Workstation system for electronic assembly

Abstract

A workstation system is disclosed that includes at least one workstation and at least one insertion station that are alternately arranged and partially overlap each other. The at least one component included in the insertion station and / or the range of movement of the at least one component is partially located in the workstation without interfering with the components included in the workstation, thereby reducing the overall width of the workstation system. An example workstation includes a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid associated with an electronic assembly, and an example insertion station includes an AOI device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 602,407, filed November 23, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a workstation system for distributing fluids associated with electronic assembly, and more particularly to a workstation system comprising a workstation and a plug-in station that partially overlap each other to reduce the overall footprint of the system. Background Technology

[0004] In the manufacturing of semiconductors, electronic devices, and other precision components, different equipment used in manufacturing processes, such as dispensing equipment and automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment, are often used in collaboration to ensure product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

[0005] In traditional collaborative systems such as workstation systems that include distribution equipment and AOI equipment, collaboration can be performed to include the following procedures.

[0006] First, the printed circuit board (PCB) of the product needs to be designed, and the manufacturing process for dispensing needs to be established. This involves programming the dispensing equipment using software to determine the precise location, speed, volume, and other relevant parameters for dispensing. These parameters typically depend on product requirements.

[0007] Secondly, the dispensing device is used to accurately apply adhesive or solder to designated locations on the PCB, such as connecting components, solder joints, or other areas. The dispensing location and amount can be adjusted as needed via the dispensing device's program code.

[0008] Once the assignment is complete, for example, by transferring the PCB to an AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) device via a conveyor, the AOI device uses optical technologies such as cameras and image processing equipment to inspect the PCB and detect problems such as soldering defects, component misalignment, or short circuits. The AOI device's program then analyzes the inspection results and generates an inspection report.

[0009] Finally, if the AOI equipment detects any problems, it can communicate with the distribution equipment or manufacturing system to make appropriate adjustments. This feedback mechanism may include stopping the production line, recalibrating the parameters of the distribution machine, or marking the problematic PCB for further inspection or repair.

[0010] The cooperation between the dispensing device and the AOI device aims to achieve high-quality and high-efficiency manufacturing production. Through the precise dispensing of the device and the real-time optical inspection, problems occurring during the production process can be found early and solved quickly, thereby reducing the product defect rate and improving the product quality and reliability.

[0011] Fig. 1 shows a conventional cooperation system (e.g., a workstation system including a dispensing device and an AOI device). As a standard workstation, each workstation D can be a dispensing device or an AOI device. When being conveyed on a conveyor C, the workpiece T is processed by the dispensing device and then the dispensing quality is confirmed by the AOI device.

[0012] Each workstation D can be provided with a set of guide rails oriented along three dimensions, for example, a first guide rail X, a second guide rail Y, and a third guide rail Z, which are respectively oriented along three different directions perpendicular to each other.

[0013] For example, two first guide rails X are respectively arranged at two sides of the conveyor C and are arranged parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece T; the second guide rail Y is arranged on or above the first guide rail X through a support P or other overhanging mechanism; the third guide rail Z is arranged on the second guide rail Y; and a tool (not shown) can be arranged to move along the three guide rails X, Y, Z for processing, such as dispensing or optical inspection, which can be referred to as a gantry assembly.

[0014] In the conventional workstation system using the gantry assembly, each processing is performed at the upper part of the system (e.g., above the conveyor C), and the workstation width W1 of each workstation D for processing and conveying is 900 mm, but only 300-400 mm (e.g., 320 mm) of the working width W2 is needed for dispensing or optical inspection or other processing, and the remaining non-working width W3 at both sides has a considerable proportion relative to the workstation width W1, but no processing is performed in these areas. Utility model content

[0015] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the conventional workstation system, the purpose of the utility model is to provide an improved workstation system including at least one workstation and at least one insertion station, which partially overlap each other, thereby being able to reduce the total occupied area of the workstation system.

[0016] To achieve the above object, the utility model provides a workstation system for electronic assembly, including at least one workstation and at least one insert station, at least one workstation and at least one insert station alternate arrangement and each other partial overlap, wherein (i) at least one component including in the insert station and (ii) at least one component in the moving range of at least one part is partially located in the workstation, without interfering with the component including in the workstation, thereby reducing the total width of the workstation system.

[0017] According to other embodiments of the present application, the workstation system described in the preceding paragraph can have any one or more of the following features: the at least one workstation (D) comprises a dispensing device; the at least one insertion station (I) comprises an AOI device; the workstation system comprises a plurality of workstations (D), each of the plurality of workstations (D) comprising a dispensing device; the at least one workstation comprises a work area and a non-work area, and the at least one component of the insertion station partially located in the workstation and / or the movement range of the at least one component partially located in the workstation is partially located in the non-work area of the workstation; the at least one component of the insertion station partially located in the workstation is disposed at a height lower than the component of the workstation; the at least one component included in each workstation comprises a fixed platform for loading a workpiece, three main guide rails oriented in different directions and disposed above the fixed platform, wherein one of the main guide rails is parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece, and a main tool disposed to move along the main guide rails for processing the workpiece; the main tool is a dispensing needle for dispensing fluid onto the workpiece; the relative movement between the main tool and the workpiece is achieved by the movement of the main tool along the main guide rails (X1, Y1, Z1); the at least one component included in each insertion station comprises a movable platform for loading and conveying the workpiece, three secondary guide rails oriented in different directions, and a secondary tool, wherein one of the secondary guide rails parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece is disposed at a height lower than the fixed platform, the movable platform is disposed on the one of the secondary guide rails, and the remaining secondary guide rails are disposed above the movable platform, the secondary tool is disposed to move along the remaining secondary guide rails for processing the workpiece; the secondary tool comprises a camera; the relative movement between the secondary tool and the workpiece is achieved by the movement of the movable platform along the one of the secondary guide rails and the movement of the secondary tool along the remaining secondary guide rails; the at least one component included in each workstation further comprises an additional fixed platform for loading an additional workpiece, an additional three main guide rails oriented in different directions and disposed above the additional fixed platform, one of the additional main guide rails parallel to the conveying direction of the additional workpiece, and an additional main tool disposed to move along the additional three main guide rails for processing the additional workpiece, wherein the conveying direction of the workpiece is parallel to the conveying direction of the additional workpiece.The at least one component included in each insert station includes a movable stage for loading and transferring the workpiece and the additional workpiece, three sub-guides oriented in different directions, wherein two of the sub-guides are disposed at a height lower than the fixed stage and the additional fixed stage, wherein one of the two of the sub-guides is parallel to the transfer direction of the workpiece and the additional workpiece, and the movable stage is disposed on the one of the sub-guides, and the remaining sub-guides are disposed above the movable stage, and a sub-tool disposed to move along the remaining sub-guides to process the workpiece and the additional workpiece; the insert station receives (i) the workpiece from the fixed stage of a previous workstation or (ii) the additional workpiece from the additional fixed stage of a previous workstation, and provides the processed workpiece or the processed additional workpiece to the fixed stage or the additional fixed stage of a next workstation after processing at the insert station; the at least one component included in each insert station includes a movable stage for loading and transferring the workpiece, three sub-guides oriented in different directions, wherein one of the sub-guides parallel to the transfer direction of the workpiece is disposed at a height lower than the fixed stage, and the movable stage is disposed on the one of the sub-guides, an additional movable stage for loading and transferring the additional workpiece, an additional sub-guide parallel to the transfer direction of the additional workpiece and disposed at a height lower than the additional fixed stage, and the additional movable stage is disposed on the additional sub-guide, the remaining sub-guides are disposed above the movable stage and the additional movable stage, and a sub-tool disposed to move along the remaining sub-guides to process the workpiece and the additional workpiece; the movable stage of the insert station receives the workpiece from the fixed stage of a previous workstation, and provides the processed workpiece to the fixed stage of a next workstation after processing at the insert station, and the additional movable stage of the insert station receives the additional workpiece from the additional fixed stage of a previous workstation, and provides the processed additional workpiece to the additional fixed stage of a next workstation after processing at the insert station.Each of the at least one component included in the insertion station includes a movable platform for loading and transferring the workpiece, three sub-guides oriented in different directions, a sub-tool, another movable platform for loading and transferring the other workpiece, another three sub-guides oriented in different directions, and another sub-tool, one of the sub-guides parallel to the transferring direction of the workpiece is disposed at a height lower than the fixed platform, and the movable platform is disposed on the one of the sub-guides, and the rest of the sub-guides are disposed above the movable platform, the sub-tool is disposed to move along the rest of the sub-guides to process the workpiece, one of the other sub-guides parallel to the transferring direction of the other workpiece is disposed at a height lower than the other fixed platform, and the other movable platform is disposed on the one of the other sub-guides, and the rest of the other sub-guides are disposed above the other movable platform, the other sub-tool is disposed to move along the rest of the other sub-guides to process the other workpiece; the movable platform of the insertion station receives the workpiece from the fixed platform of the previous work station, and provides the processed workpiece to the fixed platform of the next work station after processing in the insertion station, the other movable platform of the insertion station receives the other workpiece from the other fixed platform of the previous work station, and provides the processed other workpiece to the other fixed platform of the next work station after processing in the insertion station; the one of the sub-guides disposed at the height lower than the fixed platform and / or the movable platform on the one of the sub-guides has a moving range partially located in the work station without interfering with the components of the work station; a work station width of the work station is 800 to 1000 mm, a work width of the work area is 300 to 400 mm, and a non-work width of the non-work area is 200 to 300 mm; an insertion station is interposed between two adjacent work stations, and the components included in the insertion station and / or the moving ranges of the components are respectively interposed in each of the two adjacent work stations by 200 to 300 mm so as to have a reduced intervening station width of 100 to 200 mm; an insertion station is disposed at an end of the work station system, and the components included in the insertion station and / or the moving ranges of the components are interposed in an adjacent work station by 200 to 300 mm so as to have a reduced station width of 300 to 500 mm; the movable platform is disposed at the same height as the fixed platform; during transferring the workpiece between the work station and the insertion station, the main tool or the sub-tool is replaced by a pick-up tool to transfer the workpiece;and / or further comprising a robot for transferring the workpiece between the workstations and the insertion station.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, by keeping the position of the gantry assembly (main rail) of the workstations at the upper portion of the workstation system, while changing the position of the main moving element (sub-rail oriented along the conveying direction) to the lower portion of the workstation system so as to overlap the original rail transportation space located below the gantry assembly (main rail), the upper main rail can partially overlap with the lower sub-rail(s), so that work and conveying can be performed simultaneously, and the overall width of the workstation system can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The present application can be better understood with reference to the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional workstation system in which the workstations do not overlap each other;

[0021] Figure 2 is a side view of a workstation system with overlapping stations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a top view and a side view of a workstation system with overlapping stations according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a top view and a side view of a workstation system with overlapping stations according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present application; and

[0024] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a top view and a side view of a workstation system with overlapping stations according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present application, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0026] In the specification, all the technical features of any one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as there is no conflict.

[0027] In the description, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only to distinguish one feature from another feature, and the features are not limited by these terms. Therefore, the first element described herein can be the second element in the technical concept of the utility model.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the utility model, "working station" can be any one of the following: fluid dispensing station, pick and place station, die attach station, clip attach station, curing station, inspection station (e.g., AOI) or any other station configured to perform a step of an electronic assembly process (e.g., attaching a semiconductor die to a lead frame). Furthermore, "working station" can include one or more of the following: fluid dispensing device, AOI device, lamination device, soldering device, suction device, pick and place device, cleaning device or any other device configured to perform a step of an electronic assembly process.

[0029] According to various embodiments of the utility model, "plug-in station" can be any auxiliary station related to an electronic assembly process. Such auxiliary stations can perform process steps that augment the manufacturing process (e.g., production precision / quality, production speed, etc.). Such auxiliary stations can perform inspection of a workpiece (and / or inspection of dispensed fluid on a workpiece), UV curing operations for curing dispensed fluid from a dispensing device, calibration of tools, cleaning of tools, additional processing to alleviate production bottlenecks (e.g., additional adhesive dispensing), material handling, etc. Such plug-in stations can be physically smaller than working stations (e.g., less width). Exemplary plug-in stations include: fluid dispensing station, ultraviolet curing station for curing dispensed fluid from a dispensing device, pick and place station, die attach station, clip attach station, curing station, inspection station (e.g., AOI) or any other station configured to perform a step of an electronic assembly process (e.g., attaching a semiconductor die to a lead frame). Furthermore, "plug-in station" can include any one or more of the following: fluid dispensing device, ultraviolet curing device for curing dispensed fluid from a dispensing device, AOI device, lamination device, soldering device, suction device, pick and place device, cleaning device or any other device configured to perform a step of an electronic assembly process.

[0030] According to various embodiments of the utility model, "fluid dispensing device" can include a working station for dispensing any one of the following: glue, adhesive, solder paste, flux, epoxy, underfill, resin, etc. for use in electronic assembly. Such fluid dispensing stations / devices can include a fluid dispensing needle, a fluid storage tank, a motion system for moving the fluid dispensing needle, etc.

[0031] According to various embodiments of the present utility model, the "AOI device" can include a station for inspecting a workpiece (or any portion of a workpiece). For example, the AOI device can be configured to inspect results of a curing operation (e.g., a UV curing operation) of a UV curing device, parameters of dispensed fluid dispensed by a dispensing device, etc. For example, the inspection can involve fluid dispensed by the fluid dispensing device. Specific examples of inspecting the fluid can include inspecting shape, volume, area, viscosity, curing (e.g., UV curing), or other features related to the fluid. For example, the inspection device included in the AOI device can include a camera (e.g., an imaging camera, an optical camera, an infrared camera, etc.).

[0032] First embodiment

[0033] To achieve the above object, please see Figure 2 , the first embodiment of the utility model is shown in the figure, it provides a workstation system, the workstation system includes at least one workstation D (for example, fluid dispensing station, die attach station etc.) and at least one insertion station I (for example, another fluid dispensing station, inspection / AOI station etc.) that are arranged alternately and partially overlap each other, wherein the workstation D can be a standard workstation.

[0034] In the present embodiment, at least one of the components included in the insertion station I and / or its range of movement is partially located in the workstation D without interfering with (without interfering with) the components included in the workstation D, thereby reducing the overall width of the workstation system. The component can be a tool of the insertion station, a moving stage of the insertion station, a motion system of the tool, or a moving state of the insertion station. For example, in the case where the insertion station I is an inspection / AOI station, the component / tool can be an optical device (e.g., a camera, a mirror, a lens, etc.). In the case where the insertion station I includes a fluid dispensing device, the component can be, for example, a fluid dispensing needle, etc. In another example, in the case where the workstation D includes a die attach device, the component can be, for example, a suction tool, a pick-and-place tool, etc.

[0035] Specifically, the workstation D includes a working area and a non-working area (e.g., an area beyond the functional work of completing the workstation), and at least one of the components of the insertion station I and / or its range of movement (e.g., a portion of a motion system carrying the components of the insertion station I) that is partially located in the workstation D is partially located in the non-working area of the workstation D.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, at least one component of the insert station I that is partially located in the work station D is disposed at a level lower than the components of the work station D. For example, a portion of a motion system of a component of the insert station I (e.g., an X-axis motion system of a camera of an AOI station, an X-axis motion system of a mobile platform, etc.) can be disposed below a component of the work station D (e.g., a stationary platform that supports a workpiece during a dispensing operation). Exemplary components of the work station D include platforms (e.g., stationary platforms, mobile platforms) for supporting workpieces, motion systems, tools (e.g., fluid dispensing needles, pick-and-place tools, etc.), etc.

[0037] In the present embodiments, the work station system can include one or more work stations D and / or one or more insert stations I, and the number of stations and the type of end or interposed stations is not limited to the disclosed aspects. For example, although two work stations D and three insert stations I are shown, embodiments of the work station system can include: one work station D and one insert station I; one work station D and two insert stations I; two work stations D and one insert station I; two work stations D and two insert stations I; three work stations D and two insert stations I; three work stations D and three insert stations I; etc. It is contemplated that each work station D in the work station system can be the same (e.g., each work station D is a fluid dispensing station) or can include various different stations (e.g., a fluid dispensing station and a die attach station). Similarly, each insert station I can be the same (e.g., each insert station I is an inspection / AOI station) or can include various different stations (e.g., two inspection / AOI stations and one curing station; one fluid dispensing station, one inspection / AOI station, and one curing station; etc.).

[0038] In the present embodiments, the components included by each work station D include a stationary platform S1 for loading a workpiece (not shown), three main rails X1, Y1, Z1 oriented in different directions and disposed above the stationary platform S1 by a support or other overhanging mechanism, and a main tool (not shown) disposed to move along the main rails X1, Y1, Z1 for processing a workpiece (e.g., a lead frame, a printed circuit board, a semiconductor element, etc.). Exemplary main tools include a fluid dispensing needle for a fluid dispensing station, a camera for an inspection station, a suction tool for a pick-and-place station, etc.

[0039] The stationary platform S1 is fixedly disposed in the work station D such that a workpiece is fixedly loaded on the stationary platform S1 during processing by the work station D.

[0040] The primary rails X1, Y1, Z1 can be perpendicular to each other to facilitate spatial arrangement, where one of the primary rails (e.g., X1) is parallel to the direction of conveyance of the workpiece (hereinafter referred to as "conveyance direction").

[0041] Thus, in the work station D, the relative motion between the primary tool (e.g., fluid dispensing needle of a fluid dispensing station) and the workpiece (e.g., lead frame, substrate, etc.) for processing is achieved by the movement of the primary tool along the primary rails X1, Y1, Z1 above the fixed platform S1.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the number of each of the first primary rail X1, the second primary rail Y1, and the third primary rail Z1 can be set to one or more, which is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0043] The components included in each of the insertion stations I include a movable platform S2 for loading and conveying the workpiece, three secondary rails X2, Y2, Z2 oriented in different directions, and secondary tools (not shown). Exemplary secondary tools include cameras for inspection / AOI stations, fluid dispensing needles for fluid dispensing stations, etc.

[0044] The secondary rails X2, Y2, Z2 can be perpendicular to each other to facilitate spatial arrangement, where one of the secondary rails parallel to the conveyance direction (e.g., X2) is disposed at a lower height than the fixed platform S1, and the movable platform S2 is disposed on the rail, the movable platform S2 having a range of movement from position P1 to position P2 such that the workpiece can be loaded on the movable platform S2 and moved with the movement of the movable platform S2, and the remaining secondary rails (e.g., Y2 and Z2) are disposed above the movable platform S2 by a support or other overhanging mechanism.

[0045] The secondary tools can be disposed to move along the remaining secondary rails (e.g., Y2 and Z2) to process the workpiece.

[0046] Thus, in the insertion stations I, the relative motion between the secondary tools and the workpiece is achieved by the movement of the movable platform S2 along one of the secondary rails (e.g., X2) below the fixed platform S1 and the movable platform S2 and the movement of the secondary tools along the remaining secondary rails (e.g., Y2 and Z2).

[0047] In the present embodiment, the number of each of the first secondary rail X2, the second secondary rail Y2, and the third secondary rail Z2 can be set to one or more, which is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0048] Specifically, since one of the secondary guide rails (e.g., X2) of the insertion station D is positioned at a height lower than the fixed platform S1, the range of motion of that guide rail (e.g., X2) and the movable platform S2 on that guide rail can be partially located in the space below the components of the workstation D (referred to as the "stand") without interfering with the components of the workstation D.

[0049] Therefore, compared to the system in Figure 1 where the workstations do not overlap, this embodiment enables simultaneous execution of tasks and transmissions, and reduces the overall width of the workstation system.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, workstation D can have a station width W1 of 800 mm to 1000 mm (e.g., 900 mm), which includes a working width W2 of 300 mm to 400 mm (e.g., 320 mm) required for processing, and two additional non-working widths W3 of 200 mm to 300 mm (e.g., 240 mm) located on both sides. Therefore, the component of insertion station I can be partially positioned below the component of workstation D in the non-working area of ​​workstation D. In one embodiment, the component of insertion station I can be inserted into workstation D by 240 mm on each side.

[0051] In other words, for an insertion station I located between two workstations D, the components of insertion station I can be inserted into workstations D by 200 mm to 300 mm (e.g., 240 mm) on each side (i.e., a total of 400 mm to 600 mm, e.g., 480 mm), so that the interposed insertion station I only requires an interposed width W4 of 160 mm to achieve a complete working stroke. Furthermore, for an end insertion station I located at the end of the workstation system, the components of insertion station I can be inserted into workstation D by 200 mm to 300 mm (e.g., 240 mm) on only one side, so that the end insertion station I only requires an end station width W5 of 300 mm to 500 mm (e.g., 400 mm) to achieve a complete working stroke.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of workstation D and insertion station I can be any processing device, such as a dispensing device, AOI device, laminating device, welding device, suction device and / or cleaning device, etc.

[0053] In one embodiment, workstation D can be used for processing at a higher load, and insertion station I can be used for processing at a lower load, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] For example, workstation D can be an allocation device, and insertion station I can be an AOI device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the movable platform S2 can be set at a level (e.g., the same level as the fixed platform S1) to facilitate the transfer of the workpiece between the fixed platform S1 and the movable platform S2.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the manner for transferring the workpiece between the fixed platform S1 in the work station D and the movable platform S2 in the insertion station I can further include providing a robot arm and / or replacing the main tool or the sub tool with a pick-up tool during the transfer of the workpiece, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] In the present embodiment, to facilitate the transfer of the workpiece between the platforms, the adjacent platforms can be aligned with each other.

[0058] The first embodiment described above illustrates the most common aspect of the present application. However, to reduce the time required for transferring the workpiece into and out of, or to balance the processing capacity of the work station D and the insertion station I, any of the work station(s) D or the insertion station(s) I can be implemented to have multiple production lines in parallel, such as double production lines. Therefore, several variations of the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below.

[0059] As used herein, the term "production line" refers to a combination of platform(s), guide rail(s), and tool(s) capable of individually completing a single processing of a workpiece.

[0060] Second Embodiment

[0061] Referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , a work station system according to a second embodiment of the present application is illustrated. This embodiment is applicable when the processing capacity of a single production line of the work station D is lower than that of a single production line of the insertion station I.

[0062] The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in some aspects. For example, the insertion station I can partially overlap the work station D.

[0063] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in some aspects. For example, each work station D includes at least two parallel production lines arranged along a transfer direction.

[0064] A production line of the work station D includes a fixed platform S 1a for loading a workpiece (not shown), three main guide rails (not shown) oriented in different directions and disposed above the fixed platform S 1a , and a main tool (not shown) disposed to move along the main guide rails to process the workpiece.

[0065] Another production line of the work station D comprises: another fixed platform S for loading another workpiece (not shown) 1b ; another three main guides X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b oriented in different directions and arranged above the another fixed platform S 1b ; and another main tool (not shown) arranged to move along the another main guides X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b for processing the another workpiece. In the present embodiment, one of the main guides (not shown) is parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece, one of the another main guides (e.g. X 1b ) is parallel to the conveying direction of the another workpiece, and the conveying direction of the workpiece is parallel to the conveying direction of the another workpiece.

[0066] For more clearly showing the configuration of the platforms, some elements are omitted in Figure 3A ; for example, the guides (e.g. X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b , Z2) arranged above the movable platforms and the fixed platforms are omitted.

[0067] Further, for more clearly showing the configuration, some elements are omitted in Figure 3B ; for example, the components of the production line of Figure 3A including the fixed platform S 1a of the work station D are omitted.

[0068] The configuration of the components of the production line including the fixed platform S 1a is the same (or substantially the same) as the configuration of the components of the production line of the work station D including the another fixed platform S 1b .

[0069] The fixed platform S 1a and the another fixed platform S 1b , the main guides (not shown) and the another main guides X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b , and the main tool and the another main tool in the second embodiment are all the same (or substantially the same) as the configuration and functions of the fixed platform S1, the main guides X1, Y1, Z1, and the main tool in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0070] In the second embodiment, for the convenience of alignment during processing, the positions and heights of the fixed platform S 1a , the main guides (not shown) and the main tool can be the same (or substantially the same) as the another fixed platform S1b , the further main rail X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b and the position and height of the further main tool correspond.

[0071] In the second embodiment of the utility model, the components in each insertion station I include: a movable platform S2 for loading and conveying the workpiece and the further workpiece; three sub-rails X2, Y2, Z2 oriented in different directions; and a sub-tool (not shown).

[0072] In this embodiment, two of the sub-rails (for example, X2 and Y2) are arranged at a height lower than the fixed platform S 1a and the further fixed platform S 1b , wherein one of the two sub-rails (X2) is parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece and the conveying direction of the further workpiece, and the movable platform S2 is arranged on this sub-rail so that the workpiece or the further workpiece can be loaded on the movable platform S2 and move with the movement of the movable platform S2, and the remaining sub-rail (for example, Z2) is arranged above the movable platform S2 by a support or other overhanging mechanism.

[0073] The sub-tool can be arranged to move along the remaining sub-rail (for example, Z2) to process the workpiece and the further workpiece.

[0074] Therefore, in the insertion station I, the relative motion between the sub-tool and the workpiece is jointly realized by the movement of the movable platform S2 along the two sub-rails (for example, X2 and Y2) below the fixed platform S 1a , the further fixed platform S 1b and the movable platform S2 and the movement of the sub-tool along the remaining sub-rail (for example, Z2).

[0075] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3A , the movable platform S2 has a range of movement from position P1 to position P2 in the conveying direction (for example, on X2) and from position P3 to position P4 in the direction of one of the two sub-rails (for example, Y2) that is not parallel to the conveying direction.

[0076] Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, by providing at least two production lines in each workstation D, the workstation D can achieve at least twice the processing capacity, thereby balancing the processing capacity of the insertion station I; in addition, by providing two of the sub-guides (for example, X2 and Y2) in the sub-guides below the movable platform S2, the insertion station I is able to receive workpieces from any production line of the previous workstation D (i.e., workpieces on the fixed platform S or additional workpieces on the additional fixed platform S) and is able to provide the processed workpieces or the processed additional workpieces to any production line of the next workstation D (i.e., workpieces on the fixed platform S 1a or additional workpieces on the additional fixed platform S 1b ) after processing at the insertion station I; thereby optimizing the manufacturing process.

[0077] Third embodiment

[0078] Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a workstation system according to a third embodiment of the present application is shown. This embodiment can be suitable for similar applications as the second embodiment.

[0079] The third embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments in some aspects. For example, the insertion station I can partially overlap the workstations D.

[0080] The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in some aspects. For example, the components included in each insertion station I of this embodiment include: a movable platform S 2a for loading and transferring workpieces; three sub-guides X 2a , Y2, Z2 oriented in different directions; an additional movable platform S 2b for loading and transferring additional workpieces; additional sub-guides X 2b ; and a sub-tool (not shown).

[0081] In this embodiment, one of the sub-guides parallel to the transfer direction of the workpieces (for example, X 2a ) is provided at a height lower than the fixed platform S 1a , and the movable platform S 2a is provided on this sub-guide; another sub-guide X 2b is parallel to the transfer direction of the additional workpieces and is provided at a height lower than the additional fixed platform S 1b , and the additional movable platform S 2b is provided on the other sub-guide X 2b .

[0082] The remaining sub-guides (for example, Y2 and Z2) are provided on the movable platform S 2a and the additional movable platform S2b Above, so that the secondary tool can be set to move along the remaining secondary guides (e.g., Y2 and Z2) to process workpieces and other workpieces.

[0083] Specifically, the other secondary guide rail X 2b It is parallel to the conveying direction of other workpieces and is positioned below another fixed platform S. 1b At a height of [height], and the secondary tool is used to process both the workpiece and another workpiece.

[0084] To illustrate this configuration more clearly, in Figure 4A Some elements have been omitted; for example, the guide rails (e.g., X) that are positioned above the movable and fixed platforms have been omitted. 1b Y 1b Z 1b (Y2, Z2).

[0085] Furthermore, to illustrate this configuration more clearly, in Figure 4B Some elements have been omitted; for example, the following have been omitted. Figure 4A The production line includes workstation D and fixed platform S. 1a and the auxiliary guide rail X of insertion station I 2a and mobile platform S 2a Components including.

[0086] The production line includes a fixed platform S 1a The configuration of the components, including the additional fixed platform S in the production line, including workstation D. 1b The components inside are configured the same (or are basically the same).

[0087] Sub-guide rail X 2a and mobile platform S 2a The configuration and the additional secondary guide rail X in insertion station I 2b And other mobile platforms S 2b The configurations are the same.

[0088] All the configurations and functions of the components of workstation D in the third embodiment are the same (or substantially the same) as those in the second embodiment.

[0089] The movable platform S in the third embodiment 2a And other mobile platforms S 2b Sub-guide rail X 2a Y2, Z2 and the other secondary guide rail X 2b All configurations and functions of the secondary tools and other secondary tools are the same (or substantially the same) as those of the movable platform S2, secondary guide rails X2, Y2, Z2 and secondary tools in the first embodiment.

[0090] In the third embodiment, in order to facilitate alignment during processing, the position and height of the fixed platform S 1a , the main guide rail (not shown), the main tool, the movable platform S 2a , the secondary guide rail X 2a and the secondary tool can respectively correspond to the position and height of another fixed platform S 1b , another main guide rail X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b , another main tool, another movable platform S 2b , another secondary guide rail X 2b and another secondary tool.

[0091] In the third embodiment, the movable platform S 2a of the insertion station I is capable of receiving a workpiece from the fixed platform S 1a of the preceding work station D and is capable of providing the processed workpiece to the fixed platform S 1a of the next work station D after processing at the insertion station I; in addition, another movable platform S 2b of the insertion station I is capable of receiving another workpiece from another fixed platform S 1b of the preceding work station D and is capable of providing the processed another workpiece to another fixed platform S 1b of the next work station D after processing at the insertion station I.

[0092] Therefore, compared with the second embodiment, in the third embodiment, by providing another movable platform S 2b and another secondary guide rail X 2b , the manufacturing process can be further optimized.

[0093] Fourth embodiment

[0094] Referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , a work station system according to the fourth embodiment of the present application is shown in the figures. This embodiment can be applied when the processing capacity of a single production line of the insertion station I is comparable to the processing capacity of a single production line of the work station D and the processing capacity of both needs to be increased.

[0095] The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment in some aspects. For example, the insertion station I can partially overlap the work station D.

[0096] The fourth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in some aspects. For example, each insertion station I of the present embodiment comprises at least two parallel production lines arranged along the conveying direction.

[0097] One production line of the insertion station I comprises a movable platform S2a three sub-guides X 2a , Y 2a , Z 2a oriented in different directions; and a sub-tool (not shown).

[0098] The sub-guides X 2a , Y 2a , Z 2a may be perpendicular to each other to facilitate spatial arrangement, wherein one of the sub-guides (e.g., X 2a ) parallel to the conveying direction is disposed at a lower height than the fixed platform S 1a , and the movable platform S 2a is disposed on the sub-guide to enable the workpiece to be loaded on the movable platform S 2a and move with the movement of the movable platform S 2a , and the remaining sub-guides (e.g., Y 2a and Z 2a ) are disposed above the movable platform S 2a by a support or other overhanging mechanism.

[0099] The sub-tool can be disposed to move along the remaining sub-guides (e.g., Y 2a and Z 2a ) to process the workpiece.

[0100] Another production line of the insertion station I includes: another movable platform S 2b for loading and conveying another workpiece; another three sub-guides X 2b , Y 2b , Z 2b oriented in different directions; and another sub-tool (not shown).

[0101] The other sub-guides X 2b , Y 2b , Z 2b may be perpendicular to each other to facilitate spatial arrangement, wherein one of the other sub-guides (e.g., X 2b ) parallel to the conveying direction is disposed at a lower height than the other fixed platform S 1b , and the other movable platform S 2b is disposed on the sub-guide to enable the other workpiece to be loaded on the other movable platform S 2b and move with the movement of the other movable platform S 2b , and the remaining sub-guides (e.g., Y 2b and Z 2b ) of the other sub-guides are disposed above the other movable platform S 2bAbove.

[0102] Additional secondary tools can be configured to run along the remaining secondary guides in another secondary guide (e.g., Y). 2b and Z 2b It can be moved to handle other workpieces.

[0103] Similar to the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the movable platform S of the insertion station I... 2a Able to move from the previous workstation D to the fixed platform S 1a It receives workpieces and is able to provide the processed workpieces to the fixed platform S of the next workstation D after processing at insertion station I. 1a In addition, the other movable platform S of insertion station I 2b Able to transfer from the previous workstation D to another fixed platform S 1b It receives additional workpieces and, after processing at insertion station I, can provide the processed additional workpieces to another fixed platform S at the next workstation D. 1b .

[0104] Specifically, the mobile platform S in the fourth embodiment 2a And other mobile platforms S 2b Sub-guide rail X 2a Y 2a Z 2a And the other secondary guide rail X 2b Y 2b Z 2b All configurations and functions of the auxiliary tools and other auxiliary tools are the same as (or substantially the same as) those of the movable platform S2, auxiliary guide rails X2, Y2, Z2 and auxiliary tools in the first embodiment.

[0105] To illustrate this configuration more clearly, in Figure 5A Some elements have been omitted; for example, the guide rails (e.g., X) that are positioned above the movable and fixed platforms have been omitted. 1b Y 1b Z 1b Y 2a Z 2a Y 2b Z 2b ).

[0106] Furthermore, to illustrate this configuration more clearly, in Figure 5B Some elements have been omitted; for example, the following have been omitted. Figure 5A The production line includes workstation D and fixed platform S. 1a Components including the movable platform S of the production line, including insertion station I. 2a Components including.

[0107] The production line comprises a fixed platform S 1a The configuration of the components within the production line comprising the further fixed platform S in the work station D 1b The configuration of the components within the production line comprising the further fixed platform S in the work station D

[0108] Similarly, the production line comprising a movable platform S 2a The configuration of the components within the production line comprising the further movable platform S at the insertion station I 2b The configuration of the components within the production line comprising the further movable platform S at the insertion station I

[0109] In a fourth embodiment, to facilitate alignment during processing, the fixed platform S 1a , the main guide (not shown), the main tool, the movable platform S 2a , the secondary guide X 2a , Y 2a , Z 2a and the secondary tool can correspond to the position and height of the further fixed platform S 1b , the further main guide X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b , the further main tool, the further movable platform S 2b , the further secondary guide X 2b , Y 2b , Z 2b and the further secondary tool, respectively.

[0110] Thus, in comparison with the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, by providing at least two production lines in each work station D, and by providing at least two production lines in each insertion station D, both the work stations D and the insertion stations I are capable of at least doubling the processing capacity.

[0111] Although the application has been described with reference to some examples of the length of the components of the insertion station being inserted into the work station (e.g. the values of W4 and / or W5 in relation to Figure 2 , it is also envisaged that other ranges are possible. Indeed, the insertion length can be determined (and / or maximised) depending on the specific application and availability of space for overlap.

[0112] Although the application has been described with reference to specific exemplary work station systems and work stations of such systems (e.g. for dispensing fluid in relation to electronic assembly, for inspecting dispensed fluid, etc.), the application is not limited thereto. For example, aspects of the application relate to dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid in relation to applications other than electronic assembly (e.g. automotive fluid dispensing). Furthermore, aspects of the application relate to work station systems that are not related to fluid dispensing.

[0113] While the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that variations and modifications can be affected without departing from the scope of the present application, which is to be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A workstation system for electronic assembly, characterized by The workstation system comprises: at least one workstation (D) and at least one insertion station (I), which are arranged alternately and partially overlap each other, wherein at least one of (i) at least one component comprised in the insertion station (I) and (ii) a movement range of the at least one component is partially located in the workstation (D) without interfering with components comprised in the workstation (D), thereby reducing the overall width of the workstation system.

2. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one workstation (D) comprises a dispensing device.

3. The workstation system of claim 2, wherein, The at least one insertion station (I) comprises an AOI device.

4. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one insertion station (I) comprises an AOI device.

5. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The workstation system comprises a plurality of workstations (D), each of which comprises a dispensing device.

6. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one workstation (D) comprises a work area and a non-work area, and the at least one component of the insertion station (I) and / or the movement range of the at least one component of the insertion station (I) partially located in the workstation (D) is partially located in the non-work area of the workstation (D).

7. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one component of the insertion station (I) partially located in the workstation (D) is arranged at a height lower than the components of the workstation (D).

8. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one component comprised in each workstation (D) comprises: a stationary platform (S1) for loading a workpiece, three main guide rails (X1, Y1, Z1) oriented along different directions and arranged above the stationary platform (S1), wherein one of the main guide rails (X1) is parallel to a conveying direction of the workpiece, and a main tool arranged to move along the main guide rails (X1, Y1, Z1) to process the workpiece.

9. The workstation system of claim 8, wherein, The main tool is a dispensing needle for dispensing a fluid onto the workpiece.

10. The workstation system of claim 8, wherein, The relative movement between the main tool and the workpiece is achieved by the movement of the main tool along the main guide rails (X1, Y1, Z1).

11. The workstation system of claim 8, wherein, The at least one component comprised in each insertion station (I) comprises: a movable platform (S2) for loading and conveying the workpiece, three secondary guide rails (X2, Y2, Z2) oriented along different directions, wherein one of the secondary guide rails (X2) parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece is arranged at a height lower than the stationary platform (S1), and the movable platform (S2) is arranged on the one of the secondary guide rails (X2), and the remaining secondary guide rails (Y2, Z2) are arranged above the movable platform (S2), and a secondary tool arranged to move along the remaining secondary guide rails (Y2, Z2) to process the workpiece.

12. The workstation system of claim 11, wherein, The secondary tool comprises a camera.

13. The workstation system of claim 11, wherein, The relative movement between the secondary tool and the workpiece is achieved jointly by the movement of the movable platform (S2) along the one of the secondary guides (X2) and the movement of the secondary tool along the remaining secondary guides (Y2, Z2).

14. The workstation system of claim 8, wherein, The at least one component included in each work station (D) further includes: a further stationary platform (S 1b ) for loading a further workpiece, 1b ) for loading a further workpiece, The other three main tracks (X) 1b Y 1b Z 1b The other three dominant orbitals (X) 1b Y 1b Z 1b ) are oriented in different directions and are set on the other fixed platform (S) 1b Above, one of the other dominant rails (X) 1b Parallel to the conveying direction of the other workpiece, and a further main tool, which is arranged to be moved along the further three main rails (X 1b , Y 1b , Z 1b ) for processing the further workpiece, wherein: The conveying direction of the workpiece is parallel to the conveying direction of the further workpiece.

15. The workstation system of claim 14, wherein, The at least one component included in each insertion station (I) includes: a movable platform (S2) for loading and conveying the workpiece and the further workpiece, - three secondary guides (X2, Y2, Z2) oriented along different directions, wherein two of said secondary guides (X2, Y2) are arranged at a lower level than said fixed platform (S 1a ) and said further fixed platform (S 1b ), wherein one of said two of said secondary guides (X2) is parallel to said direction of transport of said workpieces and said direction of transport of said further workpieces, and said movable platform (S2) is arranged on said one of said secondary guides (X2), and the remaining secondary guide (Z2) is arranged above said movable platform (S2), and a secondary tool arranged to move along the remaining secondary guides (Z2) to process the workpiece and the further workpiece.

16. The workstation system of claim 14, wherein, Said insertion station (I) receives (i) said workpiece from said fixed platform (S 1a ) of the preceding station (D) or (ii) said further workpiece from said further fixed platform (S 1b ) of the preceding station (D) and provides, after processing in said insertion station (I), said processed workpiece or said processed further workpiece to said fixed platform (S 1a ) or said further fixed platform (S 1b ) of the following station (D).

17. The workstation system of claim 14, wherein, The at least one component included in each insertion station (I) includes: movable platform (S 2a ), said movable platform (S 2a ) for loading and conveying said workpieces, three sub-guides (X 2a , Y2, Z2) oriented in different directions, wherein one of the sub-guides (X 2a ) parallel to the conveying direction of the workpiece is arranged at a lower height than the fixed platform (S 1a ) and the movable platform (S 2a ) is arranged on the one sub-guide (X 2a ), a further movable platform (S 2b ), said further movable platform (S 2b ) for loading and transporting said further workpieces, The other secondary guide rail (X) 2b The other secondary guide rail (X) 2b The conveying direction of the other workpiece is parallel to that of the other workpiece, and it is positioned below the other fixed platform (S). 1b At the height of ), and the other movable platform (S) 2b ) is set on the other secondary guide rail (X) 2b ) on, and a secondary tool; wherein the remaining secondary guide rails (Y2, Z2) are arranged above the movable platform (S 2a ) and the further movable platform (S 2b ), and wherein the secondary tool is arranged to move along the remaining secondary guides (Y2, Z2) to process the workpiece and the further workpiece.

18. The workstation system of claim 17, wherein, said movable platform (S 2a ) of the insertion station (I) receives the workpiece from the fixed platform (S 1a ) of the preceding work station (D) and provides the processed workpiece to the fixed platform (S 1a ) of the following work station (D) after processing at the insertion station (I), and said further movable platform (S 2b ) of the insertion station (I) receives the further workpiece from the further stationary platform (S 1b ) of the preceding work station (D) and provides the processed further workpiece to the further stationary platform (S 1b ) of the following work station (D) after processing at the insertion station (I).

19. The workstation system of claim 14, wherein, The at least one component included in each insertion station (I) includes: a movable platform (S 2a ), said movable platform (S 2a ) for loading and transferring said workpieces, three sub-guides (X 2a , Y 2a , Z 2a ) oriented in different directions, wherein one of the sub-guides (X 2a ) parallel to the conveying direction of the workpieces is arranged at a lower level than the fixed platform (S 1a ), and the movable platform (S 2a ) is arranged on the one sub-guide (X 2a ), and the remaining sub-guides (Y 2a , Z 2a ) are arranged above the movable platform (S 2a ), a secondary tool disposed to move along the remaining secondary guide (Y 2a , Z 2a ) to process the workpiece, a further movable platform (S 2b ), said further movable platform (S 2b ) for loading and transporting said further workpieces, three further sub-guides (X 2b , Y 2b , Z 2b ) oriented in different directions, wherein one of the further sub-guides (X 2b ) parallel to the conveying direction of the further workpiece is arranged at a lower level than the further stationary platform (S 1b ) and the further movable platform (S 2b ) is arranged on the one sub-guide (X 2b ), and the remaining sub-guides (Y 2b , Z 2b ) are arranged above the further movable platform (S 2b ), and Further secondary tools, which are arranged to move along the remaining secondary guides (Y 2b , Z 2b ) to process the further workpieces.

20. The workstation system of claim 19, wherein, said movable platform (S 2a ) of the insertion station (I) receives the workpiece from the fixed platform (S 1a ) of the preceding work station (D) and provides the processed workpiece to the fixed platform (S 1a ) of the following work station (D) after processing at the insertion station (I), and said further movable platform (S 2b ) of said insertion station (I) receives said further workpiece from said further stationary platform (S 1b ) of said preceding work station (D) and provides said further processed workpiece after processing at said insertion station (I) to said further stationary platform (S 1b ) of said following work station (D).

21. The workstation system of claim 11, wherein, The one of the secondary guides (X2) arranged at the height lower than the fixed platform (S1) and / or the movable range of the movable platform (S2) on the one of the secondary guides (X2) is partially located in the work station (D) without interfering with the components of the work station (D).

22. The workstation system of claim 6, wherein, The work station width (W1) of the work station (D) is 800 mm to 1000 mm, the work width (W2) of the work area is 300 mm to 400 mm, and the non-work width (W3) of the non-work area is 200 mm to 300 mm.

23. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The insertion station (I) is arranged at the end of the work station system, and the components included in the insertion station (I) and / or the movable range of the components are inserted into the adjacent work station (D) by 200 mm to 300 mm to have a reduced station width (W5) of 300 mm to 500 mm.

24. The workstation system of claim 1, wherein, The movable platform (S2) is arranged at the same height as the fixed platform (S1).

25. The workstation system of claim 11, wherein, During the conveying of the workpiece between the work station (D) and the insertion station (I), the primary tool or the secondary tool is replaced by a pick-up tool to convey the workpiece.

26. The workstation system of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is programmed to: The work station system further includes a mechanical arm for conveying the workpiece between the work station (D) and the insertion station (I).

27. The workstation system of claim 11, wherein, The work station system further includes a mechanical arm for conveying the workpiece between the work station (D) and the insertion station (I).

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