Switching device

Abstract

To provide an exchanging device which can exchange a plurality of exchange elements each having a different width dimension.SOLUTION: An exchanging device exchanges each exchange element provided so as to allow a detachment and an attachment to a component supply part of a component mounting device having the component supply part in which each exchange element containing a component housing container is arranged to an arrangement direction in a predetermined pitch or a pitch of its integral multiple value. The exchanging device comprises: an arrangement direction movement part that is movably provided to an arrangement direction; an attachment and detachment direction movement part that is provided to the arrangement direction movement part so as to be moved to an attachment and detachment direction of each exchanging element; a plurality of holding parts that is provided to the attachment and detachment movement part so as to be adjacent to the arrangement direction in the predetermined pitch or the pitch of its integral multiple value, and can hold each exchange element; an arrangement direction driving device that moves the arrangement direction movement part to the arrangement direction; and an attachment and detachment direction driving device that moves the attachment and detachment direction movement part to the attachment and detachment direction. In the exchanging device, a plurality of exchange elements each having a different width dimension in the arrangement direction is prepared, and at least one of the plurality of holding parts is also used to each exchange element having the different width dimension.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to an exchange device that automatically exchanges exchange elements detachably equipped on a component mounting device.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for mass-producing circuit boards by performing substrate-to-substrate operations on substrates with printed wiring are widespread. Substrate-to-substrate operation devices for performing substrate-to-substrate operations include component mounting devices for performing component mounting operations. As a representative example of a component supply device included in a component mounting device, there is a tape feeder that supplies components using a carrier tape. In recent years, in order to save the labor of component supply, technologies for automatically exchanging tape feeders or automatically exchanging tape reels wound with carrier tapes have been developed. Technical examples related to this type of exchange device are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cassette-type feeder replacement system for a component mounting device, which includes a suction operation area where a plurality of cassette-type feeders are arranged and set, a feeder stock area for storing pre-use and used cassette-type feeders, and a replacement robot for replacing cassette-type feeders between the suction operation area and the feeder stock area. According to this, it is said that the replacement operation of the cassette-type feeder can be automated, and furthermore, the replacement of the cassette-type feeder between areas can be performed smoothly.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a component mounting line including a unit storage for storing a plurality of component supply units, a unit exchange device for exchanging the component supply units attached to a plurality of component mounting devices with the component supply units stored in the unit storage, and a control device for controlling the unit exchange device. According to this, it is said that for any component supply unit used in any component mounting device, the loading and unloading associated with replenishment and recovery can be performed in the unit storage, resulting in good usability.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in the technical examples of the replacement devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the replacement of the replacement elements (cassette-type feeders, component supply units) of the component mounting device is performed one by one. For example, in Patent Document 1, a cassette-type feeder in which components have been completely consumed by the mounting operation is recovered from the suction operation area, transferred and stored in the feeder stock area, and then a new cassette-type feeder is pulled out from the feeder stock area, transferred and set in the suction operation area. During the replacement operation, the mounting operation is interrupted, resulting in non-production time during which substrates cannot be produced.

[0007]

[0008] In many cases of the setup change operation for changing the type of substrate to be produced, replacement of a plurality of replacement elements of the component mounting device is required, and the non-production time tends to be prolonged. There is a strong demand to shorten such non-production time and improve the production efficiency of substrates.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

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

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

[0012]

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[0013] 1. Configuration of Component Mounting System 9 to which Exchange Device 1 of Embodiment is Applied First, a configuration example of a component mounting system 9 to which the exchange device 1 of the embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a component mounting system 9 to which the exchange device 1 of the embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the front, rear, left, and right of the component mounting system 9 are defined for convenience. The component mounting system 9 is configured by arranging a plurality of substrate processing devices in a row in the left - right direction. That is, a solder printing device 91, a printing inspection device 92, a first component mounting device 93, a second component mounting device 94, a third component mounting device 95, a substrate appearance inspection device (not shown in the figure), and a reflow device (not shown in the figure) are arranged in a row from the left side to the right side.

[0014] Each substrate processing device performs a predetermined operation on the substrate, that is, a substrate - related operation. Specifically, the solder printing device 91 prints paste - like solder on the substrate in a defined pattern shape. The printing inspection device 92 images and inspects the solder printing state of the substrate. The first component mounting device 93, the second component mounting device 94, and the third component mounting device 95 collect components from the component supply unit 9A and mount them on the solder on the substrate. The substrate appearance inspection device images and inspects the appearance state of the components mounted on the substrate. The reflow device heats and cools the solder to ensure reliable soldering of the components. The substrate - related operation is not limited to the above - described operation content and also includes various accompanying operations. For example, the loading and unloading operations of the substrate, the positioning operation, and the confirmation operation of imaging the substrate and components to grasp their positions and postures are also included in the substrate - related operation.

[0015] The first component mounting device 93, the second component mounting device 94, and the third component mounting device 95 have the same structure as each other. The component mounting devices (93, 94, 95) include a component supply unit 9A, a spare feeder storage unit 9B, a substrate transfer device not visible in FIG. 1, and a component transfer device.

[0016] The component supply unit 9A is disposed at approximately the middle height on the front side of the machine base 99. The component supply unit 9A has a plurality of slots that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch Ps (see FIGS. 5 to 7). Each slot of the component supply unit 9A is inserted and equipped with a tape feeder 8. That is, the plurality of tape feeders 8 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of FIG. 1.

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

[0018] The spare feeder storage unit 9B is disposed below the component supply unit 9A on the front side of the machine base 99. The spare feeder storage unit 9B also has a plurality of slots that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch Ps. In the slots of the spare feeder storage unit 9B, spare tape feeders 8 that are ready for use and tape feeders 8 that have been used up are arranged and temporarily stored. The substrate transfer device performs substrate loading, positioning, and unloading. The component transfer device picks up components from the component supply unit 9A using component mounting tools such as suction nozzles and mounts them on the substrate.

[0019] Further, the component mounting system 9 is provided with a feeder storage device 96, a line management device 97, and the exchange device 1 of the embodiment. The feeder storage device 96 is adjacent to the left side of the solder printing device 91 and is disposed at the same height as the component supply unit 9A of the component mounting devices (93, 94, 95). The feeder storage device 96 also has a plurality of slots that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch Ps. In the slots of the feeder storage device 96, tape feeders 8 that are ready for use and tape feeders 8 that have been used up are arranged and stored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0026] The protrusion 88 is provided on the bottom surface of the frame body 81. The protrusion 88 is inserted into any of the slots of the component supply unit 9A, the spare feeder storage unit 9B, and the feeder storage device 96. The protrusion 88 is further inserted into the slot 314 of the case 31 of the replacement unit 3 of the replacement device 1 described later. Thereby, when the tape feeder 8 is replaced, the protrusion 88 is guided by the slot 314 and moves from the replacement device 1 to the component supply unit 9A or the like, or moves in the reverse direction.

[0027] The upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A are provided at the upper part of the front surface of the frame body 81, spaced apart vertically. The upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A are inserted into the positioning holes of the component supply unit 9A to position the tape feeder 8. The connector 8B is disposed between the upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A. The connector 8B is responsible for power supply and communication connection to the tape feeder 8. When the tape feeder 8 is positioned, the connector 8B automatically fits into the receiving connector of the component supply unit 9A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] The middle running section 23 and the lower running section 24 corresponding to the engagement part are respectively arranged on the left and right sides in front of the array direction moving section 2. The middle running section 23 is engageable with the middle rail 21 so as to be able to run, and the lower running section 24 is engageable with the lower rail 22 so as to be able to run. The middle running section 23 further includes a drive source that generates power for running. Thereby, the array direction moving section 2 is mounted on the middle rail 21 and the lower rail 22 and runs and moves in the array direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the array direction moving section 2 is provided with a non-contact power receiving section 25 at a height position between the middle running section 23 and the lower running section 24, which does not hinder the replacement of the tape feeder 8. The non-contact power receiving section 25 receives power non-contact from a non-contact power transmitting section provided at a corresponding height of a plurality of substrate processing devices.

[0041] In addition, the array direction moving section 2 has an elevating drive section 26 and an exchange section 3 inside a box shape. The elevating drive section 26 drives the exchange section 3 to elevate from the height of the component supply section 9A to the height of the spare feeder storage section 9B. As the elevating drive section 26, a ball screw feed mechanism can be exemplified, but is not limited thereto. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the exchange section 3. In FIG. 4, side plates and the like on the front side of the case 31 are omitted.

[0042] The exchange section 3 includes a case 31, two attachment / detachment direction moving sections 32, and two attachment / detachment direction drive devices 4. The case 31 has an opening 311 on the front side through which four standard tape feeders 8X arranged adjacent to each other can be taken in and out. The case 31 further has an internal space capable of accommodating four standard tape feeders 8X. In addition, four slots 314 formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch Ps are engraved on the bottom plate 313 of the case 31. Further, guide rollers 315 are respectively disposed on the front side of each slot 314 of the bottom plate 313. Thereby, the tape feeder 8 is taken in and out via the opening 311 and the guide rollers 315 while the protrusion 88 is guided by the slot 314.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0058] The play dimension in the attachment / detachment direction of the long hole 53 is larger than that of the slide hole 52. When the play dimensions in the attachment / detachment direction of the slide hole 52 and the long hole 53 are added together, they match the predetermined operating stroke length in which the direct operating member 61 moves in the attachment / detachment direction. In the initial state shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate drive pin 64 is in contact with the trailing edge of the long hole 53, preventing the forward movement of the slide plate 51 biased forward. At this time, the slide plate 51 is in the retracted position where the support pin 38 is in contact with the leading edge of the slide hole 52.

[0059] Chuck support seats 54 are provided at two locations near the front of the slide plate 51, which are vertically symmetric with respect to the direct operating member 61. A pair of upper and lower chucks 55 are swingably supported on the chuck support seats 54. The pair of upper and lower chucks 55 has a parallel portion with the rear sides being generally parallel, an approaching portion where the front sides of the parallel portions approach each other, and a bent portion where the front sides of the approaching portion separate from each other while bending. The chuck 55 is supported around the boundary between the parallel portion and the approaching portion.

[0060] The indirect drive protrusions 65 of the direct operating member 61 slide on the opposing surfaces of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55. In FIG. 3, the indirect drive protrusion 65 is in sliding contact with the trailing end of the parallel portion of the chuck 55. At this time, the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 is in a closed state where the approaching portions are in contact with the direct operating member 61. And the bent portions of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 enclose the release operation portion 63 of the direct operating member 61 and are closed smaller than the holding hole 8P of the tape feeder 8.

[0061] The control unit 79 is disposed below the main body unit 37. The control unit 79 controls the rotation direction and rotation amount of the stepping motor 71 based on the detection results of the reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B. Since the rotation amount of the stepping motor 71 is controllable, the reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B are not essential. However, when the power supply of the replacement device 1 is stopped or when an operation is performed by the manual lever 67, the position of the direct operation member 61 may become unknown. Therefore, it is preferable to provide at least one of the reference position sensor 6A and the holding position sensor 6B.

[0062] Next, FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the holding surfaces 33 of the two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 arranged side by side. FIG. 5 shows the holding state in which the holding part 5 and the releasing part 6 have operated. As will be described in detail later, the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 of the holding part 5 project from the holding surface 33 and perform an opening operation to hold the tape feeder 8. Further, the release operation part 63 at the tip of the direct operation member 61 of the release part 6 projects from the holding surface 33 and performs a release operation on the locking part 8C of the tape feeder 8.

[0063] As shown in the drawing, the two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 are provided adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction at a pitch that is three times the predetermined pitch Ps. Note that the two attachment / detachment direction moving parts 32 may be provided adjacent to each other at a pitch that is two times the predetermined pitch Ps or an integral multiple of four times or more. Also, in each attachment / detachment direction moving part 32, the two holding parts 5 are provided adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction at the predetermined pitch Ps. Note that the two holding parts 5 may be provided adjacent to each other at an integral multiple of two times or more the predetermined pitch Ps.

[0064] 4. Holding operation of the replacement device 1 of the embodiment Here, among the operations of the replacement device 1 of the embodiment, the difference in the holding methods of a plurality of types of tape feeders (8X, 8Y, 8Z) having different width dimensions will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the holding methods of the standard tape feeder 8X and the large tape feeder 8Y. As shown in the attachment / detachment direction moving part 32 on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 6, each holding part 5 holds the standard tape feeder 8X.

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

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

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

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, in the initial state where the holding portion 5 and the releasing portion 6 are not operating, they do not protrude from the holding surface 33. Therefore, even when the array direction moving portion 2 slightly moves in the array direction to finely adjust the position of the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32, there is no risk of damaging the tape feeder 8. If the direct operating member 61 or the chuck 55 directly protrudes from the holding surface 33, it is necessary to first retract the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 before the array direction moving portion 2 moves, resulting in complicated and inefficient operation.

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

[0070] After the slide plate 51 stops at the forward position and the direct operating member 61 further advances, the indirect drive projection 65 comes into contact with the approaching portion of the chuck 55. Thereafter, the indirect drive projection 65 expands the approaching portions of the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 to open the chuck 55. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 are in a state where the bent portions are open and grip the inner surface of the holding plate 8N. FIG. 8 is a side view of the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 showing the holding state where the holding portion 5 and the releasing portion 6 are operating. The attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 holds the tape feeder 8 using the pair of upper and lower chucks 55 of the holding portion 5. Note that there may be some play between the chuck 55 and the holding plate 8N in the holding state.

[0071] When the direct-acting member 61 finishes advancing by a predetermined operating stroke length, the release operating portion 63 pushes the release arm 8J forward. As a result, the locking portion 8C shifts to the released state. Next, the attachment / detachment direction drive device 4 retracts the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 that holds the tape feeder 8. At this time, the tape feeder 8 slides while the protrusion 88 on the bottom surface is guided by the slot 314 of the bottom plate 313, and is accommodated in the internal space of the replacement portion 3. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the replacement portion 3 accommodates the tape feeder 8. In FIG. 9, the case 31 constituting the replacement portion 3 is omitted. As another form, the replacement portion 3 may not include the slot 314 of the bottom plate 313 and may support the tape feeder 8 only by the holding portion 5.

[0072] When accommodating the tape feeder 8, the attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 horizontally pulls out the tape feeder 8 in the attachment / detachment direction. The pulling force at this time acts on the tape feeder 8 from the chuck 55. And since the chuck 55 is at the same height as the connector 8B, the connector 8B is pulled out straight. Therefore, the risk of damage to the connector 8B is reduced. Similarly, for the upper positioning pin 89 and the lower positioning pin 8A, since almost no diagonal pulling force acts, the risk of damage is reduced. In addition, the required pulling force can be small.

[0073] After this, the replacement portion 3 is driven to the front of any one of the feeder storage device 96, the component supply portion 9A, and the spare feeder storage portion 9B. Then, the replacement portion 3 can store or equip the accommodated tape feeder 8 in any one of the slots. The storage operation and the equipment operation of the tape feeder 8 are performed in substantially the reverse order of the above-described holding operation.

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

[0075] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the replacement unit 3 schematically showing the state immediately before starting the recovery operation in the replacement operation procedure example. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the replacement unit 3 schematically showing the state after the recovery operation is completed. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the replacement unit 3 schematically showing the state immediately before starting the installation operation. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the replacement unit 3 schematically showing the state after the installation operation is completed. In FIGS. 10 to 13, the second tape feeder 8X2 and the fourth tape feeder 8X4 are shown with hatching for convenience.

[0076] The replacement device 1 first sets the two holding portions 5 of one attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 (upper side of the paper surface in FIG. 10) in a state where they do not hold the tape feeder 8. Next, the replacement device 1 sets the two holding portions 5 of the other attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 (lower side of the paper surface in FIG. 10) in a state where they hold the second tape feeder 8X2 and the fourth tape feeder 8X4 and accommodate them in the replacement unit 3. Next, the arrangement direction driving device 20 and the lifting driving portion 26 operate to align one attachment / detachment direction moving portion 32 of the replacement unit 3 with the first tape feeder 8X1 and the third tape feeder 8X3 of the component supply unit 9A.

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

[0078] Next, the array-direction moving unit 2 moves in the array direction by three times the predetermined pitch Ps (see arrow M3 in FIG. 12). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, another attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 faces the emptied slot. Next, the another attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 is driven by the attachment / detachment direction driving device 4 to move forward (see arrow M4 in FIG. 13), and the state shown in FIG. 13 is reached. Next, the holding unit 5 of the another attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 releases the holding in accordance with the reverse operation of the common driving unit 7. Also, the releasing unit 6 sets the locking unit 8C in the locked state. Thereby, the second tape feeder 8X2 and the fourth tape feeder 8X4 are equipped in the component supply unit 9A. After that, the another attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 is driven by the attachment / detachment direction driving device 4 to move backward, and the replacement operation is completed.

[0079] Note that it is also possible to perform a replacement operation of collecting the first tape feeder 8X1 by one of the holding units 5 of one attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32 and equipping the second tape feeder 8X2 by one of the holding units 5 of the another attachment / detachment direction moving unit 32. Furthermore, it is also possible to collect four tape feeders 8X together using a total of four holding units 5 and then equip the four tape feeders 8X together. The replacement device 1 can perform various other replacement operation methods.

[0080] Since the replacement device 1 of the embodiment includes a plurality of holding units 5, a plurality of tape feeders (8, 8X, 8Y) can be handled simultaneously. According to this, in the case of a component supply operation when a component runs out during the mounting operation or a setup change operation when switching the type of substrate to be produced, the replacement device 1 can perform the replacement operation efficiently. Therefore, compared with the conventional configuration having one holding unit 5, the non-production time required for replacing the tape feeder (8, 8X, 8Y) is shortened, the ratio of the production time of the component mounting devices (93, 94, 95) is increased, and the production efficiency of the substrate is improved.

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

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

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

[0084] Furthermore, instead of the chuck 55 that grips the tape feeder 8 in the holding unit 5, a hook that catches and pulls out the tape feeder 8, an electromagnet that adsorbs the tape feeder 8 by magnetic force, or the like may be used. Also, as an exchange device not provided with the elevating drive unit 26, the tape feeder 8 may be exchanged only between the component supply unit 9A and the feeder storage device 96. Furthermore, the tape feeder 8 may be configured such that the tape reel TR can be taken out to the rear side, and the exchange devices (1, 11, 12) may exchange only the tape reel TR as an exchange element. This embodiment can have various other applications and modifications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

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

Claims

1. An exchange device for exchanging the exchange element detachably mounted on the component supply unit of a component mounting device having a component supply unit in which exchange elements including at least a component container for accommodating a plurality of components are arranged in an arrangement direction, an arrangement direction moving unit provided movably in the arrangement direction with respect to the component mounting device, a case provided in the arrangement direction moving unit and capable of accommodating a plurality of the exchange elements arranged in the arrangement direction, a plurality of holding units capable of holding the exchange elements accommodated in the case, and while holding the exchange elements in each of the plurality of holding units, moving in the attachment / detachment direction of the exchange elements to collectively recover a plurality of the exchange elements from the component supply unit to the case, and at least one of the operations of collectively mounting a plurality of the exchange elements from the case to the component supply unit, and an attachment / detachment direction moving unit for performing the operation, an arrangement direction driving device for moving the arrangement direction moving unit in the arrangement direction, an attachment / detachment direction driving device for moving the attachment / detachment direction moving unit in the attachment / detachment direction, and an exchange device comprising the same.

2. An exchange device for exchanging the exchange element detachably mounted on the component supply unit of a component mounting device having a component supply unit in which exchange elements including at least a component container for accommodating a plurality of components are arranged in an arrangement direction, an arrangement direction moving unit provided movably in the arrangement direction with respect to the component mounting device, a case provided in the arrangement direction moving unit and capable of accommodating a plurality of the exchange elements arranged in the arrangement direction, a holding unit capable of holding the exchange elements accommodated in the case, and a plurality of attachment / detachment direction moving units capable of moving independently of each other in the attachment / detachment direction of the exchange elements while holding the exchange elements in the holding unit, an arrangement direction driving device for moving the arrangement direction moving unit in the arrangement direction, an attachment / detachment direction driving device for moving the attachment / detachment direction moving unit in the attachment / detachment direction, comprising, a plurality of the attachment / detachment direction moving units perform at least one of the operations of collectively recovering a plurality of the exchange elements from the component supply unit to the case, and collectively mounting a plurality of the exchange elements from the case to the component supply unit, and an exchange device.

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