Taping machine

Abstract

A taping machine that is advantageous in checking the relative position between a supply device and a work transport section. [Solution] The taping machine 1 includes an index table 21 having a plurality of storage sections 27, a tape feeding device that feeds a carrier tape having a plurality of cavities, a tape guide 23 that guides the carrier tape, a supply device 24 that enters the storage sections 27 at a feed position Pf and supplies electronic components from the storage sections 27 to the cavities, and an imaging device 25 that is installed below the supply device 24 and the index table 21. The tape guide 23 has a light-transmitting portion 38b that transmits imaging light Lr. The imaging device 25 receives imaging light Lr from the storage sections 27 and the supply device 24 positioned at the feed position Pf via the light-transmitting portion 38b.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a taping machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A carrier tape having numerous cavities (recesses) for accommodating electronic components is joined to a top tape, and numerous chip components such as electronic components are sealed by the top tape and carrier tape to create a chip product.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a product inspection device that is advantageous for inspecting chip components in such chip products with high accuracy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-055598 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To supply electronic components to each cavity in the carrier tape, the electronic components in the storage section of the index table are picked up by the supply nozzle and moved downward together with the supply nozzle, so that they are stored in the cavity located directly below the storage section. In this case, the supply nozzle moves up and down so as to penetrate the storage section of the index table. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient distance (clearance) between the partition surface (the side wall of the index table) that divides the storage section and the supply nozzle to avoid contact or collision.

[0006] The storage section of the index table, which is expected to store small electronic components such as multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), often has a planar size of, for example, 0.5 mm or less. The clearance between the supply nozzle for suctioning such small electronic components and the partition surface of the storage section of the index table can be as small as, for example, 0.1 mm or less.

[0007] On the other hand, the relative position between the supply nozzle (supply device) and the index table (workpiece transport unit) can vary due to various factors and therefore requires confirmation and adjustment before the equipment is put into operation or during regular maintenance. Such confirmation and adjustment work involves visually checking the relative position between the supply nozzle and the index table, and then adjusting the position of the supply nozzle by feel or using a dial gauge or similar. For example, the left-right position of the supply nozzle can be confirmed by moving the index table left and right and judging the amount of movement of the index table until it comes into contact with the supply nozzle. On the other hand, the front-to-rear position of the supply nozzle can be confirmed by visually observing the supply nozzle from the side using a scope equipped with a prism with the nozzle guard removed.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a technique that is advantageous for checking the relative position between a supply device and a workpiece transport unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a taping machine including: an index table having a plurality of storage sections in which electronic components are stored and which is driven to sequentially position each of the plurality of storage sections at a feed position; a tape feeding device which feeds a carrier tape so as to sequentially position a plurality of cavities in the carrier tape at the feed position, the tape feeding device feeding the carrier tape so that the carrier tape moves below the index table at the feed position; a tape guide which guides the carrier tape fed by the tape feeding device; a supply device which enters the storage section at the feed position and supplies electronic components from the storage section to the cavities; and an imaging device which is installed below the supply device and the index table, wherein the tape guide has a light-transmitting portion which transmits imaging light, and the imaging device receives imaging light from the storage section and the supply device positioned at the feed position through the light-transmitting portion to obtain image data which indicates the relative positions between the storage section and the supply device.

[0010] The taping machine includes an index guide arranged along at least a portion of the outer edge of the index table to guide electronic components stored in multiple storage sections; an illumination device that irradiates illumination light onto the storage sections positioned at the feed position and the supply device; a position adjustment mechanism that can adjust the relative position between the index table and the supply device; an image processing device that acquires relative position information between the storage sections and the supply device from image data; and a position control unit that controls the position adjustment mechanism based on the relative position information, wherein the light-transmitting section is constituted by a through hole, and the supply device is an suction device that is arranged to be able to enter the storage section positioned at the feed position from outside the storage section, and is arranged to be able to suction and support the electronic components.

[0011] The taping machine may be provided with a light guide unit having a first reflecting unit that reflects the photographing light from the light transmitting unit and a second reflecting unit that reflects the photographing light from the first reflecting unit, and the light guide unit causes the photographing light from the second reflecting unit to be incident downward onto the imaging device.

[0012] The taping machine may include a light guide section having a first reflecting section that reflects the imaging light from the light transmitting section, and the light guide section causes the imaging light from the first reflecting section to be incident on the imaging device in a horizontal direction.

[0013] The taping machine may be provided with a light guide unit having a first reflecting portion that reflects the imaging light from the light transmitting portion, and the light guide unit causes the imaging light from the first reflecting portion to be incident horizontally onto the imaging device, and the imaging device may be supported by the tape feeding device.

[0014] The taping machine may include an image processing device that acquires, from the image data, the distance between the portion of the index table that partitions the storage section and the supply device.

[0015] The taping machine may include a swing detection unit and a supply state determination unit that determines whether the supply device is properly supplying electronic components from the storage unit to the cavity based on the detection results of the swing detection unit, and the tape guide may have a swinging part that swings when an external force is applied, and the swinging part swings when pressed by the supply device when the electronic components are supplied from the storage unit to the cavity, and the swing detection unit may detect the swinging of the swinging part and send the detection result of the swinging of the swinging part to the supply state determination unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is advantageous to check the relative position between the supply device and the workpiece transport unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a taping machine. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a workpiece transport unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the tape feeding device, the tape guide, and the supply device. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image data captured and acquired by an imaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an example of supplying a workpiece from a storage portion of an index table to a cavity of a carrier tape by a suction device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view schematically illustrating an example of a carrier tape. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of a taping machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the first imaging mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the second imaging mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the third imaging mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the fourth imaging mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] With reference to the drawings, a typical embodiment of a taping machine will be described.

[0019] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the height direction along the vertical direction in which gravity acts, and the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the transport direction of the work or tape (carrier tape and top tape).

[0020] Fig. 1A is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a taping machine 1. Fig. 1B is a top view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a work transport unit 5.

[0021] The taping machine 1 shown in FIG. 1A includes a parts feeder 2, a linear feeder 3, a separation supply unit 4, and a work transport unit 5 for transporting works toward a feed position Pf.

[0022] The specific configuration and function of the workpiece are not limited, and for example, chip-type devices in general, such as electronic components, can be used as the workpiece to be processed by the taping machine 1.

[0023] The parts feeder 2 sends out multiple workpieces, supplied manually or by machine, aligned in a desired direction to the linear feeder 3. The linear feeder 3 transports the multiple workpieces sent from the parts feeder 2 in a single line toward the separating and supplying unit 4. The separating and supplying unit 4 supplies the workpieces sent from the parts feeder 2 to the work transporting unit 5 one by one.

[0024] The workpiece transport unit 5 has an index table 21 and an index guide 31.

[0025] The index table 21 has a disk shape, extends above the base 36 so as to cover the base 36, and is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft 6. The rotary shaft 6 attached to the index table 21 is located at the center of the index table 21 and is provided rotatably about a central axis extending along the height direction. The index table 21 rotates intermittently together with the rotary shaft 6 in response to rotational power transmitted to the rotary shaft 6 from a driving device such as a motor (not shown).

[0026] A plurality of outwardly opening storage sections (recesses; not shown in Figs. 1A and 1B; see reference numeral 27 in Fig. 3 and the like described later) are provided on the outer periphery of the index table 21 at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis 6. Each storage section moves intermittently in the workpiece conveying direction Dw along a circular orbit in accordance with the intermittent rotation of the index table 21, and sequentially stops intermittently at a plurality of stopping positions (including a supply position Ps, an inspection position Pd, and a feed position Pf) on the circular orbit.

[0027] The workpieces sent from the parts feeder 2 and the linear feeder 3 are individually stored in each storage section of the index table 21 via the separating supply section 4. That is, the separating supply section 4 supplies the workpieces one by one to the storage sections that are intermittently stopped at the supply position Ps.

[0028] A work inspection unit (not shown) and a supply device 24 are provided at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the index table 21 (a position corresponding to the circular orbit along which each storage unit moves (particularly the inspection position Pd and the feed position Pf)). The work inspection unit can perform any inspection on the work in the storage unit that stops intermittently at the inspection position Pd, and may, for example, perform an electrical inspection of the work by passing an electric current through the work. The supply device 24 transfers the work in the storage unit that stops intermittently at the feed position Pf from the storage unit to a cavity (not shown in Figures 1A and 1B; see reference numeral "28" in Figure 4, etc., described below) of the carrier tape T1.

[0029] The index guide 31 is provided along at least a portion of the outer edge of the index table 21 (in the example shown in Figure 1B, the entire outer edge of the index table 21), and guides the workpieces stored in each storage section of the index table 21 while preventing them from flying out in the radial direction.

[0030] The carrier tape T1 is unwound from the carrier tape supply reel 8 by the tape feeding device 22 and fed in the tape feeding direction Dt while being guided by the tape guide 23. The tape feeding device 22 is a feed unit that feeds the carrier tape T1 so that the multiple cavities of the carrier tape T1 are sequentially positioned at the feed position Pf. The tape feeding device 22 intermittently feeds the carrier tape T1 so that the carrier tape T1 moves below the index table 21 and the base 36 at the feed position Pf.

[0031] The tape guide 23 defines a transport path from at least the carrier tape supply reel 8 to the tape application section 12, and guides the carrier tape T1 so that the carrier tape T1 is appropriately fed along the transport path.

[0032] The tape application unit 12 creates chip products Q by bonding together carrier tape T1, which is fed from carrier tape supply reel 8 along tape guide 23, and top tape T2, which is fed from top tape supply reel 9 via tape guide roller 13. Works are supplied to each carrier of carrier tape T1 by supply device 24 at feed position Pf, and each carrier in the portion of carrier tape T1 that reaches the tape application unit 12 already contains a work. The tape application unit 12 creates tape-like chip products Q by bonding top tape T2 to carrier tape T1 so as to cover each carrier. Therefore, the chip products Q sent out from the tape application unit 12 include multiple workpieces, which are each contained in a corresponding carrier and covered and enclosed by carrier tape T1 and top tape T2.

[0033] The chip products Q sent out from the tape application unit 12 are sent to the recovery reel 10, and are taken up and recovered by the recovery reel 10. The transport of the carrier tape T1 from the carrier tape supply reel 8 to the tape application unit 12, the transport of the top tape T2 to the tape application unit 12, and the transport of the chip products Q from the tape application unit 12 to the recovery reel 10 are carried out based on the driving force applied to the carrier tape T1 by the tape feed device 22.

[0034] The taping machine 1 of this embodiment further includes an imaging device 25 installed below the supply device 24 and the index table 21. Meanwhile, the tape guide 23 has a light-transmitting portion (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; see reference numeral 38b in FIG. 2 described below) that transmits light (including imaging light) at the feed position Pf. The imaging device 25 receives imaging light from the storage unit and the supply device 24 positioned at the feed position Pf that travels through the light-transmitting portion, and acquires image data indicating the relative positions between the storage unit and the supply device 24. The imaging device 25 may have any configuration and typically includes an imaging element and an optical system (such as a lens) that guides the incident imaging light to the light-receiving surface of the imaging element.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the tape feeding device 22, the tape guide 23, and the supply device 24. In Fig. 2, the work transport section 5 (index table 21 and index guide 31) is not shown, and a state in which the carrier tape T1 is not placed on the tape guide 23 is shown. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image data (photographed image) captured by the imaging device 25.

[0036] 2 has a suction device 24a at its lower end. The suction device 24a is moved up and down in the height direction by a drive device (not shown), and is configured as an insertion nozzle that inserts a workpiece, which has been transported by the index table 21 and positioned at the feed position Pf, into a cavity (recess) in the carrier tape T1. The suction device 24a is capable of suction-supporting the workpiece, and is provided so as to be able to enter from the outside of the storage section 27 of the index table 21 positioned at the feed position Pf into the inside of the storage section 27.

[0037] The tape guide 23 of this embodiment has a light transmitting portion 38b that transmits imaging light at the feed position Pf. The light transmitting portion 38b in the example shown in Fig. 2 is configured by a through-hole that is formed so as to penetrate in the height direction through the swinging portion 38 that forms part of the bottom of the tape guide 23 (particularly the end (downstream end) located at the feed position Pf).

[0038] The light transmitting portion 38b is positioned so as to overlap in the height direction with the entire suction device 24a (including the suction surface on which the suction port 24b is provided) of the supply device 24, and has a horizontal size (horizontal area) larger than each of the storage portions 27 of the index table 21. When imaging by the imaging device 25, the light transmitting portion 38b transmits imaging light from the storage portion 27 and the suction device 24a positioned at the feed position Pf, allowing the imaging light to enter the imaging device 25.

[0039] That is, the imaging device 25 receives light through the light transmitting portion 38b of the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a of the index table 21 positioned at the feed position Pf, and acquires image data (see Figure 3) showing the relative position between the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a.

[0040] When the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a of the index table 21 are arranged in a proper state at the feed position Pf, there is an appropriate size interval (gap) between the suction device 24a and the part of the index table 21 that defines the storage section 27 (storage section section screen 21a). On the other hand, when the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a are arranged in an improper state at the feed position Pf, there is an inappropriate size interval between the storage section section screen 21a and the suction device 24a, or there is no interval at all.

[0041] If the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a are improperly positioned at the feed position Pf in this way, the suction device 24a and the index table 21 may interfere with (collide with) each other as the suction device 24a moves up and down. Therefore, imaging by the imaging device 25 to obtain image data indicating the relative position between the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a is performed when the suction device 24a is positioned at a position (standby position) above the storage section 27. Furthermore, imaging by the imaging device 25 to obtain the image data is performed when no carrier tape T1 is present on the tape guide 23, for example, before starting operation of the taping machine 1 or during regular maintenance.

[0042] The light transmitting section 38b is provided to face the suction device 24a (including the suction surface (suction port 24b)), the storage section 27 of the index table 21, and the index guide 31 in the height direction so that image data such as that shown in Fig. 3 can be captured. In other words, the light transmitting section 38b has a size (horizontal size) and arrangement that allows the suction device 24a, the storage section 27 of the index table 21 (particularly the storage section 27 positioned at the feed position Pf), and the index guide 31 to be captured at one time.

[0043] 2 oscillates when an external force (particularly a downward force) is applied. That is, the oscillating portion 38 extends along the tape transport direction Dt, with the downstream end of the oscillating portion 38 located at the feed position Pf and the upstream end of the oscillating portion 38 located away from the feed position Pf on the upstream side.

[0044] A swing fulcrum (not shown) exists between the downstream end and the upstream end of the swinging portion 38, and when a downward external force acts on the downstream end of the swinging portion 38 (for example, the swinging raised portion 38a described below), the swinging portion 38 swings around the swing fulcrum, assumes an inclined position, and extends in a non-horizontal direction. On the other hand, in a natural state where no external force is applied to the swinging portion 38, the swinging portion 38 assumes a horizontal position and extends in the horizontal direction.

[0045] Therefore, the oscillating part 38 oscillates when it is pushed by the supply device 24 (particularly the suction device 24a) when a workpiece is supplied from the accommodation portion 27 of the index table 21 to a cavity in the carrier tape T1. In other words, if the suction device 24a does not properly supply the workpiece from the accommodation portion 27 of the index table 21 to the cavity in the carrier tape T1, the suction device 24a and the workpiece may oscillate the oscillating part 38 via the carrier tape T1. On the other hand, if such supply of the workpiece is properly performed, the suction device 24a and the workpiece do not oscillate the oscillating part 38 via the carrier tape T1.

[0046] 2 has a swaying protuberance 38a that locally protrudes upward at its downstream end located at the feed position Pf. The carrier tape T1, which is guided by the tape guide 23 and transported by the tape feeding device 22 in the tape transport direction Dt, rides up on the swaying protuberance 38a and comes into surface contact with the swaying protuberance 38a. Due to this swaying protuberance 38a, if the workpieces are not properly supplied to each cavity of the carrier tape T1 at the feed position Pf, the swaying part 38 can be more reliably swung by the suction device 24a, the workpieces, and the carrier tape T1.

[0047] The oscillation of the oscillation unit 38 is detected by the oscillation detection unit 35. The oscillation detection unit 35 transmits the detection result of the oscillation of the oscillation unit 38 to the control device (particularly the supply state determination unit (see FIG. 6 described later)). Based on the detection result of the oscillation detection unit 35, the control device (supply state determination unit) can determine whether the suction device 24a has properly supplied the workpiece from the storage unit 27 of the index table 21 to the cavity of the carrier tape T1.

[0048] The swing detection unit 35 of this embodiment is provided so as to correspond to a portion (swing detection portion) of the swinging unit 38 located on the opposite side from the downstream end (feed position Pf) with respect to the swing fulcrum. The swing detection unit 35 shown in FIG. 2 is embedded in the tape guide 23 (particularly the inner wall partition portion) so as to be located higher than the swinging unit 38 (particularly the swing detection portion) in its natural state, and detects the rise of the swing detection portion when the swinging unit 38 swings. The swing detection unit 35 can have any configuration and detection method, and can typically be configured by a proximity sensor that can detect the swing detection portion of the swinging unit 38.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the supply process of the workpiece W from the storage portion 27 of the index table 21 to the cavity 28 of the carrier tape T1.

[0050] The suction device 24a (supply device 24) of this embodiment enters the storage section 27 of the index table 21 at the feed position Pf, and supplies the workpiece from the storage section 27 to the cavity 28 of the carrier tape T1.

[0051] That is, as the index table 21 rotates, each storage section 27 moves together with the workpiece W in the workpiece transport direction Dw, tracing a circular orbit, and is intermittently positioned at the feed position Pf. When a storage section 27 is positioned at the feed position Pf, the workpiece W in that storage section 27 is sucked and held by the suction device 24a (suction port 24b shown in FIG. 3) positioned at a standby position directly above that storage section 27.

[0052] While the index table 21 and the carrier tape T1 are intermittently stopped, the suction device 24a descends together with the workpiece W, and positions at least a portion of the workpiece W inside the cavity 28 of the carrier tape T1 arranged at the feed position Pf (see the dotted line in FIG. 4). At this time, the suction device 24a is positioned outside the cavity 28.

[0053] Then, as the carrier tape T1 is moved in the tape transport direction Dt, the cavity 28 moves downstream (to the right in FIG. 4) from the feed position Pf together with the workpiece W. As a result, the workpiece W moves away from the suction device 24a, is released from the suction device 24a, and lands on the bottom surface of the cavity 28 under the influence of gravity. Then, the carrier tape T1 is again stopped intermittently so that a new empty cavity 28 is positioned at the feed position Pf.

[0054] After releasing the workpiece W in this manner, the suction device 24a rises and passes through the base through-hole 36a and the storage section 27, and is again positioned at the standby position directly above the storage section 27. Then, with the suction device 24a positioned at the standby position, the index table 21 rotates intermittently in the workpiece transport direction Dw, and the storage section 27 that stores a new workpiece W is positioned at the feed position Pf.

[0055] By repeating the above-described series of operations, the suction device 24a continuously supplies the workpieces W from the index table 21 (accommodation section 27) to the carrier tape T1 (cavity 28).

[0056] FIG. 5 is a top view schematically showing an example of the carrier tape T1.

[0057] As described above, while the carrier tape T1 is intermittently transported in the tape transport direction Dt, the workpieces W are supplied to each cavity 28 of the carrier tape T1 at the feed position Pf. The carrier tape T1 can be transported by any method, but in this embodiment, the carrier tape T1 is fed in the tape transport direction Dt by the rotatable gears of the tape feeding device 22 (see FIGS. 1A and 2) engaging with each of the multiple feed holes 40 provided in the carrier tape T1.

[0058] That is, the carrier tape T1 has a plurality of feed holes 40 formed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the carrier tape T1 here refers to the direction along the tape feed direction Dt when the carrier tape T1 is fed. As the gear of the tape feeding device 22 rotates intermittently, the gear teeth of the tape feeding device 22 advance (penetrate) into and retreat from these feed holes 40 in sequence. As the gear of the tape feeding device 22 rotates with its teeth penetrating the feed holes 40, the carrier tape T1 is pushed and moved by the teeth in the tape feed direction Dt.

[0059] Therefore, the plurality of sprocket holes 40 are formed in the carrier tape T1 with high positional accuracy so that the pitch (interval) of the sprocket holes 40 in the tape feeding direction Dt matches the pitch (circumferential interval) of the gear teeth of the tape feeding device 22.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the taping machine 1.

[0061] Each part of the taping machine 1 may operate under the control of the control device 50 or may operate without being controlled by the control device 50.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, an image processing device 61, a swing detection unit 35, a position adjustment mechanism 33, and a user interface 62 are connected to the control device 50 of this embodiment.

[0063] The image processing device 61 receives image data captured by the imaging device 25, processes the image data, and transmits the results of the image processing to the control device 50. While the specific content and results of the image processing are not limited, the image processing device 61 of this embodiment acquires, from the image data, relative position information between the storage section 27 of the index table 21 and the supply device 24 (particularly the pickup device 24a). As an example, the image processing device 61 acquires, from the image data (see FIG. 3), information on the horizontal distance (gap) between the part of the index table 21 that partitions the storage section 27 (storage section partition screen 21a) and the pickup device 24a, as relative position information.

[0064] Although the image processing device 61 in the example shown in FIG. 6 is provided as a separate unit from the control device 50, the control device 50 (for example, a position control unit 51 described later) may function as the image processing device 61.

[0065] The control device 50 shown in FIG. 6 includes a position control unit 51 and a supply state determination unit 52.

[0066] The position control unit 51 controls the position adjustment mechanism 33 based on the relative position information provided from the image processing device 61. That is, the position control unit 51 recognizes the relative positional relationship between the storage unit 27 of the index table 21 (particularly the storage unit 27 positioned at the feed position Pf) and the supply device 24 (particularly the suction device 24a) based on the relative position information.

[0067] The position control unit 51 then determines whether the relative positional relationship between the storage unit 27 and the suction device 24a is appropriate, and if it determines that the relative positional relationship is inappropriate, calculates the amount of relative position adjustment between the storage unit section screen 21a and the suction device 24a. The "case where the relative positional relationship is determined to be inappropriate" here refers to, for example, a case where the distance between the storage unit section screen 21a and the suction device 24a is inappropriate, or more specifically, a case where the distance deviates from a predetermined appropriate range. For example, a case where part or all of the suction device 24a overlaps with the index table 21 (a portion other than the storage unit 27) in the image data captured by the imaging device 25 also corresponds to the "case where the relative positional relationship is determined to be inappropriate."

[0068] The position control unit 51 controls the position adjustment mechanism 33 based on the "amount of relative position adjustment between the storage section screen 21a and the suction device 24a" calculated in this manner.

[0069] The position adjustment mechanism 33 is provided to be able to adjust the relative position between the index table 21 and the supply device 24, and adjusts the relative position between the storage section screen 21a (storage section 27) and the suction device 24a under the control of the position control section 51 (control device 50). The specific configuration of the position adjustment mechanism 33 is not limited and may have any configuration. The objects moved by the position adjustment mechanism 33 may be only one of the index table 21 and the supply device 24, or both. However, from the viewpoint of prioritizing the maintenance of the relative positional relationship between the index table 21 and other devices associated with the index table 21, it is preferable that the position adjustment mechanism 33 be provided to be able to change the position of the supply device 24 (suction device 24a).

[0070] The supply state determination unit 52 determines whether or not the supply of works (electronic components) from the accommodation unit 27 (index table 21) to the cavities 28 (carrier tape T1) by the supply device 24 is being performed properly based on the detection result by the oscillation detection unit 35 (i.e., the oscillation state of the oscillation unit 38 (see FIG. 2)). When the supply state determination unit 52 determines that the supply of works from the accommodation unit 27 to the cavities 28 is not being performed properly, it may notify the user (operator) via the user interface 62 or control each unit of the taping machine 1 to suspend operation of the taping machine 1.

[0071] 6, for example, it may control a drive device that moves the suction device 24a up and down, a drive device that rotates the index table 21, and / or a drive device that rotates the tape feed device 22. The control device 50 may also receive information indicating the results of the inspection performed by the work inspection unit (see inspection position Pd in ​​FIG. 1B) and other information, store such information and new information derived based on such information, and control the driving of each part of the taping machine 1 based on that information. For example, the control device 50 may also control the driving of each part of the taping machine 1 based on various information input by the user via the user interface 62.

[0072] Alternatively, instead of using the position adjustment mechanism 33, a user (operator) may manually adjust the relative position between the index table 21 and the supply device 24. In this case, the position control unit 51 may present to the user, via the user interface 62, information on the "amount of relative position adjustment between the storage compartment section screen 21a and the suction device 24a," which is calculated based on relative position information provided by the image processing device 61. In this case, the user can adjust the position of the index table 21 and / or the supply device 24 (suction device 24a) while checking the amount of relative position adjustment presented via the user interface 62.

[0073] Next, a typical example of an image pickup mode by the image pickup device 25 will be described.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the first imaging mode. Fig. 7 shows only the illumination device 32, the beam splitter 42, the swinging unit 38 (tape guide 23), the index table 21, the suction device 24a (supply device 24), and the imaging device 25, and does not show other elements.

[0075] In this example, the imaging device 25 is disposed directly below the feed position Pf, and the imaging light Lr from the suction device 24a and the index table 21 (storage section screen 21a) is received without being reflected by the imaging device 25. That is, the lighting device 32 irradiates the storage section 27 and the suction device 24a (supply device 24) positioned at the feed position Pf with illumination light Lq, and the reflected light, that is, the imaging light Lr, passes through the light transmitting section 38b and then enters the imaging device 25.

[0076] In this example, the illumination device 32 emits illumination light Lq in the horizontal direction, and at least a portion of the illumination light Lq is reflected upward by the beam splitter 42 to illuminate the index table 21 (storage section screen 21a) and the suction device 24a that define the storage section 27 located at the feed position Pf. At least a portion of the imaging light (reflected light) Lr traveling downward from the index table 21 (storage section screen 21a) and the suction device 24a passes through the beam splitter 42 and is incident on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 25 facing upward.

[0077] The imaging device 25 can be fixedly installed in a desired position in any desired form, and may be attached to a support fixing member (not shown) such as a support stand, for example.

[0078] As described above, the taping machine 1 of this example does not require a light guide section for guiding the imaging light Lr in the horizontal direction, which makes it possible to configure the optical system required for imaging by the imaging device 25 in a very simple manner, and to provide the optical system in a compact manner in the vertical and / or horizontal directions.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the second imaging mode. Fig. 8 shows only the illumination device 32, the beam splitter 42, the swinging unit 38 (tape guide 23), the index table 21, the suction device 24a (supply device 24), the reflecting unit 43 (first reflecting unit 43a and second reflecting unit 43b), and the imaging device 25, and does not show other elements.

[0080] In this example, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the configuration example of the first imaging mode described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] In this example, a light guide 34 is provided that changes the traveling direction of the imaging light Lr before it enters the imaging device 25. The light guide 34 shown in Fig. 8 has a first reflecting portion 43a that reflects, in a horizontal direction, the imaging light Lr that travels downward (vertically) through the light transmitting portion 38b, and a second reflecting portion 43b that reflects, in a downward direction, the imaging light Lr that travels horizontally from the first reflecting portion 43a. The imaging light Lr from the second reflecting portion 43b is incident downward on the imaging device 25.

[0082] In this example, the first reflecting portion 43a and the second reflecting portion 43b are configured by prisms, but may be configured by any other reflecting body such as a mirror.

[0083] The imaging device 25 for receiving the photographing light Lr guided by such a light guide section 34 (reflectors 43a, 43b) is provided at a position horizontally shifted from the feed position Pf, and the light receiving surface of the imaging device 25 is directed upward.

[0084] By providing two reflectors (first reflecting portion 43a and second reflecting portion 43b) between the light transmitting portion 38b and the imaging device 25 in this manner, the position of the imaging device 25 can be shifted horizontally from the feed position Pf, while the imaging light Lr can be made to be incident downward onto the imaging device 25. This allows the imaging device 25 to capture and acquire image data of an erect image (however, an image with the left and right reversed) of the imaging light Lr.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this example, it is relatively easy to adjust the focus during imaging, and the intensity of the illumination light Lq can be relatively suppressed.

[0086] On the other hand, in the taping machine 1 of this example, it may be necessary to move the optical system (including the light guiding unit 34) and the imaging device 25 in order to adjust the feed unit (tape feeding device 22) that sends out the carrier tape T1, the top tape T2, and the chip products Q downstream. For example, when removing the feed unit from the taping machine 1, it may be necessary to move the optical system (including the light guiding unit 34) and the imaging device 25 as well.

[0087] In addition, the photographed image acquired as image data is a left-right reversed image, so when adjusting the left-right position of the supply device 24 and / or the index table 21 based on such image data, the direction of left-right adjustment is opposite to the direction of the photographed image in the image data.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the third imaging mode.

[0089] In Figure 9, only the lighting device 32, beam splitter 42, oscillating portion 38 (tape guide 23), index table 21, suction device 24a (supply device 24), reflecting portion 43 (light guiding portion 34), imaging device 25, support base 45 and support relay portion 46 are shown, and other elements are omitted from the illustration.

[0090] In this example, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the configuration example of the first imaging mode and the configuration example of the second imaging mode described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The light guide 34 of this example has a reflecting section (first reflecting section) 43 that reflects, in the horizontal direction, the imaging light Lr that travels downward through the light transmitting section 38b, and causes the imaging light Lr from the reflecting section 43 to be incident in the horizontal direction on the imaging device 25. Therefore, the light receiving surface of the imaging device 25 of this example is oriented in the horizontal direction.

[0092] In this example, the reflecting portion 43 is configured by a prism, but the reflecting portion 43 may be configured by other reflectors (such as a mirror).

[0093] In this example, the imaging device 25 is fixed by being placed on a support base 45 via a support relay portion 46. The configurations of the support base 45 and the support relay portion 46 are not limited, and for example, the support relay portion 46 may be formed of a magnet, and the imaging device 25 may be fixed to the support base 45 by the magnetic force exerted by the support relay portion 46. Alternatively, the support relay portion 46 provided as a bracket may be fixed to each of the support base 45 and the imaging device 25 via fasteners (not shown) such as screws.

[0094] According to the taping machine 1 of this example, the light guiding section 34 includes only one reflecting section 43, and it is possible to provide a compact optical system required for capturing images by the imaging device 25 in the height direction. In addition, the installation attitude of the imaging device 25 can be adjusted so that the light receiving surface faces horizontally.

[0095] The imaging device 25 can also capture and acquire image data of an inverted image (but not left-right reversed image) of the imaging light Lr. Therefore, when adjusting the left-right positions of the supply device 24 and / or the index table 21 based on such image data, the left-right adjustment direction coincides with the orientation of the captured image of the image data.

[0096] Furthermore, it is easy to install the illumination device 32, the beam splitter 42 and the reflecting unit 43 (light guiding unit 34), the imaging device 25, the support base 45, and the support relay unit 46 independently of the feed unit (tape feeding device 22). In such a case, it is convenient to remove the feed unit from the taping machine 1 without moving these elements (the optical system (including the beam splitter 42 and the light guiding unit 34), the imaging device 25, etc.).

[0097] In addition, in the taping machine 1 of this example, it may be relatively difficult to focus during imaging compared to the taping machine 1 of the configuration example of the second imaging mode described above, and illumination light Lq of a stronger intensity may be required for imaging by the imaging device 25.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the fourth imaging mode.

[0099] In Figure 10, only the lighting device 32, beam splitter 42, oscillating portion 38 (tape guide 23), index table 21, suction device 24a (supply device 24), reflecting portion 43, imaging device 25, tape feed device 22 and support relay portion 46 are shown, and other elements are omitted from the illustration.

[0100] In this example, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the configuration examples of the first to third imaging modes described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] Similar to the configuration example of the third imaging mode described above (see FIG. 9), the light guide section 34 in this example has a reflecting section (first reflecting section) 43 that horizontally reflects the imaging light Lr traveling downward through the light transmitting section 38b, and causes the imaging light Lr from the reflecting section 43 to be incident horizontally on the imaging device 25.

[0102] On the other hand, the imaging device 25 is supported by the tape feeding device 22 via a support relay 46. That is, the upper end of the support relay 46 is fixed to the lower part of the feed unit (tape feeding device 22), and the imaging device 25 is fixedly supported by the lower end of the support relay 46. In this example, the light receiving surface of the imaging device 25 is oriented horizontally. Note that the support relay 46 may include multiple support members, and may be installed in an arrangement and extension manner different from the example shown in FIG. 10.

[0103] According to this example, the imaging device 25 can be provided integrally with the tape feeding device 22, and the imaging device 25 can be unitized with the tape feeding device 22. In particular, since the tape feeding device 22 is installed at a desired position after being adjusted with high precision relative to the feed position Pf, it is relatively easy to install the imaging device 25 at a desired position after being adjusted with high precision relative to the feed position Pf. However, in this example, when adjusting the position of the tape feeding device 22, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the imaging device 25.

[0104] As explained above, according to the above-described embodiment, by forming the light transmitting portion 38b in the tape guide 23, the imaging device 25 can be installed below the supply device 24 and the index table 21. Then, based on "image data indicating the relative position between the accommodation portion 27 of the index table 21 and the supply device 24" acquired by the imaging device 25, the relative position can be confirmed easily and accurately, which is advantageous for adjusting the relative position.

[0105] In general, it is difficult to install an imaging device that acquires image data showing the relative positions of the storage section 27 of the index table 21 and the supply device 24 above the index table 21 and the supply device 24. In particular, since other devices are often installed in the area surrounding the index table 21 and the supply device 24, it is not necessarily easy to secure space to install an imaging device in the area, and it is also not easy to perform visual confirmation and adjustment work due to the interference from such other devices.

[0106] Therefore, in the past, it was difficult to check the relative position between the supply device 24 and the index table 21, and it was not easy to perform such checking accurately. As a result of not being able to check the relative position between the supply device 24 and the index table 21 accurately, the adjustment of the relative position also became improper, and problems such as wear and tear on the device, damage, and insertion errors due to poor adjustment could occur frequently.

[0107] On the other hand, according to the taping machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the relative position between the supply device 24 and the index table 21 can be accurately confirmed based on the image data acquired by the imaging device 25, and adjustment work can be performed easily and accurately.

[0108] In particular, the "amount of relative position adjustment between the index table 21 (storage section screen 21a) and the suction device 24a" can be obtained by image processing of the captured image data. Therefore, the relative position between the supply device 24 and the index table 21 can be confirmed and adjusted quantitatively, and such confirmation and adjustment work can be performed stably while suppressing the influence of skill differences between users (operators). In particular, when the relative position adjustment between the supply device 24 and the index table 21 is mechanically performed by the position adjustment mechanism 33 as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the influence of skill differences between users is further suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, when the workpiece is extremely small, the planar size of the suction device 24a may be several hundred μm (micrometers) × several hundred μm (for example, approximately 200 μm × approximately 100 μm). In such a case, the "amount of relative position adjustment between the index table 21 (accommodation section screen 21a) and the suction device 24a" may be several μm to several tens of μm. It is difficult for an average user (operator) to perform such minute adjustment work visually, and the work is likely to be unstable.

[0110] On the other hand, according to the taping machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to accurately calculate the amount of relative position adjustment of several μm to several tens of μm based on image data captured by the imaging device 25. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, during regular maintenance or the like, the relative positions of the index table 21 (accommodating section 27) and the supply device 24 can be easily and conveniently checked and adjusted simply by removing the carrier tape T1 from the taping machine 1 (particularly the feed position Pf).

[0111] The confirmation and adjustment of the relative positions of the index table 21 and the supply device 24 does not have to be performed for all the storage sections 27 of the index table 21, but may be performed for only one storage section 27, or may be performed for only two or more specific (for example, about 2 to 8) storage sections 27. For example, the confirmation and adjustment of the relative positions of the index table 21 and the supply device 24 may be performed for only two storage sections 27 spaced apart by an angle of 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis 6 of the index table 21, or may be performed for only four storage sections 27 spaced apart by an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees.

[0112] The inventors of the present invention repeatedly produced prototypes and improved the taping machine 1 based on the above-described embodiment, and actually confirmed and adjusted the relative positions of the index table 21 and the supply device 24. As a result, it was confirmed that the relative positions of the index table 21 and the supply device 24 can be confirmed and adjusted easily and accurately for any of the configuration examples of the first to fourth imaging modes described above.

[0113] [Variations] In the above-described embodiment, the supply device 24 (adsorption device 24a) holds the workpiece W using vacuum suction, but any other method can be adopted, for example, a magnet may be provided to hold the workpiece W using magnetic force.

[0114] It should be noted that the embodiments and modifications disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The above-described embodiments and modifications may be omitted, substituted, and modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in whole or in part, and embodiments other than those described above may be combined with the above-described embodiments or modifications. Furthermore, the effects of the present disclosure described in this specification are merely illustrative, and other effects may be obtained.

[0115] The technical category that embodies the above technical idea is not limited. For example, the above technical idea may be embodied by a computer program that causes a computer to execute one or more procedures (steps) included in a method of manufacturing or using the above device. The above technical idea may also be embodied by a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Taping machine, 2 Parts feeder, 3 Linear feeder, 4 Separation supply section, 5 Work transport section, 6 Rotating shaft, 8 Carrier tape supply reel, 9 Top tape supply reel, 10 Recovery reel, 12 Tape application section, 13 Tape guide roller, 21 Index table, 21a Storage section section, 22 Tape feeding device, 23 Tape guide, 24 Supply device, 24a Suction device, 24b Suction port, 25 Imaging device, 27 Storage section, 28 Cavity, 31 Index guide, 32 Illumination device, 33 Position adjustment mechanism, 34 Light guiding section, 35 Oscillation detection section, 36 Base, 36a Base through hole, 38 Oscillation section, 38a Oscillation raised section, 38b Light transmission section, 40 Feed hole, 42 Beam splitter, 43 Reflection section, 43a First reflection section, 43b Second reflecting unit, 45 support stand, 46 support relay unit, 50 control device, 51 position control unit, 52 supply state determination unit, 61 image processing device, 62 user interface, Dt tape transport direction, Dw work transport direction, Lq illumination light, Lr imaging light, Pd inspection position, Pf feed position, Ps supply position, T1 carrier tape, T2 top tape, Q chip product, W work

Claims

1. an index table having a plurality of storage sections for storing electronic components, the index table being driven to sequentially position each of the storage sections at a feed position; a tape feeding device that feeds the carrier tape so as to sequentially position a plurality of cavities of the carrier tape at the feed position, the tape feeding device feeding the carrier tape so that the carrier tape moves below the index table at the feed position; a tape guide that guides the carrier tape fed by the tape feeding device; a supply device that enters a receiving portion at the feed position and supplies the electronic component from the receiving portion to a cavity; an imaging device installed below the supply device and the index table, the tape guide has a light-transmitting portion that transmits imaging light; the imaging device receives the imaging light from the storage unit positioned at the feed position and the supply device through the light transmitting unit, and acquires image data indicating a relative position between the storage unit and the supply device; Taping machine.

2. an index guide disposed along at least a portion of an outer edge of the index table and configured to guide the electronic components accommodated in the plurality of accommodation sections; an illumination device that irradiates illumination light onto the storage unit and the supply device located at the feed position; a position adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a relative position between the index table and the supply device; an image processing device that acquires relative position information between the container and the supply device from the image data; a position control unit that controls the position adjustment mechanism based on the relative position information, the light transmitting portion is configured by a through hole, the supply device is a suction device that is provided to be able to suction-support the electronic components and that is provided so as to be able to enter the accommodation unit located at the feed position from the outside of the accommodation unit. The taping machine according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The taping machine according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide section having a first reflecting section that reflects the photographing light from the light transmitting section and a second reflecting section that reflects the photographing light from the first reflecting section, the light guide section directing the photographing light from the second reflecting section to be incident downward onto the imaging device.

4. 3. The taping machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a light guide section having a first reflecting section that reflects the photographing light from the light transmitting section, the light guide section causing the photographing light from the first reflecting section to be incident horizontally onto the imaging device.

5. a light guide unit having a first reflecting unit that reflects the photographing light from the light transmitting unit, the light guide unit making the photographing light from the first reflecting unit incident on the imaging device in a horizontal direction; the imaging device is supported by the tape feeder; 3. The taping machine according to claim 1 or 2.

6. 3. The taping machine according to claim 1, further comprising an image processing device that acquires, from the image data, a distance between a portion of the index table that defines the storage section and the supply device.

7. A swing detection unit; a supply state determination unit that determines whether the supply device is properly supplying the electronic components from the accommodation unit to the cavity based on the result of detection by the swing detection unit, the tape guide has a swinging portion that swings when an external force is applied, the swinging portion swings by being pushed by the supply device when the electronic component is supplied from the accommodation portion to the cavity; The swing detection unit detects the swing of the swing unit and transmits a result of the detection of the swing of the swing unit to a supply state determination unit.

3. The taping machine according to claim 1 or 2.

Images