Bulk feeder

Abstract

A bulk feeder is provided with: a feeder main body; a rail member that is detachably attached to the feeder main body and has a supply region that opens upward and supplies components in a pick-up manner; a cover plate which is provided on the rail member so as to be openable and closable, and which closes the opening of the supply region in a closed state; a movable member provided to the feeder main body so as to be movable in the opening / closing direction of the cover plate; and a connection part that connects the cover plate and the movable member by attraction of a pair of magnets provided at respective opposing positions of the cover plate and the movable member when the rail member is positioned at a predetermined attachment position with respect to the feeder main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to bulk feeders. Background Technology

[0002] A bulk feeder is equipped in a component mounting machine that mounts components onto a substrate, and is used to supply components in bulk form within a supply area. When the type of components supplied by the bulk feeder changes, maintenance such as replacing the component housing and removing any components remaining in the feeder is performed. To improve maintainability, the bulk feeder incorporates a track component that can be detached from the feeder body, forming the supply area and the component transport path. Furthermore, to prevent components from scattering or foreign matter from entering, the track component is equipped with a cover that can block the supply area.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 095219 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] The aforementioned cover plate is designed to open and close relative to the track component. When the unit is assembled and disassembled together with the track component, the track component and cover plate must be positioned in their respective installation positions during installation of the unit onto the feeder body. If there is an error in the positioning of the cover plate, it may cause malfunctions. Furthermore, the need for precise positioning of both components during unit installation may reduce workability.

[0007] The purpose of this specification is to provide a bulk feeder that, in the type of unit with detachable component transport path, improves maintainability and ease of disassembly / reassembly.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] This specification discloses a bulk feeder comprising: a feeder body; a track component detachably mounted to the feeder body and having a supply area that opens upwards and supplies components in a pick-up manner; a cover plate that is openable and closable on the track component and blocks the opening of the supply area when closed; a movable member that is movable along the opening and closing direction of the cover plate on the feeder body; and a connecting portion that, when the track component is positioned relative to the feeder body at a predetermined installation position, connects the cover plate and the movable member by attraction through a pair of magnets disposed at opposing positions on the cover plate and the movable member.

[0010] This specification also discloses the technical ideas of changing "bulk feeder of any one of claims 1 to 5" to "bulk feeder of any one of claims 1 to 7" in claim 8 of the original application, and changing "bulk feeder of any one of claims 1 to 5" to "bulk feeder of any one of claims 1 to 8" in claim 9 of the original application.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] With this structure, the unit including the track components and the cover plate can be disassembled and assembled relative to the feeder body, thus improving maintainability. In addition, since the cover plate is connected to the movable part by the magnetic force of a pair of magnets, the positioning of the cover plate during installation can be eliminated, improving the ease of disassembly and assembly of the unit including the track components and the cover plate. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic top view of a component assembly machine equipped with a bulk feeder.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of the bulk feeder.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view showing the main parts of the bulk feeder, the handling unit removed from the feeder body, and the component housing.

[0016] Figure 4 From Figure 3 A top view viewed from direction IV.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view showing the main body of the feeder and the disassembled track unit.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a top view showing the first way of representing the connection.

[0019] Figure 6B This is a top view showing the second way the connection is represented.

[0020] Figure 6C This is a top view representing the connecting part in a third-party style.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the opening and closing action of the cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The bulk feeder 20 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The bulk feeder 20 is equipped on a component mounting machine 10, for example, for mounting components onto a substrate. The bulk feeder 20 supplies components in a bulk state that are not packaged in a carrier belt or rod, etc.

[0023] 1. Structure of component mounting machine 10

[0024] The component mounting machine 10, for example, together with various substrate mounting machines including other component mounting machines 10, constitutes a production line for producing substrate products. The substrate mounting machines constituting the above-mentioned production line may include printers, inspection devices, reflow ovens, etc.

[0025] 1-1. Substrate conveying device 11

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the component mounting machine 10 includes a substrate transport device 11. The substrate transport device 11 transports the substrates 91 sequentially in the transport direction and positions the substrates 91 at predetermined positions within the machine.

[0027] 1-2. Component supply device 12

[0028] The component mounting machine 10 includes a component supply device 12. The component supply device 12 supplies components to be mounted on the substrate 91. The component supply device 12 is equipped with feeders 122 in multiple slots 121. Among the feeders 122, for example, a belt feeder is used to feed components in a pick-up manner by moving a carrier tape containing multiple components. Additionally, among the feeders 122, a bulk feeder 20 is used to pick up and supply components housed in a bulk state. Details of the bulk feeder 20 will be described later.

[0029] 1-3. Component transfer device 13

[0030] The component mounting machine 10 includes a component transfer device 13. The component transfer device 13 transfers components supplied by the component supply device 12 to predetermined mounting positions on the substrate 91. The component transfer device 13 includes a head drive device 131, a moving stage 132, a mounting head 133, and a suction nozzle 134. The head drive device 131 moves the moving stage 132 horizontally (in the X and Y directions) via a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 133 is detachably fixed to the moving stage 132 by a clamping member (not shown) and is configured to move horizontally within the machine.

[0031] The mounting head 133 supports multiple suction nozzles 134 so that they can rotate and move up and down. The suction nozzles 134 are holding members that pick up and hold components supplied by the feeder 122. The suction nozzles 134 adsorb components supplied by the feeder 122 using supplied negative pressure air. As holding members mounted on the mounting head 133, chucks or similar devices that hold components by gripping can be used.

[0032] 1-4. Component camera 14, substrate camera 15

[0033] The component mounting machine 10 includes a component camera 14 and a substrate camera 15. The component camera 14 and substrate camera 15 are digital imaging devices with imaging elements such as CMOS. The component camera 14 and substrate camera 15 capture images based on control signals and transmit the image data acquired through the capture. The component camera 14 is configured to capture images of components held in the suction nozzle 134 from below. The substrate camera 15 is mounted on the moving stage 132 in a manner that allows it to move horizontally integrally with the mounting head 133. The substrate camera 15 is configured to capture images of the substrate 91 from above.

[0034] Furthermore, in addition to photographing the surface of the substrate 91, the substrate camera 15 can photograph various devices as long as the movable stage 132 is within its range of motion. For example, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the substrate camera 15 can capture images of the supply area As of the component supplied by the bulk feeder 20 and the reference mark 59 located on the upper part of the bulk feeder 20. In this way, the substrate camera 15 can be used to capture images of different subjects in order to obtain image data for various image processing.

[0035] 1-5. Control Device 16

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the component mounting machine 10 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, control circuits, and storage devices. The control device 16 stores various data, such as control programs for controlling the mounting process. The control program indicates the mounting position, mounting angle, and component type of the components mounted onto the substrate 91 during the mounting process in a predetermined mounting sequence.

[0037] The control device 16 performs recognition processing on the holding state of the components held by the multiple holding members (nozzles 134). Specifically, the control device 16 performs image processing on image data acquired by the component camera 14 to identify the position and angle of each component relative to the reference position of the mounting head 133. In addition to the component camera 14, the control device 16 can also perform image processing on image data acquired from the side, below, or above by a head camera unit integrated on the mounting head 133.

[0038] The control device 16 performs the mounting process by controlling the mounting action of the mounting head 133 based on a control program. Here, the mounting process includes repeatedly performing a PP cycle (pick-and-place cycle) that includes both pick-up and mounting actions. The "pick-up action" refers to the action of picking up the component supplied by the component supply device 12 through the nozzle 134. Furthermore, the "mounting action" refers to the action of mounting the picked-up component to a predetermined mounting position on the substrate 91 at a predetermined mounting angle.

[0039] When performing the aforementioned picking operation, the control device 16 controls the operation of the component supply device 12, which includes the bulk feeder 20. Control of the bulk feeder 20 includes, for example, control of the component supply operation performed by the bulk feeder 20. Based on image data acquired by a camera (in this embodiment, a substrate camera 15), the control device 16 identifies the supply status of multiple components in the supply area As of the bulk feeder 20.

[0040] The supply status identification process includes the following steps: identifying whether a pickable element exists in the supply area As, and if so, identifying the position and angle of that element. Furthermore, the control device 16 controls the movement of the mounting head 133 during the pick-up operation based on the result of the supply status identification process. During the mounting process, the control device 16 controls the movement of the mounting head 133 based on information output from various sensors, image processing results, control programs, etc. This controls the position and angle of the multiple suction nozzles 134 supported on the mounting head 133. As a result, the element held on the suction nozzle 134 is mounted at a predetermined mounting angle at a predetermined mounting position indicated by the control program.

[0041] 2. Structure of Bulk Feeder 20

[0042] Bulk feeder 20 is equipped on component mounting machine 10 and functions as part of the component supply device. Bulk feeder 20 supplies components that are not neatly arranged in a bulk state (each component is in an irregular, scattered state) like those on a carrier belt. Therefore, unlike a belt feeder, bulk feeder 20 does not use a carrier belt, thus having the advantage of eliminating the need for carrier belt filling and the recycling of used belts.

[0043] Bulk feeders 20, for example, are of the type that supply components to a planar supply area As in an irregular posture. However, if components are close enough to touch each other or piled up (overlapping in the vertical direction) in the supply area As, or if the components are in a horizontal posture in the width direction, such as in the vertical direction, the component mounting machine 10 cannot pick them up. Therefore, in order to increase the proportion of components that can be picked up, bulk feeders 20 are of the type that supply components in an orderly arrangement in the supply area As. In this embodiment, a bulk feeder 20 of the type that supplies components in an orderly arrangement will be described.

[0044] 2-1. Feeder body 21, support component 22

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the bulk feeder 20 includes a feeder body 21. The feeder body 21 is formed in a flat, box-like shape. At the front of the feeder body 21 ( Figure 3 The right end of the feeder body 21 is provided with a connector 211 and two pins 212. When the feeder body 21 is mounted in the slot 121 of the component supply device 12, it is powered via the connector 211 and becomes capable of communicating with the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10. The two pins 212 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot 121 for positioning the feeder body 21 when it is mounted in the slot 121.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the bulk feeder 20 includes a support member 22. The support member 22 is designed to vibrate relative to the feeder body 21. The support member 22 is formed as a block extending along the front-rear direction of the feeder body 21, supporting the track member 51 mounted on its upper surface. The support member 22 is given a predetermined vibration by a vibration device 24, described later. In this embodiment, the track member 51 supported by the support member 22 is fixed by a locking member 80. The locking member 80 is either threaded or chuck-type. The detailed structure of the locking member 80 will be described later.

[0047] 2-2. Transport Unit 40

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bulk feeder 20 includes a conveying unit 40. The conveying unit 40 is detachably mounted to the feeder body 21. The conveying unit 40 supports the mounted component housing 45. The conveying unit 40 is a unit used to convey components discharged from the component housing 45 from the receiving area to the supply area As.

[0049] After the bulk feeder 20 has undergone a predetermined installation process, a removal operation is performed as a maintenance step to remove all components from the feeder in preparation for the next use. The transport unit 40 is configured to perform this removal operation and, to improve workability, can be detached from the feeder body 21 as a unit that functions as a flow path for the components. In this embodiment, the transport unit 40 includes: a housing support 41, a track unit 42, and a connecting member 43.

[0050] The component housing 45 is an external device that houses multiple components in a bulk state. The component housing 45 is replaceably mounted on the housing support 41 of the conveying unit 40 of the bulk feeder 20. The overall shape of the component housing 45 is the same as that of the feeder body 21, forming a flat box shape. The component housing 45 is mounted on the housing support 41 so that components can be discharged from the discharge port formed at the bottom.

[0051] 2-2-1. Housing support 41

[0052] The housing support 41 is designed to vibrate relative to the feeder body 21. The housing support 41 is vibrated by a vibration device (not shown). The housing support 41 supports the mounted component housing 45. The housing support 41 accommodates components discharged from the component housing 45. In this embodiment, the portion of the housing support 41 that accommodates the component has an inclined surface that slopes forward relative to the horizontal plane. The housing support 41 forms a flow path for the component extending upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0053] 2-2-2. Track Unit 42

[0054] The track unit 42 includes a track component 51 that is detachably mounted to the feeder body 21. The track component 51 is mounted to the feeder body 21 via a support member 22. Thus, the track component 51 is vibrated by the vibration device 24 via the support member 22. The track component 51 forms a transport path R for transporting multiple components and a supply area As that communicates with the transport path R and opens upwards to allow for the pickup of multiple components. Here, the "supply area As" is the area where components are supplied in a bulk state and is the area where components can be picked up by the component mounting machine 10. Furthermore, the "transport path R" is a channel for transporting components flowing from the housing support 41 side to the track component 51 to the supply area As.

[0055] The overall shape of the track component 51 is formed along the front-rear direction of the feeder body 21. Figure 3 Extending in the left and right directions (as shown in the image). In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, an arrangement member 52 is replaceably mounted on the track member 51. The arrangement member 52 is, for example, one or more plate-shaped members. In this way, the track unit 42 is unitized by mounting one of a variety of arrangement members 52, which correspond to the shapes of various elements, on a common track member 51.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the arrangement member 52 constitutes a plurality of chambers 55 arranged in a predetermined pattern (an alternating pattern in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of chambers 55 is rectangular in shape, slightly larger than the shape of the element supplied by the bulk feeder 20. Thus, the bulk feeder 20 has a plurality of chambers 55 in the supply area As where elements are picked up and supplied, in an orientation in which the element's thickness direction is vertical, to receive the element.

[0057] In the width direction of track unit 42 ( Figure 4The two edges of the track unit 42 (in the vertical direction) have a pair of upwardly projecting sidewalls 56. These sidewalls 56, together with the front end portion 57 of the track unit 42, surround the periphery of the transport path R, preventing leakage of components transported on the transport path R. A cover 58 is fixed above the track component 51, covering the top of the transport path R. The cover 58 is configured to prevent components from flying out of the transport path R. A pair of circular reference marks 59, indicating the reference positions of the supply area As, are marked on the upper surface of the front end portion 57.

[0058] The track unit 42 has a cover plate unit 60 located at the front end of the track component 51. The cover plate unit 60 has a cover plate 61, which is closable on the track component 51 and blocks the opening of the supply area As when closed. When the track unit 42 is mounted on the feeder body 21, the cover plate 61 is connected to the cover plate drive device 25 via the connecting part 70 (described later). The cover plate 61 is controlled to open and close by the cover plate drive device 25. The bulk feeder 20 prevents components from flying out and foreign matter from entering the supply area As by opening and closing the cover plate 61. Details of the cover plate unit 60 and the connecting part 70 will be described later.

[0059] 2-2-3. Connecting components

[0060] The connecting member 43 connects the housing support 41 and the track unit 42, allowing multiple elements to flow through. The connecting member 43 is tubular, allowing multiple elements to flow internally. The connecting member 43 is flexible, absorbing vibrations by deforming according to the vibrations of the housing support 41 and the track unit 42. Thus, the connecting member 43 reduces or interrupts the vibrations transmitted between the independently vibrating housing support 41 and track unit 42.

[0061] 2-3. Air supply device 23, vibration device 24

[0062] The bulk feeder 20 includes an air supply device 23 for supplying positive pressure air to the conveying unit 40. When the conveying unit 40 is installed on the feeder body 21, positive pressure air is supplied by the air supply device 23, allowing multiple components to flow from the housing support 41 to the track unit 42 via the connecting member 43. In this embodiment, the air supply device 23 supplies externally supplied positive pressure air from below the housing support 41 based on instructions from the feeder control device 26, described later.

[0063] The bulk feeder 20 includes a vibration device 24 disposed on the feeder body 21. The vibration device 24 vibrates the track component 51 to transport multiple components between the transport path R, which communicates with the supply area As, and the supply area As. In this embodiment, the vibration device 24 vibrates the track component 51 via the support member 22. When the vibration device 24 vibrates the track component 51, the track component 51 undergoes elliptical motion in a side view.

[0064] Therefore, multiple components located on the transport path R are subjected to an external force in front and above, or an external force in rear and above, depending on the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the track component 51. As a result, multiple components are transported towards the front of the track component 51 or towards the rear. The bulk feeder 20 can vary the transport speed, the degree of dispersion of the components, and the transport direction of the transported components by controlling the frequency, amplitude, and rotational direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibration imparted to the track component 51.

[0065] 2-4. Cover plate driving device 25

[0066] The cover plate drive device 25 is a drive device that opens and closes the cover plate 61 of the cover plate unit 60 when the conveying unit 40 is installed on the feeder body 21. The cover plate drive device 25 switches between the closed and open states of the cover plate 61 based on commands from the feeder control device 26. The closed state of the cover plate 61 refers to the state where the cover plate 61 is in contact with the track component 51, and the opening of the supply area As is completely blocked.

[0067] Furthermore, the open state of the cover plate 61 refers to the state in which the opening of the supply area As is not blocked and the main area of ​​the supply area As (in this embodiment, the area with multiple chambers 55) is exposed (see reference). Figure 7 At this time, the suction nozzle 134 can perform a picking-up action on any of the chambers 55. The state of the cover 61 includes an intermediate state between the closed state and the open state. The intermediate state of the cover 61 refers to the state in which the cover 61 is slightly separated from the track component 51 (to a degree that does not interfere with the vibration of the track component and the component does not leak out from the gap).

[0068] 2-5. Feeder control device 26

[0069] The bulk feeder 20 includes a feeder control device 26. The feeder control device 26 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. When the bulk feeder 20 is installed in the slot of the component mounting machine 10, the feeder control device 26 is powered via connector 211 and is able to communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine 10.

[0070] The feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the air supply device 23, the vibration device 24, and the cover plate drive device 25. For example, based on preset parameters, the feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the vibration device 24 to perform component supply processing. This causes vibration to be applied to the track component 51, and the components on the transport path R are transported by external force in a way that they move in the transport direction. Additionally, the feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the cover plate drive device 25 to switch the cover plate 61 to a predetermined state.

[0071] 3. Component supply processing for bulk feeder 20

[0072] The component supply process performed by the bulk feeder 20 with the structure described above will be explained. First, the feeder control device 26 discharges components from the component housing 45, for example, based on a supply command from an external source. Specifically, the feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the vibration device to impart vibration to the housing support 41 on which the component housing 45 is mounted. When the component housing 45 vibrates, the component is discharged from the discharge port. The discharged component falls onto the inclined portion of the housing support 41 located below the discharge port and slides forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion. As a result, the component remains at the lower end in front of the inclined portion.

[0073] In this state, the feeder control device 26 instructs the air supply device 23 to supply positive pressure air. The positive pressure air supplied by the air supply device 23 blows up the multiple components that are stuck, and they flow together in the flow path formed in the housing support 41. Thus, the positive pressure air and the multiple components flow from the housing support 41 through the connecting member 43 to the track unit 42, and reach the transport path R of the track unit 42. Here, the positive pressure air is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port formed in the cover 58 of the track unit 42.

[0074] Then, when the vibration device 24 for component handling vibrates the track component 51, multiple components are transported towards the supply area As. Furthermore, depending on the quantity of components supplied in the supply area As, the track component 51 is subjected to vibrations that either propel the components forward or retract them. A portion of the multiple components transported to the supply area As are housed in the chamber 55. Components not housed in the chamber 55 are retracted towards the transport path R by the vibration applied by the vibration device 24 and are removed from the supply area As. Through this component supply process, the components housed in the multiple chambers 55 are supplied in a manner that allows them to be picked up by the component mounting machine 10.

[0075] 4. Assembly and disassembly of track unit 42

[0076] 4-1. Fixing of the support member 22 and the track member 51 based on the locking member 80

[0077] The track component 51 of the track unit 42 is fixed to the support component 22 by the locking component 80 as described above. More specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the locking member 80 has a pair of locating pins 81 protruding upward from the upper surface of the support member 22. When the track member 51 is installed, the pair of locating pins 81 are inserted into a pair of pin holes 513 provided on the lower surface of the track member 51 facing the upper surface of the support member 22.

[0078] The locking component 80 has two wheels 82 and two screws 83. The two wheels 82 are rotatably mounted on the support component 22. The outer diameter of each wheel 82 is set such that, in the width direction of the bulk feeder 20, its outer periphery protrudes outward from the support component 22, and is smaller than the width of the bulk feeder 20. Thus, the operator can manually rotate the wheels 82. Furthermore, the wheels 82 have locking holes 821 formed in the circumferential direction for engaging with inserted rotating clamps. The operator can also rotate the wheels 82 by inserting the rotating clamps into the locking holes 821.

[0079] Two screws 83 are integrally mounted coaxially with two wheels 82. The front ends of the two screws 83 protrude upwards beyond the upper surface of the support member 22. During the installation of the transport unit 40, the track member 51 is first positioned by a pair of locating pins 81, becoming supported on the support member 22. Then, as the two wheels 82 rotate, each screw 83 inserts into and tightens into a threaded hole 512 provided on the lower surface of the track member 51. Thus, the locking member 80 employs a threaded design to secure the track member 51 supported on the support member 22. During the disassembly of the transport unit 40, the operation is performed in the reverse order.

[0080] 4-2. Detailed structure of cover plate unit 60 and opening and closing operation of cover plate 61

[0081] The cover plate unit 60 includes a cover plate 61, a bracket 62, and a spring 63. The cover plate 61 is generally shaped as a U-shape that opens downwards when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the cover plate 61 has an upper wall portion 611 and a pair of side wall portions 612. The upper wall portion 611 contacts the track member 51 in the closed state to block the opening of the supply area As, and separates from the track member 51 in the intermediate state.

[0082] A pair of sidewall portions 612 are located on the outer side of the track member 51 in the left-right direction, extending downward from both ends of the upper wall portion 611, and in the middle state, together with the upper wall portion 611, restrict the element 92 from flying out of the opening of the supply area As. Each of the pair of sidewall portions 612 has an elongated hole 613 that is inclined relative to the front-back direction. A guide pin 511 protruding from the side of the track member 51 in the width direction passes through the elongated hole 613. Thus, the cover plate 61 is supported on the track member 51 in a manner that allows it to move along the guide pin 511.

[0083] The bracket 62 is a block-shaped component that is fixed in such a way that the lower ends of a pair of sidewall portions 612 are connected to each other. The bracket 62 moves integrally with the cover plate 61 during the opening and closing operation of the cover plate 61. The spring 63 is an elastic component that connects the track component 51 to the bracket 62. The spring 63 is a coil-shaped tension spring.

[0084] Spring 63 acts with elastic force in such a way that it always applies a force to the rearward side of bracket 62. Cover plate 61 is supported on guide pin 511 via elongated hole 613 that is inclined in the front-rear direction relative to the horizontal, and is thus maintained in the closed state by the elastic force of spring 63 (located at the rear end of the movable range, in a state where it is applied downward by track member 51).

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover plate drive device 25 includes a track 31, a slider 32, and multiple guides 33. The track 31 extends along the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the feeder body 21. The track 31 is formed as a straight line that gradually approaches the top from the rear. The direction of extension of the track 31 corresponds to the opening and closing direction of the cover plate 61.

[0086] The slider 32 is a movable component capable of moving in the extending direction of the track 31. The slider 32 is connected to the cover plate 61 via the bracket 62 through the connecting part 70. When the slider 32 moves along the track 31 in the front-back direction, the cover plate 61 moves integrally with the slider 32 and the bracket 62 in the front-back direction. At this time, the cover plate 61 moves in the vertical direction according to the amount of movement in the front-back direction due to the tilt of the track 31.

[0087] Multiple guide members 33 are located at the four corners of the slider 32, which is rectangular when viewed from above, and protrude upwards from the upper surface of the slider 32. When the track unit 42 is installed on the feeder body 21, the guide members 33 guide the bracket 62 of the cover unit 60 to a predetermined position in the forward and backward direction. In addition, after the cover unit 60 is connected to the slider 32, the guide members 33 restrict the movement of the bracket 62 relative to the slider 32 in the forward and backward direction.

[0088] The cover plate drive device 25 can be used in various ways as a mechanism to move the sliding member 32. For example, the cover plate drive device 25 can also be a structure in which an arm rotatably mounted on the feeder body 21 is rotated by a motor, and the sliding member 32 is moved according to the amount of rotation of the arm. When the cover plate drive device 25 moves the sliding member 32 forward, the bracket 62 connected to the sliding member 32 moves forward against the force of the spring 63.

[0089] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the cover plate 61, fixed to the bracket 62, moves forward to open. At this time, the cover plate 61 moves upward by the tilting amount of the track 31. In addition, with the cover plate 61 in the open state, the supply area As, which is provided with multiple chambers 55, is exposed, allowing for the picking up of components using the suction nozzle 134 from above.

[0090] Additionally, the cover plate drive device 25 supplies predetermined power to the motor, and the arm rotates a certain angle from the initial angle, thereby enabling the cover plate 61 to reach an intermediate state. When the power to the motor of the cover plate drive device 25 is cut off, as... Figure 7 As shown by the dotted line, the cover plate 61 and the bracket 62 move together to the initial position on the rear side through the force of the spring 63, and become closed.

[0091] 4-3. Connection between the cover plate drive device 25 based on the connecting part 70 and the cover plate 61

[0092] In this embodiment, the cover plate 61 is designed to open and close relative to the track component 51, forming a detachable track unit 42 together with the track component 51. Furthermore, when installing the track unit 42 onto the feeder body 21, the track component 51 needs to be fixed to the support component 22, and the cover plate 61 needs to be connected to the cover plate drive device 25. A threaded connection or similar method is envisioned for the connection between the cover plate 61 and the cover plate drive device 25.

[0093] However, positioning the two components (rail component 51 and cover plate 61) during the installation of the track unit 42 increases the workload and reduces workability. Furthermore, fixing the cover plate 61 when there are positioning errors can cause malfunctions in its opening and closing. Therefore, in this embodiment of the bulk feeder 20, where the track unit 42 can be detached from the feeder body 21, a structure is adopted that improves maintainability and ease of assembly / disassembly.

[0094] In detail, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bulk feeder 20 has a connecting portion 70 on the cover plate 61 side and the sliding member 32 side (which is a movable component), where a pair of magnets 71 and 72 are attracted to each other. The pair of magnets 71 and 72 are positioned opposite each other on the cover plate 61 and the sliding member 32 (which is a movable component) when the track member 51 is positioned in a predetermined installation position on the feeder body 21. In this embodiment, the magnet 71 on the cover plate 61 side is embedded in a bracket 62 fixed to the cover plate 61. The magnet 72 on the sliding member 32 side is embedded in the sliding member 32. Therefore, when the track unit 42 is installed, the pair of magnets 71 and 72 approach each other, attracting each other, and the cover plate 61 and the sliding member 32 are connected.

[0095] Here, a magnet can be used as the structure for connecting the cover plate 61 to the cover plate drive device 25 as described above. However, when a magnet is provided on one side of the cover plate 61 or the cover plate drive device 25, and a magnetic body attracted by the magnet is provided on the other side, the magnetic body may sometimes be magnetized, and the magnetic force of the magnet or the magnetic body may affect the supply area As. As a result, it may affect the supply operation of the components, such as the components being transported to the supply area As attracting each other or the components not being easily received into the chamber 55.

[0096] In contrast, it has been found that by providing a pair of magnets 71 and 72 as in the connecting portion 70 of this embodiment, the influence of magnetic force on the supply area As can be suppressed. That is, in a structure with a pair of magnets 71 and 72, the magnetic force affecting the components being transported to the supply area As is reduced, preventing the components from attracting each other or making it difficult to accommodate the components in the chamber 55. Furthermore, in the connecting portion 70, the number and arrangement of the pair of magnets 71 and 72 can be varied, and various methods can be applied to improve the connection force and workability, as described below.

[0097] In the first method, such as Figure 6A As shown, the connecting part 70 includes multiple pairs of magnets 71 and 72. Here, adjacent pairs of magnets 71 and 72 are configured such that the magnetic poles of the magnets 71 respectively located on the cover plate 61 are opposite. In other words, adjacent pairs of magnets 71 and 72 are configured such that the magnetic poles of the magnets 72 respectively located on the slider 32 are opposite. Furthermore, in Figure 6A In the diagram, the S pole of magnets 71 and 72 is indicated by a slash, while the N pole is indicated without a slash (in...). Figure 6B and Figure 6C (Same as above).

[0098] in addition, Figure 6A The left side is a portion of the cover plate unit 60 viewed from below, mainly representing the lower surface of the bracket 62 provided on the cover plate 61. Figure 6A The right side is a portion of the cover plate drive device 25 viewed from above, mainly showing the upper surface of the slider 32. Additionally, the connecting portion 70 of the first type has a portion extending along the width direction of the track member 51 ( Figure 6A (left and right directions) and the direction of component handling ( Figure 6A Multiple pairs of magnets 71 and 72 are arranged in a matrix (up and down direction) in the middle.

[0099] The first type of connecting part 70 has four sets of a pair of magnets 71, 72 arranged in a matrix of two rows and two columns. Specifically, four magnets 71A-71D of the four sets of magnets 71A-71D, 72A-72D located on the bracket 62 are arranged in a way that they attract each other to four magnets 72A-72D located in opposite positions on the slider 32.

[0100] In the second method, such as Figure 6B As shown, the connecting portion 70 has a width direction (in the track component 51) Figure 6B Two sets of magnets 71A-71B and 72A-72B are arranged in the left-right direction. In the second embodiment, the connecting portion 70 is the same as in the first embodiment, but the magnetic poles of the magnets 71A and 71B on the adjacent cover plate 61 side are set to be opposite to each other. In other words, the magnetic poles of the magnets 72A and 72B on the adjacent slider 32 side are set to be opposite to each other.

[0101] In the third approach, such as Figure 6C As shown, the connecting part 70 includes a pair of magnets 71A-71F and 72A-72F arranged in a matrix of three rows and two columns. In the third type of connecting part 70, similar to the first type, the magnetic poles of the magnets 71B and 71C adjacent to magnet 71A are set to be opposite to each other. That is, in the front-rear direction ( Figure 6C Magnets 71A, 71C, 71E and 71B, 71D, 71F, arranged vertically (top to bottom), are configured with opposite magnetic poles. For example... Figure 6C As shown on the right, the six magnets 72A-72F on the side of the slider 32 are also the same.

[0102] In this structure with multiple pairs of magnets 71 and 72, the magnetic poles of adjacent magnets are arranged in such a way that all the magnetic poles of all the magnets 71 on the cover plate 61 side are N poles relative to the opposite side, and all the magnetic poles of all the magnets 72 on the slider 32 side are S poles relative to the opposite side. However, it has been observed that, compared with this arrangement of a pair of magnets 71 and 72, alternating the arrangement of adjacent magnets 71 (72) with opposite magnetic poles can reduce the influence of magnetic force on the supply area As.

[0103] Furthermore, when an odd number of pairs of magnets 71 and 72 are arranged, the magnetic poles of any adjacent magnet 71 (72) are the same. If they are not sufficiently separated, it is believed that there is a magnetic force affecting the supply area As. From this point of view, as described above, it is preferable to arrange multiple pairs of magnets 71 and 72 in a matrix and to alternate them in such a way that the magnetic poles of adjacent magnets 71 (72) are opposite.

[0104] 5. Effects of the structure produced by the implementation method

[0105] According to the structure of the embodiment, the track unit 42, which includes the track component 51 and the cover plate 61, can be detached and assembled relative to the feeder body 21, thus improving maintainability. In addition, the connecting part 70 connects the cover plate 61 to the sliding member 32, which is a movable part, by the magnetic force of a pair of magnets 71 and 72, thus eliminating the need for positioning the cover plate 61 during installation and improving the workability of assembling and disassembling the unit including the track component 51 and the cover plate 61.

[0106] 6. Variations of the implementation method

[0107] In one embodiment, the track component 51 of the bulk feeder 20 is configured to include an arrangement component 52 having a plurality of chambers 55. Alternatively, the arrangement component 52 may be omitted. That is, in the supply area As of the track component 51, a recessed portion for distributing components or a planar portion uniformly aligned with the upper surface of the transport path R may be formed at a position lower than the upper surface of the transport path R to supply components in a bulk state. However, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of component supply processing and reducing the image processing load in the recognition processing of the supply state in the supply area As, the structure illustrated in this embodiment is preferred.

[0108] In this embodiment, the bulk feeder 20 supplies components that are mounted onto the substrate 91 by the component mounting machine 10. In contrast, components can be used in a substrate mounting machine that performs predetermined operations on the substrate 91, such as the component mounting machine 10. Any item that can be supplied in the bulk feeder 20 in a state of being contained within the chamber 55 can be used, and various items are applicable. For example, the bulk feeder 20 can also supply solder balls formed into spherical shapes, as an example of components. Even in this manner, the same effect as in the embodiment is achieved.

[0109] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0110] 10: Component mounting machine; 20: Bulk feeder; 21: Feeder body; 22: Support component; 23: Air supply device; 24: Vibration device; 25: Cover plate drive device; 31: Track; 32: Sliding part (movable part); 33: Guide; 26: Feeder control device; 40: Transport unit; 41: Housing support; 42: Track unit; 51: Track component; 52: Arrangement component; 55: Chamber; 60: Cover plate unit; 61: Cover plate; 62: Bracket; 63: Spring; 43: Connecting component; 45: Component housing; 70: Connecting part; 71, 71A-71F: (A pair of magnets, the cover plate side) magnet; 72, 72A-72F: (A pair of magnets, the movable part side) magnet; 80: Locking component; As: Supply area; R: Transport path.

Claims

1. A bulk feeder, comprising: Feeder body; The track component is detachably mounted to the feeder body and has a supply area that opens upwards to supply elements in a pick-up manner. A cover plate is provided on the track component in an openable and closable manner, and blocks the opening of the supply area when closed; A movable component is provided on the feeder body in a manner that allows it to move along the opening and closing direction of the cover plate; and The connecting part, when the track component is positioned in a predetermined installation position relative to the feeder body, connects the cover plate and the movable component by attraction through a pair of magnets provided at their respective opposing positions on the cover plate and the movable component.

2. The bulk feeder according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting part has multiple sets of the pair of magnets. The adjacent pair of magnets are arranged such that the magnetic poles of the magnets respectively located on the cover plate are opposite.

3. The bulk feeder according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting portion includes two sets of the pair of magnets arranged in the width direction of the track component.

4. The bulk feeder according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting portion includes multiple sets of the pair of magnets arranged in a matrix in the width direction of the track component and the transport direction of the element.

5. The bulk feeder according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting portion has four sets of the pair of magnets arranged in a matrix.

6. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The bulk feeder also includes a support component, which is configured to vibrate relative to the feeder body. The track component is mounted on the feeder body via the support component.

7. The bulk feeder according to claim 6, wherein, The bulk feeder also features: A locking component secures the track component supported by the support component; and A vibration device applies vibration to the track component via the support member to transport a plurality of the components between the transport path communicating with the supply area and the supply area.

8. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The bulk feeder also includes a drive device that moves the movable part to open and close the cover plate connected to the movable part via the connecting part.

9. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The track component has multiple chambers in the supply area to house the element.

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