Feeder inspection device and feeder setting device

Abstract

A feeder inspection device is provided with: a support unit for supporting a tape feeder having a feeding mechanism for feeding a carrier tape containing components in a predetermined feeding direction so that the tape feeder can operate; a loading unit that loads an inspection tape, which is different from the carrier tape and is used for inspecting the feeding mechanism, in the feeding direction to the tape feeder supported by the support unit; and an inspection execution unit that causes the feeding mechanism to feed the inspection tape and executes inspection by the feeding mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a feeder inspection device for inspecting a belt feeder that supplies components by feeding a carrier belt, and a feeder installation device comprising the feeder inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] The technology of mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate processing on substrates with circuit patterns is becoming increasingly common. As a representative example of substrate processing machines, there are component mounting machines that perform component mounting operations. Many component mounting machines are equipped with belt feeders that supply components by feeding carrier tape. Belt feeders have movable parts such as a carrier tape feeding mechanism, and therefore their performance is prone to degradation due to long-term use. Therefore, in order to confirm and maintain the performance of the belt feeder, performance checks or maintenance are performed periodically or as needed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technical example related to the performance check of such a belt feeder.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a feeder maintenance device, which includes: a mounting section having a feed mechanism for a carrier belt and mounting a belt feeder for a component mounting machine; and a reference belt supply section having a delivery section for feeding a reference belt, used for confirming the operation of the feed mechanism, to the belt feeder mounted on the mounting section, a drive section for driving the delivery section, and a clutch section for cutting off the drive force of the drive section when a predetermined load is applied. Therefore, when a malfunction occurs during the delivery of the reference belt and a predetermined load is applied, the clutch section functions to prevent damage to the reference belt, thus suppressing a decrease in the operating rate of the device.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-49972 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in the technical example of Patent Document 1, the reference belt (inspection belt) is loaded into the belt feeder from the opposite direction, not from the feed direction of the carrier belt, which is preferable in terms of simplifying the loading operation. However, there are belt feeders that cannot load the reference belt from the opposite direction. Therefore, the technical example of Patent Document 1 limits the types of belt feeders that can be used.

[0007] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a feeder inspection device and a feeder installation device comprising the feeder inspection device, which are capable of reliably loading and inspecting belt feeders without being restricted in model and structure.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] This specification discloses a feeder inspection device comprising: a support for supporting a belt feeder to be operable, the belt feeder having a feeding mechanism for feeding a carrier belt containing components in a predetermined feeding direction; a filling unit for filling an inspection belt, which is different from the carrier belt and is used for inspection by the feeding mechanism, into the belt feeder supported on the support for inspection along the feeding direction; and an inspection execution unit for performing the inspection by feeding the feeding mechanism to feed the inspection belt.

[0010] Furthermore, this specification discloses a feeder mounting device comprising the aforementioned feeder inspection device. The belt feeder has a reel holding portion that holds a reel wound with the carrier belt so that it can rotate. The feeder inspection device includes a reel operating portion that mounts an inspection reel wound with the inspection belt to the reel holding portion of the belt feeder, which is supported by a support portion. The support portion is capable of supporting the belt feeder except for the object being inspected. The feeder setting device is designed for belt feeders other than those supported on the support portion. It performs setting operations such as the belt reel operating unit attaching the belt reel to the belt reel holding portion and the loading portion loading the carrier belt, and disassembly operations such as the belt reel operating unit removing the belt reel from the belt reel holding portion.

[0011] Furthermore, this specification discloses the technical concept of changing "the feeder inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3" to "the feeder inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in the initial claim 5, and the technical concept of changing "the feeder inspection device according to claim 5" to "the feeder inspection device according to claim 5 or 6" in the initial claim 7. Additionally, this specification discloses the technical concept of changing "the feeder setting device according to claim 8" to "the feeder setting device according to any one of claims 8 to 10" in the initial claim 11, the technical concept of changing "the feeder setting device according to claim 8" to "the feeder setting device according to any one of claims 8 to 11" in the initial claim 12, and the technical concept of changing "the feeder setting device according to claim 8" to "the feeder setting device according to any one of claims 8 to 12" in the initial claim 13.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] In the disclosed feeder inspection device and feeder setting device, the loading section loads the inspection belt along the original feed direction of the carrier belt, thus enabling reliable loading of the inspection belt regardless of the type or structure of the belt feeder. Therefore, the type and structure of the belt feeder that can be used are not restricted. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a side view schematically showing an example of the structure of a belt feeder that is the application object of the feeder inspection device and feeder setting device as an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view along the width of the carrier tape, representing a structural example of the carrier tape.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the condition of the carrier belt when the belt feeder supplies components.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the inspection belt used in the feeder inspection device.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing the overall structure of the feeder installation device equipped with a feeder inspection device.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a top view schematically showing the overall structure of the feeder device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view schematically showing the structure of the feeder inspection device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 1. Structural example of belt feeder 9

[0022] First, refer to Figures 1-3 A structural example of a belt feeder 9, which is the application object of the feeder inspection device 1 and feeder setting device 6 as described in the embodiment, will be explained. The belt feeder 9 feeds a carrier belt 9T containing components in a predetermined feed direction and supplies components at a predetermined supply position 916. Figure 1 The direction from left to right is the feeding direction of the carrier belt 9T, with the left side being the upstream side and the right side the downstream side. The belt feeder 9 has various components assembled in the feeder body 91, which includes side plates, and is relatively thin in the width direction. In addition to the feeder body 91, the belt feeder 9 also consists of a feeding mechanism 93, a belt stripping mechanism 94, a belt guide 95, and a feeder control unit 96.

[0023] The feeder body 91 includes: a disassembly / assembly rail 911, a tray holding part 912, an opening / closing plate 913, a transport path 915, and a locking mechanism 918. The disassembly / assembly rail 911 is located on the bottom surface of the feeder body 91 and is used to feed the component mounting machine 98 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 7The installation of the feeder 9 is described. From the upper to the lower side of the downstream end face of the feeder body 91, an upper positioning pin 921, a connector 922, and a lower positioning pin 923 are sequentially provided. The upper positioning pin 921 and the lower positioning pin 923 engage with positioning holes provided on the main body side of the component mounting machine 98 to position the tape feeder 9. When the tape feeder 9 is positioned, the connector 922 automatically engages with the receiving-side connector provided on the component mounting machine 98. Power is then supplied to the tape feeder 9, and the feeder control unit 96 establishes a communicative connection with the main body side of the component mounting machine 98.

[0024] The reel holding section 912 is composed of multiple frame members forming a large circular internal space approximately in the center of the feeder body 91. The reel holding section 912 holds the reel 9R within its internal space, allowing it to rotate. An opening / closing plate 913 is installed near the middle height of the reel holding section 912. The separation distance between the opening / closing plate 913 and the side plate of the feeder body 91 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the reel 9R. Supports 914 at the front and rear ends of the upper part of the opening / closing plate 913 are supported by the feeder body 91 in a swingable manner for opening and closing. Figure 1 As shown, the retaining reel 9R is prevented from detaching by closing the opening / closing plate 913 downwards. Conversely, the reel 9R can be replaced by opening the opening / closing plate 913 upwards. A carrier tape 9T containing multiple components is wound around the reel 9R.

[0025] The conveyor path 915 is essentially a passageway for feeding the carrier belt 9T in a predetermined feed direction. The conveyor path 915 can be formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape, for example, using a base plate, two side plates, and a top plate; alternatively, part of the cylindrical shape may be omitted. The conveyor path 915 starts near a position close to the belt reel 9R, extends diagonally upwards and downstream, then extends roughly horizontally downstream from the middle, ending at the upper part of the downstream end of the feeder body 91. A predetermined feed position 916 with an upward opening is provided near the end of the conveyor path 915.

[0026] A stripping mechanism 94 is provided upstream of the supply position 916 on the belt transport path 915. The belt transport path 915 guides the carrier belt 9T pulled from the reel 9R to the stripping mechanism 94, and at least guides the base belt 9U from the stripping mechanism 94 to the supply position 916. A belt guide 95 is disposed slightly upstream of the stripping mechanism 94. The belt guide 95 forms part of the belt transport path 915. The belt guide 95 applies downward force (not shown) to press the carrier belt 9T against the base plate of the belt transport path 915. As a result, the teeth of the sprocket 931 (described later) reliably engage with the feed hole 9X of the carrier belt 9T, and the relative height of the carrier belt 9T with respect to the stripping mechanism 94 becomes stable.

[0027] A locking mechanism 918 is located on the upper part of the upstream side of the feeder body 91. The locking mechanism 918 consists of a locking pin 91A, a locking operation component 91B, and a locking sensor 91C. The locking pin 91A is a cylindrical component held by the feeder body 91 to allow vertical movement. Normally, the locking pin 91A is pushed upwards by a force-applying spring (not shown in the accompanying drawings) to lock, restricting the disassembly operation of the belt feeder 9. The locking operation component 91B is a Y-shaped component with a central pivot point. When driven by automatic or manual oscillation, the locking operation component 91B drives the locking pin 91A downwards to release the lock, allowing the disassembly operation of the belt feeder 9. The locking sensor 91C detects the position of the locking pin 91A, i.e., whether it is in a locked state, and outputs this information to the feeder control unit 96.

[0028] The feeding mechanism 93 feeds the carrier belt 9T at regular intervals, sequentially supplying components at the supply position 916. The feeding mechanism 93 comprises a sprocket 931, a servo motor (not shown), and a gear mechanism. The sprocket 931 is positioned below the conveyor path 915 and approximately directly below the guide member 95, and is rotatably supported on the feeder body 91. The teeth of the sprocket 931 protrude from slots formed in the base plate of the conveyor path 915, engaging with the feed holes 9X of the carrier belt 9T. The sprocket 931 is driven to rotate by the servo motor via the gear mechanism, feeding the carrier belt 9T in the feeding direction. Furthermore, the sprocket 931 is reversed when the servo motor reverses, causing the carrier belt 9T to return in the opposite direction.

[0029] The feeder control unit 96 is located on the lower part of the upstream side of the feeder body 91, and its position is not limited. The feeder control unit 96 is communicatively connected to the control device on the main body side of the component mounting machine 98 via connector 922. The feeder control unit 96 controls the feeding mechanism 93 to perform component feeding operations according to the instructions from the control device. In addition, the feeder control unit 96 monitors the status of the locking mechanism 918.

[0030] Here, for reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the carrier belt 9T used in the belt feeder 9 will be explained. Figure 2 Equivalent to Figure 3 The sectional view along line II-II. The carrier tape 9T consists of a base tape 9U and a cover tape 9V. The base tape 9U is formed by creating multiple chambers 9W on a paper tape of approximately a certain thickness, and then attaching a thin film tape to the bottom surface. Additionally, on one side edge of the base tape 9U, near the center in the tape width direction, multiple rectangular chambers 9W are provided at equal intervals along the tape length direction. Each chamber 9W houses an element (painted black). On the other side edge of the base tape 9U, at equal intervals D1 (refer to...) along the tape length direction... Figure 3 It has multiple feed holes 9X.

[0031] A thin-film cover strip 9V is peelably bonded to the upper surface of the baseband 9U. Figure 3 In the diagram, the cover tape 9V is shown in shaded form with diagonal lines for easy observation. The cover tape 9V is formed using a transparent film so that the components inside the chamber 9W can be observed visually or with an optical camera. A first adhesive portion 9Y (painted in black) extending along the tape length direction is provided between the chamber 9W of the base tape 9U and one of its side edges. Furthermore, a second adhesive portion 9Z (painted in black) extending along the tape length direction is provided between the chamber 9W of the base tape 9U and the feed hole 9X. That is, the two adhesive portions (9Y, 9Z) are arranged across multiple chambers 9W. The two adhesive portions (9Y, 9Z) bond the cover tape 9V to the base tape 9U in a peelable manner. The tape width of the cover tape 9V is smaller than that of the base tape 9U, covering the chamber 9W but not the feed hole 9X.

[0032] In addition, there is an embossed carrier tape with a different construction than the paper carrier tape 9T described above, which is omitted from the illustration. The embossed carrier tape, like the carrier tape 9T, consists of a cover tape and a base tape. However, the base tape constituting the embossed carrier tape undergoes an expansion process at equal intervals along the length of the resin tape to form chambers. The embossed carrier tape is interchangeable with the paper carrier tape 9T in use.

[0033] The stripping mechanism 94 comprises a stripping blade (not shown) and a belt folding member, etc. The stripping blade extends in the width direction of the belt and is thinner in the vertical direction. When the carrier belt 9T is fed, the stripping blade enters between the base belt 9U and the cover belt 9V, stripping the adhesive portion 9Y of one side without stripping the adhesive portion 9Z of the other side. The belt folding member is located downstream of the stripping blade and folds the cover belt 9V, whose adhesive portion 9Y has been stripped, back onto the belt. Figure 3 The chamber 9W is opened by folding back as shown. This allows for component pickup at the supply position 916.

[0034] The carrier tape 9T, having passed through the supply position 916, is fed downstream while the cover tape 9V is bonded to the base tape 9U via the adhesive part 9Z on the other side. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the carrier tape 9T bends downward at approximately 90° at the downstream end of the tape transport path 915 and is discharged outwards, feeding into the component mounting machine 98. The component mounting machine 98 is equipped with a tape cutter and a return box (not shown). The tape cutter operates at a predetermined time to cut the carrier tape 9T. The cut carrier tape 9T falls towards the return box. Because the feed direction of the carrier tape 9T bends downwards from a horizontal downstream direction, it is difficult to load the inspection tape 9A (described later) into the tape transport path 915 from the opposite direction of the feed direction.

[0035] 2. Inspect using tape 9A

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 4The inspection belt 9A used in the inspection of the feeder inspection device 1 in the feed mechanism 93 will be described. The inspection belt 9A has the same width as the carrier belt 9T. Unlike the carrier belt 9T, the inspection belt 9A does not form a chamber 9W. The inspection belt 9A and the carrier belt 9T are provided with a plurality of feed holes 9X at equal intervals D1 along the belt length direction. Furthermore, the inspection belt 9A is provided with a plurality of position detection holes 9B at equal intervals along the belt length direction. Each of the plurality of position detection holes 9B is formed as a circular hole. The plurality of position detection holes 9B are arranged at a narrow interval D2 that is smaller than the interval D1 between the feed holes 9X.

[0037] Multiple position detection holes 9B are provided for the purpose of accurately detecting the position and feed amount of the inspection belt 9A during inspection by the feed mechanism 93. The shape of the position detection holes 9B can be changed to achieve this purpose, for example, it can be changed to a rectangular hole. Alternatively, the inspection belt 9A can be etched or printed with equally spaced graduations for photographing, instead of the position detection holes 9B. The thickness of the inspection belt 9A can also be different from that of the carrier belt 9T. The length of the inspection belt 9A does not need to be the same as that of the carrier belt 9T, as long as there is a slight margin expected in the length of the belt transport path 915.

[0038] The inspection tape 9A is preferably made of a metallic material. The type of metal used in the metallic inspection tape 9A is selected in a way that avoids excessive weight and rigidity, and its thickness is appropriately set to be smaller than that of the carrier tape 9T. For example, stainless steel can be used as the metallic material for forming the inspection tape 9A, but it is not limited to this. Compared to the carrier tape 9T, the metallic inspection tape 9A has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion and higher rigidity, resulting in less expansion and contraction under applied external force, thus contributing to improved feed rate detection accuracy. Furthermore, the metallic inspection tape 9A has excellent durability, making it suitable for repeated use.

[0039] Inspection tape 9A can be used alone or wound onto inspection tape reel 9C (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 6 The inspection reel 9C has the same external shape as the reel 9R on which the carrier tape 9T is wound. Preferably, the inspection reel 9C has an annular filler material around its central shaft, and the inspection reel 9C is wound around the filler material. This increases the diameter of the inspection tape 9A when it is wound and held, suppressing the formation of curl lines. Furthermore, by fixing its rear end to the inspection reel 9C, the processing operation of the inspection tape 9A is simplified.

[0040] 3. Overall structure of the feeder setting device 6 in the embodiment

[0041] The feeder inspection device 1 of the embodiment is assembled into the feeder setting device 6 of the embodiment. First, the overall structure of the feeder setting device 6 will be described. The feeder setting device 6 automatically performs the setting operation of mounting the reel 9R onto the belt feeder 9 and loading the carrier belt 9T, and the disassembly operation of removing the reel 9R from the belt feeder 9. A portion of the structure of the feeder setting device 6 utilizes the structural example disclosed by the applicant in International Publication No. 2023 / 286209. For example… Figure 5 and Figure 6 The front, back, left, and right positions of the feeder setting device 6 are determined as shown by the arrow in the upper left corner.

[0042] The feeder setting device 6 consists of a reel supply unit 61, a feeder supply unit 62, a reel disassembly and assembly unit 63, and a control unit 8 (see reference). Figure 7 The reel assembly / disassembly unit 63 is constructed by assembling various components inside a cuboid-shaped device housing 631. The reel supply unit 61 is disposed on the front side of the reel assembly / disassembly unit 63. The reel supply unit 61 is constructed using a box-shaped platform 611 smaller than the device housing 631. The feeder supply unit 62 is disposed on the left side of the reel assembly / disassembly unit 63. The feeder supply unit 62 is constructed using a device housing 621 smaller than the device housing 631.

[0043] The reel supply unit 61 includes a reel holder 612 that can be detachably mounted, and a reel transfer mechanism 613. The reel holder 612 is formed, for example, by a shaft member passing through the center holes of multiple (e.g., 20) reels 9R and a base plate on which the shaft member is vertically mounted. The reel holder 612 holds multiple reels 9R stacked in a horizontal position. The reel transfer mechanism 613 consists of a support column 614 and an arm 615 that can lift, move horizontally relative to the support column 614, and hold the reels 9R. The reel transfer mechanism 613 picks up the uppermost reel 9R held in the reel holder 612 and transfers it intact in a horizontal position to the mounting area 654 (described later) within the reel assembly / disassembly unit 63. The reel supply unit 61 is equipped with a barcode reader (not shown). The barcode reader reads the barcode affixed to each reel 9R to identify the individual reel 9R.

[0044] Similar to the reel 9R, the reel holder 612 is capable of holding the inspection reel 9C wound with the inspection tape 9A. The reel holder 612 is moved between the general reel storage room 618 or the preparation area and the stand 611 by a transport unit such as an automated guided vehicle 617 (see hollow arrow A1). Therefore, manual handling is not required, thus saving labor.

[0045] The universal storage unit 618 stores reels 9R and inspection reels 9C using a standardized storage process. This eliminates the need for a dedicated storage area and process for the inspection reels 9C, saving space and labor. Furthermore, the reel holder 612 holds multiple reels 9R and inspection reels 9C, thus improving handling efficiency compared to handling each reel 9R and inspection reel 9C individually.

[0046] The feeder supply unit 62 has a detachable feeder housing 622 and a feeder transport unit 623. The feeder supply unit 62 can accommodate two feeder housings 622 arranged side-by-side within the storage space inside the device housing 621. The feeder housing 622 is formed in a box shape with an opening to the front, accommodating multiple belt feeders 9 arranged in the left-right direction. Not limited to this, the feeder supply unit 62 may also directly accommodate multiple belt feeders 9 within the storage space of the device housing 621 without using the feeder housing 622. The feeder transport unit 623 travels along a guide rail 624 located at the lower front side of the device housing 621. The feeder transport unit 623 takes out and holds the belt feeder 9 stored in the device housing 621, moves to the reel disassembly and assembly unit 63, and moves the held belt feeder 9 into the feeder support area 64 (described later) in the reel disassembly and assembly unit 63.

[0047] The feeder housing 622 is transported between the component mounting machine 98 or preparation area and the device housing 621 by a transport unit such as an automated guided vehicle 627 (see hollow arrow A2). Therefore, manual handling is not required, thus saving labor. In addition, the feeder housing 622 houses multiple belt feeders 9, thereby improving transport efficiency compared to handling belt feeders 9 individually.

[0048] The reel mounting / unmounting unit 63 includes: a feeder support area 64, a reel mounting area 65, a loading area 66, and a reel dismounting area 67. The feeder support area 64 is located within the device housing 631 near the left front. In the feeder support area 64, the belt feeder 9, which is moved in by the feeder transport unit 623, is supported and can operate. Furthermore, the opening / closing plate 913 is opened upwards via the opening / closing operation unit (not shown). Thus, the belt feeder 9 is supported in a state where the reel 9R can be installed and removed (removal / unmounting operation).

[0049] A belt feeder 9, which is the object of inspection by the feeder inspection device 1, and another belt feeder 9, which is the object of disassembly / removal operations on the reel 9R, are fed into the feeder support area 64. A barcode reader (not shown) is provided in the feeder support area 64. The barcode reader reads the barcode affixed to each belt feeder 9 to identify the individual belt feeder 9. Based on the individual belt feeder 9, it is determined whether it is an object of inspection or an object of disassembly / removal operations. According to the determination result, one or more of the feeder inspection device 1, the reel mounting section 65, the loading section 66, and the reel disassembly section 67 are activated.

[0050] The reel mounting section 65 is located on the right side of the feeder support area 64. The reel mounting section 65 comprises a movable table 652 mounted on a pair of guide rails 651 and moving in the left-right direction, a mounting operation component 653 mounted on the movable table 652 and swinging to both upright and horizontal positions, capable of operating the reel 9R, a placement area 654, and a temporary placement area 655. The placement area 654 and the temporary placement area 655 are located between the pair of guide rails 651, with the placement area 654 on the right and the temporary placement area 655 on the left. When the movable table 652 is in the right-hand pick-up position, the mounting operation component 653, as shown by arrow SW1, swings from an upright position to a horizontal position around the fulcrum 656, picking up the reel 9R in its horizontal position from the placement area 654.

[0051] Then, the installation operation unit 653 returns to an upright position, changing the picked-up reel 9R to an upright position. Next, the moving table 652 moves to the left, and the installation operation unit 653 enters the feeder support area 64, placing the reel 9R into the reel holding section 912 of the belt feeder 9. The temporary placement area 655 is an area for temporarily placing delayed reels 9R when the order of placement of the reels 9R is changed. The reel mounting section 65 is a method of placing the reel 9R into the reel holding section 912 for belt feeders 9 other than those being inspected.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the filling section 66 is disposed in the feeder support area 64 (in Figure 5 (omitted). The loading unit 66 loads the front end of the carrier belt 9T, which extends slightly from the reel 9R mounted on the reel holding unit 912 of the belt feeder 9, into the belt transport path 915 along the feed direction. At this time, the teeth of the sprocket 931 engage with the feed hole 9X of the carrier belt 9T. Next, the feed mechanism 93 operates to feed the front end of the carrier belt 9T to the supply position 916. Thus, the belt feeder 9 is set to a state where it can perform component supply operations.

[0053] The loading unit 66 can be configured, for example, by combining a belt tip feeding mechanism and a moving mechanism. The belt tip feeding mechanism is configured to include a pair of feed rollers that rotate while clamping the tip of the carrier belt 9T, and a feed motor that drives the rotation of at least one of the feed rollers. The moving mechanism moves the belt feeding mechanism closer to the side of the belt feeder 9, clamping the tip of the carrier belt 9T between the pair of feed rollers. Alternatively, the loading unit 66 can also be configured to include fingers that clamp and operate the tip of the carrier belt 9T, and a multi-joint arm that moves the fingers in a three-dimensional direction. Furthermore, during the operation of the reel mounting unit 65 and the reel disassembly unit 67, the loading unit 66 retracts to a predetermined retraction position to avoid interference.

[0054] The reel removal unit 67 is located on the right side of the feeder support area 64, above the reel mounting unit 65. The reel removal unit 67 comprises a movable table 672 mounted on a guide rail 671 and moving in the front-to-back direction, a removal operation component 673 located on the movable table 672 and capable of operating the reel 9R, and a collection box 674. The removal operation component 673 moves up and down relative to the movable table 672, and swings about a pivot point 675 to either an upright or horizontal position. When the movable table 672 is in the forward removal position, the removal operation component 673 swings from the horizontal to the vertical position in the rising position, removing the reel 9R from the reel holding part 912 of the belt feeder 9.

[0055] Then, the disassembly operation unit 673 returns to a horizontal position, holding the disassembled reel 9R in a horizontal position. Next, the moving table 672 moves to directly above the rear collection box 674, thereby allowing the disassembly operation unit 673 to release the reel 9R and drop it into the collection box 674. Alternatively, the collection box 674 may be equipped with dividers or have multiple dividers to separate the remaining reels 9R of the carrying belt 9T from the empty reels 9R for recycling. The reel disassembly unit 67 is one type of reel operation unit that performs the disassembly operation of the reel 9R from the reel holding unit 912 for belt feeders 9 other than those being inspected.

[0056] 4. Feeder inspection device 1 of the embodiment

[0057] The feeder inspection device 1 of the embodiment performs a feed accuracy check on the feed amount when feeding the belt 9A, which represents the accuracy of the feed rate of the feed mechanism 93 of the belt feeder 9. This feed accuracy is approximately the same as the feed accuracy when the feed mechanism 93 feeds the carrier belt 9T. Figure 7 As shown, the feeder inspection device 1 is configured to include a support unit 71 and a camera 72 disposed in the feeder support area 64, as well as a control unit 8. The control unit 8 is a computer device, including an image processing unit 81 configured using software, a head adjustment unit 84, an information acquisition unit 86, and an inspection notification unit 87. Furthermore, the feeder inspection device 1 is configured to include the aforementioned loading unit 66 and reel unloading unit 67.

[0058] The support portion 71 comprises a support platform 711 and an abutment portion 715. The support platform 711 is a flat plate that is longer in the front-rear direction. The support platform 711 has a slot 712 extending in the front-rear direction. The abutment portion 715 is a longitudinally elongated portion that is upright and disposed at the rear end of the support platform 711. From the upper side to the lower side of the front surface of the abutment portion 715, an upper positioning hole, a receiving-side connector 716, and a lower positioning hole are provided sequentially.

[0059] The feeder transport unit 623 will hold the belt feeder 9 (in Figure 7 The tape feeder 9 (represented by a single-dotted line) is moved into the support 71. At this time, the lower mounting rail 911 of the tape feeder 9 engages with the slot 712 of the support 711 and moves backward. When the tape feeder 9 is fully moved in, the upper positioning pin 921 and the lower positioning pin 923 engage with the upper positioning hole and the lower positioning hole of the abutment part 715, and the tape feeder 9 is positioned. At the same time, the connector 922 automatically engages with the receiving side connector 716 of the abutment part 715. As a result, the tape feeder 9 is powered, and the feeder control unit 96 communicates with the control unit 8 (see reference 8). Figure 7 (The dashed arrow in the image). That is to say, the belt feeder 9 is supported by the support 71 so that it can operate. In addition, the support platform 711 may replace the slot 712 and have clamping guides that clamp and support the belt feeder 9 from both sides.

[0060] Camera 72 is mounted on top of support platform 711 via mounting accessories (not shown). Camera 72 is communicatively connected to control unit 8 and performs shooting actions according to shooting commands from control unit 8 (see reference). Figure 7 (The dashed arrow in the image). The optical axis of camera 72 extends downward, encompassing the supply position 916 of the belt feeder 9 supported on support platform 711 within the field of view. Camera 72 can be either a still image camera or a moving image camera. When the supported belt feeder 9 is the object of inspection, camera 72 captures an image of the position detection hole 9B of the inspection belt 9A fed to supply position 916 to obtain inspection image data. When the supported belt feeder 9 is the object of setting operation, camera 72 captures an image of the leading end of the carrier belt 9T fed by head adjustment unit 84 with supply position 916 as the target to obtain adjustment image data. Camera 72 transmits the acquired inspection image data and adjustment image data to image processing unit 81 of control unit 8.

[0061] The control unit 8 comprehensively controls the operation of the feeder setting device 6 and the feeder inspection device 1. The image processing unit 81 performs image processing on the inspection image data to determine the feed accuracy of the feed mechanism 93. As the image processing method of the image processing unit 81, various known methods that can accurately detect the position of the position detection hole 9B can be applied. In addition, the image processing unit 81 performs image processing on the adjustment image data to determine the position of the leading end of the carrier belt 9T, and delivers the image processing result to the head adjustment unit 84. The combination of the camera 72 and the image processing unit 81 is equivalent to a mode of inspection execution unit 82 that causes the feed mechanism 93 to feed the inspection belt 9A and performs the inspection of the feed mechanism 93.

[0062] The head-setting adjustment unit 84 operates with respect to the belt feeder 9, which is used for setting operations, and is not a component of the feeder inspection device 1. The head-setting adjustment unit 84 causes the feed mechanism 93 to feed the carrier belt 9T, aligning the leading edge of the carrier belt 9T with the supply position 916. Specifically, the head-setting adjustment unit 84 operates the feed mechanism 93 via the feeder control unit 96 to align the leading edge of the carrier belt 9T with the supply position 916. At this point, the leading edge of the carrier belt 9T may not be aligned with the supply position 916, potentially resulting in a positional error.

[0063] Therefore, the head adjustment unit 84 issues commands to acquire adjustment image data via the camera 72 and to perform image processing on the adjustment image data via the image processing unit 81. Next, the head adjustment unit 84 obtains the position error from the image processing result of the image processing unit 81. Then, the head adjustment unit 84 actuates the feed mechanism 93 to compensate for the position error, fine-tuning the position of the front end of the carrier tape 9T to align it with the supply position 916. As a result, the chamber 9W at the front end of the carrier tape 9T is accurately fed to the supply position 916, enabling a stable component supply operation.

[0064] The information acquisition unit 86 acquires operation history information WI, which represents the operation history of the belt feeder 9 equipped on the component mounting machine 98. The acquisition period can be either periodic or each time the belt feeder 9 is removed from the component mounting machine 98. The operation history information WI preferably includes the picking error rate of the component mounting parts provided by the component mounting machine 98, but the number of errors can also be used instead. The picking error rate is expressed as the ratio of the total number of operations in which the component mounting parts pick up components from the belt feeder 9, with the denominator being the number of errors in picking up components, to the number of errors in picking up components. Examples of component mounting parts include a suction nozzle that adsorbs components by negative pressure and a chuck that holds components.

[0065] In order to obtain operation history information WI, the information acquisition unit 86 is directly or indirectly connected to the component mounting machine 98. As an example of indirect communication connection, a communication connection via a line management device can be provided. The line management device is a device that manages the operation of the substrate production line including the component mounting machine 98, and is naturally connected to the component mounting machine 98.

[0066] Additionally, the information acquisition unit 86 acquires maintenance history information MI, which indicates the history of maintenance performed on the belt feeder 9. The acquisition period can be either periodic or each time the belt feeder 9 is removed from the component mounting machine 98. The maintenance history information MI includes information about the period in which the last maintenance was performed. The information acquisition unit 86 communicates with the feeder maintenance device 99 that performs the maintenance of the belt feeder 9 to acquire the maintenance history information MI. Not limited to this, the maintenance of the belt feeder 9 can also be performed by an operator, who can manually input the maintenance history information MI into the control unit 8.

[0067] The inspection notification unit 87 determines and notifies the execution period of an inspection for the feed mechanism 93 of the belt feeder 9 based on at least one of the operation history information WI and the maintenance history information MI. Specifically, the inspection notification unit 87 sets a predetermined second error rate lower than a first error rate, whereby the first error rate is equivalent to a predetermined pick-up error rate recommended for maintenance of the belt feeder 9. For example, if the recommended first error rate for maintenance is 0.1%, the inspection notification unit 87 sets the second error rate to 0.05%. Then, if the pick-up error rate obtained by the information acquisition unit 86 exceeds the second error rate, the inspection notification unit 87 determines that it is time to perform an inspection. In other words, the inspection notification unit 87 uses a second error rate (0.05%) lower than the normally recommended first error rate (0.1%) to determine slight signs of performance degradation of the belt feeder 9 and notifies the execution period of the inspection earlier.

[0068] Furthermore, the inspection notification unit 87 sets a predetermined second implementation cycle that is shorter than the first implementation cycle recommended for regular maintenance of the belt feeder 9. For example, if the first implementation cycle recommended for maintenance is one year, the inspection notification unit 87 sets a second implementation cycle of 6 months. Then, if the second implementation cycle has elapsed since the last implementation period obtained from the information acquisition unit 86, the inspection notification unit 87 determines that it is time to perform the inspection. In other words, the inspection notification unit 87 issues a notification to perform the inspection in a second implementation cycle (6 months), which is shorter than the normally recommended first implementation cycle (1 year) for maintenance.

[0069] According to the information acquisition unit 86 and the inspection notification unit 87, compared with conventional maintenance methods, the belt feeder 9 can be inspected more frequently, and the need for maintenance can be carefully determined based on the inspection results. Therefore, the performance of the belt feeder 9 can be maintained well and stably. As a result, the number of component installation errors can be reduced, and the number of discarded components due to errors can be decreased. In addition, the need for temporary shutdown of the component installation machine 98 or operator investigation when errors occur can be reduced, which helps to improve operating efficiency and save labor. On the other hand, since the feeder inspection device 1 performs inspections automatically, even if the inspection is frequent, the operator's burden will not be too great. In addition, the information acquisition unit 86 and the inspection notification unit 87 can be configured separately from the feeder inspection device 1, or they can be omitted.

[0070] The loading section 66 and the reel removal section 67 are components of the feeder setting device 6 and are used in the feeder inspection device 1. The reel removal section 67 includes a temporary storage section 677 for temporarily storing and inspecting the reel 9C. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the temporary storage section 677 is positioned near the center in the front-to-back direction, diagonally below and to the right of the guide rail 671. When the moving table 672 moves to near the center in the front-to-back direction, the disassembly operation member 673 lowers while maintaining a horizontal posture, thereby picking up the inspection reel 9C from the temporary storage section 677. Next, the disassembly operation member 673 moves in the opposite direction to the disassembly of the reel 9R, placing the inspection reel 9C onto the reel holding section 912 of the belt feeder 9, which is supported by the support section 71.

[0071] Then, similar to the loading of the carrier belt 9T, the loading section 66 loads the front end of the inspection belt 9A, which extends slightly from the inspection reel 9C, into the belt transport path 915 along the feed direction. At this time, the teeth of the sprocket 931 engage with the feed hole 9X of the inspection belt 9A. Thus, preparation for inspection is completed. After the inspection is completed, the disassembly operation component 673 removes the inspection reel 9C from the reel holding section 912 and returns it to the temporary storage section 677.

[0072] The temporary storage unit 677 temporarily stores the inspection reel 9C during the period when the feeder inspection device 1 is not inspecting it. In other words, the temporary storage unit 677 temporarily stores the inspection reel 9C during the time when the reel mounting unit 65 and the loading unit 66 are performing setup operations, and during the time when the reel disassembly unit 67 is performing disassembly operations. As a result, compared to the method of moving the inspection reel 9C to the reel general storage warehouse 618 for storage, the movement of the inspection reel 9C is completed in a short time, thus shortening the time required for inspection.

[0073] The feeder inspection device 1 performs inspections on the feeding mechanism 93 of the belt feeder 9 (excluding the object to be inspected) during periods other than when the feeder setting device 6 performs setting and disassembly operations. In other words, the feeder inspection device 1 prioritizes setting and disassembly operations that affect the operating rate of the component mounting machine 98, effectively utilizing idle time periods to perform inspections on the belt feeder 9. This helps to prevent a decrease in the operating rate of the component mounting machine 98.

[0074] Furthermore, by integrating the feeder setting device 6 and the feeder inspection device 1 into a single unit, the cost of the device can be significantly reduced. Specifically, the material costs can be reduced by making the loading unit 66, the reel unloading unit 67, the support unit 71, and the camera 72 interchangeable. In addition, the control unit 8 can be made interchangeable, reducing software development costs.

[0075] 5. Operation of feeder inspection device 1 and feeder setting device 6

[0076] Next, the operation of the feeder inspection device 1 and the feeder setting device 6 will be explained according to the various forms of the belt feeder 9. The belt feeder 9 supported by the support part 71 has the following three forms.

[0077] (1) Belt feeders 9R that are not installed except for the objects being inspected.

[0078] (2) A belt feeder 9R with a reel is installed in addition to the object being inspected.

[0079] (3) The belt feeder 9R that is the object of inspection and is not installed with a reel 9R.

[0080] The control unit 8 operates the reel mounting unit 65 and the filling unit 66 to perform a setting operation for the belt feeder 9 of (1). Additionally, the control unit 8 operates the reel disassembly unit 67 to perform a disassembly operation for the belt feeder 9 of (2). Then, the control unit 8 can also operate the reel mounting unit 65 and the filling unit 66 to perform a setting operation.

[0081] The control unit 8, targeting the belt feeder 9 of (3), activates the feeder inspection device 1 to perform a feed accuracy check. Specifically, firstly, the reel disassembly unit 67 retrieves the inspection reel 9C from the temporary storage unit 677 and places it in the reel holding unit 912 of the belt feeder 9. Next, the loading unit 66 loads the front end of the inspection belt 9A into the belt transport path 915, completing the preparation for inspection.

[0082] Next, the camera 72 of the inspection execution unit 82 takes an image, and the image processing unit 81 performs image processing to determine the position of the inspection tape 9A before the feed operation. Then, the inspection execution unit 82 causes the feed mechanism 93 to feed the inspection tape 9A by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is, for example, a spacing distance D1 or an integer multiple of the spacing distance D1. Furthermore, the camera 72 takes another image, and the image processing unit 81 performs another image processing to determine the position of the inspection tape 9A after the feed operation.

[0083] Next, the inspection execution unit 82 calculates the actual feed amount of the inspection tape 9A based on its position before and after the feed operation. Finally, the inspection execution unit 82 compares the predetermined amount with the actual feed amount to determine whether the feed accuracy is good or not. The inspection execution unit 82 can also notify the operator of the inspection result. After the inspection is completed, the disassembly operation unit 673 removes the inspection tape 9C from the tape holder 912 and returns it to the temporary storage unit 677.

[0084] Additionally, the feeder inspection device 1 can also operate before the setting operation targeting the belt feeder 9 in (1) to perform a feed accuracy check. In this case, if the inspection result is good, the setting operation proceeds. Alternatively, if the inspection result is bad, the setting operation is retained, and the operator is notified of this. Furthermore, the feeder inspection device 1 can also operate after the disassembly operation targeting the belt feeder 9 in (2) to perform a feed accuracy check.

[0085] In the feeder inspection device 1 and feeder setting device 6 of the embodiment, the loading section 66 loads the inspection belt 9A along the original feed direction of the carrier belt 9T, so the inspection belt 9A can be reliably loaded regardless of the type or structure of the belt feeder 9. As a result, the type and structure of the belt feeder 9 that can be used are not restricted.

[0086] 6. Application and variations of the implementation methods

[0087] Alternatively, the feeder inspection device 1 can use only the inspection belt 9A instead of the inspection reel 9C. For example, it can be configured such that a part temporarily storing the separate inspection belt 9A is located near the feeder support area 64, and the loading and unloading operations of the inspection belt 9A are performed by the loading unit 66. In addition to the feed accuracy of the feed mechanism 93, or alternatively, the feeder inspection device 1 can also perform other performance checks related to the feed mechanism 93. Examples of other performance checks include measuring the required operating force of the feed mechanism 93 and measuring the current of the servo motor that drives the rotation of the sprocket 931. Furthermore, the specific structure of the loading unit 66 can be appropriately modified according to various configurations of various belt feeders 9.

[0088] Furthermore, the feeder inspection device 1 is assembled into the feeder setting device 6, but it can also be configured in other ways. For example, the feeder inspection device 1 can be a standalone unit, configured such that the operator moves the belt feeder 9 into the support 71. Alternatively, the feeder inspection device 1 can be assembled into the feeder maintenance device 99, performing inspections before or after maintenance of the belt feeder 9. Additionally, in the feeder setting device 6, a temporary storage area 655 can be used in the temporary storage section for the inspection reel 9C, allowing the reel mounting section 65 to assemble and disassemble the inspection reel 9C. Besides these, various applications and modifications are possible with this embodiment.

[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0090] 1: Feeder inspection device; 6: Feeder setting device; 61: Reel supply unit; 618: Reel general storage unit; 62: Feeder supply unit; 63: Reel disassembly and assembly unit; 64: Feeder support area; 65: Reel installation unit; 66: Filling unit; 67: Reel disassembly unit; 677: Temporary storage unit; 71: Support unit; 72: Camera; 8: Control unit; 81: Image processing unit; 82: Inspection execution unit; 84: 86: Head adjustment unit; 87: Information acquisition unit; 9: Inspection notification unit; 9: Belt feeder; 93: Feed mechanism; 931: Sprocket; 98: Component mounting machine; 9A: Inspection belt; 9B: Position detection hole; 9C: Inspection reel; 9R: Reel; 9T: Carrier belt; 9W: Chamber; 9X: Feed hole; D1: Pitch distance; D2: Narrow pitch distance; WI: Operation history information; MI: Maintenance history information.

Claims

1. A feeder inspection device, comprising: The support section supports the belt feeder so that it can operate, the belt feeder having a feeding mechanism for feeding a carrier belt containing elements in a predetermined feeding direction. A loading section loads an inspection belt, which is different from the carrier belt and is used for inspection of the feeding mechanism, into the belt feeder supported on the support section along the feeding direction; and The inspection execution unit causes the feed mechanism to feed the inspection belt and performs the inspection by the feed mechanism.

2. The feeder inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The inspection execution unit performs an inspection of the feed accuracy, which indicates the accuracy of the feed amount when the feed mechanism feeds the inspection belt.

3. The feeder inspection device according to claim 2, wherein, The carrier belt has multiple chambers along its length that respectively house the components and multiple feed holes into which the teeth of the sprocket constituting the feeding mechanism respectively engage. The inspection belt is provided with multiple feed holes along its length for the teeth of the sprocket to respectively engage, and multiple position detection holes indicating a narrow spacing distance smaller than the spacing between the multiple feed holes. The inspection execution unit includes: a camera for capturing image data of the position detection hole of the inspection belt; and an image processing unit for performing image processing on the image data to determine the feed accuracy of the feed mechanism.

4. The feeder inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The belt feeder has a reel holding section that holds the reel on which the carrier belt is wound so that it can rotate. The feeder inspection device includes a reel operating section, wherein an inspection reel wound with the inspection belt is mounted on the reel holding section of the belt feeder supported on the support section.

5. The feeder inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The feeder inspection device includes: The information acquisition unit periodically, or whenever the belt feeder is removed from the component mounting machine, acquires at least one of the following: operation history information indicating the operation history of the belt feeder equipped on the component mounting machine, and maintenance history information indicating the maintenance history performed on the belt feeder; and The inspection notification department determines and notifies the execution period of the inspection of the feed mechanism of the belt feeder based on at least one of the operation history information and the maintenance history information.

6. The feeder inspection device according to claim 5, wherein, The operation history information includes a pick-up error rate, which is the rate at which the component mounter fails to pick up the component from the belt feeder and mounts it onto the substrate. The inspection notification unit sets a predetermined second error rate that is lower than the first error rate. If the pickup error rate obtained by the information acquisition unit exceeds the second error rate, it is determined that it is the execution period. The first error rate is equivalent to the predetermined pickup error rate for recommending the maintenance to be performed on the belt feeder.

7. The feeder inspection device according to claim 5, wherein, The maintenance history information includes the period in which the last maintenance was performed. The inspection notification unit sets a predetermined second implementation period shorter than the predetermined first implementation period. If the second implementation period has elapsed since the last implementation period obtained by the information acquisition unit, it is determined to be the execution period. The first implementation period is the period during which the regular maintenance of the belt feeder is recommended.

8. A feeder setting device, Equipped with the feeder inspection device as described in claim 4, The support section is capable of supporting the belt feeder except for the object being inspected. The feeder setting device targets belt feeders other than those supported on the support section, and performs setting operations such as the belt reel operating section mounting the belt reel to the belt reel holding section and the loading section loading the carrier belt, and disassembling operations such as the belt reel operating section removing the belt reel from the belt reel holding section.

9. The feeder setting device according to claim 8, wherein, The feeder setting device includes a head-setting adjustment section, which, during the setting operation, causes the feeding mechanism to feed the carrier belt so that the front end of the carrier belt is aligned with a predetermined supply position for supplying the component.

10. The feeder setting device according to claim 9, wherein, The carrier belt has multiple chambers along its length that respectively house the components and multiple feed holes into which the teeth of the sprocket constituting the feeding mechanism respectively engage. The inspection belt is provided with multiple feed holes along its length for the teeth of the sprocket to respectively engage, and multiple position detection holes indicating a narrow spacing distance smaller than the spacing between the multiple feed holes. The inspection execution unit has: The camera captures image data for inspection by photographing the position detection hole of the inspection belt loaded into the belt feeder to be inspected, and captures image data for adjustment by photographing the front end of the carrier belt fed by the head adjustment unit with the supply position as the target. and The image processing unit performs image processing on the inspection image data to determine the feed accuracy, which represents the accuracy of the feed amount when the feed mechanism feeds the inspection belt. It then delivers the image processing result, which determines the position of the front end of the carrier belt by processing the adjustment image data, to the head adjustment unit. The head adjustment unit fine-tunes the position of the front end of the carrier tape based on the image processing results.

11. The feeder setting device according to claim 8, wherein, During the time period other than the setting and disassembly operations of the belt feeder (excluding the inspection target), an inspection of the feeding mechanism of the belt feeder, which is the inspection target, is performed.

12. The feeder setting device according to claim 8, wherein, The feeder setting device includes a temporary storage section, which temporarily stores the inspection reel during the time period when the setting operation and the disassembly operation are performed in the reel operation section and the filling section.

13. The feeder setting device according to claim 8, wherein, The feeder device includes a universal storage warehouse for storing the reels and the inspection reels through a common storage process.

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