RFID Module for Placement Machine

Abstract

To provide an RFID system that provides an RFID tag reader capable of interrogating an RFID tag.SOLUTION: An RFID reader module 1 for interrogating an RFID tag placed in a placement machine comprises: a nozzle interface 5 adapted to releasably and repeatably engage a movable component of a placement machine, such as a placement head; a power supply with an energy storage unit 6 for storing electrical energy at least temporarily; and an RFID reader 9. The RFID reader module can be stored in a docking module 2 with a dock body 10 when not in use, so as to be recharged and / or to pass read data to the placement machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an RFID reader module, an RFID system and a placement machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of mounting electronic components on a component carrier. The components can be housed electronic components or unhoused electronic components designed as chips directly removed from a finished processed wafer and fed into an SMT (Surface Mount Technology) placement process.

[0003] The manufacture of electronic subassemblies is typically performed with the aid of so-called placement machines, which automatically remove electronic components from a component supply device and place them on a component carrier, e.g. a printed circuit board. The movement of the components from the component supply device to their respective placement positions is performed by a component handling device, e.g. a so-called placement head.

[0004] To provide traceability of equipment used with the placement machine (e.g., tape feeders, nozzle magazines, feeder trolleys, etc., as known in the art), such equipment may be provided with a machine-readable unique identifier, thereby allowing not only the type of equipment to be identified, but also that particular item to be uniquely identified. For example, a barcode, QR code, or similar optically readable code may be provided on the equipment. However, such codes are passive and no information can be written to them. Furthermore, storage of all relevant information (i.e., data) must be in an external database linked to the barcode code.

[0005] An alternative to optical codes such as barcodes is the use of RFID tags attached to equipment. This mature technology offers various advantages over optical codes, for example, there is no need to provide illumination to read the information, and some RFID tags can be written to. RFID tags can be roughly classified as either "short-range" or "long-range", indicating the distance at which they can be interrogated by an RFID reader. Each has associated problems. For example, "long-range" RFID tags that can be read from longer distances typically operate in the UHF frequency range and are regulated differently in different countries and regions of the world. They therefore create logistical and approval problems. In addition, the exact placement of the tag in the placement machine cannot be determined using such devices. On the other hand, "short-range" RFID tags require a reader that needs to be attached to a robot and brought close to the RFID tag. For example, it is possible to mount a reader on the placement head of the placement machine. This, however, requires that the reader be hard-wired directly into the placement system to both the power and the information / data interface. In addition, the placement heads may be replaced within the placement machine depending on the application, for example a "matrix" head may be replaced with a rotary head, which may require each RFID reader to be mounted in a different location, which may impact reliability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention seeks to solve these problems and to provide a system which provides an RFID tag reader that can interrogate RFID tags, has their associated advantages over optical codes, and allows the use of a "short range" system, thus avoiding the known logistical problems of "long range" systems, and which does not require hard wire connections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by providing an RFID reader in the form of a dedicated module that can be selectively picked up by the placement head of a placement machine, advantageously by any type of placement head. Advantageously, the module can comprise either an energy storage device or an energy harvesting device, thereby eliminating the need for a wired power interface. In addition, the module can advantageously comprise a wireless data transmission device, thereby enabling wireless data transmission. When not performing a reading operation, the RFID reader module is housed in a docking module located in the placement machine, where it can be recharged and / or where read data can be passed to the placement machine.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an RFID reader module for interrogating RFID tags, located in a placement machine, comprising: a reader module interface adapted for releasable and repeatable engagement with a running component of the placement machine; a reader module data connection for outputting data to a placement machine; an RFID reader for receiving data from the RFID tag and sending the received data to a data connection; a power supply for the RFID reader, the power supply comprising an energy storage for at least temporarily storing electrical energy; An RFID reader module is provided, comprising:

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an RFID system for use in a placement machine, comprising: An RFID reader module according to the first aspect; a docking module deployable within the placement machine and comprising a dock for receiving and housing the RFID reader module; An RFID system is provided, comprising:

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a placement machine comprising the RFID system of the second aspect.

[0011] Other particular aspects and features of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying claims.

[0012] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an RFID reader module and an associated docking module, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the RFID reader module of FIG. 1 in use; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In Fig. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, an RFID reader module 1 is shown spaced apart from an associated docking module 2. In use, both of these items are placed in a placement machine (not shown). For example, the docking module 2 may be brought to any suitable location close to the placement area of ​​the placement machine, for example in a magazine (not shown) that may also be used to store placement nozzles, grippers, etc. When no RFID reading needs to be performed, the RFID reader module 1 may be stored in the docking module 2, during which time it may be charged by the docking module 2, as described in more detail below. When an RFID reading needs to be performed, the RFID reader module 1 may be lifted out of the docking module 2, for example by a placement head 12 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0015] The RFID reader module 1 comprises an upper body part 3 adapted to repeatably and releasably engage with a movable component of a placement machine, such as a placement head. To this end, the upper body part 3 includes a nozzle interface 5, whereby the RFID reader module 1 can be picked up and held by the placement head in a manner similar to a nozzle. It should be appreciated that the nozzle interface may be standardized such that the placement heads of the placement machine can selectively engage with different nozzles, all having such a nozzle interface. Different placement heads, for example those produced by different manufacturers, may be configured to engage with dedicated, or at least differently designed, nozzle interfaces.

[0016] The lower body part 4 is dimensioned to fit snugly in the docking module 2. As shown, the lower body part 4 comprises a power supply with an energy store 6, here illustrated as an accumulator, for at least temporarily storing electrical energy. The energy store 6 receives energy from a module charging interface 7 adapted to cooperate with a dock charging interface 11 provided in the docking module 2. In the lower body part 4, a data connection 8 is provided for outputting data to the placement machine, in particular data read by an RFID reader module. Advantageously, as shown, the data connection 8 comprises a wireless data transmitter or receiver, such as a Bluetooth® device, or a device using another wireless protocol, for example Zigbee, receiving power from the energy store 6. In such a case, the placement machine can comprise a wireless data receiver (not shown) to receive data transmitted from the data connection 8. Conveniently, the data receiver can be arranged in the docking module 2. Using a wireless data connection is preferred, since data read by the RFID reader can be instantly transmitted to the data receiver. However, alternatively, instead of a wireless data connection, the read data may be at least temporarily stored within the RFID reader module 1 and then passed via a physical connection to a data receiving device (not shown) located within the docking module 2 when the RFID reader module 1 is received within the docking module.

[0017] The lower body part 4 further comprises an RFID reader 9 for receiving data from an RFID tag (14, see FIG. 2) and transmitting the received data to the data connection 8. Advantageously, as shown, the RFID reader 9 is located at the lower end of the lower body part 4 so that it can be placed in close proximity to the underlying RFID tag. The RFID reader 9 receives electrical energy from the energy storage part 6.

[0018] In other embodiments (not shown), the energy storage portion 6 and / or the data connection portion 8 may be housed within the upper body portion 3 or may span both the upper body portion 3 and the lower body portion 4.

[0019] The docking module 2 comprises a dock body 10, the upper surface of which has a recess forming a receptacle 15 for receiving the lower body part 4. Near the receptacle 15, a dock charging interface 11 is provided, which is adapted to cooperate with the module charging interface 7. As shown, both the module charging interface 7 and the dock charging interface 11 comprise annular rings extending around the lateral extent of the lower body part 4 and the lateral extent of the receptacle 15, respectively. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, since the rotational position of the RFID reader module 1 in the receptacle 15 does not have to be precise. However, this arrangement is not essential, and other alternative embodiments are possible. The cooperation between the dock charging interface 11 and the module charging interface 7 can be contacting and conductive, so that the electrical energy is transferred directly from the docking module 2 to the RFID reader module 1, or it can be contactless, for example using inductive charging. To achieve charging, via a positioning device, the dock charging interface 11 is connected to a power supply device (not shown) via a socket 16.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the RFID reader module 1 of Figure 1 in use. As shown, the RFID reader module 1 is being picked up by a placement head 12 of a placement machine with the upper body portion 3 disposed within a female nozzle receptor 17 of the placement head 12 and engaged therein by the nozzle interface 5. With the RFID reader module 1 engaged with the placement head 12, the placement head 12 can be used to move the RFID reader module 1 towards an RFID tag 14, here shown to be disposed in a feeder 13, with the RFID reader 9 in close proximity to the RFID tag 14.

[0021] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary, and other possibilities and alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. For example, the energy storage unit is shown as a battery, but other implementations are possible. The energy storage unit 6 may comprise, for example, a capacitor. This implementation may be particularly suitable if the power source comprises an energy harvester, for example an energy harvester adapted to harvest kinetic energy during the movement or vibration of the RFID reader module while it moves with the placement head. [Explanation of symbols]

[0022] 1 RFID Reader Module 2 Docking Module 3 Upper body part 4 Lower body part 5 Nozzle Interface 6 Energy storage unit 7 module charging interface 8 Data Connection 9. RFID Reader 10 Dock body 11 Dock charging interface 12 Placement Head 13 Feeder 14 RFID tags 15 Receptacle 16 Sockets 17 Female nozzle receptor

Claims

1. 1. An RFID system for use in a placement machine, comprising: an RFID reader module located within the placement machine for interrogating RFID tags; a docking module deployable within the placement machine and comprising a dock for receiving and housing the RFID reader module; Equipped with The RFID reader module, a reader module interface adapted for releasable and repeatable engagement with a moveable component of the placement machine; a reader module data connection for outputting data to said placement machine; an RFID reader for receiving data from said RFID tag and for transmitting said received data to said reader module data connection; a power supply for said RFID reader, said power supply comprising an energy storage for at least temporarily storing electrical energy; The RFID system includes:

2. The RFID system of claim 1 , wherein the reader module data connection comprises a wireless data transmission or transceiver.

3. The RFID system of claim 2 , wherein the wireless data transmission or transceiver comprises a Bluetooth device.

4. The RFID system of claim 1 , wherein the reader module interface is adapted to releasably and repeatably engage with a nozzle interface of a placement head of the placement machine.

5. The RFID system of claim 1 , wherein the energy storage component comprises a battery.

6. The RFID system of claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises an energy harvester.

7. The RFID system of claim 6 , wherein the energy harvester is adapted to harvest kinetic energy during movement or vibration of the RFID reader module.

8. The RFID system of claim 6 , wherein the energy storage component comprises a capacitor.

9. 2. The RFID system of claim 1, wherein the dock is open at its upper extent to allow placement of the RFID reader module in the dock by a placement head of the placement machine.

10. The RFID system of claim 1 , wherein the docking module comprises a charging interface for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage unit.

11. The RFID system of claim 1 , wherein the docking module comprises a data receiver for receiving data from the reader module data connection.

12. A placement machine comprising an RFID system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. a placement head having a nozzle interface adapted for releasable and repeatable engagement with a nozzle; wherein the reader module interface is adapted to releasably and repeatably engage with the nozzle interface.

13. A placement machine as claimed in claim 12.

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