of the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the work of attaching and removing the blade 25a can be performed efficiently.

[0151] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the blade changing device 26 of the sixth aspect further includes a second cleaning mechanism 320 (flange cleaning mechanism), the second cleaning mechanism 320 being configured to at least clean the second flange 25d picked up by the flange picker 122.

[0152] In the blade replacement device 26 of the seventh aspect of this disclosure, since cutting debris and water droplets adhering to the second flange 25d can be removed, the second flange 25d can be kept clean. Therefore, the occurrence of malfunctions in the cutting equipment 1, etc., can be reduced.

[0153] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the blade changing device 26 of the seventh aspect, a second cleaning mechanism 320 is disposed inside the cover body 210, a blade suction device 121 is configured to face the second cleaning sponge 321 (flange cleaning member) of the second cleaning mechanism 320 when the blade changing mechanism 100 is housed in the cover body 210, and an air nozzle 500 is further configured to spray gas onto the blade suction surface 121a and the second cleaning sponge 321.

[0154] In the blade replacement device 26 of the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the second cleaning sponge 321 and the blade suction surface 121a can be kept clean.

[0155] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the blade changing device 26 of any one of the first to eighth aspects further includes a camera 600 configured to acquire images of the interior of the shroud body 210.

[0156] According to the blade replacement device 26 of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the internal state of the cover body 210, which is difficult to see from the outside, can be confirmed.

[0157] According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, the cutting apparatus 1 includes: a blade changing device 26 according to any one of the first to ninth aspects; and a shaft 25 (cutting mechanism) configured to cut a shaped substrate W (object to be cut) by means of a blade 25a replaced by the blade changing device 26.

[0158] In the cutting apparatus 1 of the tenth aspect of this disclosure, since cutting debris or water droplets adhering to the blade suction surface 121a can be removed, the blade suction surface 121a can be kept clean. Therefore, the occurrence of malfunctions in the blade changing mechanism 100 can be reduced, and the occurrence of malfunctions in the cutting apparatus 1 can be further reduced.

[0159] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the method of manufacturing a cut product is a method of manufacturing a cut product using the cutting equipment 1 of the tenth aspect, and includes: a blade changing step S10 of changing the blade 25a of the cutting equipment 1 by means of a blade changing device 26; and a cutting step S20 of cutting a molded substrate W by means of the cutting equipment 1, wherein the cutting equipment is equipped with the blade 25a that was changed in the blade changing step S10.

[0160] In the cutting product manufacturing method of the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, since cutting debris or water droplets adhering to the blade suction surface 121a can be removed, the blade suction surface 121a can be kept clean. Therefore, the occurrence of malfunctions in the blade changing mechanism 100 can be reduced, and the occurrence of malfunctions in the cutting equipment 1 can be further reduced.

[0161] According to this disclosure, the blade suction surface can be kept clean.

[0162] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover any forms or modifications falling within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0163] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0164] 1: Cutting equipment; 25: Shaft; 25a: Blade; 26: Blade changing device; 25d: Second flange; 25e: Detachable component; 100: Blade changing mechanism; 121: Blade suction device; 121a: Blade suction surface; 122: Flange suction device; 123: Detachable component rotator; 210: Cover body; 211: Opening; 212: Leakage part; 220: Moving plate; 230: Seal; 320: Second cleaning mechanism; 321: Second cleaning sponge; 410: Used blade storage part; 420: Unused blade storage part; 500: Air nozzle; 600: Camera.

Claims

1. A blade changing device, comprising: A blade changing mechanism includes at least a first suction device configured to suction a blade. A cover body configured to house the blade changing mechanism within the cover body; The closure is configured to move integrally with the blade changing mechanism and is further configured to close the opening of the cover body while the blade changing mechanism is housed in the cover body; and A gas injector configured to inject gas onto the blade suction surface of the first suction device when the blade changing mechanism is housed in the cover body and the suction of the first suction device on the blade is released.

2. The blade changing device according to claim 1 further includes a blade changing storage section disposed inside the cover body and configured to store the blades by stacking a plurality of blades for changing in a vertical direction.

3. The blade changing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gas injector is further configured to inject the gas into the first suction device while the blade suction surface is oriented downwards.

4. The blade changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a seal configured to seal the contact portion between the cover body and the closer when the closer closes the opening. in, At least one of the selected components of the cover body and the closure is provided with a leakage section, the leakage section being located above the lowest end of the closure and configured to discharge air from the interior of the cover body to the exterior of the cover body.

5. The blade changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further includes a used blade storage section, the used blade storage section being disposed inside the cover body and configured to store used blades.

6. The blade changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The blade replacement mechanism also includes: A second suction device, configured to suction the flange independently of the first suction device; and A detachable component rotator configured to allow rotation of a detachable component that allows attachment and removal of the blade relative to a shaft.

7. The blade changing device of claim 6 further includes a flange cleaning mechanism configured to clean at least the flange sucked up by the second suction device.

8. The blade changing device according to claim 7, wherein, The flange cleaning mechanism is located inside the cover body. Wherein, the first suction device is configured to face the flange cleaning member of the flange cleaning mechanism when the blade changing mechanism is housed in the cover body, and The gas injector is further configured to inject the gas onto the blade suction surface and the flange cleaning member.

9. The blade changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a camera configured to acquire images of the interior of the cover body.

10. A cutting device, comprising: Blade changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A cutting mechanism configured to cut an object to be cut by a blade replaced by the blade changing device.

11. A method for manufacturing a cut product using the cutting apparatus according to claim 10, the method comprising: The blades of the cutting equipment are replaced using a blade changing device; and The object to be cut by the cutting device is equipped with the blade that is replaced when the blade is changed.

Images