External electrode forming system

Abstract

Provided is an external electrode forming system in which a container containing a paste for forming an external electrode of an electronic component is correctly disposed in an external electrode forming device, and an external electrode having a desired shape and characteristics can be formed. An external electrode forming system (101) is provided with a container (110) for accommodating a paste for forming external electrodes (16, 17) of an electronic component (1), and an external electrode forming device (100) for forming the external electrodes (16, 17) by disposing the container (110) and applying the paste accommodated in the container to the electronic component (10), and an RFID tag (120) on which information on the paste is recorded is added to the container (110). In the external electrode forming device (100), the information of the paste recorded on the RFID tag (120) is read, and the operation of the external electrode forming device (100) is determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an external electrode forming system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes forming external electrodes of electronic components by dipping in electrode paste.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-17374

[0006] Patent document 1 describes that external electrodes formed using electrode paste can have various shapes depending on the wettability of the ceramic electronic component substrate and the electrode paste, the state of the liquid surface of the electrode paste, the speed of immersion in the electrode paste, and the time of immersion in the electrode paste.

[0007] In view of this background, electrode pastes used for external electrodes are prepared in various types according to the viscosity, material, etc. for each type of electronic component. In addition, the type of electrode paste is difficult to distinguish from the appearance of the electrode paste. The operator visually reads the identification mark recorded on the container containing the electrode paste to distinguish the type of electrode paste, and sets the container in the external electrode forming device to supply the electrode paste.

[0008] Here, if a container containing an electrode paste different from the electrode paste that should be used is placed in an external electrode forming device and used to form an external electrode due to human error by the operator, external electrodes having the desired shape and characteristics may not be formed, and electronic components that do not meet product specifications may be manufactured. Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an external electrode forming system in which a container containing a paste for forming external electrodes of electronic components is correctly arranged in an external electrode forming device, so as to form external electrodes having desired shapes and characteristics.

[0011] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0012] The external electrode forming system of the present invention comprises: a container for containing a paste for forming an external electrode of an electronic component; and an external electrode forming device, wherein the container is configured to form an external electrode by applying the paste contained in the container to the electronic component, an RFID tag recording information about the paste is attached to the container, and in the external electrode forming device, the information about the paste recorded on the RFID tag is read to determine the operation of the external electrode forming device.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an external electrode forming system in which a container containing a paste for forming external electrodes of an electronic component is accurately arranged in an external electrode forming apparatus, thereby forming external electrodes having desired shapes and characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a laminated body as an example of an electronic component.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor as an example of an electronic component.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the external electrode forming system of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a container.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a top view schematically showing an example of an RFID tag.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process of the external electrode forming system.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing another example of the operation process of the external electrode forming system.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals

[0023] 1 Multilayer ceramic capacitors (electronic components)

[0024] 10 Laminated body (electronic components)

[0025] 10a 1st main side

[0026] 10b 2nd main side

[0027] 10c 1st end face

[0028] 10d 2nd end face

[0029] 10e Side 1

[0030] 10f Side 2

[0031] 16 1st external electrode

[0032] 17 2nd external electrode

[0033] 20 Dielectric layer

[0034] 35 1st internal electrode layer

[0035] 36 2nd internal electrode layer

[0036] 100 External electrode forming device

[0037] 101 External electrode forming system

[0038] 110 Container

[0039] 120 RFID tags

[0040] 130 RFID Antenna

[0041] 140 Accommodation

[0042] 141 Bottom of the receiving portion

[0043] 150 Transceiver Department

[0044] 160 Computer

[0045] 200 Server

[0046] 210 Transceiver Department

[0047] 220 Storage

[0048] 230 Operation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, the external electrode forming system of the present invention will be described.

[0050] However, the present invention is not limited to the following configurations, and can be applied with appropriate changes within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In addition, a configuration obtained by combining two or more of the preferred configurations described below is also the present invention.

[0051] Before describing the external electrode forming system, an example of an electronic component for forming an external electrode and an example of a paste for forming the external electrode are described. The electronic component and paste listed below are examples of objects to which the external electrode forming system of the present invention can be applied, and the object is not limited to the electronic component and paste described below.

[0052] Examples of electronic components on which external electrodes are formed include electronic components that are chip components. Examples of chip components, i.e., electronic components, include laminated ceramic capacitors and laminated coils.

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a laminated body as an example of an electronic component, Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor as an example of an electronic component. Figure 1 The laminate shown in the figure is formed with external electrodes. Figure 2 The stacked ceramic capacitor shown.

[0054] Figure 1 The stacked body 10 shown includes a plurality of stacked dielectric layers 20 and a plurality of internal electrode layers (a first internal electrode layer 35 and a second internal electrode layer 36), including a first main surface 10a and a second main surface 10b opposite to each other in the stacking direction, a first side surface 10e and a second side surface 10f opposite to each other in a width direction orthogonal to the stacking direction, and a first end surface 10c and a second end surface 10d opposite to each other in a length direction orthogonal to the stacking direction and the width direction.

[0055] The laminate preferably has rounded corners and ridges. The corners are where three surfaces of the laminate intersect, and the ridges are where two surfaces of the laminate intersect.

[0056] As the dielectric material constituting the dielectric layer 20 , for example, a dielectric ceramic containing a component such as BaTiO 3 , CaTiO 3 , SrTiO 3 , or CaZrO 3 can be used.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated multilayer ceramic capacitor 1, a first external electrode 16 is connected to a first end face 10c of the multilayer body 10, and a second external electrode 17 is connected to a second end face 10d. The first external electrode 16 and the second external electrode 17 are end surface external electrodes. The end surface external electrodes are formed on the end faces of the multilayer body and extend from the end faces to the side faces and the main surface.

[0058] The external electrode may include a base electrode layer and a plating layer disposed on the base electrode layer.

[0059] The base electrode layer may include at least one layer selected from the group consisting of a sintered layer and a resin layer.

[0060] The sintered layer is a layer containing glass and metal. The glass contains Si, and as the metal, for example, it is preferred to contain at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Ag, Pd, Ag-Pd alloy, and Au. In addition, the sintered layer may also be a plurality of layers.

[0061] The sintered layer is a layer formed by applying a conductive paste containing glass and metal to a laminate and sintering the paste, and may be sintered simultaneously with the internal electrode layer or after the internal electrode layer is sintered.

[0062] The resin layer may also be a resin layer containing conductive particles and a thermosetting resin. When forming the resin layer, it is also possible not to form a sintered layer, but to form the resin layer directly on the laminate using a conductive paste containing conductive particles and a thermosetting resin. In addition, the resin layer may also be a plurality of layers.

[0063] The plating layer preferably includes, for example, at least one selected from Cu, Ni, Sn, Ag, Pd, an Ag-Pd alloy, and AuNi.

[0064] The plating layer may be a plurality of layers, and preferably has a two-layer structure of a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer.

[0065] Hereinafter, in this specification, when simply referred to as "paste", it means a paste used for forming external electrodes of electronic components. Examples of pastes used for forming external electrodes include conductive pastes containing glass and metal for forming a sintered layer in the above-mentioned external electrode, and conductive pastes containing conductive particles and a thermosetting resin for forming a resin layer.

[0066] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the external electrode forming system of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 The external electrode forming system 101 shown includes an external electrode forming apparatus 100 and a server 200 provided outside the external electrode forming apparatus 100 .

[0068] The external electrode forming device 100 includes a container 110 for storing paste and an RFID tag 120 attached to the bottom surface of the container 110 .

[0069] The container 110 to which the RFID tag 120 is attached is disposed in the receiving portion 140 such that the RFID tag 120 is in contact with the bottom 141 of the receiving portion 140 .

[0070] The RFID antenna 130 is provided outside the bottom 141 of the housing portion 140 , so that the RFID tag 120 can be read using the RFID antenna 130 .

[0071] The RFID antenna 130 transmits a signal to the transceiver 150 provided in the external electrode forming device 100 .

[0072] The transceiver 150 transmits and receives signals to and from the server 200 .

[0073] In addition, the transceiver unit 150 communicates with the external electrode forming device 100. Figure 3 The signal transmission and reception of the computer 160 marked as PC in FIG. 1 . In addition, the transceiver 150 may also be included in the computer 160 .

[0074] Furthermore, the server 200 includes a transceiver unit 210 , a storage unit 220 , and a calculation unit 230 .

[0075] The computer 160 is a device for controlling the operation of the external electrode forming device.

[0076] In the external electrode forming system of the present invention, a container containing a paste for forming external electrodes of an electronic component is used. The material and shape of the container are not particularly limited, and a resin-made cylindrical container having a bottom can be used.

[0077] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a container, Figure 5 It is a top view schematically showing an example of an RFID tag.

[0078] Figure 4 The container 110 shown is a cylindrical container with a lid. Figure 5 The RFID tag 120 is shown in a circular shape.

[0079] The position where the RFID tag is attached to the container is not particularly limited, but is preferably provided on the bottom surface of the container.

[0080] It is preferable to use a sticker / label type RFID tag, and information related to the paste can also be printed with a printer for use. The shape of the RFID tag is not limited to a ring shape, and can be set to any shape.

[0081] In addition, any of a passive tag, an active tag, and a semi-active tag can be used, but a passive tag can be preferably used.

[0082] An RFID tag capable of using a short-range communication type HF band is preferred.

[0083] The RFID tag can record information of one or more pastes.

[0084] As examples, the following information can be cited.

[0085] Composition of the ointment

[0086] Name of the ointment

[0087] Batch number of the ointment

[0088] ·Expiration date of ointment

[0089] · Elapsed time from when the ointment was placed in the container (date and time when it was placed in the container)

[0090] · Date and time when the ointment was taken out of the refrigerator (storage)

[0091] Weight of the paste

[0092] ·Viscosity and specific gravity of paste

[0093] The container is arranged in the storage part. The storage part includes an outer wall, and the container is arranged in a space surrounded by the outer wall.

[0094] The storage portion is preferably in a cylindrical shape having a bottom, and the container is preferably configured so that the RFID tag provided on the bottom surface of the container contacts the bottom of the storage portion.

[0095] Preferably, at least a portion of the outer wall of the container is a material that transmits electromagnetic waves, and preferably the bottom of the container is a material that transmits electromagnetic waves. As the material that transmits electromagnetic waves, materials other than metals, such as resins and glass, can be listed. Preferably, the bottom of the container is glass.

[0096] The RFID antenna for reading the information of the RFID tag is preferably arranged outside the outer wall of the receiving portion. The RFID antenna reads the information of the RFID tag attached to the container through the outer wall of the receiving portion. The information of the read RFID tag can also be sent from the RFID antenna to the transceiver of the external electrode forming device. The information of the RFID tag is sent from the transceiver to the server outside the external electrode forming device.

[0097] Based on the above-mentioned structure of the housing and the RFID antenna, it can be said that it is preferred that, in the external electrode forming system of the present invention, the external electrode forming device has a housing for configuring a container, the RFID antenna for reading the information of the RFID tag is arranged on the outside of the outer wall of the housing, and at least a portion of the outer wall of the housing is a material that transmits electromagnetic waves.

[0098] The external electrode forming device is provided with a product introduction section for introducing electronic components (the product introduction section is Figure 1 (not shown in the figure).

[0099] The electronic components can be introduced into the external electrode forming apparatus by either automatic introduction or introduction by an operator.

[0100] In the case of automatic loading, the electronic components are stored in a storage box to which an RFID tag is attached. Information such as the lot number of the electronic components is recorded on the RFID tag.

[0101] When electronic components are loaded into the external electrode forming apparatus, information on the RFID tag attached to the housing box is read by an RFID antenna provided in the product loading section.

[0102] When the operator puts in the electronic components, they are grouped with a receipt with information such as a batch number. When the operator puts in the product, the batch number on the receipt is read by a reading unit. The receipt is attached with a barcode, RFID tag, etc., and the information attached to the receipt is read by a barcode reader, RFID antenna, etc.

[0103] The information of the electronic components read by the product loading unit is transmitted from the transceiver unit of the external electrode forming device to the server.

[0104] The server includes a storage unit, and in the storage unit of the server, information such as the product name of the paste and information such as the lot number of the electronic component are stored in association with each other.

[0105] The information of the paste recorded on the RFID tag attached to the container and the information of the electronic component put in are sent to the server, and the information is received by the transceiver of the server.

[0106] The server has a computing unit, in which the information such as the product name of the paste and the batch number of the electronic component stored in the storage unit is compared with the received information of the paste and the electronic component to determine whether the received information such as the product name of the paste and the batch number of the electronic component is a correct combination. Alternatively, the computer provided in the external electrode forming device may determine whether the information is a correct combination.

[0107] The determination result determined by the calculation unit is transmitted to the transmission and reception unit of the external electrode forming device.

[0108] Based on the determined result, if the combination of the paste and the electronic component is correct, the computer provided in the external electrode forming device can receive an operation instruction to the coating device, and if the combination of the paste and the electronic component is incorrect, issue an operation stop instruction to the coating device.

[0109] In the external electrode forming device, a coating device (dispenser) is provided for coating the paste on the electronic component when forming the external electrode of the electronic component (the coating device is Figure 1(not shown in the figure).

[0110] The coating device operates in response to an operation instruction from a computer in the external electrode forming device, and applies the paste to the electronic component placed in the external electrode forming device.

[0111] The application conditions (application amount, application speed, etc.) of the paste in the application device can also be adjusted according to the operation instructions from the computer.

[0112] In the description so far, the server is assumed to be a structure different from the external electrode forming device and connected to the external electrode forming device through a telecommunication line, but a control unit having a function equivalent to the server may be provided in the external electrode forming device. A storage unit and a computing unit may be provided in the control unit, and the paste information and the electronic component information may be compared in the control unit to determine whether the paste product name and the electronic component batch number are a correct combination.

[0113] Based on the above-described configuration of the external electrode forming system, an example of operation of the external electrode forming system will be described.

[0114] (1) An operator places a paste for forming an external electrode of an electronic component into a container to which an RFID tag is attached and measures the weight of each container. The paste information is input into a computer. The information obtained by subtracting the weight of the container recorded in advance is stored in a server via a computer as the paste information. In addition, the weight of the RFID tag may be considered in the weight. In addition, the operator may remove the weight of the container and input the paste information into a computer. In addition, after recording the information on the RFID tag, the RFID tag may be attached to the container.

[0115] As an example of the paste information, information such as the batch number of the paste (the batch number of the container) is recorded as described above.

[0116] (2) Store the container with the RFID tag in a refrigerator. Generally, pastes are stored in a refrigerator at a low temperature to prevent performance degradation.

[0117] (3) The container is taken out from the refrigerator according to the type of electronic component put into the external electrode forming device. When taking out the container, the operator can also confirm whether it is a container containing the correct paste by reading the RFID tag.

[0118] Alternatively, the container may be taken out of the refrigerator without the intervention of an operator, or a container containing a desired paste may be automatically selected by inputting the lot number of the electronic component and handed to the operator.

[0119] (4) In order to bring the container containing the paste to room temperature, the container is placed in a room temperature station to bring the temperature of the container to room temperature.

[0120] (5) The viscosity and specific gravity of the paste are measured, and a solvent is added to dilute it. In addition, the results of the viscosity and specific gravity can be recorded again on the RFID tag at this stage, or sent to the server together with the batch number of the paste (batch number of the container). After dilution, it is transported to the inventory station.

[0121] Alternatively, containers that have been placed at the inventory counting station for a certain period of time or longer may be considered unsuitable for use, and the batch number of the container may be displayed on a monitor at the inventory counting station.

[0122] (6) The container containing the paste is placed in the external electrode forming device. The container is placed in the containing section of the external electrode forming device.

[0123] (7) The information of the RFID tag attached to the container is read by the RFID antenna provided in the external electrode forming device, and the read information is sent to the server. Alternatively, only the batch number of the paste recorded in the information of the RFID tag may be read and compared with the information stored in the server.

[0124] (8) Electronic components are placed in the external electrode forming device. Information such as the batch number of the electronic components attached to the container containing the electronic components is read and sent to the server. In addition, the order of placing the container in (6) and placing the electronic components in (8) may be reversed.

[0125] (9) The information on the paste read out in (7) and sent to the server and the information on the electronic component read out in (8) and sent to the server are compared in the server, and the comparison result is sent to the external electrode forming device, and the comparison result is displayed on the display unit (monitor) of the external electrode forming device.

[0126] In the process up to this point, the operator does not make judgments in the process of reading the information related to the paste, reading the information related to the electronic component, and comparing the information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent errors in combination due to human errors.

[0127] Furthermore, when the viscosity and specific gravity of the paste input to the RFID tag are inappropriate compared to the information stored in the server, or when it is determined that the viscosity and specific gravity have changed after a given time has passed since the container was taken out of the refrigerator, the display unit may also display that the use of the paste is inappropriate, and the operator may adjust the specific gravity and viscosity again. In this way, the paste of appropriate viscosity and specific gravity can be always used.

[0128] (10) When it is determined that the combination of the paste and the electronic component is correct, the coating device of the external electrode forming device is operated to apply the paste to the electronic component placed in the external electrode forming device.

[0129] During the operation of applying the paste, monitoring may be performed constantly, and when a predetermined time has passed and the expiration date of the paste contained in the container has expired, an alarm indicating that the paste is inappropriate may be displayed on the display unit.

[0130] For example, information on the elapsed time from when the paste was placed in the container may be recorded on the RFID tag, and the operating conditions of the external electrode forming device may be set based on the information on the elapsed time.

[0131] When an alarm is displayed, the production may be stopped immediately, and only the electronic components using the appropriate paste that were produced before the production was stopped can be sent to the downstream process.

[0132] Furthermore, when the viscosity and specific gravity of the paste are inappropriate, and when a given time or more has passed since the container was taken out of the refrigerator and the change in viscosity and specific gravity is measured by a sensor disposed in the external electrode forming device and there is a change, if the appropriate paste can be applied by changing the operating conditions (coating conditions) of the external electrode forming device, it is not necessary to stop the production and only the coating conditions need to be changed. In such a case, the determination result in the server is processed as a "change in coating conditions", and the changed coating conditions are transmitted to the computer in the external electrode forming device, and the coating device is instructed to operate based on the changed coating conditions.

[0133] In this way, the operation of the external electrode forming device can also be determined by changing the coating conditions.

[0134] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process of the external electrode forming system.

[0135] The use of the external electrode forming system can be Figure 6 The steps of the flowchart shown are carried out.

[0136] An RFID tag is attached to a container (step S1).

[0137] The information of the paste is recorded on the RFID tag (step S2).

[0138] The container is placed in the external electrode forming device (step S3).

[0139] The RFID tag attached to the container is read (step S4). In addition, the read information is sent to the server.

[0140] The server compares the information of the electronic component on which the external electrodes are to be formed to determine whether the paste information is correct (step S5).

[0141] When the paste information is correct (branch to YES), an external electrode forming step is performed (step S6 ).

[0142] When the paste information is incorrect (branch to No), the external electrode forming step (step S7 ) is terminated.

[0143] In the determination of step S5 , determination can be made using one or more information such as the lot number, viscosity, specific gravity, time elapsed from storage in the container, and time from removal from the refrigerator of the paste.

[0144] For example, even when it is determined that the batch number of the paste is correct, if the time elapsed from the time of taking out from the refrigerator is longer than a given period, the paste information may be considered incorrect and the external electrode forming process may be terminated. In addition, it may be determined that the coating conditions are changed (the change of the coating conditions is not shown in the flowchart).

[0145] In addition, Figure 6 The flowchart shown does not mention the reading of information on the electronic component of the object for forming the external electrode, but is based on the premise that the server for determining whether the paste information is correct stores the information on the electronic component of the object and the electronic component is correctly put into the external electrode forming device.

[0146] The external electrode forming system of the present invention can also read information of electronic components.

[0147] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing another example of the operation process of the external electrode forming system.

[0148] exist Figure 7 , a flowchart is shown which shows an example of the operation process of the external electrode forming system including reading of information of electronic components.

[0149] exist Figure 7 The process of reading the information of the electronic components is shown in the following steps.

[0150] An RFID tag is attached to a storage box storing electronic components (step S11).

[0151] The information of the electronic component is recorded on the RFID tag (step S12).

[0152] The housing box is placed in the external electrode forming device (step S13).

[0153] The RFID tag attached to the storage box is read (step S14). In addition, the read information is sent to the server.

[0154] Thereafter, in the determination in step S5 , the information on the electronic component read in step S14 is used together with the information on the paste read in step S4 .

[0155] Others can be set to Figure 6 The same application is shown in the flowchart.

[0156] In this specification, the following contents are disclosed.

[0157] <1>

[0158] An external electrode forming system comprises: a container for containing a paste for forming an external electrode of an electronic component; and an external electrode forming device, wherein the container is configured to form an external electrode by applying the paste contained in the container to an electronic component, an RFID tag recording information about the paste is attached to the container, and the external electrode forming device reads the information about the paste recorded on the RFID tag to determine the operation of the external electrode forming device.

[0159] <2>

[0160] according to <1> The external electrode forming system, wherein the external electrode forming device has a storage portion for configuring the container, an RFID antenna for reading information of the RFID tag is arranged on the outside of the outer wall of the storage portion, and at least a portion of the outer wall of the storage portion is a material that transmits electromagnetic waves.

[0161] <3>

[0162] according to <2> The external electrode forming system, wherein the housing portion is cylindrical with a bottom, the RFID tag is arranged on the bottom surface of the container, the container is arranged in the housing portion, and the bottom of the housing portion is glass.

[0163] <4>

[0164] according to <1> ~ <3> An external electrode forming system as described in any one of claims , wherein information on the elapsed time from the time the paste is contained in the container is recorded on the RFID tag, and an operating condition of the external electrode forming device is set based on the information on the elapsed time.

Claims

1. An external electrode forming system comprising: a container that contains a paste for forming an external electrode of an electronic component; and An external electrode forming device is provided with the container, and forms external electrodes by applying the paste contained in the container to electronic components. An RFID tag recording information of the ointment is attached to the container. In the external electrode forming device, the information of the paste recorded on the RFID tag is read to determine the operation of the external electrode forming device.

2. The external electrode forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The external electrode forming device includes a housing portion in which the container is arranged. An RFID antenna for reading information of the RFID tag is arranged outside the outer wall of the receiving portion, At least a portion of the outer wall of the accommodation portion is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves.

3. The external electrode forming system according to claim 2, wherein: The container is in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the RFID tag is arranged on the bottom surface of the container, the container is arranged in the container, and the bottom of the container is made of glass.

4. The external electrode forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Information on the elapsed time from when the paste was contained in the container is recorded on the RFID tag, The operating conditions of the external electrode forming device are set based on the information of the elapsed time.

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