Component storage case, component supply system, and component removal method

Abstract

To provide a component housing case capable of avoiding the occurrence of mixing of different kinds of parts in a bulk feeder which may handle the different kinds of parts.SOLUTION: A component housing case 10 houses an electron component EC and is used by being installed in a bulk feeder. The component housing case 10 comprises a housing part 15 of the electron component EC in a first case member 11a included in a case main body. In the first case member 11a, a rotational member 30 with one part exposed into the housing part 15 and rotatably provided by a driving part provided at the bulk feeder is provided. In the rotational member 30, a pocket 35 into which the electron component EC housed in the housing part 15 is loaded one by one is provided. The pocket 35 is provided along its peripheral direction on an outer peripheral surface of the rotational member 30. The electron component EC loaded to the pocket 35 is directly fetched out from the inside of the component housing case 10 via a component fetching out part 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a component storage case, a component supply system, and a component removal method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various component storage cases have been proposed for storing electronic components aligned by a bulk feeder (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The components are stored in the component storage case in a loose state, without being individually packaged, that is, each component is independent and in an ununiform position. The components stored in the component storage case are aligned on the bulk feeder on which the component storage case is set. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-254118 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A single component storage case typically stores the same type of component, and different types of components are not mixed in the same component storage case. However, if a conventional component storage case is used when a single bulk feeder handles different types of components, there is a possibility that different types of components will be mixed in the bulk feeder. For example, if component storage cases are swapped onto a single bulk feeder or if components in a component storage case are transferred to the bulk feeder, a mixture of different types of components may occur in the bulk feeder.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a parts storage case that can prevent different types of parts from being mixed together in a bulk feeder that may handle different types of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the component storage case of the present invention is a component storage case that stores components and is installed in a bulk feeder for use, and includes: a case body; a storage section that is provided within the case body and stores the components; a rotating member that is disposed within the case body with at least a portion exposed within the storage section and is rotatable by a drive section provided in the bulk feeder, and has pockets on its outer surface into which the components stored in the storage section are loaded one by one; and a component removal section that removes the components loaded in the pockets from within the case body.

[0007] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the rotating member may have a component drawing member provided along an inner peripheral surface thereof.

[0008] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the component drawing member may be a magnet.

[0009] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the magnet may have alternating north and south poles along a thickness direction of the rotating member that is perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotating member.

[0010] In the component storage case of the above configuration, the magnet may be arranged so that the boundary line between the north pole and south pole coincides with the center line of the pocket in the thickness direction of the rotating member.

[0011] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the case body may be provided with an insertion portion through which the component retraction member is inserted from the outside of the case body to the inside of the rotating member when the case body is installed on the bulk feeder.

[0012] In the component storage case of the above configuration, the storage section may have a first storage section that forms a downward slope toward a component retraction position where the component is retracted into the pocket and is equipped with a supply plate section that supplies the component to the component retraction position.

[0013] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the storage section may include a second storage section that is formed below the first storage section, separated by the supply plate section, and that is connected to the first storage section via a conveying path.

[0014] In the component storage case having the above configuration, an embodiment can be adopted in which the case further comprises a connection portion to which an air supply source is connected that supplies air to move the components in the second storage portion to the first storage portion through the transport path.

[0015] In the component storage case having the above configuration, a plurality of the pockets may be provided along the circumferential direction of the rotating member.

[0016] In the component storage case of the above configuration, the pockets can be arranged in multiple rows along the circumferential direction of the rotating member, from which the components can be removed all at once, divided into multiple groups, and the component removal section can have opening dimensions that allow the components to be removed from all of the pockets belonging to one of the multiple groups.

[0017] In the component storage case having the above-described configuration, the bottom surfaces of the pockets belonging to one group may be set to be horizontal with the circumferential center position of the group located at the top of the rotating member.

[0018] In the component storage case having the above-described configuration, the vertical height of the bottom surfaces of the pockets belonging to one group can be set to the same height when the circumferential center position of the group is located at the top of the rotating member.

[0019] In the component storage case having the above-described configuration, the pockets belonging to one group may have the same depth.

[0020] In the component storage case of the above configuration, the component removal section may be provided with a lid that can be opened and closed by a lid drive section provided on the bulk feeder when the case body is attached to the bulk feeder.

[0021] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the case body may be configured such that at least a portion of the case body where the loading state of the components in the pockets can be confirmed is made of a transparent material.

[0022] In the component storage case having the above configuration, the minimum distance between the outer peripheral edge of the rotating member and the inner peripheral wall surface of the case body may be greater than the longitudinal dimension of the component.

[0023] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a component supply system including a component storage case for storing components, and a bulk feeder to which the component storage case is attached, wherein the component storage case includes a case body, a storage section provided within the case body for storing the components, a rotating member rotatably provided within the case body with at least a portion exposed within the storage section, and having pockets on its outer surface into which the components stored in the storage section are loaded one by one, a magnet provided along the inner surface of the rotating member for attracting and drawing the components into the pockets, and a component removal section for removing the components loaded in the pockets from within the case body, and the bulk feeder includes a drive unit for rotating the rotating member.

[0024] In order to solve the above problem, another component supply system according to the present invention is a component supply system including a component storage case for storing components, and a bulk feeder to which the component storage case is attached, wherein the component storage case includes a case body, a storage section provided within the case body for storing the components, a rotating member rotatably provided within the case body with at least a portion exposed within the storage section, and having pockets on its outer surface into which the components stored in the storage section are loaded one by one, and a component removal section for removing the components loaded in the pockets from inside the case body, and the bulk feeder includes a drive unit that rotates the rotating member, and a component drawing member that is provided on the inner surface of the rotating member and draws the components into the pockets for loading them.

[0025] In the component supply system having the above configuration, a plurality of the pockets may be provided along the circumferential direction of the rotating member.

[0026] In the component supply system having the above configuration, the component drawing member may be a magnet.

[0027] In the component supply system configured as described above, the magnet may have alternating north and south poles along a thickness direction of the rotating member that is perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotating member.

[0028] In the component supply system having the above configuration, the magnet may be configured such that the boundary line between the north pole and south pole coincides with the center line of the pocket in the thickness direction of the rotating member.

[0029] In order to solve the above problem, the component removal method of the present invention includes a loading step in which a component stored in a storage section provided within a case body is pulled by a component pulling member into a pocket provided on the outer surface of a rotating member provided within the case body with a portion exposed to the storage section, and the component is loaded into the pocket; a moving step in which the rotating member with the components loaded in the pocket is rotated to move the pockets with the components loaded to a component removal section from which the components are sequentially removed; and a removal step in which the components that have reached the component removal section are sucked up by a suction nozzle and the components are removed.

[0030] The component removal method of the above process can include an imaging process of capturing an image of the state of the pocket after the loading process, and a determination process of determining whether or not the component in each pocket can be picked up based on the image captured in the imaging process, and in the removal process, the suction nozzle only picks up the pockets that have been determined to be pickable in the determination process.

[0031] In the component removal method of the above process, the moving process can be configured to sequentially supply groups of pockets that can be removed at one time in the removal process to the component removal section, the imaging process takes images of the pockets for each group, and if it is determined in the determination process that one group does not contain any pockets that have been determined to be capable of being adsorbed, the group is allowed to pass through the component removal section without being stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the invention disclosed in this specification, it is possible to provide a component storage case that can prevent different types of components from being mixed together in a bulk feeder that may handle different types of components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component storage case according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(A) to 2(E) are diagrams showing the components included in the component storage case of the first embodiment, where Figure 2(A) is a rear view of the second case member, Figure 2(B) is a front view of the rotating member, Figure 2(C) is a front view of the spring member, Figure 2(D) is a front view of the shutter member, and Figure 2(E) is a front view of the first case member. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(A) is an assembly diagram of the component housing case of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view of the electronic component. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is a side view of a rotating member provided in the component storage case of the first embodiment, Figure 4(B) is a side view of a magnet provided in the component storage case of the first embodiment, and Figure 4(C) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member shown in Figure 4(A). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the boundary line between the north pole and south pole of the magnet provided in the component housing case of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the component storage case of the first embodiment with the second case member removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bulk feeder to which the component storage case of the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows a component mounter that includes a bulk feeder to which the component storage case of the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how the component storage case of the first embodiment is attached to a bulk feeder. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(A) is a plan view of the component storage case of the first embodiment with the shutter member closed, and FIG. 10(B) is a plan view of the component storage case of the first embodiment with the shutter member opened. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control when a component is taken out of a component storage case according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the component storage case of the second embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is an assembly diagram of the component storage case of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14(A) is a side view of a rotating member provided in a component storage case of the second embodiment, Figure 14(B) is a side view of a magnet provided in a bulk feeder of the second embodiment, and Figure 14(C) is a front view of the magnet shown in Figure 14(B). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the component storage case of the second embodiment with the second case member removed. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the component storage case of the third embodiment with the second case member removed. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing how electronic components are taken out of a component storage case according to the fourth embodiment, with a plurality of rows of pockets as one group. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing how electronic components are taken out of a component storage case according to the fifth embodiment, with a plurality of rows of pockets being treated as one group. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing how electronic components are taken out of a component storage case according to the sixth embodiment, with a plurality of rows of pockets as one group. [Figure 20] Figure 20(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the area around the spring member of the component storage case of the seventh embodiment when the shutter member is closed, and Figure 20(B) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the area around the spring member of the component storage case of the seventh embodiment when the shutter member is open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component storage case 10 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2A to 2E are diagrams illustrating components included in the component storage case 10. FIG. 2A is a rear view of the second case member 11b, FIG. 2B is a front view of the rotating member 30, FIG. 2C is a front view of the spring member 23, FIG. 2D is a front view of the shutter member 20, and FIG. 2E is a front view of the first case member 11a. FIG. 3A is an assembly diagram of the component storage case 10, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an electronic component EC. FIG. 4A is a side view of the rotating member 30, FIG. 4B is a side view of a magnet 36 included in the component storage case 10, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 30 shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of the boundary between the north and south poles of the magnet 36 included in the component storage case 10. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the component storage case 10 with the second case member 11b removed from the component storage case 10. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bulk feeder to which the component storage case of the first embodiment is attached. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a component mounter 100 equipped with a bulk feeder 110 to which the component storage case 10 is attached. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how the component storage case 10 is attached to the bulk feeder 110. FIG. 10(A) is a plan view of the component storage case of the first embodiment with the shutter member closed, and FIG. 10(B) is a plan view of the component storage case of the first embodiment with the shutter member open. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control when an electronic component EC is removed from the component storage case 10. Note that in the following explanation, the component storage case 10 will be described assuming that its up / down, front / back, and left / right directions are as shown in FIG. 1. Each figure is a front view viewed from the left side.

[0035] [Outline of how parts storage cases are used] First, an outline of how the component storage case 10 is used will be described. The component storage case 10 can store electronic components EC (see FIGS. 3(B) and 9), which correspond to components, inside it. In this embodiment, the electronic components EC are multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). However, the component storage case 10 can also be used to store other electronic components, such as chip resistors. The component storage case 10 stores a large number of electronic components EC that are not individually packaged and are not aligned in the same direction, i.e., in a loose state. The electronic components EC are stored in the component storage case 10 by the manufacturer and delivered to users of the electronic components EC. The component storage case 10 is attached to and installed in a bulk feeder 110 (see FIG. 7). The electronic components EC are directly removed from the component storage case 10 installed in the bulk feeder 110 and used. Below, the component storage case 10, the bulk feeder 110, and the removal of electronic components EC from the component storage case 10 will be described in detail.

[0036] [Parts storage case] Referring to FIG. 1, the component storage case 10 includes a case body 11 and a shutter member 20. The component storage case 10 includes a component removal section 18 near the front of its top surface. The shutter member 20 opens and closes the component removal section 18. The case body 11 includes a first case member 11a located on the right side thereof and provided with an outer peripheral wall portion 13, and a generally plate-shaped second case member 11b joined to the first case member 11a. The outer peripheral wall portion 13 includes an inclined portion 13a on the top surface rearward of the component removal section 18. The shutter member 20 corresponds to a lid that can be opened and closed by a shutter driver 116 (see FIG. 7) that serves as a lid driver provided in the bulk feeder 110. Below, the first case member 11a, the second case member 11b, the shutter member 20, and the rotating member 30 will each be described in detail.

[0037] 2(A) to 3(A), the component storage case 10 includes a rotating member 30 (see FIG. 2(B)) in a case main body 11 (see FIG. 1) formed by joining a first case member 11a and a second case member 11b. The component storage case 10 also includes a shutter member 20 (see FIG. 2(D)) and a spring member 23 (see FIG. 2(C)) that biases the shutter member 20 in a direction that closes the component removal section 18. The first case member 11a, the second case member 11b, the shutter member 20, and the rotating member 30 are all made of resin.

[0038] 2(A), the second case member 11b has a shutter guide groove 11b1 extending in the front portion of its upper edge along the front-rear direction. The second case member 11b also has a shaft support hole 11b2 for rotatably supporting the rotating member 30.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2(B) and 3(A), the rotating member 30 is a circular member when viewed from the left or right side. Referring to Figure 4(C), which shows a cross section of the rotating member 30, the rotating member 30 comprises a hub portion 31 located in the center and a disk portion 33 extending radially from the hub portion 31. The rotating member 30 also comprises an annular rim portion 32 connected to the hub portion 31 via the disk portion 33. The disk portion 33 is provided on one side (the right side) of the rim portion 32 in the width direction (left-right direction), and an open space is formed on the other side (the left side) between the hub portion 31 and the rim portion 32.

[0040] When the rotating member 30 is viewed from the top-bottom or front-to-back direction, the tip of the hub portion 31, which protrudes to the left beyond the width of the rim portion 32, becomes the rotation support portion 31a, which is supported by the shaft support hole 11b2 provided in the second case member 11b. The rotating member 30 has a gear portion 34 that protrudes from the side opposite to the side from which the rotation support portion 31a protrudes, i.e., to the right. The gear portion 34 meshes with a drive gear 115a provided in a bulk feeder 110 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later, to rotate the rotating member 30. The rotating member 30 is installed in the first case member 11a as shown in FIG. 6. When viewed from the left side, it rotates counterclockwise.

[0041] A plurality of pockets 35 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 32a of the rim portion 32 along the circumferential direction of the rotating member 30. In addition, an annular magnet 36 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 32b side of the rim portion 32 as a component drawing member that draws and loads electronic components EC into the pockets 35. The pockets 35 and magnets 36 will be described in detail later.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 2(C), the spring member 23 is a coil spring. The spring member 23 is made of metal. Referring to Fig. 2(D), the shutter member 20 has a blocking portion 20a that blocks the component removal portion 18. The shutter member 20 also has a drive pin engagement hole 21 into which a drive pin 116d provided on the shutter drive portion 116 (see Fig. 7) is inserted, and a spring holding hole 22 into which one end of the spring member 23 is inserted.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2(E), a component removal section 18 is provided on the top panel portion of the outer peripheral wall section 13 of the first case member 11a. The first case member 11a has a shutter guide groove 11a1 extending along the front-rear direction in the front portion of its upper edge. The first case member 11a also has an opening 11a2 for exposing a gear section 34 (see FIGS. 2(B) and 3(A)) of the rotating member 30 to the outside of the case main body 11. The center point of the opening 11a2 coincides with the center point of the component removal section 18. The first case member 11a also has a drive pin guide hole 11a3 near the shutter guide groove 11a1, into which a drive pin 116d (see FIG. 7) for opening and closing the shutter member 20 is inserted. The drive pin guide hole 11a3 is an oval hole extending in the front-rear direction. The first case member 11a also has a spring holding hole 11a4 near the drive pin guide hole 11a3. The other end of the spring member 23 is inserted into the spring holding hole 11a4.

[0044] The first case member 11a has an outer peripheral wall 13 provided along its edge, and a storage section 15 for storing electronic components EC within the outer peripheral wall 13. A partition wall 14 is disposed in the area surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the partition wall 14 forms a downward slope toward the component retraction position P of the rotating member 30 housed in the first case member 11a, and includes a supply plate 14a that supplies electronic components EC to the component retraction position P. The storage section 15 is divided by the supply plate 14a into a first storage section 15a and a second storage section 15b. That is, the first storage section 15a is provided above the supply plate 14a, and the second storage section 15b is provided below the first storage section 15a, separated by the supply plate 14a.

[0045] The partition wall 14 includes a transport path forming portion 14b extending downward from the upper end of the supply plate portion 14a. The transport path forming portion 14b is located at the rear end of the first case member 11a of the outer peripheral wall portion 13, and together with the portion extending in the vertical direction, forms a transport path 17. The transport path 17 connects the first storage portion 15a and the second storage portion 15b.

[0046] 6, the component retraction position P in this embodiment is set at a position rotated 90° clockwise from the top of the rotatable member 30 housed in the first case member 11a. The supply plate 14a forms the bottom plate of the first storage section 15a, and its upper surface forms an inclined surface 15a1 that slopes toward the component magnetic retraction position. This allows the electronic components EC housed in the first storage section 15a to slide along the inclined surface 15a1 and move sequentially toward the rotatable member 30. In other words, the provision of the supply plate 14a enables the electronic components EC to be continuously supplied to the pocket 35.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 2(E), the bottom plate portion of the second storage section 15b is formed by a portion of the outer peripheral wall 13 located at the lower end of the first case member 11a and extending in the front-to-rear direction. The bottom plate portion of the second storage section 15b is formed with an inclined surface 15b1 that slopes downward toward the conveying path 17. The lowest portion of the inclined surface 15b1, located below the conveying path 17, is provided with a connection portion 19 to which an air plug 114b (see FIG. 7) extending from a nozzle of the bulk feeder 110 is connected. The connection portion 19 is provided with a mesh member 19a to prevent the electronic components EC from falling. By connecting the air plug 114b to the connection portion 19 and supplying air, the electronic components EC in the second storage section 15b can be supplied to the first storage section 15a via the conveying path 17.

[0048] In this embodiment, as described above, the component retraction position P for the rotating member 30 is set at a position rotated 90° clockwise from the top of the rotating member 30. The electronic components EC move toward the rotating member 30 by sliding on the inclined surface 15a1 that slopes toward the component retraction position P. For this reason, the electronic components EC cannot be directly supplied to the rotating member 30 from the second storage section 15b, which is located below the supply plate section 14a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electronic components EC stored in the second storage section 15b are transported into the first storage section 15a via the transport path 17. The electronic components EC then move toward the rotating member 30. The component storage case 10 of this embodiment, which includes the first storage section 15a and the second storage section 15b, can store a large number of electronic components EC. Cut.

[0049] The first case member 11a includes a rotatable member storage section 16 in which the rotatable member 30 is stored. The rotatable member storage section 16 is located forward of the storage section 15 and is formed in an area where the opening 11a2 is provided. The rotatable member storage section 16 is a space continuous with the storage section 15, and by storing the rotatable member 30 in the rotatable member storage section 16, a portion of the rotatable member 30 is exposed to the storage section 15. This allows the electronic components EC stored in the storage section 15 to be loaded into pockets 35 provided in the rotatable member 30. In FIG. 2(E), a component recovery section 16a is provided at the lower left of the rotatable member storage section 16 to recover electronic components EC that were not properly removed from the component removal section 18.

[0050] Here, the dimensions of the electronic component EC will be described with reference to Fig. 3(B). The shape of the electronic component EC of this embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the direction in which the dimension is greatest among three mutually orthogonal directions is defined as the longitudinal direction, and the dimension along that direction is defined as the length Lec. The dimension along one of the two directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is defined as the width Wec. The dimension along the remaining direction is defined as the height Hec.

[0051] 3(A), a plurality of pockets 35 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 32a of the rim portion 32 of the rotating member 30. The pockets 35 are aligned in a row direction, with the direction along the circumferential direction of the rotating member 30 being the column direction, and the width direction of the rotating member 30 being perpendicular to the column direction. In this embodiment, the pockets 35 in one row are grouped, and electronic components EC are removed from the pockets 35 in one group by the component removal unit 18 at a single removal timing.

[0052] 4(A), as shown in an enlarged view of portion X1, each pocket 35 is provided with its longitudinal direction aligned with the width direction of the rim portion 32 (a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the rotating member 30). The longitudinal dimension of each pocket 35 corresponds to the length Lec of the electronic component EC and is set to be slightly larger than the length Lec. The lateral dimension of each pocket 35 corresponds to the width Wec of the electronic component EC and is set to be slightly larger than the width Wec. The depth of each pocket 35 corresponds to the height Hec of the electronic component EC and is set to be larger than the height Hec.

[0053] As shown enlarged in Figure 4(A), the pockets 35 shown in each figure are arranged in a row of five, i.e., five rows, but this is for convenience of drawing, and in reality, a greater number of pockets 35 can be provided.

[0054] As described above, the component storage case 10 has an annular magnet 36 provided on the inner peripheral surface 32b of the rim portion 32 of the rotating member 30. The magnet 36 attracts and draws the electronic components EC into the pockets 35 for loading. Referring to FIG. 4(B), as shown in an enlarged view of portion X2, the magnet 36 has alternating north and south poles along the thickness direction (width direction) of the rotating member 30, which is perpendicular to the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the rotating member 30. This allows the orientation of the electronic components EC to be aligned in the pockets 35. In other words, by changing the orientation of the electronic components EC so that the longitudinal direction of the electronic components EC coincides with the longitudinal direction of the pockets 35, the electronic components EC can be properly loaded into the pockets 35.

[0055] 5, the boundary line between the north and south poles of the magnet 36 is aligned with the center line CL that passes through the thickness direction of the rotating member 30 of each pocket 35, i.e., the center in the longitudinal direction, and extends along the circumferential direction of the rotating member 30. This increases the probability that the electronic components EC will be properly loaded into the pockets 35.

[0056] The component storage case 10 is formed by storing the rotating member 30 in the first case member 11a as shown by arrow 1a in FIG. 3A, and then joining the first case member 11a and the second case member 11b as shown by arrow 1b. When the first case member 11a and the second case member 11b are joined, the shutter guide grooves 11a1 and 11b1 face each other. The shutter member 20 is supported between the opposing shutter guide grooves 11a1 and 11b1 so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction. At this time, the spring member 23 is attached by being held between the spring holding hole 11a4 provided in the first case member 11a and the spring holding hole 22 provided in the shutter member 20. As a result, the shutter member 20 is biased toward closing the component removal portion 18. The spring force of the spring member 23 is set to a strength that prevents the shutter member 20 from easily opening when the component storage case 10 is not attached to the bulk feeder 110, such as during transportation of the component storage case 10. In other words, the shutter member 20 cannot be easily opened without using a shutter driver 116 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later. This prevents the shutter member 20 from opening between the time the electronic components EC are shipped and the time they are installed in the bulk feeder 110. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mixing of different types of components.

[0057] In this embodiment, the minimum distance S between the outer peripheral edge of the rotating member 30 housed in the first case member 11a and the inner peripheral wall surface of the first case member 11a is greater than the length Lec of the electronic component EC. As shown in an enlarged view of section X3 in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, the minimum distance S is the distance between the top of the rotating member 30 and the top portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 13. By setting the minimum distance S to be greater than the length Lec of the electronic component EC, clogging of the electronic component EC in the component storage case 10 can be prevented. If the minimum distance S were smaller than the length Lec of the electronic component EC, the electronic component EC could be caught between the rotating member 30 and the case body 11, potentially impeding operation of the rotating member 30. This embodiment prevents clogging of the electronic component EC.

[0058] The electronic components EC are introduced into the component storage case 10 through the component introduction hole 13b shown in FIG. 6. The component introduction hole 13b may be formed before or after the first and second case members 11a and 11b are joined. After a predetermined amount of electronic components EC are introduced into the component introduction hole 13b, the component introduction hole 13b is sealed with a sealing member 13b1. The sealing member 13b1 is fixed with an adhesive or by welding, preventing the component introduction hole 13b from being opened again. This prevents the mixing of different types of components. The first and second case members 11a and 11b are also joined with an adhesive or by welding to prevent separation.

[0059] As described above, the first case member 11a and the second case member 11b of this embodiment are both made of resin, but both are formed of a transparent material. That is, both the first case member 11a and the second case member 11b are made of a transparent resin. This allows the loading status of the electronic components EC in the pockets 35 to be confirmed from outside the component storage case 10. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the loading status of the electronic components EC in the pockets 35 before they move to the component removal section 18 is confirmed by the imaging unit 130 (see FIG. 8). By making the first case member 11a and the second case member 11b of a transparent resin, the loading status of the electronic components EC in the pockets 35 can be confirmed by the imaging unit 130. Note that only the position where the loading status of the electronic components EC in the pockets 35 can be confirmed by the imaging unit 130 may be made of a transparent material. For example, only the inclined portion 13a provided at a position facing the rotating member 30 may be formed of a transparent material in a window shape.

[0060] [Bulk feeder] Next, a bulk feeder 110 on which the component storage case 10 is installed will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The bulk feeder 110 is provided as a part of a component mounter (chip mounter) 100 as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the bulk feeder 110 is shown as the area indicated by the dashed line. The bulk feeder 110 with the component storage case 10 attached thereto corresponds to a component supply system.

[0061] The bulk feeder 110 has a case mounting section 111, which is a space with front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions corresponding to the external dimensions of the component storage case 10. A first pressing section 112a is provided at the upper rear end of the case mounting section 111. A second pressing section 112b is provided at the side rear end of the case mounting section 111. Both the first pressing section 112a and the second pressing section 112b are leaf springs that press down on the rear end of the component storage case 10. The first pressing section 112a and the second pressing section 112b are made of metal, but may also be made of resin as long as they have the required strength to withstand repeated operations. A plunger 113 is provided at the rear end of the case mounting section 111. The plunger 113 biases the component storage case 10 mounted on the case mounting section 111 forward to prevent the component storage case 10 from rattling.

[0062] An air plug 114b is provided on the bottom surface of the case mounting section 111 near the rear end. The air plug 114b is connected to an air supply source 114a shown in Fig. 8, and together with the air supply source 114a, forms an air supply section 114. The air plug 114b is connected to a connection section 19 provided on the component storage case 10. When the air supply source 114a is operated, air is blown into the transport path 17 (see Fig. 6) formed in the component storage case 10, and the electronic components EC in the second storage section 15b are transported to the first storage section 15a.

[0063] It should be noted that, instead of the air supply unit 114, an electromagnet movable along the transport path 17 may be provided. The electromagnet is energized when it moves up along the transport path 17 to generate a magnetic force, thereby transporting the electronic components EC in the second storage unit 15b to the first storage unit 15a.

[0064] The bulk feeder 110 includes a drive gear 115a that is rotated by a drive motor 115 as a drive unit for the rotating member 30. When the component storage case 10 is attached to the case attachment unit 111, the drive gear 115a meshes with a gear unit 34 of the component storage case 10, thereby enabling the rotating member 30 to rotate. The drive motor 115 performs a stepping motion to rotate the rotating member 30 by a group of pockets 35 that can be removed at one time, i.e., by one row in this embodiment.

[0065] The bulk feeder 110 includes a shutter driver 116. The shutter driver 116 includes an actuator 116a, a lever member 116b, a rotating shaft member 116c, and a drive pin 116d. The actuator 116a is housed in a recessed actuator housing portion 111a provided at the bottom of the case mounting portion 111. The actuator portion of the actuator 116a can reciprocate in the front-to-rear direction. The lever member 116b is housed in a lever member housing portion 111b provided on the inner wall of the case mounting portion 111. The lever member 116b is supported by the rotating shaft member 116c within the lever member housing portion 111b so that it can swing in the direction of arrow 1c. The actuator portion of the actuator 116a is connected to the lower end of the lever member 116b. The drive pin 116d is provided at the upper end of the lever member 116b. As a result, the drive pin 116d can reciprocate generally in the front-to-rear direction when the actuator 116a is operated. When the component storage case 10 is attached to the case attachment section 111, the drive pin 116d is engaged with the drive pin engagement hole 21 of the shutter member 20 through the drive pin guide hole 11a3. This allows the shutter member 20 to open and close the component removal section 18 in accordance with the operation of the actuator 116a.

[0066] The bulk feeder 110 is equipped with a locking member 117 that locks the component storage case 10 to the case mounting portion 111. The locking member 117 is biased downward by a spring member (not shown) and is arranged to be movable in the front-rear direction along the upper edge of the case mounting portion 111. The locking member 117 is arranged so as to be positioned at both ends of its range of movement in the front-rear direction. When the locking member 117 is moved forward, it fixes the front end of the component storage case 10 mounted to the case mounting portion 111.

[0067] 8, the component mounter 100 includes, in addition to the bulk feeder 110, a component transfer unit 120, an imaging unit 130, and a control unit 140. The component transfer unit 120 includes a moving rail 121, a slider 122, an elevation rail 123, and a suction nozzle 124. The moving rail 121 is installed between the bulk feeder 110 and a mounting target (not shown) for the electronic components EC. The slider 122 can move along the moving rail 121. The elevation rail 123 is attached to the slider 122. The suction nozzle 124 is provided so as to be movable up and down along the elevation rail 123, and, as will be described in detail later, can remove electronic components EC from the component storage case 10 installed in the bulk feeder 110. The number of suction nozzles 124 is provided according to the number of electronic components EC that can be removed at one time.

[0068] The imaging unit 130 is provided so as to be able to capture an image of the state of the rotating member 30 inside the component storage case 10 installed in the bulk feeder 110. Specifically, the imaging unit 130 is provided so as to be able to capture an image of the state inside each pocket 35 between the component retraction position P inside the component storage case 10 installed in the case attachment unit 111 and the top of the rotating member 30. The imaging unit 130 in this embodiment is provided at a position opposite the inclined portion 13a, and captures an image of the state inside the component storage case 10 through the inclined portion 13a.

[0069] The control unit 140 is electrically connected to the air supply unit 114, drive motor 115, and actuator 116a included in the bulk feeder 110, and controls their operation. The control unit 140 is also electrically connected to the component transfer unit 120 and imaging unit 130, and controls their operation. The control unit 140 determines the state of each pocket 35, i.e., whether or not electronic components EC are properly loaded in each pocket 35, based on the image captured by the imaging unit 130. Then, based on the result of this determination, it controls the operation of the suction nozzle 124. The details of the control performed by the control unit 140 will be described later.

[0070] 9, the procedure for mounting the component storage case 10 on the bulk feeder 110 will be described. When the component storage case 10 is not mounted on the bulk feeder 110, the locking member 117 is moved to the rear end side. When mounting the component storage case 10 on the bulk feeder 110, first, the rear end of the component storage case 10 is inserted between the first pressing portion 112a and the second pressing portion 112b, as shown by arrow 1e. Next, the component storage case 10 is rotated as shown by arrow 1f, with the rear end of the component storage case 10 as a fulcrum, so that the front end of the component storage case 10 moves toward the case mounting portion 111. At this time, the gear portion 34 is engaged with the drive gear 115a (see FIG. 7). The drive pin 116d is also engaged with the drive pin engagement hole 21 (see FIG. 2D) through the drive pin guide hole 11a3 (see FIG. 2E). Thereafter, the locking member 117 is moved forward to lock the component storage case 10. This completes the attachment of the component storage case 10 to the bulk feeder 110. To remove the component storage case 10 from the bulk feeder 110, the above steps are carried out in reverse order, allowing the component storage case 10 to be easily removed from the bulk feeder 110.

[0071] When the component storage case 10 is attached to the bulk feeder 110, if the drive pin 116d is positioned at the rear end as shown by the solid line in Fig. 10(A), the shutter member 20 is closed. On the other hand, if the drive pin 116d is moved to the front end as shown by the solid line in Fig. 10(B), the shutter member 20 is opened. This opens the component removal section 18, allowing the electronic components EC loaded in the pockets 35 to be removed.

[0072] [Removal of electronic components] Next, the removal of electronic components EC from the component storage case 10 attached to the bulk feeder 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Note that the electronic components EC are moved to the component removal unit 18 for each group to which the multiple pockets 35 of this embodiment belong, and the electronic components EC are removed from the component storage case 10. For this reason, the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 shows control for one group. When the component mounter 100 is actually operating, control for multiple groups is performed in parallel.

[0073] First, the component storage case 10 is attached to the bulk feeder 110 in the manner described above. When the component storage case 10 is attached to the bulk feeder 110, the control unit 140, as a preparatory operation, rotates the part of the component storage case 10 that was located at the component retraction position P (see FIG. 6) at the time of attachment to a position where it can be imaged by the imaging unit 130.

[0074] The electronic components EC (see FIG. 6) stored in the first storage section 15a of the component storage case 10 are loaded into each pocket 35 by the magnetic force of the magnets 36 at the component retraction position P (loading process). At this time, the electronic components EC are loaded into the pockets 35 with their orientation aligned by the magnetic force of the magnets 36. However, there are cases where the electronic components EC are not loaded properly into some of the pockets 35. Therefore, the control unit 140 checks the loading status of the electronic components EC in the pockets 35.

[0075] Specifically, in step S1, the control unit 140 captures an image of one step of the drive motor 115, that is, one row of pockets 35 (imaging step).

[0076] Then, in step S2 following step S1, the control unit 140 determines whether the components in each pocket can be adsorbed based on the image captured in step S1, and as a result, determines whether or not a pocket 35 capable of adsorbing an electronic component EC is included (determination process).

[0077] After completing the imaging of one row of pockets 35, the control unit 140 sequentially rotates the rotating member 30 by one step at a time, and moves the imaged group of pockets 35 to the component removal unit 18 (moving step). The determining step and moving step may be performed simultaneously.

[0078] If the control unit 140 makes a negative determination (No determination) in step S2, it proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the group that was the subject of the determination is allowed to pass through the component removal unit 18 without being stopped at the component removal unit 18. If the control unit 140 makes a negative determination in step S2, the group does not contain any electronic components EC that can be removed, and therefore, even if the group is stopped at the component removal unit 18, the electronic components EC cannot be removed. Therefore, such groups are allowed to pass through the component removal unit 18, thereby shortening the overall processing time. After executing step S3, the control unit 140 ends the processing (END).

[0079] On the other hand, if the control unit 140 makes a positive determination (Yes determination) in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the group that is the subject of the determination is stopped at the component removal unit 18. In the component removal unit 18, the electronic components EC are sucked by the suction nozzles 124 (see FIG. 8) and the electronic components EC are removed (removal process).

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 140 proceeds to step S5, and lowers the suction nozzle 124 corresponding to the pocket 35 in which the electronic components EC that can be sucked are loaded in step S2. By lowering the suction nozzle 124 only to the pocket 35 in which the electronic components EC that can be sucked are loaded, unnecessary operations of the mounter 100 can be eliminated.

[0081] In step S6, which is executed following step S5, the control unit 140 causes the suction nozzle 124 to pick up the electronic component EC, and then raises the suction nozzle 124 to directly remove the electronic component EC from the component storage case 10. The control unit 140 then causes the component transfer unit to transfer the removed component to the desired mounting target. In this way, when the component storage case 10 of this embodiment is used, the electronic component EC is directly removed from the component storage case 10, preventing different types of components from being mixed together.

[0082] After executing step S6, the control unit 140 ends the process (END). This completes the control for one group. Note that since the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 shows the control for one group as described above, even when the process for the relevant group has finished, the control for other groups continues to be performed.

[0083] The control unit 140 controls each group based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 and operates the air supply unit 114 as needed. By operating the air supply unit 114, the electronic components EC in the second storage section 15b are moved to the first storage section 15a, allowing the removal of the electronic components EC to continue. The control unit 140 also compares the number of electronic components EC stored in the component storage case 10 at the time of shipment with the number of electronic components EC removed from the component storage case 10, and stops the removal of the electronic components EC based on the comparison result. The removal of the electronic components EC may be stopped based on images captured by the imaging unit 130. That is, the removal of the electronic components EC from the component storage case 10 may be determined to be complete when the percentage of electronic components EC determined to be improperly loaded in the pockets 35 based on the images reaches a predetermined percentage.

[0084] [effect] The component storage case 10 of the first embodiment includes a storage section 15 within a case body 11 and a rotating member 30 rotatably disposed within the case body with a portion exposed within the storage section. Pockets 35 are provided along the circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface 32a of the rotating member 30, and electronic components EC loaded in the pockets 35 can be removed from the component removal section 18. In other words, the electronic components EC are not transferred to the bulk feeder 110. As a result, the electronic components EC do not remain in the bulk feeder 110, and even if the bulk feeder 110 is used for different types of components, a mixture of different types of components does not occur in the bulk feeder 110.

[0085] The component storage case 10 includes a magnet 36 provided along the inner circumferential surface 32b of the rotating member 30. This allows the electronic component EC to be drawn into the pocket 35 and loaded.

[0086] The magnets 36 have alternating north and south poles along the thickness direction of the rotating member 30, which is perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotating member 30. This allows the electronic components EC loaded in the pockets 35 to be aligned in the same direction.

[0087] The magnet 36 is arranged so that the boundary between the north pole and south pole coincides with the center line CL of the pocket 35 in the thickness direction of the rotating member 30. This can strengthen the effect of aligning the orientation of the electronic components EC in each pocket 35.

[0088] The storage section 15 has a first storage section 15a that forms a downward slope toward a component retraction position P where the electronic components EC are retracted into the pocket 35, and that is equipped with a supply plate section 14a that supplies the electronic components EC to the component retraction position P. This makes it possible to continuously supply the electronic components EC to the pocket 35.

[0089] The storage section 15 is formed below the first storage section 15a across the supply plate section 14a, and includes a second storage section 15b connected to the first storage section 15a via a transport path 17. This allows a large amount of electronic components EC to be stored in the component storage case 10.

[0090] The component storage case 10 includes a connection portion 19 to which an air supply source 114a is connected, which supplies air to move the electronic components EC in the second storage portion 15b to the first storage portion 15a through the transport path 17. This allows the electronic components EC in the second storage portion 15b to be transported to the first storage portion 15a.

[0091] The component take-out section 18 is provided with a shutter member 20 that can be opened and closed by a shutter driver 116 provided in the bulk feeder 110 when the case body 11 is attached to the bulk feeder 110. This prevents the shutter member 20 from being in an open state between the time of shipment of the electronic components EC and the time of installation in the bulk feeder 110. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mixing of different types of components.

[0092] The first case member 11a and the second case member 11b that form the case body 11 are both made of transparent materials, which allows the state in which the electronic components EC are loaded into the pockets 35 to be photographed.

[0093] The minimum distance S between the outer peripheral edge of the rotary member 30 and the inner peripheral wall surface of the case body 11 is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the electronic component, that is, the length Lec. This can prevent the electronic components EC from clogging the component storage case 10.

[0094] (Second embodiment) Next, a component storage case 50 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the component storage case 50 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an assembly diagram of the component storage case 50. FIG. 14(A) is a side view of a rotating member provided in the component storage case 50, FIG. 14(B) is a side view of a magnet provided in the bulk feeder according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14(C) is a front view of the magnet shown in FIG. 14(B). FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the component storage case 50 with the second case member 51b removed from the component storage case 50. The following description will focus on the differences between the first and second embodiments. Components common to the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0095] [Parts storage case] 12, a component storage case 50 of the second embodiment includes a second case member 51b instead of the second case member 11b included in the component storage case 10 of the first embodiment. The second case member 51b includes a shaft support hole 51b2 similar to the second case member 11b of the first embodiment, and also includes a magnet insertion hole 51b3. The magnet insertion hole 51b3 corresponds to an insertion portion for a magnet 52, which will be described later.

[0096] 13, the rotating member 30 of the second embodiment is not equipped with the magnet 36 (see FIG. 3(A)) that is equipped in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a magnet 52 is used instead of the magnet 36. This magnet 52 is not provided in the component storage case 50, but is placed inside the rotating member 30 through the magnet insertion hole 51b3 when the component storage case 50 is attached to the bulk feeder 110.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 14(C), the magnet 52 has a fan-like shape when viewed from the right or left side. The rotating member 30 itself is the same as that employed in the first embodiment, and as shown in the enlarged view of portion X4 in FIG. 14(A), a pocket 35 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 32a of the rim portion 32. The magnet 52 is disposed inside the rotating member 30, but unlike the magnet 36 of the first embodiment, it does not rotate with the rotating member 30. Therefore, the position of the magnet 52 does not change even when the bulk feeder 110 is operating. FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) show the magnet 52 as viewed from the direction of arrow 1i in FIG. 14(C), and as shown in the enlarged view of portion X5 in FIG. 14(B), north and south poles are alternately arranged. Also, although not shown here, magnet 52, like magnet 36, is arranged so that the boundary between the north pole and south pole coincides with the center line CL of pocket 35 in the thickness direction of rotating member 30.

[0098] In this way, the magnet 52 performs the same function as the magnet 36 of the first embodiment. The magnetic force of the magnet 52 only needs to be exerted when the electronic component EC is loaded into the pocket 35. For this reason, the shape of the magnet 52 is made fan-shaped so that it is sufficient to cover the position where the electronic component EC is loaded into the pocket 35.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the magnet 52 provided on the outside of the component storage case 50 is used, which reduces the weight of the component storage case 50. In addition, this eliminates the need to remove the magnet when disposing of the component storage case 50, which is convenient.

[0100] The magnet 52 may be prepared on the bulk feeder 110 side, and inserted into the rotating member 30 through the magnet insertion hole 51b3 with the component storage case 50 attached to the bulk feeder 110.

[0101] (Third embodiment) Next, a component storage case 70 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The component storage case 70 according to the third embodiment includes a first case member 71a instead of the first case member 11a in the first embodiment.

[0102] The first case member 71a has a partition wall 74 instead of the partition wall 14 that the first case member 11a had. The partition wall 74 divides the interior of the first case member 71a in the vertical direction, and a storage section 75 is formed above the partition wall 74. That is, in the second embodiment, only the area corresponding to the first storage section 15a in the first embodiment is used as the storage section 75. The partition wall 74 also functions as the supply plate section 14a in the first embodiment, and its upper surface is an inclined surface 751.

[0103] When it is acceptable to store only a small number of electronic components EC in the component storage case, it is possible to employ this type of component storage case 70. Note that, since the component storage case 70 does not require the electronic components EC to be transported from the second storage section to the first storage section, the connecting section 19 that was provided in the component storage case 10 of the first embodiment is also eliminated.

[0104] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In the first embodiment, electronic components EC are taken out row by row from the component taking-out section 18, but in the fourth embodiment, multiple rows are taken out from the component taking-out section 18 at once.

[0105] In the fourth embodiment, the rotating member 30 of the first embodiment is used as is, and its rotation direction is counterclockwise in Figure 17. In the fourth embodiment, five rows of pockets 35 arranged along the circumferential direction are treated as one group, and this group is to be removed at one time. That is, pocket 35a belonging to the first row, pocket 35b belonging to the second row, pocket 35c belonging to the third row, pocket 35d belonging to the fourth row, and pocket 35e belonging to the fifth row form one group. A normal line NL passes through the bottom and the center of the opening of each pocket.

[0106] Correspondingly, suction nozzles 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, and 124e are prepared.

[0107] In this embodiment, electronic components EC are removed from the component removal section 18 with the third row, which is located in the middle of the five rows, positioned at the top of the rotating member 30. Therefore, the suction nozzles 124a to 124e descend into the component removal section 18 at the same time. Therefore, the opening dimension Lop of the component removal section 18 is set so that five rows of electronic components EC can be removed. Note that, for convenience of drawing, only the dimension in the front-to-rear direction is depicted in FIG. 17, but the dimension in the left-to-right direction (depth direction on the page) is also set so that electronic components EC can be removed at one time from the pockets belonging to the target group.

[0108] In this way, pockets belonging to multiple rows can be taken out as one group at a time, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0109] In the fourth embodiment, the rotary member 30 of the first embodiment can be used as is. That is, the same rotary member 30 is used whether the group of pockets to be removed at one time is a single row or multiple rows.

[0110] In this embodiment, five rows of pockets 35 are grouped together, but the number of rows belonging to one group is not limited to this, and other numbers of rows may also be used.

[0111] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 18. In the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, multiple rows (five rows) are removed from the component removal section 18 at one time. However, whereas the fourth embodiment uses the rotating member 30 of the first embodiment, the fifth embodiment uses a rotating member 301. Figure 18 shows pockets 351a, 351b, 351c, 351d, and 351e that belong to one group. A normal line NL passes through the center of the opening of each pocket.

[0112] Pocket 351a has a bottom surface 351a1, pocket 351b has a bottom surface 351b1, pocket 351c has a bottom surface 351c1, pocket 351d has a bottom surface 351d1, and pocket 351e has a bottom surface 351e1.

[0113] These bottom surfaces 351a1-351e1 are horizontal when the circumferential center of the group is at its highest point, that is, when the normal NL passing through the opening of pocket 351c is aligned vertically. When bottom surfaces 351a1-351e1 are horizontal, the vertical heights of bottom surfaces 351a1-351e1 are set to be the same. Here, the vertical height is the vertical distance from the center of rotation of rotation member 301 to each of bottom surfaces 351a1-351e1.

[0114] The electronic components EC in this group are picked up when the circumferential center of the group is at the top, as shown in Fig. 18. Therefore, the electronic components EC picked up by the suction nozzles 124a to 124e are all placed on a horizontal bottom surface. This allows the suction nozzles 124a to 124e to stably pick up the electronic components EC.

[0115] Furthermore, since the suction is performed with the bottom surfaces 351a1 to 351e1 at the same vertical height, the suction nozzles 124a to 124e can be lowered to the same height, which makes it possible to standardize the time required for the suction nozzles 124a to 124e to pick up the electronic components EC.

[0116] Although the component pick-up portion 18 is not shown in FIG. 18, the opening dimension Lop of the component pick-up portion 18 is ensured in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

[0117] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. In the sixth embodiment, similar to the fourth and fifth embodiments, multiple rows (five rows) of components are removed from the component removal section 18 at one time. However, the sixth embodiment uses a rotating member 302 that is different from that of the other embodiments. Figure 19 shows pockets 352a, 352b, 352c, 352d, and 352e that belong to one group. A normal line NL passes through the center of the opening of each pocket.

[0118] Pocket 352a has a bottom surface 352a1, pocket 352b has a bottom surface 352b1, pocket 352c has a bottom surface 352c1, pocket 352d has a bottom surface 352d1, and pocket 352e has a bottom surface 352e1.

[0119] These bottom surfaces 352a1 to 352e1 are horizontal when the circumferential center position of the group is at the top, that is, when the normal NL passing through the opening of the pocket 352c coincides with the vertical direction.

[0120] The depth of each of the pockets 352a to 352e is set to the same depth D. Here, the depth of a pocket is the distance from the center of the pocket opening to the bottom. The depth D of each of the pockets 352a to 352e is set to a value that allows electronic components EC to be stably loaded.

[0121] The electronic components EC in this group are picked up when the circumferential center of the group is at the top, as shown in Fig. 19. Therefore, the electronic components EC picked up by the suction nozzles 124a to 124e are all placed on a horizontal bottom surface. This allows the suction nozzles 124a to 124e to stably pick up the electronic components EC.

[0122] The depth D of each of the pockets 352a-352e is set to a value that allows the electronic components EC to be stably loaded. Therefore, the electronic components EC loaded in each of the pockets 352a-352e can be stably held even when the rotating member 302 rotates. Furthermore, the suction nozzles 124a-124e can stably pick up the electronic components EC.

[0123] Although the component pick-up portion 18 is not shown in FIG. 19, the opening dimension Lop of the component pick-up portion 18 is ensured in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

[0124] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20(A) and 20(B). The seventh embodiment includes a spring member 203, which is a resin leaf spring, instead of the spring member 23, which is a metal coil spring, included in the component storage case 10 of the first embodiment. The spring member 203 is provided with one end fixed to the first case member 11a and the other end abutting against the shutter member 201.

[0125] The spring member 203 has the same function as the spring member 23, but is made of resin, which facilitates recycling and other processes. The spring member 23 is made of metal, so it must be removed from the component storage case 10 when the component storage case 10 is sent for recycling or other processing. In contrast, the spring member 203, which is made of resin, can be sent for processing without being removed from the first case member 11a, which is convenient.

[0126] (Eighth embodiment) In the second embodiment described above, the electronic components EC are drawn into the pocket 35 using a magnet 52 provided on the outside of the component storage case, and the orientation of the electronic components EC is aligned and arranged. However, as a variation of this, the following aspect can also be adopted.

[0127] That is, a vacuum suction device may be provided instead of the magnet 52. For example, a hole may be provided in the bottom surface of the pocket 35, and a pressure reducing section may be provided on the inner periphery of the rotating member 30. By operating such a pressure reducing section, the electronic components EC can be drawn into the pocket 35. In this case, by arranging magnets on both sides of the rotating member 30, the orientation of the electronic components EC can be aligned.

[0128] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. Various modifications of these embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is obvious from the above description that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10, 50, 70... component storage case, 11... case body, 11a... first case member, 11b... second case member, 14... partition wall, 14a... supply plate section, 15... storage section, 15a... first storage section, 15a1... inclined surface, 15b... second storage section, 15b1... inclined surface, 17... transport path, 18... component removal section, 19... connection section, 20, 201... shutter member, 23, 203... spring member, 30, 301, 302... rotating member, 35, 35a to 35e, 351a to 351e, 352a to 352e... pocket, 36, 52... magnet, 100... component mounter, 110... bulk feeder, 114... air supply section, 116... shutter drive section, 130... imaging section, 140... control section

Claims

1. A parts storage case that stores parts and is installed in a bulk feeder, The case body and a storage section provided in the case body for storing the components; a rotating member disposed in the case body with at least a portion exposed to the storage section, rotatable by a drive unit of the bulk feeder, and having pockets on its outer circumferential surface into which the components stored in the storage section are loaded one by one; a component removal section that removes the component loaded in the pocket from inside the case body; A, including parts storage case.

2. The rotating member is provided with a component pull-in member along its inner circumferential surface. The component storage case according to claim 1 .

3. The component-retracting member is a magnet. The component storage case according to claim 2.

4. The magnet has N poles and S poles arranged alternately along a thickness direction of the rotating member that is perpendicular to a rotation direction of the rotating member. The component storage case according to claim 3.

5. The magnet is provided so that a boundary line between an N pole and an S pole coincides with a center line of the pocket in the thickness direction of the rotating member. The component storage case according to claim 4.

6. the case body includes an insertion portion into which a component drawing member is inserted from the outside of the case body to the inside of the rotating member when the case body is installed on the bulk feeder, The component storage case according to claim 1 .

7. the storage section includes a first storage section that forms a downward slope toward a component retraction position where the component is retracted into the pocket and that includes a supply plate section that supplies the component to the component retraction position; The component storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the storage section includes a second storage section formed below the first storage section across the supply plate section and connected to the first storage section via a conveying path; The component storage case according to claim 7.

9. The component transport system further includes a connection section to which an air supply source is connected to supply air for moving the components in the second storage section to the first storage section through the transport path. The component storage case according to claim 8.

10. The component storage case according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the pockets are provided along the circumferential direction of the rotary member.

11. The pockets are provided in a state where a plurality of rows along the circumferential direction of the rotary member from which the parts can be taken out at one time are divided into a plurality of groups, the component removal section has an opening dimension that allows the components to be removed from all of the pockets that belong to one of the plurality of groups, The component storage case according to claim 10.

12. the bottom surfaces of the pockets belonging to one group are set to be horizontal with the circumferential center position of the group being located at the top of the rotating member; The component storage case according to claim 11.

13. the vertical heights of the bottom surfaces of the pockets belonging to one group are set to the same height when the circumferential center position of the group is located at the top of the rotating member; The component storage case according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The depths of the pockets belonging to one group are set to the same depth. The component storage case according to claim 11 or 12.

15. the component removal unit includes a lid that can be opened and closed by a lid drive unit that is provided in the bulk feeder when the case body is attached to the bulk feeder, The component storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The case body is formed of a transparent material at least at a position where the loading state of the component in the pocket can be confirmed. The component storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. a minimum distance between an outer peripheral edge of the rotating member and an inner peripheral wall surface of the case body is greater than a longitudinal dimension of the component; The component storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A component supply system including a component storage case for storing components and a bulk feeder to which the component storage case is attached, The component storage case includes: The case body and a storage section provided in the case body for storing the components; a rotating member that is rotatably provided in the case body with at least a portion exposed to the inside of the storage section, and that has pockets on its outer circumferential surface into which the components stored in the storage section are loaded one by one; a magnet provided along an inner peripheral surface of the rotating member to attract and draw the component into the pocket; a component removal section that removes the component loaded in the pocket from inside the case body, The bulk feeder comprises: a drive unit that rotates the rotary member; Parts supply system.

19. A component supply system including a component storage case for storing components and a bulk feeder to which the component storage case is attached, The component storage case includes: The case body and a storage section provided in the case body for storing the components; a rotating member that is rotatably provided in the case body with at least a portion exposed to the inside of the storage section, and that has pockets on its outer circumferential surface into which the components stored in the storage section are loaded one by one; a component removal section that removes the component loaded in the pocket from inside the case body, The bulk feeder comprises: a drive unit that rotates the rotary member; a component drawing member disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating member and drawing and loading the component into the pocket, Parts supply system.

20. 20. The component supply system according to claim 18, wherein a plurality of the pockets are provided along the circumferential direction of the rotating member.

21. The component-pulling member is a magnet.

20. The parts supply system according to claim 19.

22. The magnet has N poles and S poles arranged alternately along a thickness direction of the rotating member that is perpendicular to a rotation direction of the rotating member.

22. The parts supply system according to claim 21.

23. The boundary between the north pole and the south pole of the magnet coincides with the center line of the pocket in the thickness direction of the rotating member.

23. The parts supply system of claim 22.

24. a loading step in which the component stored in a storage section provided in the case main body is pulled by a component pulling member into a pocket provided on an outer circumferential surface of a rotating member provided in the case main body with a portion exposed to the storage section; a moving step of rotating the rotating member with the components loaded in the pockets to move the pockets loaded with the components to a component removal section from which the components are sequentially removed; a removal step of suctioning the component that has reached the component removal section with a suction nozzle and removing the component; Including, How to remove parts.

25. an imaging step of imaging the state of the pocket after the loading step; a determining step of determining whether or not the component in each pocket can be picked up based on the image captured in the imaging step, In the taking-out step, the suction nozzle performs suction only on the pocket determined to be capable of suction in the determining step.

25. The component removal method according to claim 24.

26. the moving step sequentially supplies each group of pockets that can be picked up at one time to the part picking unit in the picking step; the imaging step images the state of the pockets for each group, When it is determined in the determining step that one of the groups does not include a pocket determined to be capable of being adsorbed, the group is passed through the component pick-up unit without being stopped.

26. The component removal method according to claim 25.

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