Thermocompression bonding apparatus for carrier tape

Abstract

To surely bond a top tape to a carrier tape by thermocompression.SOLUTION: The thermocompression bonding device of the carrier tape is provided with a heating device 40, and the heating device 40 includes a pair of heating bodies 60,60 positioned on both sides in the width direction of the cavity 13 of the carrier tape 7. The breadth W1 of the pre-heating region 61 of the heating body 60 is greater than the breadth W2 of the pressing region 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device, and more particularly to a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device suitable for high-speed processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known workpiece taping systems in which workpieces are transported, inspected, and then transferred into cavities in a carrier tape. After the workpieces are transferred into the cavities, a top tape is placed on the carrier tape and thermocompression bonded to the carrier tape. Such thermocompression bonding devices have a structure in which a heater swings down around a rotation axis. However, it is difficult to achieve high-speed processing with such thermocompression bonding devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-40475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and provides a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device, a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device system, and a carrier tape thermocompression bonding method that are suitable for high-speed processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device that includes a cavity that stores a workpiece therein and that thermocompresses a top tape to a carrier tape extending in a conveying direction, the device comprising: a conveying rail that holds the carrier tape and the top tape in an overlapping state and that includes a lower end; a heating device that is arranged above the conveying rail and facing parallel to the conveying rail and that heats and presses the top tape; and a pneumatically driven drive unit that has an upper end that supports the lower end of the conveying rail and moves the conveying rail up and down, the upper end of the drive unit having a concave surface that curves when viewed from the conveying direction, the lower end of the conveying rail having a convex surface that curves when viewed from the conveying direction, and a plurality of rollers interposed between the concave surface and the convex surface, the heating device including a pair of heating elements at its lower end that are located on both sides of the cavity in a width direction, the pair of heating elements being partitioned into a preheating region and a pressurizing region that are formed sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction, and the width length of the preheating region of each heating element being greater than the width length of the pressurizing region.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device in which a center line of the preheating region of each heating element along the conveyance direction coincides with a center line of the pressure region along the conveyance direction.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device, in which the length in the transport direction of the pair of heating elements in the preheating area is longer than the length in the transport direction of the pair of heating elements in the pressurizing area.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device, in which the heating device is supported so as to be freely rotatable around a rotation axis extending parallel to the conveying direction, and the heating device is rotatable between an operating position in which the pair of heating elements face downward and a standby position in which the pair of heating elements face horizontally.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device, in which a cooling flow path for cooling the rotating shaft is formed inside the rotating shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermocompression bonding device for carrier tapes that is suitable for high-speed processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the thermocompression bonding device for carrier tapes according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a thermocompression bonding device for a carrier tape according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a pair of heating elements of the heating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a carrier tape. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the carrier tape. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the entire work taping system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the entire work taping system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the heating elements of the heating device present in the preheating region and the pressurizing region. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing the heating elements of the heating device present in the preheating area and the pressurizing area. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotating shaft that supports a heating device via a cover member and a cooling flow path formed in the rotating shaft. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing the lower end surface of the heating body of the heating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First, the entire work taping system incorporating the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 9 and 10, work taping system 1A includes part feeder 1, which aligns supplied workpieces W (see FIG. 6), linear feeder 2, which receives the aligned workpieces from part feeder 1 and transports them in a single file, and index table 3, which is circular and installed horizontally, receives workpieces W from linear feeder 2, and rotates intermittently in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 about a vertical rotation axis 5 by the action of a power source (not shown). Index table 3 also has workpiece storage holes (not shown) that open outward on its outer periphery, and workpieces W transported by linear feeder 2 are individually stored in these workpiece storage holes. Between linear feeder 2 and index table 3, there is provided a separating / supplying unit 4, which transfers workpieces W from linear feeder 2 to the workpiece storage holes of index table 3.

[0014] Further, outside the index table 3, a workpiece inserting section 6 is provided for transferring the workpiece W in the workpiece storage hole of the index table 3 onto a carrier tape 7.

[0015] Next, the carrier tape 7 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Here, Figure 7 is a plan view showing the carrier tape, and Figure 8 is a side view thereof. The carrier tape 7 has circular sprocket holes 12 regularly arranged at equal intervals T along the conveying direction L of the carrier tape 7 near its edge. Also, cavities 13, which are recesses for storing the workpieces W in the workpiece insertion section 6, are arranged at equal intervals on the carrier tape 7. The sprocket holes 12 are used for positioning the workpieces W when storing them in the cavities 13, so they are correlated with the arrangement of the cavities 13 and are arranged at equal intervals T. Note that Figure 7 shows an example in which one sprocket hole is provided for every two cavities.

[0016] The carrier tape 7 is made entirely of paper, and cavities 13 are formed on the carrier tape 7 by punching the paper carrier tape 7 .

[0017] The carrier tape 7 having such a configuration is supplied from the supply reel 8 and reaches the workpiece insertion section 6. Then, in the workpiece insertion section 6, the workpiece W is transferred and stored in the cavity 13 of the carrier tape 7 as described above. The carrier tape 7 with the workpiece W stored in the cavity 13 is then transported downstream (FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0018] Next, a top tape 17 made of synthetic resin is supplied from a top tape supply unit via guide rollers 17A and 17B to the carrier tape 7 with the workpiece W stored in the cavity 13. Then, the top tape 17 is thermocompression bonded to the carrier tape 7 with the workpiece W stored in the cavity 13 by the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device according to this embodiment.

[0019] Next, the carrier tape 7 to which the top tape 17 is thermocompression bonded by a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 is sent to an ARC (auto reel changer) 10.

[0020] 9 and 10, a tape feed gear 9 that guides the carrier tape 7 is provided directly below the workpiece insertion portion 6.

[0021] Next, a carrier tape thermocompression bonding apparatus 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and 11 to 14. FIG.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and 11 to 14, the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 thermocompresses the top tape 17 onto the carrier tape 7 having the workpiece W housed in the cavity 13.

[0023] The thus configured thermocompression bonding device 20 for carrier tapes includes a lower cylinder block 30C connected to a base plate 30A (described later), a cylinder block 30B provided on the lower cylinder block 30C, a pair of conveyor rails 21A, 21B provided on the cylinder block 30B so as to be movable up and down as described later and holding the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 in an overlapping state, and drive cylinders 23A, 23B that support the conveyor rails 21A, 21B and move the conveyor rails 21A, 21B up and down. The cylinder block 30B is provided on the lower cylinder block 30C via a silicone rubber 52, and the base plate 30A, cylinder block 30B, and lower cylinder block 30C form a fixed structure.

[0024] As described above, the thermocompression bonding device 20 for the carrier tape includes the pair of conveying rails 21A, 21B and the drive cylinders 23A, 23B that move the conveying rails 21A, 21B up and down. Of the pair of conveying rails 21A, 21B, the conveying rail 21A is disposed upstream in the conveying direction L of the carrier tape 7, and the conveying rail 21B is disposed downstream in the conveying direction L. The drive cylinder 23A is disposed upstream in the conveying direction L, and the drive cylinder 23B is disposed downstream in the conveying direction L.

[0025] Moreover, above the pair of transport rails 21A, 21B, an elongated heating device 40 that heats and presses the top tape 17 is disposed along the transport direction L facing the transport rails 21A, 21B.

[0026] 1, the heating device 40 has a built-in heating section 80 and is heated by this heating section 80. The heating device 40 also has a pair of heating elements 60, 60 formed below it. The pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40 are located on both sides of the top tape 17 in the width direction of the cavity 13, and the lower end surfaces 60a, 60a of each heating element 60, 60 have a width of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm (see FIG. 6).

[0027] 11 to 14, the pair of heating elements 60 of the heating device 40 are partitioned into a preheating region 61 and a pressurizing region 62, which are formed in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction L. The width (also referred to as the width direction length) W1 of the lower end surface 60a of each heating element 60 in the preheating region 61 is larger than the width (also referred to as the width direction length) W2 of each heating element 60 in the pressurizing region 62.

[0028] Specifically, the width W1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the preheating region 61 is, for example, 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, and the width W2 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the pressurizing region 62 is 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm (see FIG. 14).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 14, in each heating element 60 of the heating device 40, a transition region 63 having a curved outer shape is formed between the preheating region 61 and the pressurizing region 62.

[0030] In the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 configured as described above, a pair of heating elements 60 in the preheating area 61 located upstream in the conveying direction L, and the conveying rail 21A and drive cylinder 23A corresponding to this pair of heating elements 60 primarily apply preheat to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17.

[0031] In addition, a pair of heating elements 60 in the pressure application area located downstream in the conveying direction L, and the conveying rail 21B and drive cylinder 23B corresponding to this pair of heating elements 60 mainly pressurize the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17.

[0032] 14, the center line L1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the preheating region 61 coincides with the center line L1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the pressurizing region 62. As shown in FIG.

[0033] That is, the lower end surface 60a of the heating body 60 has a center line L1 along the conveyance direction L, and this center line L1 extends in a straight line across the preheating region 61, the transition region 63 and the pressure region 62.

[0034] Because the width W1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the preheating region 61 is larger than the width W2 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 first preheat the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 in the preheating region 61. Next, in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 can press the top tape 17 against the carrier tape 7 with a high pressure per unit area. This allows the top tape 17 to be thermocompression bonded to the carrier tape 7 quickly and reliably.

[0035] That is, in the preheating region 61, preheating is applied to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 between the pair of heating elements 60 and the corresponding upstream transport rail 21A, and then in the pressurizing region 62, the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are thermocompression-bonded between the pair of heating elements 60 and the corresponding downstream transport rail 21B. In this case, the pressure applied between the pair of heating elements 60 and the upstream transport rail 21A in the preheating region 61 is set to be substantially the same as the pressure applied between the pair of heating elements 60 and the downstream transport rail 21B in the pressurizing region 62. Furthermore, because the width W1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating elements 60 in the preheating region 61 is larger than the width W2 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating elements 60 in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 can apply a high pressure per unit area to the carrier tape 7 in the pressurizing region 62, even for a short pressurizing time.

[0036] Furthermore, the center line L1 on the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 extends in a straight line along the preheating region 61, the transition region 63, and the pressure region 62, so that after the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are preheated by the heating element 60, the preheated portions of the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 can be reliably pressed and thermocompression-bonded together. This allows the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 to be easily and reliably thermocompression-bonded together.

[0037] The heating device 40 including the pair of heating elements 60 is made of a copper-based material with good thermal conductivity, and its surface is plated with hard chrome, which has high wear resistance.

[0038] 2 and 3, the heating device 40 is supported by a cover member 48 that rotates around a rotation shaft 42 that extends parallel to the conveyance direction L. The rotation shaft 42, which rotatably supports the heating device 40, is held by a holding device 43. The holding device 43 is movable up and down by a heating device cylinder 45 provided below the base plate 30A.

[0039] As described above, the heating device 40 is supported by the cover member 48, which rotates about the rotation shaft 42 extending parallel to the conveyance direction L. The rotation shaft 42 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft holder 71 provided on the holding device 43 via a bearing 72 (see FIG. 13).

[0040] In this way, the rotating shaft 42 that supports the heating device 40 via the cover member 48 is supported by the rotating shaft holder 71, and when the heating device 40 is heated, heat from the heating device 40 side is transferred to the rotating shaft 42 side via the cover member 48.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a cooling flow path 75 is provided within the rotating shaft 42 through which cooling air flows to cool the rotating shaft 42 so that heat from the heating device 40 side is transferred to the rotating shaft 42 side, thereby preventing any interference with the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 42.

[0042] 13, rotating shaft 42 is rotatably supported by rotating shaft holder 71 via bearing 72, and a cooling air supply unit 73 that supplies cooling air into cooling flow path 75 is provided at the end of rotating shaft 42 opposite cover member 48. A cooling air supply source 77 is connected to cooling air supply unit 73 via a cooling air supply line 76.

[0043] A cooling passage 75 provided in the rotating shaft 42 extends along the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 42 and communicates from a communication port 72 a of the bearing 72 to an outlet port 71 a of the rotating shaft holder 71 .

[0044] In Figure 13, cooling air is supplied from cooling air supply section 73 into cooling flow path 75 of rotating shaft 42, and the cooling air supplied into cooling flow path 75 extends in the longitudinal direction of rotating shaft 42 and then flows and is discharged to the outside from communication port 72a of bearing 72 through discharge port 71a.

[0045] During this time, the rotating shaft 42 can be effectively cooled by the cooling air. Therefore, the rotating shaft 42 and the bearing 72 are not excessively heated by the heat from the heating device 40, and as a result, the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 42 within the bearing 72 is not hindered.

[0046] In this way, the heating device 40 is rotatably supported on the rotary shaft holder 71 via the rotary shaft 42. Therefore, by rotating the heating device 40 around the rotary shaft 42, the heating device 40 can be rotated between an operating position where the pair of heating elements 60, 60 face downward and a standby position where the pair of heating elements 60, 60 face sideways.

[0047] When performing maintenance and inspection on the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20, the holding device 43 is moved upward by the heating device cylinder 45. Then, after the heating device 40 is pulled upward and away from the transport rail 21, the heating device 40 is rotated 90° via the rotation shaft 42. This allows the heating device 40 to be brought from the operating position where the pair of heating elements 60, 60 face downward to the standby position where the pair of heating elements 60, 60 face sideways.

[0048] In this way, the lower end faces 60a, 60a of the pair of heating bodies 60, 60 of the heating device 40 can be directed laterally, and visual inspection and cleaning work can be carried out on these lower end faces 60a, 60a.

[0049] In this embodiment, "upper", "lower", and "horizontal" refer to "upper", "lower", and "lateral" when the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 according to the present disclosure is positioned as shown in Figure 1.

[0050] Next, the transport rails 21A and 21B that hold the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 in an overlapping state, and the drive cylinders 23A and 23B that are provided corresponding to the transport rails 21A and 21B will be described.

[0051] The transport rail 21A and the drive cylinder 23A provided corresponding to the transport rail 21A, and the transport rail 21B and the drive cylinder 23B provided corresponding to the transport rail 21B have the same structure. Therefore, the following description will focus on the transport rail 21A and the drive cylinder 23A provided corresponding to the transport rail 21A, but the structures of the transport rail 21B and the drive cylinder 23B are also the same as those of the transport rail 21A and the drive cylinder 23A.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the conveyor rail 21A is moved up and down by the drive cylinder 23A as described above. The upper surface of the conveyor rail 21A is smoothed by WPC and DLC (Diamond-Like-Carbon) treatments. WPC treatment refers to a process that creates a smooth micro-dimpled surface (a surface that uses air as a lubricant) on the surface while simultaneously increasing the surface hardness of the material. The drive cylinder 23A is installed in a cylinder block 30B and is driven vertically by air to move the conveyor rail 21A up and down at high speeds, for example, 8,000 rpm. In this embodiment, air is supplied to the drive cylinder 23A via a high-speed valve (not shown). A pressure sensor 23a is connected to the drive cylinder 23A. The drive stroke of the drive cylinder 23A is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. In this case, the pressure applied by the drive cylinder 23A is 2 kgf to 6 kgf.

[0053] The conveyor rail 21A has a lower end 22 at its lower end, and the drive cylinder 23A has an upper end 24 at its upper end.

[0054] The upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23A is curved when viewed from the conveying direction and has a concave surface 24a that retracts downward, and the lower end 22 of the conveying rail 21A is curved when viewed from the conveying direction and has a convex surface 22a that protrudes downward (see Figure 1).

[0055] A plurality of rollers 27 are interposed between the concave surface 24a of the upper end 24 and the convex surface 22a of the lower end 22. As a result, the lower end 22 of the conveying rail 21A rotates around the virtual center point 21a relative to the upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23A by the rollers 27. The concave surface 24a of the upper end 24 and the convex surface 22a of the lower end 22 are also buffed to enhance the smoothness of the concave surface 24a and the convex surface 22a.

[0056] In this way, the lower end 22 of the transport rail 21 is rotatable about the imaginary center point 21a relative to the upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23A. In this embodiment, when the top tape 17 is thermocompression-bonded by the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20, the heating device 40 is fixed, and the transport rail 21 is moved up and down by the drive cylinder 23. In this case, for example, if the thickness and density of the carrier tape 7 vary in the width direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 that is perpendicular to the transport direction), it is possible that the pressure applied to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 between the transport rail 21A and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40 will vary in the width direction.

[0057] According to this embodiment, when the thickness and density of the carrier tape 7 vary in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1 perpendicular to the conveying direction), the lower end 22 of the conveying rail 21A rotates around the virtual center point 21a relative to the upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23A. This allows a uniform pressure to be applied to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 across the width direction between the conveying rail 21A and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0058] 1, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the transport direction of the carrier tape 7, and the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is the width direction of the carrier tape 7.

[0059] The conveying rail 21A is supported on the upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23A via a roller 27, and at the same time, the conveying rail 21A is supported on the cylinder block 30B via a pair of spring members 25 arranged horizontally in Figure 1.

[0060] 4, a support 31 is provided above the cylinder block 30B, and one end of each spring material 25 is fixed to the support 31 with a bolt 31a. The other end of each spring material 25 is sandwiched between the transport rail 21A and a support 21b attached to the underside of the transport rail 21, and the support 21b is fixed to the transport rail 21A with a bolt 21c.

[0061] By supporting the transport rail 21A on the cylinder block 30B via the pair of spring members 25 in this way, even if the thickness of the carrier tape 7 varies in the width direction and the transport rail 21 rotates relative to the drive cylinder 23, when the transport rail 21A is pulled downward away from the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40, the transport rail 21A rotates again relative to the drive cylinder 23A due to the pair of spring members 25. This allows the transport rail 21A to return to its original position, i.e., the horizontal position in FIG. 1.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the drive cylinder 23A is installed so as to be movable up and down relative to the cylinder block 30B, and an air pipe 35 for driving the drive cylinder 23A is arranged in the cylinder block 30B.

[0063] The cylinder block 30B is provided with a resin stopper 33 for stopping the downward movement of the drive cylinder 23A.

[0064] The initial position of the conveying rail 21A is determined by a pair of spring materials 25 and takes a horizontal position, but if it is desired to change the height position of the conveying rail 21A, a spacer (not shown) can be inserted between the underside of the conveying rail 21 and the spring materials 25 to raise the height of the conveying rail 21A and bring it closer to the heating device 40.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the above-mentioned carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 has a pair of conveying rails 21A, 21B arranged side by side in the conveying direction L, and a pair of drive cylinders 23A, 23B provided corresponding to each of the conveying rails 21A, 21B.

[0066] In this case, each carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 includes a common cylinder block 30B, a pair of conveying rails 21A, 21B that are freely movable in the vertical direction on the common cylinder block 30B and hold the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 in an overlapping state, a heating device 40 that is arranged above the conveying rails 21A, 21B and opposite the conveying rails 21A, 21B and heats and presses the top tape 17, and drive cylinders 23A, 23B that support each conveying rail 21A, 21B and move the conveying rails 21A, 21B up and down.

[0067] Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described.

[0068] First, the operation of the entire taping system will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the works W supplied to the parts feeder 1 are aligned in the same direction by the action of the parts feeder 1 and then transferred to the linear feeder 2. Then, the works W are transported in a line by the action of the linear feeder 2 and reach the index table 3. Furthermore, the works W are individually stored in work storage holes (not shown) provided in the index table 3 by the action of the separating and supplying unit 4.

[0069] The workpiece W accommodated in the workpiece storage hole is transported to a characteristic measurement section (not shown) by intermittent rotation of the index table 3 in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 10, where various characteristics are measured. If the workpiece W is determined to be defective as a result of the measurement, it is discharged from the workpiece storage hole by a discharge function (not shown). If the workpiece W is determined to be non-defective as a result of the measurement, it remains accommodated in the workpiece storage hole and reaches the workpiece insertion section 6 by intermittent rotation of the index table 3.

[0070] The carrier tape 7 wound around the supply reel 8 is transported to the ARC 10 side from a tape feed gear 9 installed directly below the workpiece insertion section 6. In this case, the tape feed gear 9 has a toothed portion provided on its outer periphery, and the toothed portion is inserted into the feed hole 12 of the carrier tape 7, and the carrier tape 7 wound around the supply reel 8 is transported.

[0071] The intermittent rotation of the tape feed gear 9 causes the carrier tape 7 to reach the workpiece insertion section 6 and stop. Next, when the workpiece W can be transferred, the carrier tape 7 is positioned to transfer the workpiece W into the cavity 13 of the carrier tape 7. Once positioned, the workpiece W in the workpiece storage hole of the index table 3 is transferred into the cavity 13 of the carrier tape 7.

[0072] Next, a top tape 17 made of synthetic resin is supplied from a top tape supply unit via guide rollers 17A and 17B to the carrier tape 7 with the workpiece W stored in the cavity 13. Next, in a carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20, the top tape 17 is thermocompression bonded to the carrier tape 7.

[0073] First, the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are conveyed while being held in an overlapping state on the upstream conveying rail 21A.

[0074] At this time, a distance of about 0.1 mm is maintained between the top tape 17 on the transport rail 21A and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0075] Next, the control unit 50 controls the upstream drive cylinder 23A, driving the drive cylinder 23A upward to raise the upstream conveyor rail 21A. As a result, the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are sandwiched and pressurized between the upstream conveyor rail 21A and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40, and at the same time, the top tape 17 is heated by the heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0076] During this time, heating device 40 remains at a predetermined height without moving up or down. The heating temperature of heating device 40 is measured by thermocouple 47, and the heating temperature measured by thermocouple 47 is sent to control unit 50. Based on the measured heating temperature, control unit 50 adjusts the heating temperature of heating unit 80 built into heating device 40. Based on a signal from pressure sensor 23a connected to drive cylinder 23A, control unit 50 adjusts the air pressure supplied to drive cylinder 23A to control the pressure and pressure time applied by drive cylinder 23A.

[0077] The upstream conveyor rail 21A and the heating elements 60, 60 in the preheating region 61 of the heating device 40 corresponding to the conveyor rail 21A mainly preheat the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17, with the heating temperature of the heating device 40 being 140°C to 190°C, the pressure of the drive cylinder 23A being 2kgf to 6kgf, and the pressure time being 1 millisecond to 10 milliseconds. Thereafter, the control unit 50 drives the drive cylinder 23A downward, and the conveyor rail 21A descends.

[0078] In this way, the thermocompression bonding action on the carrier tape 7 and top tape 17 by the upstream conveying rail 21A and the heating elements 60, 60 in the preheating area 61 of the heating device 40 is completed, and the carrier tape 7 is transported to the downstream conveying rail 21B and the heating elements 60, 60 in the pressure application area of ​​the heating device 40 corresponding to the conveying rail 21B.

[0079] When the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are thermocompression-bonded between the transport rail 21A and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40, the thickness and density of the carrier tape 7 may change in the width direction. In this case, the lower end 22 of the transport rail 21A rotates around the virtual center point 21a relative to the upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23A, so that a uniform pressure can be applied to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 across the width direction between the transport rail 21A and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0080] When the drive cylinder 23A is driven downward and the transport rail 21A descends, the pair of spring members 25 causes the transport rail 21 to rotate again relative to the drive cylinder 23A, and the transport rail 21 returns to its original position.

[0081] Next, the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are conveyed while being held in an overlapping state on the downstream conveying rail 21B.

[0082] At this time, a distance of about 0.1 mm is maintained between the top tape 17 on the transport rail 21B and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0083] Next, the control unit 50 controls the downstream drive cylinder 23B, driving the drive cylinder 23B upward to raise the downstream conveyor rail 21B. As a result, the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are sandwiched and pressurized between the downstream conveyor rail 21B and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40, and at the same time, the top tape 17 is heated by the heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0084] During this time, the heating device 40 remains at a predetermined height without moving up or down. The heating temperature of the heating device 40 is measured by a thermocouple 47, and the heating temperature measured by the thermocouple 47 is sent to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 adjusts the heating temperature of the heating unit built into the heating device 40. The control unit 50 also adjusts the air pressure supplied to the drive cylinder 23B based on a signal from the pressure sensor 23a connected to the drive cylinder 23B, thereby controlling the pressure and pressure time applied by the drive cylinder 23.

[0085] The downstream conveyor rail 21B and the heating elements 60, 60 in the pressure region 62 of the heating device 40 corresponding to the conveyor rail 21B mainly apply pressure to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17. The heating temperature of the heating device 40 is 140°C to 190°C, the pressure of the drive cylinder 23B is 2kgf to 6kgf, and the pressure application time is 1 second to 10 seconds. Thereafter, the control unit 50 drives the drive cylinder 23B downward, and the conveyor rail 21B descends.

[0086] In this way, the thermocompression bonding action on the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 is completed, and the carrier tape 7 is transported further downstream.

[0087] When the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are thermocompression-bonded between the transport rail 21B and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40, the thickness and density of the carrier tape 7 may change in the width direction. In this case, the lower end 22 of the transport rail 21B rotates around the virtual center point 21a relative to the upper end 24 of the drive cylinder 23B, so that a uniform pressure can be applied to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 across the width direction between the transport rail 21B and the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40.

[0088] When the drive cylinder 23B is driven downward and the transport rail 21B descends, the pair of spring members 25 causes the transport rail 21 to rotate again relative to the drive cylinder 23B, and the transport rail 21 returns to its original position.

[0089] During this time, because the width W1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the preheating region 61 is larger than the width W2 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 preheat the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 in the preheating region 61. Next, in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 can press the top tape 17 against the carrier tape 7 with a high pressure per unit area. This allows the top tape 17 to be thermocompression-bonded to the carrier tape 7 quickly and reliably.

[0090] Furthermore, since the center line L1 on the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 extends in a straight line along the preheating region 61, the transition region 63, and the pressure region 62, the heating element 60 preheats the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17. Next, the preheated portions of the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 can be reliably pressed and thermocompressed together. This allows the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 to be easily and reliably thermocompressed together.

[0091] Next, the carrier tape 7 to which the top tape 17 is thermocompression bonded by the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device system 20A is sent to the ARC 10.

[0092] When performing maintenance and inspection of the thermocompression bonding device 20 for the carrier tape, the holding device 43 is moved upward by the heating device cylinder 45, the heating device 40 is pulled upward away from the transport rail 21, and then the heating device 40 is rotated 90 degrees via the rotation shaft 42. This allows the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40 to face laterally, making it possible to easily and reliably clean the lower end surfaces 60a, 60a of the pair of heating elements 60, 60 facing laterally. Furthermore, the thermocompression bonding device 20, transport rails 21A, 21B, carrier tape 7, and top tape 17 are arranged parallel to one another along the transport direction L.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, the thermocompression bonding apparatus 20 for carrier tapes includes an elongated heating device 40 arranged along the transport direction L of the carrier tape 7 and a pair of transport rails 21A and 21B. The carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are preheated between a pair of heating elements 60 in a preheating area 61 located upstream of the heating device 40 and the upstream transport rail 21A. Next, the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are pressurized and thermocompressed between a pair of heating elements 60 in a pressure area located downstream of the heating device 40 and the downstream transport rail 21B. In this manner, the pair of heating elements 60 and the transport rail 21A in the preheating area 61 serve the role of preheating, while the pair of heating elements 60 and the transport rail 21B in the pressure area 62 serve the additional role of pressurizing. This allows for faster and more accurate thermocompression bonding compared to a configuration in which a single thermocompression bonding apparatus 20 has both heating and pressure functions. Furthermore, the thermocompression bonding device 20, the conveying rails 21A and 21B, the carrier tape 7, and the top tape 17 are arranged parallel to one another along the conveying direction L, so that thermocompression bonding can be repeatedly and uniformly performed on the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17. Therefore, by repeatedly performing short-term thermocompression bonding on the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 during high-speed operation, the desired peel strength can be ensured.

[0094] Furthermore, because the width W1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the preheating region 61 is larger than the width W2 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 first preheat the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 in the preheating region 61. Next, in the pressurizing region 62, the pair of heating elements 60 can press the top tape 17 against the carrier tape 7 with high pressure, allowing the top tape 17 to be quickly and reliably thermocompression-bonded to the carrier tape 7. As a result, a desired peel strength can be obtained between the carrier tape and the top tape 17.

[0095] Furthermore, since the center line L1 of the lower end surface 60a of the heating element 60 extends in a straight line along the preheating region 61, the transition region 63, and the pressure application region 62, after the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 are preheated by the heating element 60, the preheated portions of the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 can be reliably pressed and thermocompressed.

[0096] Furthermore, as described above, the rotating shaft 42 supporting the heating device 40 can be effectively cooled by cooling air. Therefore, the rotating shaft 42 and bearing 72 are not excessively heated by heat from the heating device 40, and as a result, the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 42 within the bearing 72 is not hindered.

[0097] Furthermore, when performing maintenance and inspection of the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20, the heating device 40 is rotated 90° via the rotary shaft 42 to orient the pair of heating elements 60, 60 of the heating device 40 laterally. This allows the lower end surfaces 60a, 60a of the pair of heating elements 60, 60 facing laterally to be easily and reliably cleaned.

[0098] Furthermore, while the carrier tape thermocompression bonding device 20 is operating, the heating device 40 does not move up and down, but the conveying rails 21A and 21B move up and down to thermocompress the top tape 17 to the carrier tape 7. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the heating device 40 is swung down to thermocompress the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17, there is no need to apply a large impact load to the carrier tape 7, and no large impact noise is generated.

[0099] Furthermore, even if the thickness and density of the carrier tape 7 changes along the width direction, the lower end portions 22 of the conveying rails 21A, 21B can be rotated around the virtual center point 21a relative to the upper end portions 24 of the drive cylinders 23A, 23B, and a uniform pressure force can be applied to the carrier tape 7 and the top tape 17 along the width direction between the conveying rails 21A, 21B and the pair of heating elements 41, 41 of the heating device 40.

[0100] Furthermore, when the drive cylinders 23A, 23B are driven downward to lower the transport rails 21A, 21B, the pair of spring members 25 can return the transport rails 21A, 21B to their original position.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 50 can control the pressure and pressure time of the drive cylinders 23A and 23B, so that the upstream drive cylinder 23A can be operated under conditions suitable for preheating, and the downstream drive cylinder 23B can be operated under conditions that apply an appropriate pressure.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a paper carrier tape 7 is used and the carrier tape 7 is punched to form the cavity 13, but this is not limited to this, and a through hole may be formed in the paper carrier tape 7 and a base material may be attached to the underside of the carrier tape 7 to form the cavity 13 using the through hole.

[0103] Alternatively, a synthetic resin may be used as the carrier tape 7, and the synthetic resin may be formed into a sheet to have embossments and flanges provided on the upper ends of the embossments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 parts feeder 2 Linear feeder 3 Index Table 4 Separation supply section 5 Rotation Axis 6 Workpiece insertion section 7 Carrier tape 8 Supply Reel 9 Tape feed gear 10 ARC 12 sprocket holes 13 Cavity 20 Carrier tape thermocompression device 21A, 21B transport rail 22 Lower end 22a Convex surface 23A, 23B drive cylinder 24 Upper end 24a concave surface 25 Spring material 27 Laura 30A base plate 30B cylinder block 40 Heating device 42 Rotation axis 48 Cover member 50 control section 60 Heating element 60a Bottom end surface 61 Preheating area 62 Pressure Area 63 Transition Zone 71 Rotating shaft holder 71a Outlet 72 Bearings 72a Communication port 73 Cooling air supply section 75 Cooling Channel 76 Cooling air supply line 77 Cooling air supply source

Claims

1. A carrier tape thermocompression bonding device that includes a cavity in which a workpiece is housed and that thermocompresses a top tape to a carrier tape extending in a conveyance direction, a conveyance rail including a lower end portion and holding the carrier tape and the top tape in an overlapping state; a heating device disposed above the transport rail and facing the transport rail in parallel, the heating device heating and pressing the top tape; a pneumatic drive unit that has an upper end portion that supports a lower end portion of the conveying rail and moves the conveying rail up and down; an upper end of the drive unit has a concave surface that is curved when viewed from the conveyance direction, and a lower end of the conveyance rail has a convex surface that is curved when viewed from the conveyance direction, and a plurality of rollers are interposed between the concave surface and the convex surface; the heating device includes a pair of heating elements at its lower end, positioned on both sides of the cavity in the width direction; the pair of heating bodies are partitioned into a preheating region and a pressurizing region which are formed sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction, A thermocompression bonding device for a carrier tape, wherein the width direction length of the preheating area of ​​each heating element is greater than the width direction length of the pressure application area.

2. 2. The thermocompression bonding device for a carrier tape according to claim 1, wherein a center line of the preheating region of each heating element along the conveyance direction coincides with a center line of the pressure region along the conveyance direction.

3. 3. The carrier tape thermocompression bonding device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the pair of heating elements in the preheating area in the conveying direction is longer than a length of the pair of heating elements in the pressurizing area in the conveying direction.

4. 3. The thermocompression bonding device for carrier tape according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating device is supported so as to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis extending parallel to the conveying direction, and the heating device is rotatable between an operating position in which the pair of heating elements face downward and a standby position in which the pair of heating elements face horizontally.

5. 5. The carrier tape thermocompression bonding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a cooling passage for cooling said rotating shaft is formed in said rotating shaft.

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