Parts feeding device, assembly device for electronic components and parts feeding methods

Abstract

Parts feeding device (4), comprising: a belt (40) which is provided with a plurality of transport holes (400b) arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of partial accommodation sections (400a) arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, each of which houses an electronic component (P1); a drive element (43) having projections (430) that are inserted into the transport holes (400b) and configured to move the belt (40) forward by engaging the projections (430) in the transport holes (400b) to transmit a drive force, in order to successively convey a plurality of electronic components (P1) to a defined part feed position (B1), wherein the projections (430) are inserted into the transport holes (400b) in a state in which a predetermined clearance tolerance (L2) is ensured; and a control device characterized by the fact that the control device is configured to cause the projections (430) to move forward by a predetermined correction distance (L3) which is greater than or equal to the clearance tolerance (L2) to allow the front ends of the projections (430) and the front ends of the transport holes (400b) to collide before the transport of a first electronic component (P1) to the part feed position (B1) begins.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parts feeding device for feeding electronic components to be attached to a printed circuit board, an assembly device for electronic components which includes the parts feeding device, and a parts feeding method. Technical background

[0002] As described in patent literature 1, a belt feeder is detachably attached to an assembly device for electronic components. The belt feeder conveys electronic components one after the other to a defined partial feed position. An electronic component that has been conveyed to the partial feed position is drawn in by a suction nozzle and transferred to a printed circuit board. The electronic component conveyed in this way is then attached to the printed circuit board at defined coordinates by means of the suction nozzle.

[0003] The tape feeder comprises a tape, a spool, and a drive wheel. The tape contains numerous electronic components, arranged at regular intervals along its length. The tape also has numerous transport holes punched into it, again at regular intervals along its length. The tape is wound around the spool. The drive wheel unwinds the tape from the spool. In other words, the drive wheel moves the electronic components to the partial feed position. More precisely, the drive wheel has numerous protrusions along its outer edge. These protrusions move the electronic components to the partial feed position as the drive wheel rotates intermittently, engaging with the transport holes in the tape.

[0004] Another example of a parts feeding device is disclosed in patent literature 2. Quotations from patent literature Patent literature 1: JP 2009 - 295 829 A Patent literature 2: JP 2004 - 111 797 A Summary of the invention; Technical task

[0005] In the case where, immediately after loading the tape feeder into the assembly device for electronic components, an order is to be executed to transport a first electronic component, the tape feeder sometimes fails to transport the electronic component to the partial feeder position. Fig. 6(a) is a top view showing the surroundings of the part feed position at the start of a job to transport the first electronic component. Fig. 6(b) is a top view showing the surroundings of the part feed position in the middle of this transport order. Fig. 6(c) is a top view showing the surroundings of the part feed position at the end of this transport order.

[0006] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), a partial feed position B100 is defined for a tape feeder 100. The tape feeder 100 contains a tape 102 and a drive wheel. The tape 102 is provided with numerous transport holes 103 and numerous partial housing sections 104. The electronic components 105 are housed in the respective partial housing sections 104. Numerous projections 101 are provided along the outer edge of the drive wheel. The projections 101 fit into the transport holes 103. A clearance L101 is ensured between the projections 101 and the transport holes 103 to facilitate the insertion of the projections 101.

[0007] When an order to transport the first electronic component is executed, as in Fig. Figure 6(a) shows that the position of the transport hole 103, circled with alternating long and short lines, is confirmed using a camera (not shown). The relative positional relationship between the transport hole 103 and the component housing section 104 is known. Thus, the distance L100 from the component housing section 104, in which the first electronic component 105 is housed, to the component feed position B100 can be determined. Furthermore, the travel distance of the projection 101 (rotation angle of the drive wheel), which corresponds to the distance L100, can be determined.

[0008] Following this, as in Fig. As shown in 6(b), the drive wheel is rotated by a rotational value comparable to the distance L100. Here, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(a), the clearance L101 between the projection 101 and the transport hole 103 is ensured. Consequently, even when the drive wheel is turned, the belt 102 can only be transported once the clearance L101 has been exhausted. In other words, the drive wheel rotates freely, and by a rotational amount comparable to the clearance L101. As shown in Figure 6(a), the clearance L101 between the projection 101 and the transport hole 103 is ensured. Fig. As shown in Figure 6(b), once the clearance L101 is exhausted and a front end of the projection 101 and a front end of the transport hole 103 meet, the belt 102 is conveyed through the projection 101 in the forward direction, as indicated by an unfilled arrow.

[0009] The preset distance L100, a value comparable to the clearance L101, is, however, consumed by rotating the drive wheel in neutral. Accordingly, it can be determined that the actual travel distance L102 of the belt 102 is equal to L100 - L101. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(c), the partial housing section 104, in which the first electronic component 105 is housed, consequently stops at a position before the partial feed position B100, at a distance comparable to the clearance L101. In short, a fault occurs during the transport of the electronic component 105.

[0010] Assuming that the positions of the clearance L101 relative to the projections 101 are the same for a large number of belt feeds 100, then the distance L100 can be set so that the clearance L101 is taken into account from the outset. For example, assume that, as in Fig. 6(a) shows that the clearance L101 is always located on the forward side of the projection 101; then the distance L100 can be adjusted taking into account the clearance L101.

[0011] However, the position of the clearance L101 relative to the projections 101 is not fixed in practice. For example, in one case the clearance L101 may be located at the rear of the projection 101, and in another case the clearance L101 may include both the clearance located at the front and the clearance located at the rear of the projections 101. If this is the case, the distance L100 cannot be determined by taking the clearance L101 into account from the outset. Consequently, a fault occurs during the transport of the electronic component 105.

[0012] As described, when processing a task to transport the first electronic component immediately after loading the conveyor belt into the electronic component assembly machine, there may be a situation where the electronic component 105 is not transported to the partial feed position B100. In this case, the suction nozzle may not be able to draw the electronic component in satisfactorily. In short, the suction fails more frequently.

[0013] In light of the problems discussed above, a parts feeding device, an assembly device for electronic components, and a parts feeding method according to the invention are provided. The invention aims to provide a parts feeding device, an assembly device for electronic components, and a parts feeding method in which, even when tasked with conveying a first electronic component, virtually no errors occur during conveying or failures in the suction of the electronic component.

[0014] The present invention is defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. Solution to the problem (1) To solve the above problems, a parts feeding device of the invention comprises the features of independent claim 1.

[0015] In short, the component feeding device of the invention reduces a feeding error in the first electronic component by prior use of the clearance. According to the component feeding position of the invention, before the first electronic component is fed to the component feeding position, the projections are moved forward by the correction distance, which is greater than or equal to the clearance. It should be noted that the radial positions of the projections in the transport holes are not fixed, while the maximum distance between the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes is equal to the clearance. By moving the projections forward by the correction distance, which is greater than or equal to the clearance, the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes can therefore reliably abut each other. In other words, it becomes possible to eliminate the risk of the first component being fed forward by the component. Fig. 6(b) to restore the state shown, i.e., a state in which the clearance is exhausted before the transport of the first electronic component to the partial feed position begins. Consequently, the first electronic component can be reliably transported to the partial feed position. In other words, there is no risk that the electronic component will not reach the partial feed position because the projections in the transport holes run out of clearance. Accordingly, there is hardly any failure in the transport of the electronic components. Since the electronic components can be reliably brought to the partial feed position, there is also hardly any failure in the transfer of the electronic components.

[0016] (2) Preferably the control device is configured to cause the projections to be moved in the reverse direction, opposite to the forward direction, around the correction distance in order to allow the rear ends of the projections and the rear ends of the transport holes to collide before the projections are moved around the correction distance in the forward direction.

[0017] According to this design, the projections are first moved backwards and then forwards around the correction path. The positions of the projections are therefore the same before and after the movement. Consequently, this not only prevents the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes from colliding, but also prevents the positions of the projections from shifting in the forward direction as a result of this movement. This design is therefore advantageous in cases where the parts feeding device fixes the movement path of the projections relative to their positions before this movement is carried out.

[0018] (3) Preferably, the drive element is a drive wheel having projections along its outer edge and configured to rotate. According to this design, the leading ends of the projections and the leading ends of the transport holes can abut each other before the first electronic component is conveyed to the partial feed position. This prevents the drive wheel from rotating freely relative to the belt.

[0019] (4) To solve the above problems, an assembly device for electronic components according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises the component feed device set out in any one of the above paragraphs (1) to (3), wherein the control device is designed such that a movement distance of the projections required to transport the first electronic component to the component feed position is fixed and that the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes are allowed to abut each other before the movement distance is fixed.

[0020] According to the assembly device for electronic components according to the invention, it is possible to reduce a transport error in the first electronic component by fixing the travel distance of the projections of the drive element after the play has been exhausted. According to the assembly device for electronic components according to the invention, before the travel distance of the projections of the drive element is fixed, the projections are moved forward by the correction distance, which is greater than or equal to the play. It should be noted that the radial positions of the projections in the transport holes are not fixed, while the maximum distance between the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes is equal to the play.By moving the projections forward by the correction distance, which is greater than or equal to the clearance, the leading ends of the projections and the leading ends of the transport holes can consequently collide. In this state, the path of movement of the projections is fixed. In other words, it becomes possible to determine the path of movement of the projections within the given space. Fig. 6(b) to fix the state shown, i.e., in a state where the clearance is exhausted. Consequently, the first electronic component can be reliably conveyed to the partial feed position. In other words, there is hardly any error in conveying the electronic components. Since the electronic components can be reliably brought to the partial feed position, there is also hardly any failure in conveying the electronic components.

[0021] (5) Preferably, the assembly device for electronic components further comprises an imaging device that captures an image of at least one of the transport holes of interest, so that the movement path is determined based on the image of the at least one of the transport holes of interest captured by the imaging device. According to this design, it becomes possible to determine the movement path based on the positional relationship between the transport holes and the component housing sections, which is already known, and the position of the transport hole whose image was captured by the imaging device.

[0022] (5-1) Preferably, the transport hole whose image was captured by the imaging device is a transport hole into which the projection is not inserted. According to this design, the contrast of the image of the transport hole is enhanced. Thus, a higher setting accuracy of the movement path can be achieved.

[0023] (6) To solve the above problems, a parts feeding method of the invention is defined in claim 6.

[0024] The component feeding method of the invention comprises the projection forward movement step and the component conveying step. In the projection forward movement step, the projections are moved forward by the correction distance, which is greater than or equal to the clearance, to allow the leading ends of the projections and the leading ends of the conveying holes to abut each other. In the component conveying step, the first electronic component is conveyed to the component feeding position by moving the projections in a state where the clearance has already been exhausted.

[0025] According to the component feeding method of the invention, the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes reliably collide during the projection forward movement step. Consequently, the first electronic component can be reliably conveyed to the component feeding position during the component conveying step. Therefore, errors in the conveying of the electronic components are minimal. Since the electronic components can be reliably brought to the component feeding position, failures in the transfer of the electronic components are also minimal.

[0026] (7) Preferably the part feeding method further comprises a projection-reverse movement step for moving the projections around the correction distance in a reverse direction, opposite to the forward direction, to allow the rear ends of the projections and the rear ends of the transport holes to abut each other before the projection-forward movement step.

[0027] According to this design, the positions of the projections are the same before and after the projection's backward movement step. Consequently, not only can the front ends of the projection and the front ends of the transport holes collide, but the projection's forward movement step also prevents its positions from shifting. This design is therefore advantageous when the parts feeder fixes the projection's movement path relative to its position before the projection's backward movement step is executed.

[0028] (8) Preferably the part feeding method further comprises a movement distance determination step to determine, after the projection forward movement step, a movement distance of the projections required to convey the first electronic component, of a plurality of electronic components, to the part feeding position while the front ends of the projections and the front ends of the transport holes are abutting each other.

[0029] According to this design, the travel distance of the projections is fixed in a state where the clearance is exhausted. Consequently, it becomes possible to reliably transport the first electronic component to the partial feed position. In other words, there is hardly any error in the transport of the electronic components. Since the electronic components can be reliably brought to the partial feed position, there is also hardly any failure in the transfer of the electronic components. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0030] According to the invention, it becomes possible to create a parts feeding device, an assembly device for electronic components, and parts feeding methods in which virtually no errors occur during transport or failures in the suction of the electronic components, even when transporting a first electronic component. Brief description of the drawing [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly device for electronic components as an embodiment of the invention. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a right-side view of the assembly device for electronic components. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3(a) is a top view of a belt feed, and Fig. 3(b) is a transparent right side of the tape feed. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4(a) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a), Fig. 4(b) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a) in a forward-backward movement step of a parts feeding method of embodiment, Fig. 4(c) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a) during a leading-forward movement step of the parts feeding process, and Fig. 4(d) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a) in a partial conveying step of the parts feeding process. [ Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates the parts feeding process. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6(a) is a top view of the surroundings of a partial feed position at the start of a transport order for a first electronic component according to the prior art, Fig. 6(b) is a top view of the area surrounding the part feed position in the middle of the transport order and Fig. 6(c) is a top view of the partial feed position at the end of the transport order. Reference numeral list

[0031] 1: Assembly device for electronic components, 2: Base plate, 3: Module, 4: Belt feeder (parts feeding device) and 5: Loading plate of the device 30: Printed circuit board transport device, 31: XY robot, 32: Attachment head, 33: Marking monitoring camera (imaging device), 34: Parts monitoring camera, 35: Printed circuit board lifting device, 40: Belt, 41: Spool, 42: Spool holder, 43: Drive wheel, 44: Main part frame and 51: Installation location 303f: Transport section, 303r: Transport section, 310: Runner in y-direction, 311: Runner in x-direction, 312: Guide rail for y-direction, 313: Guide rail for x-direction, 320: Suction nozzle, 350f: Lifting section, 350r: Lifting section, 400: Carrier belt, 400a: Partial housing section, 400b: Transport hole, 401: Cover belt, 410: Shaft section and 430: Projection B1: Partial feed position, B2: Coordinates, Bf: Printed circuit board, Br: Printed circuit board, F: Floor, L1: Distance, L2: Clearance, L3: Correction distance and P1: Electronic component Description of embodiments

[0032] The following describes a parts feeding device, an assembly device for electronic components and a parts feeding method of the invention. Design of the assembly device for electronic components

[0033] First, a design of an assembly device for electronic components of this embodiment is described. In the drawings, which are referenced below, the left side corresponds to the feed side with respect to the transport direction of the printed circuit boards. The right side corresponds to the discharge side with respect to the transport direction of the printed circuit boards. The direction from coil 41 to a partial feed position B1 corresponds to the "forward direction" referred to in the invention. Conversely, the direction from partial feed position B1 to coil 41 corresponds to the "reverse direction" referred to in the invention.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly device for electronic components of this embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a right-hand side view of the assembly device for electronic components. Fig. 1. The housing of module 3 is transparent. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an assembly device 1 for electronic components comprises a base plate 2, the module 3, a large number of tape feeders 4, and a loading plate 5 of the device. The tape feeders 4 are incorporated into the concept of the "parts feeding device" to which the invention relates. Base plate 2 and module 3

[0035] The base plate 2 has a rectangular box shape. The base plate 2 is attached to the floor F of a factory. The module 3 is detachably attached to the top of the base plate 2. The module 3 comprises a printed circuit board transport device 30, an XY robot 31, an attachment head 32, a marking monitoring camera 33, a parts monitoring camera 34, a printed circuit board lifting device 35, and a control device (not shown). The marking monitoring camera 33 is incorporated into the concept of an imaging device to which reference is made in the invention.

[0036] The printed circuit board transport device 30 comprises a pair of transport sections: a front transport section 303f and a rear transport section 303r. The front transport section 303f has a pair of conveyor belts: a front and a rear conveyor belt. A printed circuit board Bf is bridged between the pair of front and rear conveyor belts. Similarly, the rear transport section 303r has a pair of conveyor belts: a front and a rear conveyor belt. A printed circuit board Br is bridged between the pair of front and rear conveyor belts. The printed circuit boards Bf and Br are transported independently of each other from left to right by transport section 303f and transport section 303r, respectively. The conveyor belts function, among other things, as a printed circuit board conveyor, transporting printed circuit boards.

[0037] The printed circuit board lifting device 35 comprises a pair of lifting sections: a front lifting section 350f and a rear lifting section 350r. Each of the lifting sections in the pair, i.e., the front lifting section 350f and the rear lifting section 350r, is capable of moving in the up-down direction. The front lifting section 350f is installed below the transport section 303f. The rear lifting section 350r is installed below the transport section 303r. The printed circuit boards Bf and Br can be lifted for transport (lifting the printed circuit board Bf from Fig. 2) and lifting for the purpose of assembly (lifting the circuit board Br from Fig. 2), higher than lifting for transport, change through lifting sections 350f or 350r.

[0038] The x-direction corresponds to the right-left direction, the y-direction corresponds to the front-back direction, and the z-direction corresponds to the up-down direction. The xy robot 31 has a y-direction runner 310, a y-direction runner 311, a pair of right and left guide rails 312 in the y-direction, and a pair of upper and lower guide rails 313.

[0039] A pair of right and left guide rails 312 in the y-direction is attached to the top of an interior space of the module 3 housing. The y-direction runner, 310, is attached to a pair of right and left guide rails 312 in the y-direction in such a way that it can slide in the front-to-back direction. A pair of upper and lower guide rails 313 in the x-direction is attached to the front surface of the y-direction runner, 310. The x-direction runner, 311, is attached to a pair of upper and lower guide rails 313 in the x-direction in such a way that it can slide in the right-to-left direction.

[0040] The attachment head 32 is mounted on the runner in the x-direction, 311. Consequently, the attachment head 32 can be moved forward-backward and left-right by means of the xy-robot 31. A suction nozzle 320 is interchangeably attached to the underside of the attachment head 32. The suction nozzle 320 can move downwards relative to the attachment head 32. Consequently, the suction nozzle 320 can move forward-backward, left-right, and up-down by means of the xy-robot 31 and the attachment head 32.

[0041] The marking monitoring camera 33, together with the mounting head 32, is attached to the runner in the x-direction, 311. The marking monitoring camera 33 can move forward-backward and left-right by means of the xy robot 31. The marking monitoring camera 33 functions, among other things, as an imaging device that records position markings on the printed circuit boards Bf and Br and on the electronic components. Furthermore, the marking monitoring camera 33 functions as an imaging device that records an image of an electronic component being transported by the belt feeders 4 described below.

[0042] The parts monitoring camera 34 is arranged upstream of the transport section 303f. The suction nozzle 320 (i.e., the attachment head 32), which attracts an electronic component by suction, runs above the parts monitoring camera 34. The parts monitoring camera 34 has, among other functions, an imaging device that captures an image of an electronic component in a state where the electronic component is attracted by suction from the suction nozzle 320. The control device can holistically control the printed circuit board transport device 30, the XY robot 31, the attachment head 32, the marking monitoring camera 33, the parts monitoring camera 34, and the printed circuit board lifting device described above, as well as the belt feeders 4 described below. Loading plate 5 of the device and tape feeders 4

[0043] The device's loading plate 5 is attached to a front opening of the module 3. The device's loading plate 5 has a large number of mounting positions 51. A large number of tape feeders 4 are detachably attached to the respective mounting positions 51. In other words, the mounting positions 51 serve, among other things, as a tape feeder mounting section. When the tape feeders 4 are attached to the mounting positions 51, they are simultaneously connected to the control device via a connector (not shown).

[0044] Fig. Figure 3(a) shows a top view of the belt feed. Fig. Figure 3(b) shows a transparent side view from the right of the tape feed. As in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 3(b), the tape feeder 4 comprises a tape 40, a spool 41, a spool holder 42, a drive wheel 43 and a main part frame 44.

[0045] The main frame 44 has a hollow, narrow plate shape. The part feed position B1 is located at the rear end of the top of the main frame 44. The drive wheel 43 is housed within the interior of the main frame 44. A motor (not shown), controlled by the control device, enables the drive wheel 43 to rotate intermittently. Numerous projections 430 are provided along the outer edge of the drive wheel 43. These projections 430 can protrude sequentially above the main frame 44 as the drive wheel 43 rotates. The spool holder 42 is installed behind the main frame 44. The spool 41 is interchangeably housed in the spool holder 42.

[0046] The tape 40 is wound around a shaft section 410 of the spool 41. The tape 40 is unwound backwards from an upper part of the spool 41. The unwound tape 40 extends in the front-to-back direction along the top of the main part frame 44. The tape 40 comprises a carrier tape 400 and a cover tape 401.

[0047] Fig. 4(a) shows an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(a), the carrier strip 400 has many partial housing sections 400a and many transport holes 400b. Many individual partial housing sections 400a are incorporated into the top surface of the carrier strip 400. These many partial housing sections 400a are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 400. Electronic components P1 are housed in the many partial housing sections 400a in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the many transport holes 400b traverses the carrier strip 400 in the top-bottom direction. The many transport holes 400b are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 400. The many transport holes 400b are provided in the carrier strip 400 at one end in the transverse direction with respect to the many partial housing sections 400a. For every second partial accommodation section 400a, a transport hole 400b is provided.The relative positional relationship between the transport holes 400b and the part storage sections 400a is stored in the control device. The projections 430 in the upper part of the drive wheel 43 engage with the transport holes 400b. The transport holes 400b, i.e., the belt 40, are conveyed by the projections 430, i.e., the drive wheel 43, in the direction from the spool 41 to the part feed position B1 or in the direction from the part feed position B1 to the supply spool 41.

[0048] As in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 3(b), the cover tape 401 is layered onto an upper part of the carrier tape 400 (on a radially outer side in a state in which the cover tape 401 is wound around the spool 41). The cover tape 401 seals the many partial housing sections 400a from above. Movements of the assembly device for electronic components

[0049] The following is a brief description of the movements of the assembly device for electronic components of this embodiment during the manufacture of a printed circuit board. As in Fig. 3(a), Fig. 3(b) and Fig. As shown in Figure 4(a), the belt 40, which encloses the electronic components P1, is conveyed in defined steps by the drive wheel 43, which is intermittently driven by the control device. The cover belt 401 of the belt 40 is detached by the carrier belt 400 shortly before reaching the drive wheel 43. Thus, only the carrier belt 400 reaches the partial feed position B1. At the partial feed position B1, the electronic component P1, located in the partial housing section 400a, can be removed from above.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the suction nozzle 320 is able to move in the rear, right-left, and up-down directions by means of the xy robot 31 and the attachment head 32. Fig. As shown by a dotted line in Figure 2, the electronic component P1 is attracted to the component feed position B1 by suction from the suction nozzle 320. The electronic component P1, attracted by suction, is conveyed over the component monitoring camera 34 onto the circuit board Br (or the circuit board Bf). The electronic component P1, conveyed in this way, is then attached to the circuit board Br at defined coordinates B2 by means of the suction nozzle 320.

[0051] The electronic component P1 is transported from the spool 41 of the tape feeder 4 to the partial feed position B1 by means of the drive wheel 43. Furthermore, the electronic component P1 is transported from the partial feed position B1 to the defined coordinates B2 of the printed circuit board Br by means of the suction nozzle 320. Parts feeding process

[0052] The following is a description of the part feeding method of this embodiment. The part feeding method of this embodiment has a projection-backward movement step, a projection-forward movement step, a movement distance determination step and a part conveying step. Fig. 4(b) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a) during the forward-backward movement step of the part feeding method of this embodiment. Fig. 4(c) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a) during the leading-forward movement step of the part feeding process. Fig. 4(d) is an enlarged view within frame IV of Fig. 3(a) in the partial conveying step of the part feeding process. Fig. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates the parts feeding process.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the component feeding method of this embodiment is carried out immediately after the belt feeders 4 have been loaded into the assembly device 1 for electronic components. First, the assembly device 1 for electronic components is supplied with power (S1). Then, as shown in Figure 5, the components are loaded into the assembly device 1. Fig. Figure 2 shows the tape feeders 4 being attached to the mounting positions 51 of the loading plate 5 of the assembly device 1 for electronic components (S2). The tape feeders 4 are then supplied with power (S3). Subsequently, the control unit of the assembly device 1 for electronic components begins to communicate with the tape feeders 4 to detect the loaded tape feeders 4 (S4).

[0054] Then the forward-backward movement step is executed (S5). As in Fig. As shown in 4(a), a clearance L2 is ensured between the projections 430 and the transport holes 400b to facilitate the insertion of the projections 430. Fig. Figure 4(a) shows a state in which the clearance L2 with respect to the projections 430 is located unilaterally in the direction of the partial feed position B1 (a state in which a conveying error for the first electronic component P1 is maximized). There may also be a case in which the clearance L2 with respect to the projections 430 is located unilaterally on the side of the coil 41. Alternatively, the clearance L2 with respect to the projections 430 may include that on the side of the partial feed position B1 and that on the side of the coil 41. In this step, the drive wheel 43 is moved in the opposite direction, in Fig. 3 counterclockwise, rotated. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(b), the projections 430 move from the side of the partial feed position B1 towards the coil 41 by a correction distance L3. The full length of the correction distance L3 in the direction from the partial feed position B1 to the coil 41 is greater than or equal to the full length of the clearance L2 in the direction from the partial feed position B1 to the coil 41. Consequently, the ends of the projections 430 in the direction of the coil 41 (rear ends) and the ends of the transport hole 400b in the direction of the coil 41 will certainly collide, regardless of the position of the clearance L2 relative to the projection 430 in the direction from the partial feed position B1 to the coil 41.

[0055] The next step is the forward movement step (S6). In this step, the drive wheel 43 moves forward, into Fig. 3 clockwise, rotated. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(c), the projections 430 move from the side of the coil 41 towards the partial feed position B1 by the correction distance L3. It should be noted that the direction of movement of the projections 430 during the projection-backward movement step and the direction of movement of the projections 430 during this step are opposite to each other. On the other hand, the distance traveled by the projections 430 during the projection-backward movement step is the same as the distance traveled by the projections 430 during this step. As can be seen from a comparison between Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(c) is easy to understand, therefore the positions of the 430 projections after this step are the same as the positions of the 430 projections before the projection-backward movement step.

[0056] Next, the movement path definition step is executed. This step, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the tape feeders 4 first transmit recognition data to the control device (S7) in response to the messages (S4) from the control device to the tape feeders 4. The control device then controls the tape feeders in Fig. 2. The marker surveillance camera 33 shown activates and confirms the position of the transport hole 400b, in Fig. 4(c) is encircled with alternating long and short lines. To increase the image contrast, the marking monitoring camera 33 takes an image of the transport hole 400b, into which no projection 430 is inserted, from a plurality of transport holes 400b. The relative positional relationship between the transport holes 400b and the partial housing sections 400a is stored in the control device. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(c), the control device calculates the distance L1 from the part housing section 400a, in which the first electronic component P1 is housed, to the part feeding position B1 based on the position of the transport hole 400b, which was confirmed by the marking monitoring camera 33, and the relative positional relationship between the transport hole 400b and the part housing section 400a, which is stored in the control device. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the control device calculates the distance of movement of the projections 430 required to move the belt 40 by the distance L1 (S8).

[0057] Finally, the partial transport step is executed. This step, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the control device first instructs the belt feeders 4 to send the electronic components P1 (S9). Subsequently, the projections 430 are moved according to the transport instructions by rotating the drive wheel 43, in Fig. 3 shown, to move the calculated distance in the forward direction. Then, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(d), the partial housing section 400a, in which the first electronic component P1 is housed, is conveyed to the partial feed position B1. The belt feeders 4 successively feed the electronic components P1 to the partial feed position B1. As shown in Figure 4(d), the partial housing section 400a, in which the first electronic component P1 is housed, is conveyed to the partial feed position B1. The belt feeders 4 successively convey the electronic components P1 to the partial feed position B1. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the electronic components P1 are attached one after the other at the partial feed position B1 to the circuit boards Bf and Br at the specified coordinates B2 using the suction nozzle 320. Function and effect

[0058] The following is a description of the functions and effects of the belt feeders 4, the assembly device 1 for electronic components, and the component feeding method of the present embodiment. According to the belt feeders 4, the assembly device 1 for electronic components, and the component feeding method of the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d), a transport error in the first electronic component P1 can be reduced by fixing the travel distance of the projections 430 of the drive wheel 43 after the clearance L2 has been used up. In short, the projection reverse movement step and the projection forward movement step are performed before the travel distance fixing step. The radial position of the projections 430 in the transport holes 400b is not fixed. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(a), in one case the clearance L2 with respect to the projections 430 is located unilaterally on the side of the partial feed position B1, in another case the clearance L2 with respect to the projections 430 is located unilaterally on the side of the coil 41, and in yet another case the clearance L2 comprises that on the side of the partial feed position B1 and that on the side of the coil with respect to the projections 430. However, the maximum distance between the ends of the projections 430 in the direction of the partial feed position B1 (front ends) and the ends of the transport holes 400b in the direction of the partial feed position B1 is equal to the clearance L2. Consequently, it is possible, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4(c), by moving the projections 430 by the correction distance L3, which is greater than or equal to the clearance L2, in the direction of the partial feed position B1, the ends of the projections 430 and the ends of the transport holes 400b in the direction of the partial feed position B1 are reliably brought into contact. In this state, the travel distance of the projections 430 is fixed. In other words, the travel distance of the projections 430 is fixed in a state in which the clearance L2 is exhausted. Consequently, it becomes possible to reliably transport the first electronic component P1 to the partial feed position B1. In short, there is hardly any error in the transport of the electronic components P1. Since the electronic components P1 can be reliably brought to the partial feed position B1, there is also hardly any failure in the transfer of the electronic components P1.

[0059] According to the tape feeders 4, the assembly device 1 for electronic components, and the component feeding method of the present embodiment, the projection reverse movement step is executed before the projection forward movement step. Consequently, the projections 430 move by the same correction distance L3 first in the direction of the coil 41 and then in the direction of the component feeding position B1. Consequently, the positions of the projections 430 in the state before the projection reverse movement step are Fig. 4(a) shown, and in the state after the leading-forward movement step, in Fig. 4(c) shown, essentially the same. Consequently, the present embodiment is advantageous in a case where the control device has a program that determines the movement path of the projections 430 with respect to the positions of the projections 430 before the projection-reverse movement step is executed.

[0060] According to the belt feeders 4, the assembly device 1 for electronic components, and the component feeding method of the present embodiment, a conveying error in the first electronic component P1 can be reduced simply by changing the operating mode of the existing belt feeders 4 and the existing assembly device 1 for electronic components, without having to use a special device. In short, the existing belt feeders 4 and the assembly device 1 for electronic components can be used. Consequently, this embodiment is very flexible. More

[0061] The parts feeding device, the assembly device for electronic components, and the parts feeding method of the invention have been described. It is understood, however, that embodiments are not limited to the embodiment described above. The invention can be implemented with various modifications and improvements that would readily occur to a person skilled in the art.

[0062] For example, in the embodiment described above, the projection-backward movement step is performed before the projection-forward movement step. However, there may be a case in which the projection-backward movement step is unnecessary. For example, in a case where the control device has a program that specifies a movement path of the projections 430 with respect to their positions after the projection-forward movement step, and the projection-backward movement step is therefore unnecessary. Also, in the embodiment described above, the drive wheel 43 was used as the drive element. However, a gearbox could be used instead.

[0063] Furthermore, it is in the Fig.In the component feeding methods shown in 4(a) to 4(d), it is preferable that the section in which the first electronic component P1 is conveyed by the belt feeders 4 to the component feeding position B1 is carried out from one belt feeder 4 to the next. If the design is implemented in this way, it becomes possible to prevent overloading of the control device. In short, the control device can be protected.

Claims

[1] Parts feeding device (4) comprising: a belt (40) which is provided with a plurality of transport holes (400b) arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of partial accommodation sections (400a) arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, each of which houses an electronic component (P1); a drive element (43) having projections (430) that are inserted into the transport holes (400b) and configured to move the belt (40) forward by engaging the projections (430) in the transport holes (400b) to transmit a drive force, in order to successively convey a plurality of electronic components (P1) to a defined part feed position (B1), wherein the projections (430) are inserted into the transport holes (400b) in a state in which a predetermined clearance tolerance (L2) is ensured; and a control device characterized by , that the control device is configured to cause the projections (430) to move forward by a predetermined correction distance (L3) which is greater than or equal to the clearance tolerance (L2) to allow the front ends of the projections (430) and the front ends of the transport holes (400b) to collide before the transport of a first electronic component (P1) to the part feed position (B1) begins. [2] Parts feeding device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to cause the projections (430) to be moved in a reverse direction, opposite to the forward direction, about the correction distance (L3) to allow the rear ends of the projections (430) and the rear ends of the transport holes (400b) to collide before the projections (430) are moved about the correction distance (L3) in the forward direction. [3] Parts feeding device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive element (43) is a drive wheel having projections (430) along its outer edge and configured to rotate. [4] Assembly device (1) for electronic components (P1), comprising: the parts feeding device (4) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device is configured such that a movement distance of the projections (430) required to transport the first electronic component (P1) to the part feeding position (B1) is fixed and that the front ends of the projections (430) and the front ends of the transport holes (400b) are allowed to abut each other before the movement distance is fixed. [5] Assembly device (1) for electronic components (P1) according to claim 4, further comprising: an imaging device (33) configured to capture an image of at least one of the transport holes (400b) of interest, wherein the control device is configured to fix the movement distance based on the image of at least one of the transport holes (400b) of interest, which was captured by the imaging device (33). [6] Part feeding method for a part feeding device (4), in particular a part feeding device (4) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, comprising a belt (40) provided with a plurality of transport holes (400b) arranged at uniform intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of part storage sections (400a) arranged at uniform intervals along the longitudinal direction, each of which houses an electronic component (P1), and a drive element (43) having projections (430) that are inserted into the transport holes (400b), and moving the belt (40) in the forward direction by engaging the projections (430) in the transport holes (400b) to transmit a drive force, in order to successively convey a plurality of electronic components (P1) to a predetermined part feeding position (B1),wherein the projections (430) are inserted into the transport holes (400b) in a state in which a predetermined clearance tolerance (L2) is ensured , characterized by , that it contains the following: a forward projection step (S6) to move the projections (430) in the forward direction by a predetermined correction distance (L3) greater than or equal to the clearance tolerance (L2) to allow the front ends of the projections (430) and the front ends of the transport holes (400b) to abut each other; and a partial conveying step to convey a first electronic component (P1) to the partial feed position (B1) by moving the projections (430). [7] Part feeding method according to claim 6, further comprising: a forward-movement step (S5) to move the projections (430) around the correction distance (L3) in the reverse direction, opposite to the forward direction, to allow the rear ends of the projections (430) and the rear ends of the transport holes (400b) to meet before the forward-movement step (S6). [8] Part feeding method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: a movement path defining step to define, after the projection forward movement step (S6), a movement path of the projections (430) required to transport the first electronic component (P1), of a plurality of electronic components (P1), to the part feed position (B1) while the front ends of the projections (430) and the front ends of the transport holes (400b) are abutting each other.

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