Substrate conveying device

Abstract

A plate conveying device comprises: a pair of guide rails configured to guide both ends in a left-right direction of a plate to be conveyed in a conveying direction; a plurality of rollers rotatably provided around a central axis in an up-down direction at feeding positions to which the pair of guide rails feeds the plate, and configured to insert the plate to be conveyed between the pair of guide rails; and a cushioning portion configured to cushion an impact when the plate comes into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate conveyor device. State of the art

[0002] The plate conveying device is used in a plate processing machine and is used to convey a plate in a production line. Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration in which both ends of a plate, which is a conveying target, are guided by a pair of guide rails in the width direction, and the plate is moved in the conveying direction by the rotation of a conveyor belt arranged under the pair of guide rails. List of citations Patent literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP-A-2014-123597 Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0004] In such a plate conveyor, it may happen that when feeding the plate from the upstream conveying direction, the front end of the plate and the guide rails collide due to misalignment of the plate in the width direction. When using a plate with low mechanical strength, there is a risk that the collision with the guide rails could cause deformation or similar damage to the plate.

[0005] An object of the present description is to provide a plate conveying device which dampens an impact occurring during feeding of the plate and prevents deformation or similar damage to the plate as a result of conveying. Problem solving

[0006] The present invention discloses a plate conveying device comprising: a pair of guide rails configured to guide both ends in a width direction of a plate to be conveyed in a conveying direction; a plurality of rollers rotatably provided around a central axis in an up-down direction at conveying positions to which the pair of guide rails convey the plate, and configured to insert the plate to be conveyed between the pair of guide rails; and a cushioning portion configured to cushion an impact when the plate comes into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers.

[0007] In the present specification, a technical idea in which the "plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 6 of the original application is changed to "plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5", a technical idea in which the "plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 8 of the original application is changed to "plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 7", and a technical idea in which the "plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 10 of the original application is changed to "plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 9" are also disclosed. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0008] Since with such a configuration, the impact when the plate comes into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers is cushioned, deformation or the like of the plate during feeding can be prevented. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a component mounting device into which a plate conveyor device is incorporated. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the plate conveyor device. Fig. 3 is a side view of the plate conveyor device. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a damping section from a direction IV in the Fig. 3 considered. Fig. 5 is a side view from a direction V in the Fig. 4 considered. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a damping portion according to a modified embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0009] A board conveying device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example in which the board conveying device is applied to a component mounter that is a board processing machine will be explained. However, the board processing machine in which the board conveying device can be applied is not limited to the component mounter, and as long as the component mounter performs a predetermined processing on a board, various other processing machines such as solder paste printers or board inspection machines can also be used. 1. Configuration of the component assembly device 10

[0010] The component mounting device 10, together with several other types of board processing machines, including other component mounting devices 10, forms a production line for manufacturing board products. The board processing machines used in the production line described above may include, among others, a solder paste printer, a board inspection machine, and a reflow oven. 1-1. The plate conveyor device 11

[0011] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the component assembly device 10 includes a plate conveyor 11. The plate conveyor 11 then conveys the plate 91 in the conveying direction and positions the plate 91 at a predetermined position within the assembly device. A detailed configuration of the plate conveyor 11 will be described later. 1-2. The component feed device 12

[0012] The component mounting device 10 includes a component feeder 12. The component feeder 12 feeds components to be mounted on the plate 91. In the component feeder 12, a feeder 122 is installed in each of the plurality of slots 121. A tape feeder that feeds components for removal by, for example, feeding and moving a carrier tape that accommodates a large number of components is installed in the feeder 122. 1-3. The component transfer device 13

[0013] The component mounting device 10 includes a component transfer device 13. The component transfer device 13 transfers the components supplied by the component supply device 12 to a predetermined mounting position on the plate 91. The component transfer device 13 includes a head drive device 131, a movable table 132, a mounting head 133, and suction nozzles 134. The head drive device 131 moves the movable table 132 in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) through a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 133 is removably fixed to the movable table 132 by a clamping element (not shown) and is provided for horizontal movement within the mounting device.

[0014] The mounting head 133 supports a plurality of suction nozzles 134 in a rotatable and liftable manner. The suction nozzle 134 serves as a holding element that picks up and holds a component provided by the feeder 122. The suction nozzle 134 picks up a component fed from the feeder using supplied vacuum air. A chuck or the like can also be used as a holding element to be attached to the mounting head 133, which holds the component by gripping it. 1-4. The parts camera 14 and the plate camera 15

[0015] The component mounter 10 includes a part camera 14 and a plate camera 15. The part camera 14 and the plate camera 15 are digital imaging devices, each having an imaging element such as a CMOS. The part camera 14 and the plate camera 15 perform imaging based on control signals and transmit image data related to the imaging. The part camera 14 is configured to image the component held by the suction nozzle 134 from below. The plate camera 15 is arranged on the movable table 132 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction together with the mounting head 42. The plate camera 15 is configured to image the plate 91 from above. 1-5. Control device 16

[0016] The component mounting device 10 includes a control device 16. The control device 16 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, and a control circuit. Various data, including a control program for controlling the mounting process and the like, are stored in the control device 16. The control program contains data indicating the mounting position, mounting angle, and type of components to be mounted on the board 91 in the planned mounting sequence.

[0017] During the mounting process, the control device 16 controls the operation of the mounting head 133 based on information output from various sensors, the result of image processing, the control program, or the like. As a result, the positions and angles of a plurality of suction nozzles 134 carried by the mounting head 34 are controlled. As a result, the component held by the suction nozzle 134 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position and at a predetermined mounting angle, which are specified by the control program. 2. 2. Configuration of the plate conveyor device 11

[0018] The plate conveying device 11 conveys the plate 91, which has been conveyed by the plate feeding device or the external conveying device along the conveying path to the upstream end of a conveying path, and conveys the plate 91 to a predetermined stop position. The predetermined stop position of the plate 91 is located, for example, in the conveying direction in the middle of the conveying path. The component mounting process is performed by the component transfer device 13 on the plate 91 positioned at the stop position. After completion of the mounting process, the plate conveying device 11 conveys the plate 91 from the stop position to the downstream end (in the Fig. 1 the right end) and conveys the plate 91 out of the assembly device. 2-1. The guide rail 20

[0019] The plate conveying device 11 comprises a pair of guide rails 20 which form the conveying path of the plate 91. The pair of guide rails 20 guides both ends of the plate 91 in a width direction (a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction - an up-down direction in the Fig. 1 and a front-back direction in the Fig. 3) the plate 91 to be conveyed in the conveying direction (the direction from bottom left to top right in the Fig. 2 or the left-right direction in the Fig. 3). The guide rails 20 are mounted on the upper side of each pair of support plates 25, which are perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 19 and parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The spacing distance between the pair of guide rails 20 is adjusted according to the width dimension of the plate 91. The spacing can be adjusted by the sliding movement of a support plate 25 on the upper surface of the base 19. 2-2. The drive section 30

[0020] The plate conveying device 11 includes a drive section 30 that conveys the plate 91 in the conveying direction. The drive section 30 includes a pair of conveyor belts 31, a plurality of pulleys, and a drive motor 37. The conveyor belt 31 is formed as an endless loop and is located along the guide rails 20. The conveyor belt 31 is guided to the upper surface of the belt guide 21, which extends along the conveying direction on the inner side where the guide rails 20 are opposite each other. The two sides along the conveying direction of the plate 91 are placed on the upper surfaces of the conveyor belts 31.

[0021] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the conveyor belt 31 is engaged with a pair of front and rear conveyor guide pulleys 32, several intermediate pulleys 33, a drive pulley 34, and a tension pulley 35. The tension pulley 35 ensures the correct tension of the conveyor belt 31 to prevent sagging. The drive pulley 34 is non-rotatably held by the drive shaft 36. The drive shaft 36 runs perpendicular to the conveying direction and is fixed centrally to each of the two drive pulleys 34. The drive shaft 36 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 37 via a gear mechanism.

[0022] The drive motor 37 is, for example, a pulse motor controlled by receiving a drive pulse. The drive motor 37 rotates the drive shaft to rotate the pair of conveyor belts 31 via the pair of drive pulleys 34. Accordingly, the pair of conveyor belts 31 rotate synchronously with each other, supporting and conveying the plate 91 placed on its upper surface. The drive motor 37 rotates forward by a predetermined angle upon input of a positive pulse (positive polarity drive pulse) and reverse by a predetermined angle upon input of a negative pulse (negative polarity drive pulse). By rotating the drive motor 37 forward or backward by a predetermined angle, the conveyor belt 31 rotates in the forward or reverse direction by a predetermined unit distance. 2-3. The support device 40

[0023] The plate conveying device 11 includes a support device 40. The support device 40 is arranged below the stop position of the plate 91 and supports the plate 91 from below using a plurality of support pins 41. The plurality of support pins 41 are arranged vertically on the upper surface of a rectangular, plate-shaped support plate 42. The number, type, and arrangement positions of the plurality of support pins 41 are adjusted according to the type of plate 91 to be conveyed. The support plate 42 is configured to move vertically relative to the base 19. The support plate 42 is raised and lowered by an actuator 43, e.g., a fluid pressure cylinder.

[0024] The support device 40 is operated after the plate 91 is conveyed to the stop position and stopped there. Specifically, the support device 40 lifts the support plate 42 through the operation of the actuator 43. As the support plate 42 is lifted, the support pins 41 push the plate 91 upward. Accordingly, the plate 91 is clamped and positioned between the upper portions of the guide rails 20 and the support pins 41. In this way, the support device 40 functions as a clamping device within the plate conveying device 11.

[0025] After completion of the component mounting process, the support device 40 lowers the support plate 42 through the operation of the actuator 43. As the support plate 42 is lowered, the support pins 41 move downward away from the plate 91. Accordingly, the clamped state of the plate 91 is released, and the plate 91 is placed back on the conveyor belt 31. The plate 91 is in a state where the plate 91 can be conveyed to the downstream end of the conveying path and out of the component mounting device. 2-4. The plate sensors 381 to 383

[0026] The plate conveying device 11 includes a plurality of plate sensors 381 to 383 located at different positions along the conveying direction and detecting the presence or absence of the plate 91 in the conveying path. The first plate sensor 381 is arranged so that the detection position is at the upstream end of the conveying path, where the conveyor belt 31 performs the conveying function. The second plate sensor 382 is arranged so that the detection position is at the stop position defined in the middle of the conveying path. The third plate sensor 383 is arranged so that the detection position is at the downstream end of the conveying path. The plate sensors 381 to 383 have the same configuration, and for example, optoelectronic sensors consisting of a light emitting section and a light receiving section can be used. 2-5. The damping unit 50

[0027] The plate conveyor 11 forms the conveying path of the plate 91 constituting the production line with the above-described configuration, and conveys and positions the plate 91 along the conveying path. The plate conveyor 11 conveys the plate 91 in conjunction with an adjacent upstream external conveyor or the like. In this case, when the plate 91 is conveyed from the upstream, the front end portion of the plate 91 may collide with the guide rails 20 due to misalignment of the plate 91 in the width direction. If a plate 91 with low strength is used in the assembly process, there is a risk that deformation or the like may occur in the plate due to collision with the guide rails 20.

[0028] For example, depending on the type of assembly process, a glass plate with a thickness Ns of 1 mm or less may be used as plate 91. When conveying such a plate 91, precise conveying control is required to prevent breakage of the outer edges of plate 91 due to impact. However, it is conceivable to sufficiently reduce the conveying speed, but such conveying control causes an overall reduction in production efficiency.

[0029] Therefore, the plate conveyor device 11 of the present embodiment is configured to reduce the impact acting on the plate 91 during the conveyance of the plate 91. Specifically, the plate conveyor device 11 includes a damping unit 50 located at the upstream end of the guide rails 20. Accordingly, the plate conveyor device 11 prevents deformation and breakage of the plate 91 during conveyance. Since the damping unit 50 in the present embodiment is composed of elements that are symmetrical when viewed from above perpendicular to the conveyance direction, Fig. 4 to 6 only one of the elements is shown enlarged. 3. Detailed configuration of the damping unit 503-1. Multiple rollers 51

[0030] As in the Fig. 2, the damping unit 50 comprises several rollers 51. As shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the rollers 51 are provided rotatably about a central axis Ar in the up-down direction at the feed positions P1, to which the pair of guide rails 20 feed the plate 91. When the rollers 51 come into contact with the plate 91 to be fed, the rollers 51 experience an external force exerted by the plate 91 and rotate about the central axis Ar. As indicated by the thick arrow in the Fig. 4, the rollers 51 move the plate 91 along the outer peripheral surfaces 511 of the rollers 51 in the width direction of the conveying path to the middle side (lower side in the Fig. 4) and insert the plate 91 between the pair of guide rails 20.

[0031] The roller 51 includes an outer ring 52 and an inner ring 53. The outer ring 52 forms the outer peripheral surface 511 that contacts the plate 91. In this embodiment, the outer ring 52 forms a cushioning portion that cushions the impact when the plate 91 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 511 of the roller 51. The outer ring 52, as the cushioning portion, is made of a material that has a lower hardness than the plate 91. If the plate 91 is a glass plate as described above, the outer ring 52 is made of a resin or a rubber. The inner ring 53 is arranged concentrically with the outer ring 52 and is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 52, which is configured to rotate together. The inner ring 53 is formed into a cylindrical shape and is made of a material, such as metal, that has a higher hardness than the outer ring 52. 3-2. The Pair of Arms 54

[0032] As in the Fig. 2, the damping unit 50 comprises the pair of arms 54. The arms 54 are fixed to the feed positions P1 of the guide rails 20 and are designed to move upstream in the feed direction of the plate 91 (left-right direction in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). The arm 54 supports the roller 51 with the above-described configuration, rotatable about the central axis Ar. Specifically, the arm 54 includes a shaft support portion 541 that supports the roller 51 by a fixing screw penetrating the inner ring 53 of the roller 51, which is fixed to the arm body. This configuration allows the roller 51 to be replaced depending on the type of plate 91 or the like. The arm 54 is detachably fixed to the upper surface of the guide rail 20 with two fixing screws 55. 3-3. Positioning and damping effect of the roller 51

[0033] The roller 51 with the outer ring 52 as a damping section, as described above, is located at the following position by installing the arm 54 at a predefined position of the guide rail 20. In particular, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the roller 51 is arranged such that the entire thickness Ns of the plate 91 to be conveyed lies within the up-down width of the roller 51 in the up-down direction. With such a configuration, the contact area between the roller 51 and the plate 91 is increased, and consequently, the impact acting on the plate can be further dampened.

[0034] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the roller 51 is arranged upstream of the upstream end Eb of the conveyor belt 31 in the conveying direction of the plate 91. This allows the damping unit 50 to correct the posture of the plate 91 (the misalignment in the width direction) before the plate 91 is placed on the conveyor belt 31. By placing the roller 51 upstream of the upstream end Eb, the installation height of the roller 51 can be adjusted while avoiding damping interference with the conveyor belt 31, thereby improving the degree of freedom of installation.

[0035] As in the Fig. 5, the roller 51 is arranged so that the portion 31A of the conveyor belt 31 supporting the plate 91 is located in the up-down width direction of the roller 51. The "portion 31A supporting the plate 91" corresponds to a portion located in a portion of the rotating conveyor belt 31 supporting the plate 91, that is, a portion extending in the conveying direction and supported by a pair of conveying guide pulleys 32. The roller 51 is arranged so that the entire thickness Nb of the portion 31A is within the up-down width of the roller 51.

[0036] With such a configuration, the lower end of the roller 51 is located below the upper surface of the portion 31A of the conveyor belt 31 that supports the plate 91. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the lower end of the roller 51 is located above the upper surface of the conveyor belt 31 in the up-down direction and a gap is formed between the roller 51 and the conveyor belt 31, it is possible to prevent the plate 91 from being caught between the roller 51 and the conveyor belt 31, thereby making the conveying operation of the plate 91 more stable. 4. Modification of Embodiment 4-1 Regarding the damping unit 50

[0037] In the described embodiment, the damping unit 50 comprises the roller 51 and the arm 54, with the roller 51 including the soft outer ring 52 as a damping portion. In contrast, the conveyor device 11 may adopt a configuration in which the impact acting on the plate 91 is dampened by making the roller 51 movable.

[0038] In particular, the damping unit 150 comprises, as shown in the Fig. 6, in addition to the roller 51 and the arm 54, the pivot mechanism 60 is arranged between the arm 54 and the guide rail 20. The pivot mechanism 60 includes a bracket 61 fixed to the guide rail 20. The bracket 61 supports the arm 54 for rotation about the pivot axis Δt, which is an up-down axis. The bracket 61 limits the rotation of the arm 54 with a stopper (not shown), so that the arm 54 pivots within a predetermined angular range Δr.

[0039] Furthermore, the pivot mechanism 60 returns the arm 54 using a spring (not shown) so that the arm 54 is at the initial angle in the unloaded state. The elastic force exerted by the spring on the arm 54 is set to a value that allows the arm 54 to pivot when the plate 91 comes into contact with the roller 51. In this way, the pivot mechanism 60 forms a cushioning portion that cushions the impact exerted on the plate 91 by retracting the roller 51 when the impact occurs when the plate 91 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 511 of the roller 51.

[0040] With such a configuration, when the plate 91 comes into contact with the roller 51, the arm 54 pivots against the elastic force of the spring due to the external force received by the roller 51, and the roller 51 temporarily retracts. Accordingly, the impact exerted on the plate 91 is cushioned. When the plate 91 is subsequently conveyed downstream in the conveying direction, the external force that the roller 51 receives from the plate 91 decreases, and the plate gradually returns to the original angle. Accordingly, the posture of the plate 91 can be corrected (a misalignment in the width direction can be corrected), and the plate 91 can be inserted into the upstream end of the guide rails 20.

[0041] In the cushioning unit 150 including such a pivoting mechanism 60, the soft outer ring 52 can be substituted for the outer ring 52 of the roller 51 to provide further cushioning. The above embodiment includes a configuration in which the arm 54 pivots about the pivot axis Δt to retract the roller 51 to the outside of the guide rail 20 (the outside in the width direction of the plate 91). In contrast, the cushioning portion only needs to cushion the impact by retracting the roller 51 in a direction intersecting the central axis Δr, and for example, a configuration in which the roller 51 in contact with the plate 91 is temporarily retracted downstream in the conveying direction can be adopted. 4-2 More

[0042] In the embodiment, one roller 51 is arranged in the arm 54. However, a plurality of rollers 51 may be arranged in a pair of arms 54 along the extending direction of the arms 54. Accordingly, during the time the posture of the plate 91 is corrected, a plurality of rollers come into contact with the outer edges of the plate 91, whereby the individual external forces exerted by the plurality of rollers 51 on the plate 91 can be reduced.

[0043] In the embodiment, a glass plate, for example, is used as the plate 91. The plate 91, on the other hand, can be harder than the glass plate and have a thickness of 1 mm or more. Since the plate conveying device 11 is equipped with the roller 51, the arm 54, and the damping section (outer ring 52 and swing mechanism 60), it is possible to protect the plate 91 and correct the posture of the plate 91 without reducing the conveying speed. Therefore, it is useful to use the damping unit 50, 150 when conveying various plates 91.

[0044] In the embodiment, the plate processing machine in which the plate conveying device 11 is used is the component mounting device. In contrast, the plate conveying device 11 can be used in various plate processing machines. With such a configuration, the same effect can be achieved. List of reference symbols

[0045] 10: Component assembly device; 11: Plate conveyor device; 20: Guide rail; 21: Belt guide; 30: Drive section; 31: Conveyor belt; 50, 150: Damping unit; 51: Roller; 511: Outer peripheral surface; 52: Outer ring (damping section); 53: Inner ring; Arm 60; Swing mechanism (damping section), 61: Bracket, 91: Plate, Ar: Central axis, At: Swing axis, Eb: Upstream end, Nb: Thickness (of the conveyor belt), Ns: Thickness (of the plate), P1: Feed position QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP-A-2014-123597

[0003]

Claims

[1] A plate conveyor device comprising: a pair of guide rails configured to guide both ends in a width direction of a plate to be conveyed in a conveying direction; a plurality of rollers rotatably provided around a central axis in an up-down direction at feed positions at which the pair of guide rails feeds the plate, and configured to insert the plate to be fed between the pair of guide rails; and a cushioning portion configured to cushion an impact when the plate comes into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers. [2] The plate conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the damping portion forms each of the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers and is made of a material having a lower hardness than the plate. [3] The plate conveyor device according to claim 2, wherein the damping portion is made of a resin or a rubber. [4] The plate conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning portion cushions the impact by retracting the roller in a direction intersecting the central axis when the impact occurs when the plate comes into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers. [5] The plate conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the roller is arranged so that a total thickness of the plate to be conveyed is within the up-down width of the roller in the up-down direction. [6] The plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a conveyor belt configured to convey the plate in the conveying direction by rotation along the pair of guide rails in a state where the plate is placed thereon, wherein the roller is arranged upstream of an upstream end of the conveyor belt in the conveying direction of the plate. [7] The plate conveying device according to claim 6, wherein the roller is arranged so that a portion of the conveyor belt supporting the plate is within the up-down width of the roller in the up-down direction. [8] The plate conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a pair of arms fixed to the feed positions of the corresponding pair of guide rails and extending upstream in the conveying direction of the plate, wherein the plurality of rollers are rotatably supported by the pair of arms. [9] The plate conveyor device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of rollers are arranged on each of the pair of arms along the longitudinal extent of the arms. [10] The plate conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate is a glass plate having a thickness of 1 mm or less.

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