Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switching device capable of switching a plurality of types of switching elements having different width dimensions.SOLUTION: A switching device for switching a switching element, which includes at least a component container containing a plurality of components, attachably / detachably mounted on a component supply part, in which switching elements are arranged in an arrangement direction, of a component mounting device, comprises: an attachment / detachment direction moving unit that includes a holding unit used for all of a plurality of types of switching elements having different width dimensions and capable of holding the switching elements and that moves in an attachment / detachment direction of the switching element while holding the switching element to change the switching element for the component supply part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a replacement device that automatically replaces a replacement element that is detachably mounted on a component mounting device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for mass-producing circuit boards by performing substrate-to-substrate operations on printed wiring boards is becoming widespread. Substrate-to-substrate operation devices that perform substrate-to-substrate operations include component mounting devices that perform component mounting operations. A typical example of a component supply device provided in a component mounting device is a tape feeder that supplies components using a carrier tape. In recent years, technologies have been developed to automatically replace tape feeders or automatically replace tape reels around which carrier tape is wound, in order to reduce the labor required for component supply. Examples of technologies related to this type of replacement device are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cassette feeder replacement system for a component mounting device that includes a pickup work area where multiple cassette feeders are set side by side, a feeder stock area where unused and used cassette feeders are stored, and a replacement robot that replaces cassette feeders between the pickup work area and the feeder stock area. This system automates the cassette feeder replacement work and also enables smooth replacement of cassette feeders between areas.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a component mounting line that includes a unit storage that stores a plurality of component supply units, a unit exchange device that exchanges component supply units attached to a plurality of component mounting devices with the component supply units stored in the unit storage, and a control device that controls the unit exchange device. According to this, it is said that the component supply units used by any component mounting device can be carried in and out of the unit storage for replenishment and collection, making it easy to use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 118995 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 033268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the technical examples of the replacement devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the replacement elements (cassette feeders, component supply units) of the component mounting device are replaced one by one. For example, in Patent Document 1, a cassette feeder that has run out of components during the mounting operation is collected from the pickup operation area, transported to the feeder stock area, and stored there. After that, a new cassette feeder is pulled out of the feeder stock area, transported to the pickup operation area, and set there. During the replacement operation, the mounting operation is interrupted, resulting in non-productive time during which boards cannot be produced.

[0007] Furthermore, in many cases where a changeover is required to change the type of board being produced, multiple replacement elements of the component mounting device must be replaced, which tends to lengthen non-productive time. There is a strong demand for reducing such non-productive time and increasing the production efficiency of boards.

[0008] The present specification has as its object to provide an exchange device that can shorten the non-production time of a component mounting device and improve the production efficiency of boards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This specification discloses an exchange device that exchanges exchange elements detachably mounted on a component supply unit of a component mounting device having a component supply unit in which exchange elements, each including at least a component container that stores a plurality of components, are arranged in an arrangement direction, the exchange device comprising: an arrangement direction moving unit that is arranged to be movable in the arrangement direction relative to the component mounting device; a plurality of attachment / detachment direction moving units that are arranged on the arrangement direction moving unit to be movable in the attachment / detachment direction of the exchange elements independently of each other relative to the arrangement direction moving unit; at least one holding unit that is arranged on each of the plurality of attachment / detachment direction moving units and is capable of holding the exchange elements; an arrangement direction driving unit that moves the arrangement direction moving unit in the arrangement direction; and an attachment / detachment direction driving unit that moves the plurality of attachment / detachment direction moving units independently of each other in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0010] This specification also discloses an exchange device for exchanging exchange elements detachably mounted on a component supply unit of a component mounting device having a component supply unit in which exchange elements, including at least component containers that store a plurality of components, are arranged in an arrangement direction at a predetermined pitch or at a pitch that is an integer multiple of the predetermined pitch, the exchange device comprising: an arrangement direction moving unit arranged to be movable in the arrangement direction relative to the component mounting device; an attachment / detachment direction moving unit arranged on the arrangement direction moving unit to be movable in the attachment / detachment direction of the exchange elements relative to the arrangement direction moving unit; a plurality of holding units arranged on the attachment / detachment direction moving unit adjacent to the arrangement direction at the predetermined pitch or at a pitch that is an integer multiple of the predetermined pitch and capable of holding the exchange elements; an arrangement direction driving unit that moves the arrangement direction moving unit in the arrangement direction; and an attachment / detachment direction driving unit that moves the attachment / detachment direction moving unit in the attachment / detachment direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The replacement device disclosed in this specification has multiple holding units, so it can handle multiple replacement elements simultaneously. Therefore, compared to a conventional configuration with a single holding unit, non-productive time required for replacing replacement elements is reduced, and the proportion of productive time for the component mounting device is increased, thereby improving board production efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a component mounting system to which an exchange device according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a side view of a tape feeder corresponding to a replacement element. [Figure 3] 10 is a side view showing the configuration of the vicinity of the locking portion of the tape feeder and the internal configuration of the attachment / detachment direction moving portion. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the replacement unit. [Figure 5] 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the holding surfaces of two attachment / detachment direction moving parts side by side in an enlarged manner. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a holding method for a standard tape feeder and a large tape feeder. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a method for holding an extra-large tape feeder. [Figure 8] 10 is a side view of the attachment / detachment direction moving portion showing a holding state in which the holding portion and the releasing portion are operated. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the replacement unit accommodates the tape feeder. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the replacement unit, schematically illustrating a state immediately before the start of a collection operation in an example of a replacement operation procedure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the replacement unit schematically showing the state in which the collection operation has been completed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the replacement unit, schematically illustrating a state immediately before starting the installation operation. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the replacement unit schematically showing a state in which the installation operation has been completed. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an exchange device of a first application example, which is a simplified version of the exchange device of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an exchange device of a second application example, which is a simplified version of the exchange device of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1. Configuration of component mounting system 9 to which replacement device 1 of the embodiment is applied First, a configuration example of a component mounting system 9 to which the replacement device 1 of the embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the component mounting system 9 to which the replacement device 1 of the embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the front, back, left, and right of the component mounting system 9 are defined for convenience. The component mounting system 9 is configured by a plurality of substrate-related operation devices lined up in the left-right direction. That is, a solder printing device 91, a print inspection device 92, a first component mounting device 93, a second component mounting device 94, a third component mounting device 95, a board appearance inspection device (not shown), and a reflow device (not shown) are lined up from left to right.

[0014] Each board-related operation device performs a specific operation on a board, i.e., board-related operations. Specifically, the solder printing device 91 prints solder paste on the board in a specified pattern. The print inspection device 92 inspects the printed solder on the board by capturing images of the board. The first component placement device 93, the second component placement device 94, and the third component placement device 95 pick up components from the component supply unit 9A and place them on the solder on the board. The board appearance inspection device inspects the appearance of the components placed on the board by capturing images of the components. The reflow device heats and cools the solder to ensure proper soldering of the components. Board-related operations are not limited to the operations described above and also include various associated operations. For example, board-related operations include board loading / unloading, positioning, and confirmation operations that capture images of the board and components to determine their position and orientation.

[0015] The first component mounting device 93, the second component mounting device 94, and the third component mounting device 95 have the same structure. Each component mounting device (93, 94, 95) has a component supply unit 9A, a spare feeder storage unit 9B, a board transport device not visible in FIG. 1, and a component transfer device.

[0016] The component supply unit 9A is disposed at approximately the middle height on the front side of the machine base 99. The component supply unit 9A has a plurality of slots extending in the front-rear direction and formed parallel to one another at a predetermined pitch Ps (see FIGS. 5 to 7). A tape feeder 8 is inserted into each slot of the component supply unit 9A. In other words, the plurality of tape feeders 8 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of FIG.

[0017] Tape feeder 8 is a component supply device detachably mounted on component supply unit 9A, and corresponds to a replaceable element. The left-right direction in FIG. 1 corresponds to the arrangement direction of the replaceable elements (hereinafter simply referred to as the arrangement direction), and the front-rear direction in FIG. 1 corresponds to the attachment / detachment direction of the replaceable elements (hereinafter simply referred to as the attachment / detachment direction). Tape feeder 8 is interchangeably used by first component mounting device 93, second component mounting device 94, and third component mounting device 95.

[0018] The spare feeder storage section 9B is located below the component supply section 9A on the front side of the machine base 99. The spare feeder storage section 9B also has a plurality of slots extending in the front-to-rear direction and formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch Ps. The slots of the spare feeder storage section 9B are arranged to temporarily store spare tape feeders 8 that are ready for use and tape feeders 8 that have been used. The board transport device loads, positions, and loads boards. The component transfer device uses a component placement tool such as a suction nozzle to pick up components from the component supply section 9A and place them on the board.

[0019] The component mounting system 9 also includes a feeder storage device 96, a line management device 97, and an exchange device 1 according to the embodiment. The feeder storage device 96 is located adjacent to the left side of the solder printing device 91 and at the same height as the component supply unit 9A of the component mounting device (93, 94, 95). The feeder storage device 96 also has a plurality of slots extending in the front-rear direction and formed parallel to one another at a predetermined pitch Ps. The slots of the feeder storage device 96 also store tape feeders 8 that are ready for use and tape feeders 8 that have been used.

[0020] The line management device 97 is disposed adjacent to the left side of the feeder storage device 96. The line management device 97 is connected to and communicates with a plurality of substrate-related operation devices. The line management device 97 manages job data that describes the work content of substrate-related operations that differ for each type of substrate. The line management device 97 sends each job data to the plurality of substrate-related operation devices based on a production plan. The line management device 97 also monitors the operating status of the plurality of substrate-related operation devices.

[0021] 2. Structure of tape feeder 8 Next, the structure of tape feeder 8 will be described. Figure 2 is a side view of tape feeder 8, which corresponds to the replaceable element. Tape feeder 8 is configured to be thin in the width direction, with various components assembled to frame 81 including side plates. Tape feeder 8 has frame 81, reel storage frame 82, storage plate 83, opening / closing plate 84, tape feeding section 85, component supply position 86, feeder control section 87, protrusion 88, upper positioning pin 89, lower positioning pin 8A, connector 8B, and lock section 8C.

[0022] The reel storage frame 82 is made up of multiple frame members that form a large circular internal space roughly in the center of the frame body 81. The reel storage frame 82 rotatably stores the tape reel TR in the internal space. A storage plate 83 is attached near the bottom of the reel storage frame 82. The distance between the storage plate 83 and the side plate of the frame body 81 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the tape reel TR. The storage plate 83 prevents the tape reel TR from falling out.

[0023] An opening / closing plate 84 is attached above the mid-height of the reel housing frame 82. The distance between the opening / closing plate 84 and the side plate of the frame body 81 is also set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the tape reel TR. The opening / closing plate 84 is supported by the frame body 81 at two locations 841 on the top, front and rear, so that it opens upward. Opening the opening / closing plate 84 makes it possible to replace the tape reel TR. A carrier tape containing multiple components is wound around the tape reel TR. The tape reel TR corresponds to a component container that contains multiple components.

[0024] The tape feeding unit 85 is disposed at the upper front part of the frame body 81. The tape feeding unit 85 pulls out the carrier tape from the tape reel TR and feeds it to a component supply position 86 provided at the front part of the top surface of the frame body 81. The tape feeding unit 85 is composed of a sprocket having teeth that fit into the feed holes of the carrier tape, a motor that rotates the sprocket, and the like.

[0025] The feeder control unit 87 is disposed at the rear lower portion of the frame 81. The feeder control unit 87 controls the tape feeding unit 85 and monitors the state of the lock unit 8C. The feeder control unit 87 is connected for communication with the control unit on the main body side of the component mounting device (93, 94, 95) via the connector 8B.

[0026] The protrusion 88 is provided on the bottom surface of the frame 81. The protrusion 88 is adapted to be inserted into any of the slots of the component supply unit 9A, the spare feeder storage unit 9B, and the feeder storage device 96. The protrusion 88 is also adapted to be inserted into a slot 314 of the case 31 of the replacement unit 3 of the replacement device 1, which will be described later. As a result, during replacement, the protrusion 88 is guided by the slot 314, allowing the tape feeder 8 to be transferred from the replacement device 1 to the component supply unit 9A, etc., or transferred in the opposite direction.

[0027] The upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A are provided at a distance from each other on the upper front surface of the frame 81. The upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A fit into positioning holes in the component supply unit 9A to position the tape feeder 8. The connector 8B is disposed between the upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A. The connector 8B is responsible for supplying power and establishing communication connections to the tape feeder 8. When the tape feeder 8 is positioned, the connector 8B automatically fits into the receiving connector of the component supply unit 9A.

[0028] The locking portion 8C is disposed at the upper rear of the frame 81. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the vicinity of the locking portion 8C of the tape feeder 8 and the internal configuration of the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 (described later) of the exchanger 1. The locking portion 8C is composed of a locking pin 8D, a locking spring 8E, a locking operation member 8F, a locking sensor 8L, and the like. The locking pin 8D is a cylindrical member that is held by the frame 81 so that it can move up and down. The locking spring 8E is formed in a coil shape and is disposed inside the locking pin 8D. One end of the locking spring 8E is connected to the frame 81, and the other end is connected to the locking pin 8D.

[0029] The lock spring 8E biases the lock pin 8D upward. In the tape feeder 8 equipped in the component supply unit 9A, the lock pin 8D, which has been raised by the bias, protrudes from the upper surface of the frame body 81 and fits into the lock hole 9H of the component supply unit 9A. This puts the lock unit 8C into a locked state, preventing the tape feeder 8 from coming off or rattling.

[0030] The lock operation member 8F is a Y-shaped member having a swing fulcrum 8G. The swing fulcrum 8G is swingably supported by the frame body 81. An action arm 8H extending forward from the swing fulcrum 8G is engaged with the lower end of the lock pin 8D. A release arm 8J extending upward from the swing fulcrum 8G is pushed forward by a directly acting member 61, which will be described later. A manual arm 8K extending rearward from the swing fulcrum 8G protrudes from the rear surface of the frame body 81. The manual arm 8K is pushed upward by operation by an operator.

[0031] When the release arm 8J or the manual arm 8K is pushed, the lock operation member 8F swings clockwise in FIG. 3 around the swing fulcrum 8G. At this time, the action arm 8H lowers the lock pin 8D against the lock spring 8E. Then, the lock pin 8D comes out of the lock hole 9H. This causes the lock portion 8C to transition from the locked state to the released state (see FIG. 8). Also, the tape feeder 8 becomes ready for withdrawal from the slot.

[0032] The lock sensor 8L detects the state of the locking unit 8C, i.e., whether it is locked or unlocked. The lock sensor 8L outputs the detection result to the feeder control unit 87 via the output cable 8M. In the tape feeder 8 installed in the component supply unit 9A, the feeder control unit 87 does not proceed with the component supply operation when the locking unit 8C is unlocked. This is because it is determined that the tape feeder 8 is not in a good installation position.

[0033] 3, a holding plate 8N is provided vertically behind the locking portion 8C. The holding plate 8N is a portion that is held by the holding portion 5. The holding plate 8N has a holding hole 8P in the center. The holding hole 8P is located at the same height (predetermined height) as the connector 8B. When viewed from behind, the release arm 8J of the lock operating member 8F is located on an extension of the holding hole 8P.

[0034] A plurality of types of tape feeders 8 are prepared, each with a different width dimension in the arrangement direction, to correspond to a plurality of thicknesses of the tape reels TR. The standard tape feeders 8X have a width dimension equal to or less than a predetermined pitch Ps, and are installed side by side in adjacent slots. In other words, the standard tape feeders 8X are arranged in the arrangement direction at a predetermined pitch Ps (see FIG. 6).

[0035] Large tape feeders 8Y whose width exceeds the predetermined pitch Ps but is not more than twice the predetermined pitch Ps are installed occupying two slots. In other words, the large tape feeders 8Y are arranged in the arrangement direction at a pitch twice the predetermined pitch Ps (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, extra-large tape feeders 8Z whose width exceeds twice the predetermined pitch Ps are installed occupying three or more slots. In other words, the extra-large tape feeders 8Z are arranged in the arrangement direction at a pitch three or more times the predetermined pitch Ps (see FIG. 7).

[0036] 3. Configuration of the exchange device 1 according to the embodiment We will now move on to a description of the exchanging device 1 of the embodiment. The exchanging device 1 automatically exchanges tape feeders 8. Specifically, the exchanging device 1 exchanges tape feeders 8 between a component supply unit 9A of a component mounting device (93, 94, 95) and a spare feeder storage unit 9B. The exchanging device 1 also moves between the component mounting device (93, 94, 95) and a feeder storage device 96, transporting and exchanging tape feeders 8.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the replacement device 1 is composed of an arrangement direction movement unit 2, an arrangement direction drive unit 20, a replacement unit 3, and various components provided inside the replacement unit 3. The arrangement direction movement unit 2 is provided so as to be movable in the arrangement direction relative to the component mounting devices (93, 94, 95). The arrangement direction movement unit 2 is a vertically long box-shaped member with an open front. The arrangement direction drive unit 20 moves the arrangement direction movement unit 2 in the arrangement direction. The arrangement direction drive unit 20 is composed of a track unit provided on the non-moving side, an engagement unit provided on the moving side that movably engages with the track unit, and a drive source that generates power for movement.

[0038] Middle rails 21 and lower rails 22, which correspond to the track sections, are provided on the rear surfaces of machine bases 99 of the multiple substrate-related processing devices and on the rear surface of feeder storage device 96, respectively. Middle rails 21 and lower rails 22 extend in the arrangement direction. The height position of middle rail 21 is uniformly located between component supply unit 9A and spare feeder storage unit 9B. The height position of lower rail 22 is uniformly located below spare feeder storage unit 9B. As a result, the multiple middle rails 21 and multiple lower rails 22 form two parallel track sections that extend from feeder storage device 96 to third component mounting device 95.

[0039] Middle running section 23 and lower running section 24, which correspond to engaging sections, are arranged on the left and right sides of the front of arrangement direction moving section 2. Middle running section 23 is engaged with middle rail 21 so as to be able to run, and lower running section 24 is engaged with lower rail 22 so as to be able to run. Middle running section 23 also includes a drive source that generates power for running. As a result, arrangement direction moving section 2 is mounted on middle rail 21 and lower rail 22 and moves by running in the arrangement direction.

[0040] Furthermore, arrangement direction moving unit 2 is provided with non-contact power receiving unit 25 at a height position between middle running unit 23 and lower running unit 24, at a height position that does not interfere with replacement of tape feeder 8. Non-contact power receiving unit 25 receives power in a non-contact manner from non-contact power transmitting units provided at corresponding heights of the plurality of substrate-related operating devices.

[0041] The arrangement direction moving unit 2 also has a lifting / lowering drive unit 26 and the replacement unit 3 inside a box-shaped interior. The lifting / lowering drive unit 26 drives the replacement unit 3 to move up and down from the height of the component supply unit 9A to the height of the spare feeder storage unit 9B. An example of the lifting / lowering drive unit 26 is, but is not limited to, a ball screw feed mechanism. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the replacement unit 3. In Figure 4, the side panels on the front side of the case 31 and the like are omitted.

[0042] The replacement unit 3 comprises a case 31, two attachment / detachment direction moving units 32, and two attachment / detachment direction drive devices 4. The case 31 has an opening 311 on its front side through which four adjacently arranged standard tape feeders 8X can be inserted and removed while lined up side by side. The case 31 also has an internal space capable of accommodating four standard tape feeders 8X. Four slots 314 are formed in the bottom plate 313 of the case 31, each formed parallel to one another at a predetermined pitch Ps. Furthermore, a guide roller 315 is disposed in front of each slot 314 on the bottom plate 313. As a result, the tape feeder 8 is inserted and removed via the opening 311 and guide rollers 315 while the protrusions 88 are guided by the slots 314.

[0043] The two attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 are provided so as to be movable in the attachment / detachment direction independently of each other with respect to the arrangement direction moving section 2. The two attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 are provided inside the case 31 and arranged separately in the arrangement direction. The attachment / detachment direction moving section 32 has a holding surface 33 on the upper front side and an abutment surface 34 on the lower front side. The attachment / detachment direction moving section 32 holds the holding plate 8N on the upper rear surface of the tape feeder 8 with the holding surface 33. At this time, the abutment surface 34 abuts against the lower rear surface of the tape feeder 8. It is also possible to provide a connector on the abutment surface 34 and connect it to the feeder control section 87 of the tape feeder 8.

[0044] In order to supply power to the moving attachment / detachment direction moving part 32, a flexible power cable 35 is installed above the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32. The power cable 35 is connected to a power terminal 36 at the top of the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32.

[0045] The attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 moves the two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 in the attachment / detachment direction independently of each other. A separate attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 is provided for each attachment / detachment direction moving part 32. The attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 is made up of an upper rail 41, a lower rail 42, a drive motor 43, a fixed pulley 44, a drive belt 45, etc. Figure 3 shows the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 that drives the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 on the far side of the page.

[0046] The upper rail 41 and the lower rail 42 are provided on the side plate 312 of the case 31. The upper rail 41 and the lower rail 42 are parallel to each other while being spaced apart vertically, and extend in the attachment / detachment direction. The drive motor 43 is disposed in the rear part of the case 31. A speed reduction mechanism is attached to the output shaft that protrudes from the drive motor 43 toward the back of the page. The fixed pulley 44 is disposed in the front part of the side plate 312. The circular drive belt 45 is hung horizontally between the output part of the speed reduction mechanism and the fixed pulley 44, and is rotatable.

[0047] The attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 is mounted on an upper rail 41 and a lower rail 42. The attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 is driven by the rotation of a drive belt 45 and moves in the attachment / detachment direction within the internal space of the replacing part 3. The attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 moves the tape feeder 8 held on the holding surface 33 and the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 together. Naturally, the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 can also move only the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32.

[0048] The attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 that drives the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 on the front side of the page has the same configuration as described above, but the positions of the components are different. That is, the drive motor 47 is provided at a higher position than the drive motor 43 and facing in the opposite direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the fixed pulley 48 and drive belt 49 provided on the unillustrated side plate on the front side of the page are also provided at a correspondingly higher position. By providing the two attachment / detachment direction drive devices 4 at different heights and facing in the opposite direction in this way, the replacement unit 3 and the arrangement direction moving unit 2 can be made thinner.

[0049] The internal configuration of the detachable direction moving unit 32 will be further described. Each of the two detachable direction moving units 32 is provided with two sets of combinations of a holding unit 5, a releasing unit 6, a common driving unit 7, and a control unit 79. These two sets have the same configuration, are arranged side by side in the arrangement direction, and operate independently of each other. The configuration of one set will be described in detail below. The holding unit 5, the releasing unit 6, the common driving unit 7, and the control unit 79 are attached to a main body unit 37 that is part of the detachable direction moving unit 32 and extends vertically.

[0050] The common drive unit 7 operates the holding unit 5 and the release unit 6. As shown in FIG. 3, the common drive unit 7 is made up of a stepping motor 71, a first gear 73, a second gear 76, and a swinging member 77. The stepping motor 71 is fixed to the lower part of the main body 37. The stepping motor 71 switches between forward and reverse rotation in accordance with commands from the control unit 79, and rotates by the commanded rotation amount. An output gear 72 with a small number of teeth is provided on the output shaft of the stepping motor 71.

[0051] The first gear 73 is disposed above the stepping motor 71 and is rotatably supported on the main body 37. The first gear 73 is configured by stacking a large gear 74 with a relatively large number of teeth and a small gear 75 with a relatively small number of teeth coaxially. In FIG. 4, the small gear 75 is located behind the large gear 74 and is not visible. The large gear 74 meshes with the output gear 72.

[0052] The second gear 76 is disposed above the first gear 73 and rotatably supported on the main body 37. The second gear 76 has more teeth than the pinion gear 75 and meshes with the pinion gear 75. A swinging member 77 is provided near the top of the second gear 76. The swinging member 77 has a swinging pin 78 located outside the outer periphery of the second gear 76. The output gear 72, the first gear 73, and the second gear 76 constitute a speed reduction mechanism. As a result, the forward and reverse rotations of the stepping motor 71 are converted into swinging of the swinging pin 78 in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0053] The release unit 6 is capable of releasing the locking unit 8C that prevents the removal of the tape feeder 8 provided in the component supply unit 9A. The release unit 6 is composed of a directly operating member 61, a manual lever 67, and the like. The directly operating member 61 is a rod-shaped member that is long in the attachment / detachment direction. The directly operating member 61 has a long hole 62 that is long in the vertical direction at approximately the middle position in the longitudinal direction. A swing pin 78 is loosely fitted into this long hole 62. Therefore, the swinging motion of the swing pin 78 that describes an arc is converted into a linear motion of the directly operating member 61 in the attachment / detachment direction. The directly operating member 61 also has a release operation unit 63 at its front tip that releases the locking unit 8C.

[0054] Furthermore, the directly acting member 61 has intermediate drive pins 64 on the front and rear sides of the elongated hole 62. The two intermediate drive pins 64 are loosely fitted into elongated holes 53 of the slide plate 51, which will be described later. This maintains the directly acting member 61 in a horizontal position. Furthermore, the directly acting member 61 has indirect drive protrusions 65 on each of the upper and lower side surfaces between the front intermediate drive pin 64 and the release operation portion 63. The pair of upper and lower indirect drive protrusions 65 drive the chuck 55 of the holder 5, which will be described later.

[0055] The manual lever 67 stands upward from the rear end of the directly operated member 61. The manual lever 67 is operated in the attachment / detachment direction by an operator, enabling manual operation of the directly operated member 61 when, for example, the common drive unit 7 is malfunctioning. A position marker 68 is provided below the manual lever 67. The position marker 68 operates integrally with the directly operated member 61 to indicate the position of the directly operated member 61. The main body 37 is provided with a reference position sensor 6A and a holding position sensor 6B that detect the position marker 68.

[0056] 3 shows an initial state in which the holding unit 5 and the release unit 6 are not operating. The reference position sensor 6A detects the position marker 68 at the rear end position of the directly operating member 61, which corresponds to the initial state. The holding position sensor 6B detects the position marker 68 at the front end position of the directly operating member 61, which corresponds to the holding state when the holding unit 5 and the release unit 6 are operating (see FIG. 5). The reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B output the detection results to the control unit 79.

[0057] The holding portion 5 is capable of holding the tape feeder 8 to be replaced. The two holding portions 5 share the holding surface 33. Each holding portion 5 is composed of a slide plate 51 and a pair of upper and lower chucks 55. The slide plate 51 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member with a trapezoidal notch hole. The slide plate 51 is biased forward by a biasing spring (not shown). A swinging member 77 swings within the notch hole of the slide plate 51. The slide plate 51 is formed with four elongated slide holes 52 that are long in the attachment / detachment direction. A support pin 38 erected on the main body portion 37 is loosely fitted into each of the slide holes 52. The slide plate 51 also has two elongated holes 53 that are long in the attachment / detachment direction. An intermediate drive pin 64 is loosely fitted into each of the elongated holes 53.

[0058] The play dimension of the elongated hole 53 in the attachment / detachment direction is larger than the play dimension of the slide hole 52 in the attachment / detachment direction. The sum of the play dimension of the slide hole 52 in the attachment / detachment direction and the play dimension of the elongated hole 53 in the attachment / detachment direction equals the predetermined operating stroke length of the directly operating member 61 in the attachment / detachment direction. In the initial state shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate drive pin 64 contacts the rear edge of the elongated hole 53, preventing the forward movement of the slide plate 51, which is biased forward. At this time, the slide plate 51 is in a retracted position where the support pin 38 contacts the front edge of the slide hole 52.

[0059] Chuck support seats 54 are provided at two locations near the front of the slide plate 51, which are symmetrical above and below the directly operating member 61. A pair of upper and lower chucks 55 are supported on the chuck support seats 54 so that they can swing. The pair of upper and lower chucks 55 have parallel portions at their rear ends that are roughly parallel to each other, approaching portions at their front ends that approach each other, and bent portions at their front ends that bend and move away from each other. The chucks 55 are supported near the boundary between the parallel portions and the approaching portions.

[0060] The indirect drive protrusions 65 of the directly operating member 61 slide on the opposing surfaces of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55. In Fig. 3, the indirect drive protrusions 65 are in sliding contact with the rear ends of the parallel portions of the chucks 55. At this time, the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 are in a closed state with their approaching portions in contact with the directly operating member 61. The bent portions of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 sandwich the release operation portion 63 of the directly operating member 61 and are closed to a smaller size than the holding hole 8P of the tape feeder 8.

[0061] The control unit 79 is disposed below the main body 37. The control unit 79 controls the direction and amount of rotation of the stepping motor 71 based on the detection results of the reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B. Because the amount of rotation of the stepping motor 71 is controllable, the reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B are not essential. However, if the power to the exchange device 1 is cut off or if the manual lever 67 is operated, the position of the direct-acting member 61 may become unclear. Therefore, it is preferable to provide at least one of the reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B.

[0062] Next, Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the holding surfaces 33 of the two attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 lined up. Fig. 5 shows the holding state in which the holding section 5 and the release section 6 have been operated. As will be described in detail later, the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 of the holding section 5 protrude from the holding surfaces 33 and perform an opening operation to hold the tape feeder 8. In addition, the release operation section 63 at the tip of the direct operating member 61 of the release section 6 protrudes from the holding surfaces 33 and releases the lock section 8C of the tape feeder 8.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the two attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 are provided adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction at a pitch three times the predetermined pitch Ps. The two attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 may also be provided adjacent to each other at a pitch twice the predetermined pitch Ps or at a pitch that is an integer multiple of four or more times the predetermined pitch Ps. In each attachment / detachment direction moving section 32, the two holding sections 5 are provided adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction at the predetermined pitch Ps. The two holding sections 5 may also be provided adjacent to each other at a pitch that is an integer multiple of two or more times the predetermined pitch Ps.

[0064] 4. Holding Operation of Exchange Device 1 of the Embodiment Here, among the operations of the exchanging device 1 of the embodiment, differences in the holding methods for multiple types of tape feeders (8X, 8Y, 8Z) with different width dimensions will be described. Fig. 6 is a plan view that schematically shows the holding methods for the standard tape feeder 8X and the large tape feeder 8Y. As shown in the attachment / detachment direction moving section 32 at the top of the page in Fig. 6, each holding section 5 holds the standard tape feeder 8X.

[0065] 6, the large tape feeder 8Y faces two holding portions (5Y, 5) in the arrangement direction. Therefore, one holding portion 5Y holds the large tape feeder 8Y, while the other holding portion 5 maintains its initial state in which it does not protrude from the holding surface 33. This means that the other holding portion 5 does not get in the way when holding the large tape feeder 8Y.

[0066] Next, FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically illustrating a holding method for an extra-large tape feeder 8Z. As shown in the figure, the extra-large tape feeder 8Z faces two detachable direction moving units (32Z, 32) in the arrangement direction. Therefore, one holding unit 5Z of one detachable direction moving unit 32Z on the upper side of the drawing holds the extra-large tape feeder 8Z, and the other holding unit 5Z maintains its initial state in which it does not protrude from the holding surface 33. Furthermore, the other detachable direction moving unit 32 on the lower side of the drawing maintains the two holding units 5 in their initial states. Furthermore, the other detachable direction moving unit 32 is maintained behind one detachable direction moving unit 32Z in the attachment / detachment direction by the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4. Normally, the other detachable direction moving unit 32 remains at its rear end position in the attachment / detachment direction. This prevents the other holding unit 5 and the other detachable direction moving unit 32 from getting in the way when holding the extra-large tape feeder 8Z. As described above, the holding portion 5 can hold the tape feeders (8X, 8Y, 8Z) regardless of their sizes.

[0067] Next, the holding operation of the replacement device 1 of the embodiment to hold a tape feeder 8 will be described in detail. The following description is common regardless of whether the tape feeder 8 to be held is located in the feeder storage device 96, the component supply unit 9A, or the spare feeder storage unit 9B. First, the arrangement direction drive device 20 moves the arrangement direction moving unit 2 to the front of the tape feeder 8 to be held. Next, the elevation drive unit 26 adjusts the height of the replacement unit 3 to match the tape feeder 8. Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 advances the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32, which faces the tape feeder 8, in the attachment / detachment direction. The attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 advances until the holding surface 33 abuts against the holding plate 8N of the tape feeder 8. At this point, the state shown in FIG. 3 is reached.

[0068] 3, the holding portion 5 and the releasing portion 6 do not protrude from the holding surface 33 in the initial, inoperative state. Therefore, even if the arrangement direction moving portion 2 moves slightly in the arrangement direction to fine-tune the position of the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32, there is no risk of damaging the tape feeder 8. If the direct operating member 61 or the chuck 55 were in a state where they protruded from the holding surface 33, it would be necessary to temporarily retract the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 before the arrangement direction moving portion 2 moved, which would make the operation complicated and inefficient.

[0069] Next, the control unit 79 starts the stepping motor 71. As a result, the second gear 76 and the swinging member 77 start to rotate clockwise in FIG. 3, and the directly acting member 61 starts to advance in the attachment / detachment direction. As the intermediate drive pin 64 of the directly acting member 61 advances, the slide plate 51 is also urged and starts to advance. Thereafter, the slide plate 51 advances to an advanced position where the support pin 38 contacts the rear edge of the slide hole 52. As a result, the directly acting member 61 and the chuck 55 in the closed state both protrude from the holding surface 33 and enter the holding hole 8P.

[0070] When the direct-acting member 61 moves further forward after the slide plate 51 has stopped at the forward position, the indirect-driving protrusion 65 reaches the approaching portion of the chuck 55. The indirect-driving protrusion 65 then pushes apart the approaching portions of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55, opening the chucks 55. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the bent portions of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 open, gripping the inner surface of the holding plate 8N. FIG. 8 is a side view of the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32, showing the holding state in which the holding unit 5 and the release unit 6 have operated. The attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 holds the tape feeder 8 using the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 of the holding unit 5. Note that there may be some play between the chucks 55 and the holding plate 8N in the holding state.

[0071] When the direct-acting member 61 has completed its advancement over a predetermined stroke length, the release operation unit 63 pushes the release arm 8J forward. This causes the lock unit 8C to transition to a released state. Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 retracts the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 holding the tape feeder 8. At this time, the tape feeder 8 slides while the protrusions 88 on its bottom surface are guided by the slots 314 in the bottom plate 313, and is accommodated in the internal space of the replacing unit 3. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the replacing unit 3 with the tape feeder 8 accommodated therein. In FIG. 9, the case 31 constituting the replacing unit 3 is omitted. In an alternative embodiment, the replacing unit 3 may not have the slots 314 in the bottom plate 313, and the tape feeder 8 may be supported by the holding unit 5 alone.

[0072] When storing the tape feeder 8, the attachment / detachment direction moving section 32 pulls out the tape feeder 8 horizontally in the attachment / detachment direction. The pulling force at this time acts on the tape feeder 8 from the chuck 55. And because the chuck 55 is at the same height as the connector 8B, the connector 8B is pulled out straight. This reduces the risk of damage to the connector 8B. Similarly, the upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A are hardly subjected to a pulling force in a diagonal direction, so the risk of damage is also reduced. In addition, only a small pulling force is required.

[0073] After this, the replacement unit 3 is driven to the front of either the feeder storage device 96, the component supply unit 9A, or the spare feeder storage unit 9B. The replacement unit 3 can then store or install the accommodated tape feeder 8 in any of the slots. The storing and installing operations for the tape feeder 8 are performed in roughly the reverse order of the holding operation described above.

[0074] 5. Example of procedure for exchange operation of exchange device 1 of the embodiment Next, an example of the procedure for the replacement operation when the replacement device 1 of the embodiment replaces the tape feeders 8 of the component supply unit 9A will be described. Hereinafter, an example of the procedure for replacing the standard first tape feeder 8X1 and third tape feeder 8X3 provided adjacent to the component supply unit 9A with the prepared second tape feeder 8X2 and fourth tape feeder 8X4 will be described.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the replacing unit 3, schematically showing the state immediately before the start of the retrieval operation in an example of the replacing operation procedure. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the replacing unit 3, schematically showing the state after the retrieval operation has finished. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the replacing unit 3, schematically showing the state immediately before the start of the installation operation. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the replacing unit 3, schematically showing the state after the installation operation has finished. In Figs. 10 to 13, the second tape feeder 8X2 and the fourth tape feeder 8X4 are shown hatched for convenience.

[0076] The exchanging device 1 first puts the two holding parts 5 of one of the attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 (upper side of the paper in FIG. 10) into a state where they are not holding any tape feeders 8. The exchanging device 1 then puts the two holding parts 5 of another of the attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 (lower side of the paper in FIG. 10) into a state where they are holding the second tape feeder 8X2 and the fourth tape feeder 8X4 and storing them inside the exchanging unit 3. Next, the arrangement direction driving device 20 and the lifting driving part 26 operate to bring one of the attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 of the exchanging unit 3 directly opposite the first tape feeder 8X1 and the third tape feeder 8X3 of the component supplying unit 9A.

[0077] Next, one of the attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 is driven by the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 to move forward (see arrow M1 in FIG. 10). Next, in one of the attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32, the common drive section 7 operates, and the two holding sections 5 hold the first tape feeder 8X1 and the third tape feeder 8X3, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 10. Next, one of the attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32 is driven by the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 to move backward (see arrow M2 in FIG. 11). As a result, the first tape feeder 8X1 and the third tape feeder 8X3 are collected and stored in the replacing section 3, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0078] Next, the arrangement direction moving unit 2 moves in the arrangement direction by three times the predetermined pitch Ps (see arrow M3 in FIG. 12). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the other installation / removal direction moving unit 32 faces the vacant slot. Next, the other installation / removal direction moving unit 32 is driven by the installation / removal direction drive unit 4 to move forward (see arrow M4 in FIG. 13), and reaches the state shown in FIG. 13. Next, the holding unit 5 of the other installation / removal direction moving unit 32 releases its hold in accordance with the reverse movement of the common drive unit 7. In addition, the release unit 6 places the lock unit 8C in the locked state. As a result, the second tape feeder 8X2 and the fourth tape feeder 8X4 are attached to the component supply unit 9A. Thereafter, the other installation / removal direction moving unit 32 is driven by the installation / removal direction drive unit 4 to move backward, and the replacement operation is completed.

[0079] It is also possible to perform an exchange operation in which the first tape feeder 8X1 is collected by one of the holding units 5 of one of the attachment / detachment direction moving units 32, and the second tape feeder 8X2 is installed by one of the holding units 5 of another of the attachment / detachment direction moving units 32. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a total of four holding units 5 to collect four tape feeders 8X together, and then install four tape feeders 8X together. The exchange device 1 can also perform various other exchange operation methods.

[0080] The exchanging device 1 of the embodiment is equipped with multiple holding units 5, and can handle multiple tape feeders (8, 8X, 8Y) simultaneously. This allows the exchanging device 1 to efficiently perform exchanging operations such as component replenishment when a component runs out during a mounting operation, or setup changeover when switching between types of boards to be produced. Therefore, compared to a conventional configuration equipped with a single holding unit 5, the non-productive time required to replace the tape feeders (8, 8X, 8Y) is reduced, and the proportion of production time of the component mounting device (93, 94, 95) is increased, improving the production efficiency of boards.

[0081] 6. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiments The exchanging device 1 may include three or more attachment / detachment direction moving units 32. Also, the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 may be provided with three or more holding units 5. Furthermore, the number and arrangement pitch of the holding units 5 may differ depending on the attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32. Furthermore, the arrangement pitch of the holding units 5 does not have to be an integer multiple of the arrangement pitch Ps of the tape feeders 8. The exchanging device 1 of the embodiment includes four holding units 5, but as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the number of holding units 5 can be reduced to two for simplification. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an exchanging device 11 of a first application example that is a simplified version of the exchanging device 1 of the embodiment. In the exchanging device 11 of the first application example, one holding unit 5 is provided on each of the two attachment / detachment direction moving units 32.

[0082] In the exchanging device 11 of the first application example, when the first tape feeder 8X1 equipped in the component supply unit 9A is replaced with a prepared second tape feeder, one attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 retrieves the first tape feeder 8X1, and another attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 installs the second tape feeder 8X2. The exchanging device 11 can also retrieve two tape feeders 8X together or install two tape feeders 8X together. Furthermore, when replacing a large tape feeder 8Y, the holding unit 5 of one attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 of the exchanging device 11 holds the large tape feeder 8Y, and the other attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 is maintained behind the one attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 in the attachment / detachment direction by the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4.

[0083] 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an exchanging device 12 of a second applied example that is a simplification of the exchanging device 1 of the embodiment. In the exchanging device 12 of the second applied example, two holding units 5 are provided on one attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32. In addition to the exchanging operation of recovering a first tape feeder 8X1 with one holding unit 5 and installing a second tape feeder 8X2 with another holding unit 5, the exchanging device 12 of the second applied example can also recover two tape feeders 8X together or install two tape feeders 8X together. Furthermore, when replacing a large tape feeder 8Y, one holding unit 5 of the exchanging device 12 holds the large tape feeder 8Y, and the other holding unit 5 maintains the initial state.

[0084] Furthermore, instead of the chuck 55 that grips the tape feeder 8 in the holding unit 5, a hook that catches and pulls out the tape feeder 8, or an electromagnet that magnetically attracts the tape feeder 8, may be used. Also, as an exchange device that does not have the lifting drive unit 26, the tape feeder 8 may be exchanged only between the component supply unit 9A and the feeder storage device 96. Furthermore, the tape feeder 8 may be configured so that the tape reel TR can be removed from the rear side, and the exchange device (1, 11, 12) may exchange only the tape reel TR as the exchange element. This embodiment can be applied to and modified in many other ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1, 11, 12: Exchange device 2: Arrangement direction movement unit 20: Arrangement direction drive unit 26: Lifting drive unit 3: Exchange unit 32, 32Y, 32Z: Attachment / detachment direction movement unit 33: Holding surface 4: Attachment / detachment direction drive unit 5, 5Y, 5Z: Holding unit 51: Slide plate 55: Chuck 6: Release unit 61: Directly operating member 63: Release operation unit 64: Intermediate drive pin 65: Indirect drive projection 67: Manual lever 6A: Reference position sensor 6B: Holding position sensor 7: Common drive unit 71: Stepping motor 73: First gear 76: Second gear 77: Oscillating member 79: Control unit 8: Tape feeder 8C: Lock unit 8X: Standard tape feeder 8X1 to 8X4: 1st to 4th tape feeders 8Y: Large tape feeder 8Z: Extra large tape feeder 9: Component mounting system 93: First component mounting device 94: Second component mounting device 95: Third component mounting device 96: Feeder storage device 9A: Component supply unit 9B: Spare feeder storage unit Ps: Predetermined pitch

Claims

1. A component mounting device has a component supply unit in which replaceable elements including at least a component container that stores a plurality of components are arranged in an arrangement direction, and the replaceable elements are detachably mounted in the component supply unit, A replacement device having a holding section that can be used for multiple types of replacement elements with different width dimensions and can hold the replacement elements, and an attachment / detachment direction moving section that moves in the attachment / detachment direction of the replacement element while holding the replacement element in the holding section, thereby replacing the replacement element with respect to the part supply section.

2. The exchange device an arrangement direction moving unit that is provided so as to be movable in the arrangement direction relative to the component mounting device; a slot provided in the arrangement direction moving unit, into which a plurality of types of the replacement elements having different width dimensions in the arrangement direction can be mounted in a state where they are lined up in the arrangement direction; the mounting / detaching direction moving unit moves in the mounting / detaching direction of the replacement element while holding the replacement element in the holding unit, to retrieve the replacement element from the component supply unit to the slot, or to load the replacement element from the slot to the component supply unit.

2. The switching device of claim 1.

3. 1. A component mounting apparatus having a component supply unit in which tape feeders for supplying components are arranged in an arrangement direction, the component supply unit having a component supply unit and a tape feeder exchanger for exchanging the tape feeders detachably mounted in the component supply unit, the component supply unit comprising: An exchange device having a holding section that can be used for multiple types of tape feeders with different width dimensions and can hold the tape feeder, and an attachment / detachment direction moving section that moves in the attachment / detachment direction of the tape feeder while holding the tape feeder in the holding section to exchange the tape feeder with respect to the component supply section.

4. 1. A component mounting device having a component supply unit in which tape reels accommodating a plurality of components are arranged in an arrangement direction, the component supply unit being configured to replace the tape reels detachably mounted in the component supply unit, An exchange device having a holding section that can be used for multiple types of tape reels with different width dimensions and can hold the tape reel, and an attachment / detachment direction moving section that moves in the attachment / detachment direction of the tape reel while holding the tape reel in the holding section to exchange the tape reel with respect to the component supply section.

Images