Feeder cleaning device and feeder processing machine

Abstract

The feeder cleaning device includes: a base for mounting a belt feeder that can be detachably installed on a component mounting machine; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning a predetermined cleaning target area of ​​the mounted belt feeder; and a status confirmation unit for confirming the status of foreign objects in the cleaning target area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a feeder cleaning device for cleaning a belt feeder that is detachably mounted on a component mounting machine, and a feeder processing machine comprising the feeder cleaning 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 a carrier tape containing the components along a tape transport path. When foreign matter is mixed into the tape transport path, the belt feeder sometimes cannot feed the carrier tape smoothly, resulting in reduced operational stability. Therefore, operators must check for foreign matter and remove it through cleaning when loading the carrier tape into the tape transport path. Patent Document 1 discloses a technical example related to cleaning such a belt feeder.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cover tape removal device comprising: a feeder configuration section for configuring a parts feeder; a reel configuration section for configuring a reel wound with cover tape; a tape suction device for suctioning the cover tape from the reel configured in the reel configuration section; a brushing device for brushing the parts feeder configured in the feeder configuration section; and a debris suction device for suctioning debris separated from the parts feeder by brushing. This allows for quick and easy removal of the cover tape from the reel, and also removes debris (paper deposits and statically charged deposits) adhering to the parts feeder, thus suppressing malfunctions.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-242640 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the technical example in Patent Document 1 is preferred in that it can automatically remove debris (foreign matter) by brushing (sweeping) the parts feeder (belt feeder). However, the condition of the debris adhering to the parts feeder is unclear before and after brushing, making it difficult to perform proper brushing. For example, it is possible to stop brushing while debris is still attached, continue brushing after the debris has been removed, or perform meaningless brushing on areas without debris from the beginning.

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a feeder cleaning device that can identify the condition of foreign objects in the cleaning target area of ​​a belt feeder and make the cleaning appropriate, and a feeder processing machine comprising the feeder cleaning device.

[0010] Means for solving technical problems

[0011] This specification discloses a feeder cleaning device comprising: a base on which a belt feeder is mounted and detachably installed on a component mounting machine; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning a predetermined cleaning target area of ​​the mounted belt feeder; and a status confirmation unit for confirming the status of foreign objects in the cleaning target area.

[0012] Additionally, this specification discloses a feeder processing machine comprising: the feeder cleaning device; and a belt filling device having a filling mechanism for filling a carrier belt containing elements into the belt feeder.

[0013] Furthermore, this specification discloses the following technical ideas: in original claim 3, changing "the feeder cleaning device according to claim 1" to "the feeder cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2"; in original claim 4, changing "the feeder cleaning device according to claim 1" to "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3"; in original claim 6, changing "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" to "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5"; in original claim 8, changing "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" to "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7"; in original claim 11, changing "the feeder cleaning device according to claim 5" to "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 5 to 10"; and in original claim 13, changing "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" to "the feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12".

[0014] Furthermore, this specification discloses the technical concept of changing "the feeder processing machine according to claim 14 or 15" to "the feeder processing machine according to any one of claims 14 to 16" in the original claim 17, and the technical concept of changing "the feeder processing machine according to claim 14 or 15" to "the feeder processing machine according to any one of claims 14 to 17" in the original claim 18.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] In the disclosed feeder cleaning device and feeder processing machine, the condition assessment unit assesses the condition of foreign objects in the cleaning target area of ​​the belt feeder installed on the pedestal, thus enabling appropriate cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of a feeder processing machine configured including the feeder cleaning device of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of the feeder processing machine.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the feeder cleaning device, the belt filling device, and the belt feeder.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning mechanism, status verification unit and moving mechanism that constitute the feeder cleaning device.

[0021] Figure 5 It is an enlarged 3D view of the cleaning mechanism, showing the position of the brush as it descends.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram representing the control structure of the feeder processor.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of a feeder processing machine that handles the feeder after it has finished using the belt feeder (carrier belt fully loaded) in a component mounting machine.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of a feeder processing machine that is designed for use in a component mounting machine with a predetermined belt feeder (without carrier belt). Detailed Implementation

[0025] 1. Overall structure of the feeder processing machine 6

[0026] The feeder cleaning device 1 of the embodiment is assembled into the feeder processing machine 6. First, refer to... Figures 1-3 The overall structure of the feeder processing machine 6 will be described. The feeder processing machine 6 performs predetermined processing on belt feeders 9 that have finished their use in the component mounting machine and on belt feeders 9 that are intended to be used in the component mounting machine. Specifically, the belt feeder 9 is a device that uses a carrier belt to supply components, such as... Figure 3As shown, the reel 9R with the carrier belt wound on it is kept in a rotatable position. The feeder processor 6 removes the carrier belt and reel 9R from the belt feeder 9 after use. Furthermore, the feeder processor 6 performs the following processes: installs the reel 9R on the intended belt feeder 9, extracts the carrier belt from the reel 9R, and loads it into the belt transport path. Additionally, the feeder processor 6 cleans the belt feeder 9, now without the carrier belt, to remove foreign matter.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown by the upper left arrow, the front, back, left, and right positions of the feeder processor 6 are determined. The feeder processor 6 includes a feeder cleaning device 1, a tray disassembly and assembly device 7, a tray filling device 8, and a control device 69 (see reference). Figure 6 The feeder processing machine 6 is configured with various components arranged inside and outside a cuboid-shaped main housing 631. Specifically, a reel supply section 61 is arranged on the front side of the main housing 631. The reel supply section 61 is constructed using a box-shaped mounting platform 611 that is smaller than the main housing 631. A feeder supply section 62 is arranged on the left side of the main housing 631. The feeder supply section 62 is constructed using a sub-housing 621 that is smaller than the main housing 631.

[0028] The reel supply unit 61 includes a detachable reel holder 612 and a reel transfer mechanism 613. The reel holder 612 is formed by a shaft component passing through the center holes of multiple (e.g., 20) reels 9R and a base plate on which the shaft component is vertically mounted. The reel holder 612 holds multiple reels 9R stacked in a horizontal position. A label 616 with a printed barcode or QR code is affixed to the reel holder 612. This label 616 is read by a barcode reader connected to a control device 69. Thus, the control device 69 obtains various information related to the held reels 9R, such as individual identification information and component type information, and reflects this information in the control system. The reel holder 612 is moved from a warehouse or preparation area to the loading platform 611, for example, by an automated guided vehicle.

[0029] The reel transfer mechanism 613 consists of a support column 614 and an arm 615 that can be raised, lowered, and rotated horizontally relative to the support column 614. The arm 615 uses a negative pressure suction mechanism to hold the reel 9R, or uses a chuck to hold the reel 9R. The reel transfer mechanism 613 picks up the reel 9R held at the top of the reel holder 612 and transfers it directly to the placement area 654 (described later) within the main housing 631 in a horizontal position.

[0030] 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 sub-housing 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 a left-right direction. The feeder housing 622 is, for example, moved from the component mounting machine or preparation area into the storage space of the sub-housing housing 621 by an automated guided vehicle. However, this is not a limitation; the feeder supply unit 62 may also directly accommodate multiple belt feeders 9 within the storage space of the sub-housing housing 621 without using the feeder housing 622.

[0031] The feeder transport unit 623 travels in the left-right direction along the guide rail 624 provided on the lower front side of the sub-housing 621. The feeder transport unit 623 is formed in a box shape that can hold the belt feeder 9 inside. The feeder transport unit 623 takes out and holds the belt feeder 9 housed in the sub-housing 621, and then moves the belt feeder 9 into the interior of the main housing 631. Then, the feeder transport unit 623 places the held belt feeder 9 on the platform 2. In addition, the feeder transport unit 623 can perform reverse transport, that is, it can remove the belt feeder 9 from the platform 2 and move it out of the main housing 631 to the sub-housing 621.

[0032] The main housing 631 contains a feeder cleaning device 1, a reel disassembly and assembly device 7, and a reel filling device 8. The feeder cleaning device 1 and the reel filling device 8 are as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in Figure 2 The diagram is omitted. The feeder cleaning device 1, the belt removal device 7, and the belt filling device 8 share a common base 2, and operate on the belt feeder 9 installed on the base 2.

[0033] The stand 2 is equipped with a belt feeder 9, which is used before or after the component mounting machine is put into operation. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the base 2 comprises a base plate 21, a side plate 22, and a receiving-side connector 23. The base plate 21 is formed into a rectangular plate that is longer in the front-to-back direction. A groove extending in the front-to-back direction is provided on the upper surface of the base plate 21. The approximately rectangular side plate 22 is erected on the left edge of the base plate 21. The receiving-side connector 23 is located on the upper part of the rear of the side plate 22. The receiving-side connector 23 is connected to a power supply device and a control device 69 (not shown).

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, the belt feeder 9 is extended in the front-to-back and vertical directions and formed to be relatively thin in the left-to-right direction. The belt feeder 9 is constructed by assembling various components into a feeder body 91 that has a formed shape. A protrusion extending in the front-to-back direction is provided on the lower surface of the feeder body 91. An electrical connector 92 is provided on the upper part of the rear surface of the feeder body 91. The belt feeder 9 is mounted on the base 2 by engaging the protrusion on the lower surface of the feeder body 91 into the slot of the base plate 21 of the base 2. At this time, the electrical connector 92 automatically engages with the receiving side connector 23 of the base 2. As a result, the belt feeder 9 is supplied with power and communicates with the control device 69, enabling control from the control device 69. In addition, the side plate 22 can contact the surface of the nearest positioned belt feeder 9, stabilizing the mounting posture of the belt feeder 9.

[0035] A tape retaining part 93 is provided approximately at the center of the feeder body 91 to hold the tape reel 9R so that it can rotate. The tape retaining part 93 is equipped with an opening / closing plate 94. The lower edge of the opening / closing plate 94 is supported on the feeder body 91 and can rotate around the lower edge. Figure 3 The opening action is performed on the side facing the paper. The opening and closing plate 94 allows for the installation and removal of the reel 9R by opening, and prevents the installed reel 9R from detaching by closing.

[0036] A carrier tape is wound on a reel 9R. The carrier tape consists of a base tape with a cavity for housing elements and a cover tape that is bonded to the base tape by two adhesive portions and covers the cavity. A belt feeder 9 feeds the carrier tape along a belt transport path (not shown) via a belt feeding mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the belt feeder 9 peels the cover tape from the base tape via a belt peeling mechanism (not shown) and supplies the elements at a predetermined position.

[0037] In the peeling methods of the belt feeder 9 for peeling the cover tape, there are two types: a semi-peeling method that peels only one adhesive portion and a full-peeling method that peels both adhesive portions. Comparing the two types of belt feeders 9, besides the difference in the peeling portion, the shape of the belt transport path for the feed carrier belt also differs. The platform 2 is configured to accommodate both the semi-peeling and full-peeling belt feeders 9. The feeder processing unit 6 is configured to handle both types of belt feeders 9 by changing some components and selecting the control program.

[0038] The removable and disassembly device 7 consists of an opening and closing operation unit 64 (see reference). Figure 6The system comprises a reel mounting section 65 and a reel removal section 67. An opening / closing operation section 64 operates the opening and closing of the opening / closing plate 94 of the belt feeder 9 mounted on the platform 2. The reel mounting section 65 is located on the right side of the platform 2. The reel mounting section 65 consists of a movable platform 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 platform 652 and swinging in both upright and horizontal positions to operate 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.

[0039] When the mobile station 652 is in the right-hand pickup position, the operating component 653 is installed as follows: Figure 2 As shown by arrow SW1, the device swings from an upright position to a horizontal position around fulcrum 656, picking up the horizontally tilted reel 9R from the placement area 654. Then, the installation operation unit 653 returns the reel 9R, which was picked up while returning to an upright position, to an upright position. Next, the moving table 652 moves towards the left-hand platform 2, thereby allowing the installation operation unit 653 to install the reel 9R onto the reel holding part 93 of the belt feeder 9. The temporary placement area 655 is the area where the next reel 9R is temporarily placed when the order of the installed reels 9R is changed.

[0040] The reel removal part 67 is located on the right side of the base 2 and extends in the front-to-back direction, positioned above the reel mounting part 65. The reel removal part 67 consists of a movable platform 672 mounted on a guide rail 671 and moving in the front-to-back direction, a removal operation component 673 mounted on the movable platform 672 and swinging in both upright and horizontal positions to operate the reel 9R, and a collection box 674. When the movable platform 672 is in the forward removal position, the removal operation component 673... Figure 2 As shown by arrow SW2, the belt reel 9R swings from a horizontal to a vertical position with fulcrum 675 as the center, and is removed from the reel holding part 93 of the belt feeder 9.

[0041] Afterwards, the operating component 673 is removed, returning the reel 9R to a horizontal position and holding it in a horizontal position. Next, the moving table 672 moves to directly above the rear collection box 674, thereby allowing the operating component 673 to release the reel 9R and cause it to fall into the collection box 674. It should be noted that the collection box 674 may also be equipped with separators or multiple separators to separate and collect reels 9R with residual carrier tape and empty reels 9R.

[0042] 2. Equipped with a loading device 8 and a control device 69

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the feeder cleaning device 1 and the filling device 8 are arranged from above the platform 2 inside the main housing 631 to the rear. The feeder cleaning device 1 and the filling device 8 share the platform 2 as described above, and also share the moving mechanism 5. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the moving mechanism 5 consists of a moving track 51, a moving plate 52, a motor 53, a moving belt 54, and a locking component 55. The moving track 51 is horizontally arranged on the inner wall of the left side of the main housing 631 and extends in the front-rear direction. The moving plate 52 is a flat plate-shaped component that is longer in the front-rear direction and is mounted on the moving track 51 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction.

[0044] Motor 53 is positioned near the rear end of the moving track 51 on the inner wall of the left side of the main housing 631. Motor 53 can switch between forward and reverse rotation, and can control the amount and speed of rotation. Motor 53 may be a servo motor or a stepper motor. Moving belt 54 engages with the output shaft of the reduction mechanism via motor 53. Moving belt 54 is an endless loop, extended in the front-to-back direction and supported for rotation. The lower end of a locking member 55, extended in the vertical direction, is fixed to a portion of moving belt 54. The upper part of locking member 55 is engaged with moving plate 52.

[0045] Additionally, a flexible conduit 56 extending laterally in a U-shape is provided at a position lower than the moving belt 54. The flexible conduit 56 is easily deformable as it moves in the front-to-back direction with the moving plate 52. Power cables and control cables pass through the interior of the flexible conduit 56. The power cables and control cables are connected to electrical mounting components disposed on the moving plate 52 for power supply and control. Examples of electrical mounting components include, for instance, the motor 53 described above, the camera 82 and laser displacement meter 83 of the loading mechanism 81 (described later), and the cleaning mechanism 3 (described later).

[0046] According to the above structure, the motor 53 rotates, the moving belt 54 rotates, and the locking member 55 and the moving plate 52 move together in the front-to-back direction. A cleaning mechanism 3 of the feeder cleaning device 1 is provided at the front position of the moving plate 52. Furthermore, a filling mechanism 81 with a filling device 8 is provided at the rear position of the moving plate 52.

[0047] The filling mechanism 81 performs a filling operation by pulling the carrier belt from the reel 9R of the reel holding section 93 and filling it into the belt transport path of the belt feeder 9. On the other hand, the removal operation of the carrier belt from the belt transport path is performed by the belt feeder 9 itself. However, the filling mechanism 81 can also share part of the removal operation. For example, the filling mechanism 81 can perform an operation in which the front end of the carrier belt returning from the belt transport path remains on the side of the reel 9R.

[0048] The loading mechanism 81 includes a camera 82 and a laser displacement meter 83. The camera 82 and the laser displacement meter 83 are used for at least one of the following: confirming the leading edge of the carrier belt, confirming the components housed in the carrier belt, and confirming the condition of the belt conveyor path; they can also be used for other purposes. Other components of the loading mechanism 81 are not closely related to the feeder cleaning device 1, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0049] Camera 82, for example, is an optical camera that digitally acquires color or black-and-white still images. Camera 82 sends the image data acquired through the shooting action to control device 69. Laser displacement meter 83 is a type of height measuring device that measures the height of an object in a non-contact manner. Laser displacement meter 83 projects a laser beam at an angle toward the object below, and detects the height of the object based on the position of the reflected laser beam. Laser displacement meter 83 sends the detected height data to control device 69.

[0050] The control device 69 is a computer device, and its location is not limited. The control device 69 controls the overall operation of the feeder processor 6. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, the control device 69 controls the operation of the reel supply unit 61 and the feeder supply unit 62. Additionally, the control device 69 controls the operation of the opening / closing operation unit 64, the reel mounting unit 65, and the reel removal unit 67 of the reel mounting / unmounting device 7. Furthermore, the control device 69 controls the operation of the belt feeder 9 mounted on the platform 2 via the receiving-side connector 23 of the platform 2. Regarding the control of the belt loading device 8, the control device 69 controls the operation of the loading mechanism 81 by controlling the motor 53 of the moving mechanism 5 while referring to the shooting data of the camera 82 and the height data of the laser displacement meter 83.

[0051] 3. Structure of the feeder cleaning device 1 in the embodiment

[0052] The feeder cleaning device 1 of the embodiment automatically cleans the belt feeder 9 to remove foreign objects. The feeder cleaning device 1 operates at least once, before the loading operation of the belt loading device 8 loading the carrier belt into the belt feeder 9 begins and after the removal operation of the carrier belt from the belt feeder 9 ends. By performing appropriate cleaning, the operational stability of the component supply from the belt feeder 9 can be maintained to a higher degree. Specific examples of foreign objects include paper fibers constituting the carrier belt, fragments of broken resin, adhesive residue peeled from the adhesive portion of the adhesive cover, and components that have fallen after being picked up from the cavity. The feeder cleaning device 1 consists of the aforementioned base 2, cleaning mechanism 3, condition monitoring unit 4, and moving mechanism 5.

[0053] The cleaning mechanism 3 cleans the predetermined cleaning target area RC of the belt feeder 9 mounted on the base 2. The predetermined cleaning target area RC can be... Figure 3The entire length of the upper surface of the belt feeder 9 shown can also be a portion of the upper surface where foreign objects may intrude into the belt conveyor path. Furthermore, the cleaning target area RC can be set differently depending on the stripping method of the belt feeder 9 and the specific machine model. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 3 has a blowing section 31, a brush 32 and a suction section 33 arranged in the front-back direction of the moving plate 52.

[0054] The blowing unit 31 blows air into the area RC to be cleaned, thus blowing away foreign objects. The blowing unit 31 consists of a flexible air pipe 311 and a blowing component 312 made of metal or hard resin. The air pipe 311 is connected to an air supply source (not shown) and supplies air to the blowing component 312. The blowing component 312 is arranged at an angle and has an opening 313 that opens downwards and blows air out. The opening 313 faces rearwards and blows air towards the vicinity of the lower end of the brush 32. The blowing unit 31 can also have a shape other than that described above; for example, a fine nozzle can be used. The blowing unit 31 is switched on and off by controlling the air supply source or by operating an on / off valve (not shown).

[0055] Brush 32 removes foreign matter adhering to the area RC to be cleaned. Brush 32 consists of a support body 321, a brush bundle 322, and a cylinder (not shown in the accompanying drawings). The brush bundle 322 is positioned downwards on the lower surface of the support body 321. Figure 5 In the design, the brush bundle 322 is depicted as two cylindrical shapes, but it is actually composed of multiple bristles. The brush 32 can also be constructed using components that replace the brush bundle 322, such as a sponge material capable of wiping away foreign objects. A cylinder drives the lifting and lowering of the support body 321 and the brush bundle 322. The brush bundle 322... Figure 5 The descending position shown indicates that the brush head contacts the area RC to be cleaned, thus enabling wiping and cleaning. Furthermore, the brush bundle 322 moves away from the area RC during the ascending position, so unwanted friction does not occur during movement when wiping is not being performed.

[0056] The brush 32, with the brush bundle 322 lowered to the lowered position, is driven by the moving mechanism 5 to perform a short reciprocating motion in the front-to-back direction. This reciprocating length is set to be shorter than the total length of the cleaning target area RC, and larger than the expected amount of foreign matter. Therefore, the brush 32 can remove foreign matter from a portion of the cleaning target area RC. Not limited to this, the brush 32 can also have a dedicated drive source, such as a small motor, to perform actions other than the front-to-back reciprocating motion, such as the rotation of the brush bundle 322. By adopting a structure where the brush 32 does not have a dedicated drive source but is driven by the moving mechanism 5, the device cost is reduced.

[0057] The suction unit 33 draws in foreign objects along with the air near the area RC to be cleaned. The suction unit 33 is positioned behind the brush 32, in other words, on the opposite side of the blowing unit 31, across the brush 32. Furthermore, the suction unit 33 can also be considered as being downstream of the airflow blown by the blowing unit 31.

[0058] The suction unit 33 comprises a downward-opening cylindrical suction tube 331 and a suction pump 332 disposed on the upper part of the suction tube 331 and drawing in air. The inner diameter of the suction tube 331 is set to be larger than the width of the area RC to be cleaned. The suction tube 331 may also be a shape other than a cylinder with a vertical central axis; for example, it may be formed as a square tube or an inclined cylinder. The suction unit 33 has an air hose 333 and a dust collection bag 334 attached to the discharge side of the suction pump 332. The suction unit 33 transports foreign objects drawn in along with the air from the air hose 333 to the dust collection bag 334, collecting them without scattering. The suction unit 33 switches its operation and stops by controlling the suction pump 332.

[0059] The blowing section 31 and the suction section 33 are capable of performing air blowing and cleaning covering the entire area RC to be cleaned. That is, as Figure 3 As illustrated by arrow M1, the moving mechanism 5 can move at least one of the blowing section 31 and the suction section 33 throughout the entire area of ​​the cleaning target region RC. Furthermore, operating the blowing section 31 alone may cause foreign objects to scatter, so this is not recommended. On the other hand, operating the suction section 33 alone does not cause any disadvantages. By making both the blowing section 31 and the suction section 33 movable, miniaturization can be achieved, and efficient cleaning can be performed. If the blowing section 31 and the suction section 33 were fixed, a large size would be required to clean the entire area of ​​the cleaning target region RC, and efficient cleaning would be difficult to achieve.

[0060] The blowing unit 31 and the suction unit 33 can operate in both reciprocating directions during the reciprocating movement of the target area RC, or they can operate in only one direction. Furthermore, the blowing unit 31 and the suction unit 33 can perform multiple air blowing cleaning based on multiple reciprocating movements. When both the blowing unit 31 and the suction unit 33 are operating, the foreign objects blown away by the blowing unit 31 are directed towards the suction unit 33, which is positioned downstream of the airflow, and are therefore reliably captured by the suction unit 33. As a result, most of the paper fibers, resin fragments, and other foreign objects are removed.

[0061] However, adhesive residues and statically charged foreign objects sometimes cannot be removed by air blowing and require wiping with a brush 32. Furthermore, operating the brush 32 across the entire cleaning area RC results in a longer cleaning time. Therefore, it is necessary to control the brush 32 to operate only on a portion of the cleaning area RC where foreign objects are attached. In this case, wiping cleaning is performed by the combined operation of the blowing section 31 and the suction section 33. According to this method, the foreign objects wiped away by the brush 32 are blown away by the air from the blowing section 31 towards the downstream suction section 33 and reliably captured by it. Both air blowing cleaning without using the brush 32 and wiping cleaning using the brush 32 result in the foreign objects being captured by the suction section 33, thus maintaining the cleanliness of the interior of the main housing 631.

[0062] The condition confirmation unit 4 confirms the condition of foreign objects in the cleaning target area RC. The condition confirmation unit 4 shares a camera 82 and a laser displacement meter 83 with the loading device 8. As described above, the camera 82 and laser displacement meter 83 are mounted on the moving plate 52 and move integrally with the cleaning mechanism 3 in the front-rear direction. The condition confirmation unit 4 also includes an image processing unit 41 and a height resolution unit 42 configured using software from the control device 69 (see reference 69). Figure 6 ).

[0063] The camera 82 can change shooting conditions such as focal length, shutter speed, and aperture when operating as the loading device 8 and when operating as the status confirmation unit 4. The camera 82 may also have an automatic shooting condition adjustment mechanism. When operating as the status confirmation unit 4, the camera 82 captures image data of the area to be cleaned RC. The camera 82 does not need to include the entire area of ​​the area to be cleaned RC in its field of view. That is, when the camera 82 moves along the length of the area to be cleaned RC, it only needs to capture an image every time it moves a predetermined distance equivalent to the field of view. Therefore, the camera 82 can cover the entire area of ​​the area to be cleaned RC using multiple acquired image data.

[0064] The image processing unit 41 performs image processing on the image data received from the camera 82 to detect foreign objects. Preferably, the image processing unit 41 detects foreign objects by comparing the received image data with reference image data each time it receives image data. The reference image data is obtained by the camera 82 capturing a clean area RC determined to be free of foreign objects, and is pre-stored in the control device 69. However, the image processing unit 41 is not limited to this; it may also use other detection methods, such as extracting feature points of brightness and hue changes from the image data. The image processing unit 41 stores the location of the detected foreign object, in other words, a portion of the clean area RC.

[0065] When the laser displacement meter 83 operates as the condition confirmation unit 4, it measures the height distribution of the area RC to be cleaned. The laser displacement meter 83 performs multiple or continuous measurements while moving along the length direction of the area RC, thus obtaining a height distribution composed of multiple height data points along the length direction. To obtain the height distribution in the width direction of the area RC, the laser displacement meter 83 may also have multiple measuring elements arranged in the width direction. Alternatively, the laser displacement meter 83 can be moved in the width direction by a movement mechanism (not shown), or the projection direction of the laser can be changed in the width direction by a tilting mechanism (not shown), to measure the height distribution in the width direction.

[0066] The height resolution unit 42 analyzes the height distribution formed by multiple height data received from the laser displacement meter 83 to detect foreign objects. Preferably, the height resolution unit 42 detects foreign objects by comparing the height distribution with a reference height distribution each time it receives a height distribution. The reference height distribution is obtained by the laser displacement meter 83 by determining the clean area RC where no foreign objects are detected, and is pre-stored in the control device 69. However, the height resolution unit 42 may also use other detection methods, such as extracting feature points higher than the surrounding area from the height distribution. The height resolution unit 42 stores the location where a foreign object is detected, in other words, a portion of the clean area RC.

[0067] Furthermore, the regions stored by the image processing unit 41 and the height resolution unit 42 are normally consistent. However, inconsistencies may occasionally occur. In such cases, the condition verification unit 4 assumes that there are foreign objects in both the regions stored by the image processing unit 41 and the regions stored by the height resolution unit 42, and performs subsequent control accordingly. Thus, the condition verification unit 4 can suppress detection errors where foreign objects are not detected, and can perform safety controls for purposes such as foreign object removal.

[0068] The condition confirmation unit 4 has the function of changing the cleaning content controlled by the cleaning mechanism 3 based on the condition of the foreign objects detected. Specifically, before the brush 32 starts moving, the condition confirmation unit 4 confirms a portion of the cleaning target area RC where foreign objects are attached, and controls the brush 32 to move only in that portion of the area. If there are multiple areas with foreign objects attached, the brush 32 moves in all of them; if there are no foreign objects in any of them, the brush 32's movement is omitted. That is, the condition confirmation unit 4 can also change the cleaning range controlled by the brush 32 for wiping and cleaning. In addition, the condition confirmation unit 4 can also change the cleaning method controlled by the cleaning mechanism 3 based on the condition of the foreign objects detected before the cleaning mechanism 3 starts cleaning. For example, the condition confirmation unit 4 can also control the number of air blowing cleaning cycles to increase or decrease depending on the amount of foreign objects.

[0069] Furthermore, the condition verification unit 4 has the function of verifying the condition of foreign objects after a series of cleaning actions to determine whether another cleaning action is needed. The condition verification unit 4 counts the number N times the cleaning mechanism 3 performs a series of cleaning actions, and controls the cleaning mechanism 3 to perform cleaning actions again as needed within a specified number ND. If the condition of foreign objects is not good (foreign objects remain) even after the cleaning mechanism 3 performs the specified number ND of cleaning actions, the condition verification unit 4 performs a predetermined defect handling. For example, the condition verification unit 4 stops the overall operation of the feeder processing machine 6 by controlling it as a control device 69, and then notifies the operator.

[0070] 4. Operation of feeder cleaning device 1

[0071] Next, regarding the operation of the feeder cleaning device 1, including the overall operation of the feeder processor 6, please refer to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The following describes the operation flow. As a prerequisite, two air blowing cleaning cycles are performed, and for wiping cleaning, a predetermined number of cycles ND is set to three. In addition, the number of cleaning cycles N at the beginning of the operation flow is set to the default value of 1.

[0072] Figure 7 The workflow is based on the finished use of the belt feeder 9 (carrier belt fully loaded) in the component mounting machine. Figure 7 In step S1, the feeder transport unit 623 of the feeder supply unit 62 moves the belt feeder 9, which has been loaded with carrier belt, into the interior of the main housing 631 and mounts it on the platform 2. In the next step S2, the control device 69 controls the belt feeder 9 to move in the reverse direction. As a result, the belt feeder 9 returns the carrier belt and is removed from the belt transport path. In the next step S3, the opening and closing operation unit 64 and the belt reel removal unit 67 of the reel removal device 7 are activated to remove the reel 9R from the belt feeder 9. This completes the preparation for the cleaning operation of the feeder cleaning device 1.

[0073] In the next step S4, the feeder cleaning device 1 performs a first air purging cleaning at the beginning of a series of cleaning actions. That is, the cleaning mechanism 3 raises the brush 32 away from the cleaning target area RC, and the moving mechanism 5 moves at least one of the blowing part 31 and the suction part 33 throughout the entire cleaning target area RC. In this embodiment, the feeder cleaning device 1 only moves the suction part 33 in the cleaning mechanism 3 during operation.

[0074] In the next step S5, the feeder cleaning device 1 performs a second air purging cleaning, and in parallel, performs a confirmation based on the condition confirmation unit 4. In this embodiment, the feeder cleaning device 1 operates the blowing unit 31 and the suction unit 33, and moves across the entire area of ​​the cleaning target area RC via the moving mechanism 5. At this time, it moves from the rear to the front so that the condition confirmation unit 4 can confirm the area after the second air purging cleaning. The condition confirmation unit 4 confirms and stores the area where foreign matter still remains after the second air purging cleaning.

[0075] In the next step S6, the feeder cleaning device 1 performs wiping cleaning on a portion of the area stored by the condition confirmation unit 4. That is, during its third movement, the cleaning mechanism 3, under the control of the condition confirmation unit 4, moves the brush 32 to a portion of the area and lowers it to make contact with that area for wiping cleaning. Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism 3 simultaneously operates the blowing unit 31 and the suction unit 33. Additionally, if there are multiple portions of the area, the cleaning mechanism 3 performs wiping cleaning on each of the multiple locations in the target area RC. If there is no specific area, step S6 is omitted.

[0076] In the next step S7, the feeder cleaning device 1 checks the condition of the foreign objects after the cleaning operation. That is, the feeder cleaning device 1 stops the cleaning mechanism 3, and moves the camera 82 and laser displacement meter 83 across the entire area of ​​the cleaning target area RC by a fourth movement, so that the condition confirmation unit 4 can check the condition of the foreign objects. In the next step S8, the condition confirmation unit 4 determines whether the cleaning target area RC is in a good condition where no foreign objects remain.

[0077] In step S9, where foreign matter remains in the cleaning area RC, the condition confirmation unit 4 determines whether the number of cleaning actions N has reached the predetermined number ND. In the first step S9, the number of actions N is once, which is less than the predetermined number ND (three times). Therefore, the operation flow proceeds to step S10, and the condition confirmation unit 4 increments the count of cleaning actions N to 2. Afterward, the operation flow returns to step S6, and the wiping cleaning is repeated. Alternatively, the operation flow can return to step S4, and the air blowing cleaning and wiping cleaning are repeated twice in a set (see [reference]). Figure 7 (dashed arrow).

[0078] If foreign objects remain in the cleaning area RC after three steps of S6, the operation flow proceeds from step S8 to step S9. In the third step S9, the number of times N is three, reaching the predetermined number ND, so the operation flow proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the condition confirmation unit 4 performs the predetermined defect handling.

[0079] In step S8, after proper cleaning is performed in the target area RC where no foreign objects remain, the operation proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the feeder transport unit 623 removes the belt feeder 9 from the base 2 and moves it from the main housing 631 to the auxiliary housing 621. Thus, the operation ends, and the removal and cleaning of the belt feeder 9's reel 9R is completed.

[0080] then, Figure 8 The operation process is based on a predetermined belt feeder 9 (without carrier belt) used in a component mounting machine. Figure 8 Action flow and Figure 7 Compared to the previous procedure, steps S2 and S3 are omitted; however, steps S12 and S13 are added. Additionally, Figure 8 The actions of steps S4 to S11 and Figure 7 The situation is the same; in other words, the actions related to the feeder cleaning device 1 are the same.

[0081] exist Figure 8 In step S1, the feeder transport unit 623 moves the belt feeder 9 without the reel 9R installed into the interior of the main housing 631 and mounts it on the base 2. This completes the preparation for the cleaning operation. In the following steps S4 to S11, the feeder cleaning device 1 operates. In step S8, if there are no foreign objects remaining in the cleaning target area RC, the operation proceeds to step S12.

[0082] In step S12, the opening / closing operation unit 64 and the reel mounting unit 65 of the reel disassembly / assembly device 7 are activated, mounting the reel 9R onto the reel holding unit 93 of the belt feeder 9. In the next step S13, the belt filling device 8 performs a filling operation, pulling the carrier belt from the reel 9R in the reel holding unit 93 and filling it into the belt transport path. Thus, the belt feeder 9 is prepared for use in the component mounting machine. In the next step S14, the feeder transport unit 623 removes the belt feeder 9 from the platform 2 and moves it from the main housing 631 to the auxiliary housing 621. Thus, the operation flow ends, and the cleaning operation of the belt feeder 9 and the filling of the carrier belt are completed.

[0083] In the feeder cleaning device 1 and feeder processing machine 6 of the embodiment, the condition confirmation unit 4 confirms the condition of foreign objects in the cleaning target area RC of the belt feeder 9 installed on the base 2, thus enabling appropriate cleaning. That is, the cleaning mechanism 3 can perform appropriate cleaning based on the confirmation result of the condition confirmation unit 4.

[0084] 5. Application and variations of the implementation methods

[0085] Furthermore, one of the camera 82 (including the image processing unit 41) and the laser displacement meter 83 (including the height resolution unit 42) constituting the status confirmation unit 4 can be omitted. Additionally, while the feeder cleaning device 1 assembled with the feeder processor 6 has been described in this embodiment, a standalone feeder cleaning device 1 not assembled with the feeder processor 6 can also be constructed. The standalone feeder cleaning device 1 includes a base 2, a cleaning mechanism 3, a status confirmation unit 4, and a moving mechanism 5. An unloaded belt feeder 9 is mounted on the base 2 by the operator. Furthermore, the standalone feeder cleaning device 1, which includes a software-based status confirmation unit 4, can be configured with a simplified structure omitting the camera 82 and the laser displacement meter 83.

[0086] In the simplified structure described above, the condition assessment unit 4 assesses the operating history of the belt feeder 9 when it is equipped with the component mounting machine, and infers the condition of foreign objects based on this history. For example, the condition assessment unit 4 estimates the quantity of foreign objects based on the error rate of the belt feeder 9 when supplying components. Additionally, the condition assessment unit 4 can also estimate the quantity of foreign objects based on the length of operation time after maintenance of the belt feeder 9. Furthermore, the condition assessment unit 4 controls the process so that a simple cleaning is performed in a short time when the quantity of foreign objects is estimated to be small, and a thorough cleaning is performed over a longer period when the quantity of foreign objects is estimated to be large. For example, the condition assessment unit 4 can control the process so that only one air purging is performed when the quantity of foreign objects is estimated to be small, and multiple air purgings and brush 32 are used to wipe and clean the entire area RC to be cleaned when the quantity of foreign objects is estimated to be large.

[0087] Furthermore, it is also possible to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Step S4 is omitted in the operation flow, and only one air purging is performed. Alternatively, in step S5, a second air purging and status confirmation by the status confirmation unit 4 can be performed separately, i.e., the movement of the moving mechanism 5 is performed twice. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a belt feeder 9 with an integrated belt reel 9R held internally has been described, but it is not limited to this. That is, the feeder cleaning device 1 can be configured as a single unit and applied to a belt feeder with a separate belt reel 9R disposed externally. In addition, various applications and modifications are possible with this embodiment.

[0088] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0089] 1: Feeder cleaning device 2: Base 3: Cleaning mechanism 31: Blowing unit 32: Brush 33: Suction unit 4: Status confirmation unit 41: Image processing unit 42: Height resolution unit 5: Moving mechanism 6: Feeder processor 61: Reel supply unit 62: Feeder supply unit 64: Opening and closing operation unit 65: Reel installation unit 67: Reel removal unit 69: Control device 7: Reel disassembly and assembly device 8: Belt filling device 81: Filling mechanism 82: Camera 83: Laser displacement meter 9: Belt feeder 9R: Reel RC: Cleaning target area

Claims

1. A feeder cleaning device, comprising: A pedestal is provided with a belt feeder, which is detachably mounted on the component mounting machine. The cleaning mechanism cleans the predetermined cleaning target area of ​​the installed belt feeder; and The status confirmation unit confirms the status of foreign objects in the area to be cleaned.

2. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The status confirmation unit includes: a camera that captures image data of the area to be cleaned; and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data to detect the foreign object.

3. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The status confirmation unit includes: a height measuring device for measuring the height distribution of the area to be cleaned; and a height analysis unit for analyzing the height distribution to detect the foreign object.

4. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The status confirmation unit confirms the operating history of the belt feeder when it is installed on the component mounting machine, and infers the status of the foreign object based on the operating history.

5. The feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cleaning mechanism has at least one of a blowing section, a suction section, and a brush. The blowing section blows air toward the area to be cleaned to blow away the foreign object. The suction section attracts the foreign object along with the air near the area to be cleaned. The brush wipes away the foreign object attached to the area to be cleaned.

6. The feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The feeder cleaning device includes a moving mechanism that moves the cleaning mechanism and the status confirmation unit along the cleaning target area extending in the length direction of the belt feeder.

7. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein, The cleaning mechanism has at least one of a blowing section and a suction section. The blowing section blows air toward the area to be cleaned to blow away the foreign object, and the suction section attracts the foreign object along with the air near the area to be cleaned. The moving mechanism moves at least one of the blowing part and the suction part during operation throughout the entire area of ​​the area to be cleaned.

8. The feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The status confirmation unit changes the cleaning range or cleaning method of the cleaning mechanism in the cleaning target area based on the status of the foreign object confirmed before the cleaning mechanism starts cleaning.

9. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein, The cleaning mechanism includes a brush that wipes away foreign objects adhering to the area to be cleaned. The status confirmation unit confirms a portion of the area in the cleaning target area where the foreign object is attached before the brush starts moving, and controls the brush to move only in that portion of the area.

10. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein, The feeder cleaning device includes a moving mechanism that moves the cleaning mechanism and the status confirmation unit along the cleaning target area extending along the length direction of the belt feeder. The brush is driven by the moving mechanism to repeatedly wipe the portion of the area.

11. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein, The cleaning mechanism includes: the brush; the blowing section that blows air toward a portion of the area being cleaned by the brush; and the suction section that is disposed on the opposite side of the blowing section, across the brush.

12. The feeder cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein, The feeder cleaning device includes a moving mechanism that causes the cleaning mechanism and the status confirmation unit to move repeatedly along the cleaning target area extending along the length direction of the belt feeder. The cleaning mechanism performs air blowing cleaning. During the air blowing cleaning, the brush moves away from the area to be cleaned and does not move during a predetermined number of movements, while at least one of the blowing part and the suction part moves throughout the entire area of ​​the area to be cleaned. The condition confirmation unit confirms that, during the predetermined number of moves, a portion of the area in the cleaning target area still contains the foreign object after the air purging cleaning. During movement after exceeding the predetermined number of times, the cleaning mechanism performs the following wiping and cleaning under the control of the condition confirmation unit: the brush is activated by contacting only the portion of the area, and the blowing unit and the suction unit are activated together.

13. The feeder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The belt feeder uses a carrier belt to supply the element. The carrier belt consists of a base belt having a chamber for housing the element and a cover belt that covers the chamber and is bonded to the base belt by two adhesive portions. The platform can be equipped with a belt feeder in a semi-peeling manner that peels off only one of the adhesive portions, and a belt feeder in a full-peeling manner that peels off both of the adhesive portions. The cleaning mechanism performs cleaning with the carrier belt removed.

14. A feeder processing machine, comprising: The feeder cleaning device according to claim 1; and The device includes a filling mechanism for filling the carrier belt containing the elements into the belt feeder.

15. The feeder processing machine according to claim 14, wherein, The feeder cleaning device operates at least once, either before the feeding action of the belt filling device loading the carrier belt into the belt feeder begins or after the removal action of the carrier belt being removed from the belt feeder ends.

16. The feeder processing machine according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The feeder cleaning device and the belt filling device both share at least one of the platform and the status confirmation unit.

17. The feeder processing machine according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The feeder processor includes a moving mechanism that moves the cleaning mechanism of the feeder cleaning device, the status confirmation unit, and the filling mechanism with the filling device together.

18. The feeder processing machine according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The feeder processor is equipped with a reel disassembly and assembly device, which disassembles and assembles the reel with the carrier belt wound on it relative to the belt feeder.

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