Conveying equipment and component mounting equipment

Abstract

To provide a transport device capable of stably transporting a workpiece in a cheap configuration, and a component mounting device including the transport device.SOLUTION: A transport device 57 comprises transport means 55 transporting a component housing body serving as a workpiece, and guide means 56 guiding the component housing body such that the component housing body transported by the transport means 55 progresses on a default route. The guide means 56 includes: a lower surface guide member 61 supporting the lower surface of the component housing body 41; and a pair of side guide members 62 guiding a pair of side surfaces of the component housing body 41, the lower surface guide member 61 and the pair of side guide members 62 comprising mutually different members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device provided with a conveying means for conveying a workpiece and a guide means for guiding the workpiece conveyed by the conveying means so that the workpiece travels along a predetermined path, and to a component mounting apparatus provided with the conveying device. [Background Art]

[0002] A component mounting apparatus that manufactures a mounted substrate by mounting components on a substrate is configured to pick up components supplied from a component supply unit with a mounting head and mount the components on the substrate. There are various types of component supply units, and a tray feeder is known as one of them. The tray feeder includes a magazine serving as a work storage body that holds a dish-shaped component storage body storing components as a workpiece, and a drawing-out unit that draws the workpiece out of the magazine and positions it at a component supply position.

[0003] In such a tray feeder, the drawing-out unit is provided on a table movable relative to the magazine, and the workpiece is positioned at the component supply position through a process of engaging an engaging portion with an engaged portion of the workpiece held in the magazine and drawing the workpiece out of the magazine. In order to allow the workpiece to travel along a predetermined path at this time, a pair of guide rails for guiding the side surface and lower surface of the workpiece are provided on the table (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Such a pair of guide rails for guiding the drawing-out of a workpiece is not limited to the case of a tray feeder, and includes a lower surface guide portion that supports the lower surface of the workpiece and a pair of side surface guide portions that guide a pair of side surfaces of the workpiece. In many cases, the lower surface guide portion and the side surface guide portions are provided on one member and formed to have an L-shaped cross section.

[0004] The bottom and side guide sections typically have tapered surfaces formed at the workpiece entrance to guide the workpiece in. The tapered surface formed on the side guide section is a lateral tapered surface where the distance between the inner surfaces narrows from the workpiece entrance towards the workpiece transport direction, while the tapered surface formed on the bottom guide section is a vertical tapered surface where the height of the top surface increases from the workpiece entrance towards the workpiece transport direction. The lengths of these lateral tapered surfaces (length from the start to the end of the tapered surface) and vertical tapered surfaces do not necessarily have to be the same; in fact, the optimal lengths are usually different between the two. However, currently, for ease of machinability, the lengths of both tapered surfaces are unified to one (usually the longer one). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-307291 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, as mentioned above, unifying the length of the lateral tapered surface and the length of the vertical tapered surface can sometimes lead to problems. For example, if the length of the vertical tapered surface is matched to the length of the lateral tapered surface and becomes longer than the optimal value, the distance from the bottom surface of the leading edge of the workpiece being pulled in from the workpiece entrance to the tapered surface (vertical tapered surface) of the bottom guide becomes longer, causing the leading edge of the workpiece to droop. This can result in a large impact on the workpiece when the leading edge contacts the bottom guide, making it difficult to transport the workpiece stably. To resolve these problems, the lateral tapered surface and the vertical tapered surface formed on a single component could be made to their respective optimal lengths, but this would create a new problem: the processing would become more complex and the cost would increase.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a conveying device that can stably transport workpieces with an inexpensive configuration, and a component mounting device equipped with this conveying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a conveying device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a workpiece; and a guiding means for guiding the workpiece so that it moves along a predetermined path. The guiding means comprises: a lower guide member that supports the lower surface of the workpiece and has a vertically tapered surface formed on the entrance side of the workpiece, with the height of the upper surface increasing; and a pair of side guide members that guide a pair of sides of the workpiece and have a first laterally tapered surface formed on the entrance side of the workpiece, with the distance between the inner surfaces narrowing. The lower guide member and the pair of side guide members are made of separate components, and the vertically tapered surface and the first laterally tapered surface can be set independently. The lower guide member is provided between the pair of side guide members, and each of the pair of side guide members is provided with a first lateral tapered surface at the end on the workpiece entrance side, such that the distance between the inner surfaces narrows in the direction of transport of the workpiece entering from the workpiece entrance, and the lower guide member is provided with a vertical tapered surface at the end on the workpiece entrance side, such that the height of the upper surface increases in the direction of transport of the workpiece from the workpiece entrance, and the pair of side guide members is provided with a second lateral tapered surface at the end opposite to the workpiece entrance side, such that the distance between the outer surfaces widens in the direction opposite to the direction of transport of the workpiece entering from the workpiece entrance. . Furthermore, another conveying device of the present invention includes conveying means for conveying a workpiece, and guiding means for guiding the workpiece so that it moves along a predetermined path, wherein the guiding means comprises a lower guide member for supporting the lower surface of the workpiece, and a pair of side guide members for guiding a pair of sides of the workpiece, wherein the lower guide member and the pair of side guide members are made of separate members from each other, and the pair of side guide members have at each of the ends of the pair of side guide members on the workpiece entrance side, A first lateral tapered surface is provided, having a shape in which the distance between the inner surfaces narrows in the direction of transport of the workpiece as it enters the workpiece entrance. The lower guide member is provided with a vertical tapered surface at the end of the lower guide member on the workpiece entrance side, having a shape in which the height of the upper surface increases in the direction of transport of the workpiece as it enters the workpiece entrance. The pair of side guide members are provided with a second lateral tapered surface at the end opposite to the workpiece entrance side, having a shape in which the distance between the outer surfaces widens in the direction opposite to the direction of transport of the workpiece as it enters the workpiece entrance.

[0009] The component mounting device of the present invention comprises: a workpiece containing components; a storage unit for storing a workpiece storage unit containing the workpiece; a pull-out unit for pulling the workpiece out from the workpiece storage unit stored in the storage unit and positioning it at a component supply position; and a mounting head for picking up components from the workpiece positioned at the component supply position by the pull-out unit and mounting them on a substrate, further comprising: a stocker for stocking workpiece storage units different from the workpiece storage unit stored in the storage unit; and the above-described transport device of the present invention for transporting the workpiece between the workpiece storage units stocked in the stocker and the workpiece storage units stored in the storage unit.

[0010] Another component mounting apparatus of the present invention comprises a component supply unit for supplying components, a transport device of the present invention for transporting workpieces, and a mounting head for picking up components supplied by the component supply unit and mounting the components onto a substrate that has been transported and positioned by the transport device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, workpieces can be transported stably with an inexpensive configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Plan view of a component mounting device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 2] Side view of a component mounting device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 3] Plan view of the component supply unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 4] Plan view showing the configuration of the drawer table and drawer section of the tray feeder provided in the parts supply unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Rear view of the component supply unit included in the component mounting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Plan view of the stocker included in the parts supply unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 7]Block diagram showing a control system of a component mounting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 8] (a)(b) Operation explanatory diagrams of a tray feeder according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 9] (a)(b)(c) Diagram showing a procedure of a transfer operation of a component storage body performed by a component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 10] Plan view of a part of the component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 11] Plan view of a part of the component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 12] Plan view of a part of the component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 13] Plan view of a part of the component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 14] Plan view of a part of the component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 15] Plan view of a part of the component supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 16] (a) Perspective view (b) exploded perspective view of a conveying device included in a stocker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 17] (a)(b)(c) Plan view of a part of a conveying device showing a state where a component storage body is conveyed by the conveying device in a stocker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 18] (a)(b)(c) Side view of a part of a conveying device showing a state where a component storage body is conveyed by the conveying device in a stocker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 19] (a) Exploded perspective view (b) perspective view of a conveying device included in a stocker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 20] (a)(b) Exploded perspective views of a conveying device included in a stocker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 21] (a)(b)(c) Plan view showing a configuration of a component mounting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Figures 1 and 2 show a component mounting device 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The component mounting device 1 is a device that feeds and positions a substrate KB in the horizontal direction and mounts components BH on the substrate KB to manufacture a mounted circuit board. Hereinafter, the feeding direction of the substrate KB will be referred to as the X direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction will be referred to as the Y direction. The vertical direction will be referred to as the Z direction. Furthermore, in the Y direction, the rear side of the component mounting device 1 as seen from the operator OP will be referred to as the front, and the front side of the component mounting device 1 as seen from the operator OP will be referred to as the rear.

[0014] In Figure 1, the component mounting device 1 comprises a mounting device main unit 2 and a component supply unit 3. The mounting device main unit 2 is equipped with a conveyor 12 on a base 11, and the conveyor 12 moves the substrate KB in the X direction, performing loading, positioning, and unloading of the substrate KB. The component supply unit 3 is installed in the component supply unit installation area 11S on the front side of the conveyor 12 on the base 11.

[0015] In Figure 1, a head movement mechanism 13 is provided on the base 11. The head movement mechanism 13 consists of, for example, an XY table and moves the mounting head 14 horizontally. The mounting head 14 is equipped with a nozzle 14N extending downward. The mounting head 14 applies a vacuum suction force to the lower end of the nozzle 14N to attract and pick up the component BH supplied by the component supply unit 3, and mounts it on the substrate KB positioned by the conveyor 12.

[0016] The parts supply unit 3 will now be described. The parts supply unit 3 consists of a tray feeder 3T and a stocker 3S. The stocker 3S is installed in front of the tray feeder 3T. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tray feeder 3T includes a housing 21, a magazine storage unit 22, a drawer table 23, and a drawer table lifting mechanism 24. The housing 21 is installed behind the base 11. The magazine storage unit 22 is located inside the housing 21.

[0017] In Figures 2 and 3, the drawer table 23 is located in front of the magazine storage section 22. A drawer section 25 is provided on the drawer table 23, consisting of a first engagement rod 25R and a first engagement rod drive unit 25K that moves the first engagement rod 25R (Figures 3 and 4). The first engagement rod drive unit 25K moves the first engagement rod 25R in the Y direction on the drawer table 23 (arrow A shown in Figure 4).

[0018] In Figures 3 and 4, a pair of guide rails 23G are provided on the drawer table 23. Each of the guide rails 23G extends in the Y direction and is positioned opposite to the first engagement rod 25R in the X direction.

[0019] In Figure 2, the drawer table lifting mechanism 24 is equipped with a ball screw 24B that extends in the Z direction within the housing 21. When driven by the first lifting motor 24M located within the housing 21, the ball screw 24B rotates around an axis (Z-axis) that extends in the Z direction.

[0020] In Figures 2 and 3, a nut portion 23N is provided at the rear of the drawer table 23. The ball screw 24B is screwed into the nut portion 23N of the drawer table 23. Therefore, when the first lifting motor 24M operates and the ball screw 24B rotates, the drawer table 23 moves up and down (arrow B shown in Figure 2).

[0021] In Figure 2, multiple magazine storage shelves 31 are arranged vertically inside the magazine storage section 22 (see also Figure 5). A first storage opening 32 is provided at the front of the magazine storage section 22, and a second storage opening 33 is provided at the rear of the magazine storage section 22. Each magazine storage shelf 31 is accessible from both the first storage opening 32 and the second storage opening 33.

[0022] Each magazine storage rack 31 stores a magazine 40. The magazine 40 has multiple slots arranged vertically, and one component storage unit 41 is stored in each slot.

[0023] In Figures 1 and 3, the component storage unit 41 comprises a tray 42 and a pallet 43. The tray 42 stores component BH in each of the multiple pockets arranged in a matrix. The pallet 43 has a rectangular dish shape, and the tray 42 is fixed to its top surface.

[0024] In Figure 3, a first engaging block 44 is provided on one of the pair of opposing long sides of the pallet 43, facing it in the direction along that side, and a second engaging block 45 is provided on the other of the pair of opposing long sides of the pallet 43, facing it in the direction along that side. Here, in order to clarify the orientation of the pallet 43, the spacing between the second engaging blocks 45 is narrower than the spacing between the first engaging blocks 44. The parts storage unit 41 is stored in the magazine 40 of the magazine storage unit 22 with the first engaging block 44 facing forward (towards the drawer table 23) and the second engaging block 45 facing backward (towards the stocker 3S).

[0025] The Stocker 3S will now be described. In Figures 2, 3, and 5, the Stocker 3S comprises a stock section 51, a transport table 52, a transport table lifting mechanism 53, and a table rotation mechanism 54. The transport table 52 is located to the right of the stock section 51 and behind the magazine storage section 22 of the Tray Feeder 3T (Figure 3).

[0026] In Figures 5 and 6, a transport means 55 and a guide means 56 are provided on the transport table 52. The transport means 55 consists of a second engagement rod 55R and a second engagement rod drive unit 55K that moves the second engagement rod 55R horizontally, and transports the parts storage unit 41 horizontally. The guide means 56 has a pair of guide parts 56G that extend parallel to each other, and guides the parts storage unit 41 so that it moves along a predetermined path when transported by the transport means 55. The transport table 52, the transport means 55 and the guide means 56 constitute the transport device 57 in Embodiment 1 (Figure 6).

[0027] In Figures 2 and 5, the stock section 51 is equipped with multiple magazine racks 51T arranged vertically. Each magazine rack 51T holds one magazine 40.

[0028] In Figure 6, the component storage unit 41 inside the magazine 40 placed on the magazine rack 51T is positioned with the second engaged block 45 facing the direction of the transport table 52 (i.e., to the right) and the first engaged block 44 facing the opposite direction from the transport table 52 (i.e., to the left). The opening on the right side of the magazine 40 stocked in the stock section 51 is an opening 51K for inserting and removing the component storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 placed on the magazine rack 51T (Figure 6).

[0029] In Figures 2 and 5, the transport table 52 is located to the right of the stock section 51. The transport table 52 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and the direction in which the shorter side extends is the transport direction of the parts storage unit 41. For the sake of explanation, the horizontal direction (the direction in which the longer side extends) perpendicular to the transport direction of the parts storage unit 41 will be referred to as the "left-right direction" with respect to the transport table 52.

[0030] In Figures 3 and 6, the second engagement rod 55R has a shape that extends in the left-right direction on the transport table 52. The second engagement rod drive unit 55K moves the second engagement rod 55R on the transport table 52 in the transport direction.

[0031] The transport means 55 performs a transport operation by moving the second engagement rod 55R to pull out (transport) the parts storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51 and insert the parts storage unit 41 into the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22. The transport means 55 also performs a transport operation by pulling out the parts storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22 and inserting the parts storage unit 41 into the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51.

[0032] In Figure 6, one of the two ends of the left and right guide sections 56G in the direction in which they extend is the entrance / exit of the component storage unit 41 (referred to as the "storage unit entrance / exit 56D"). When the second engagement rod drive unit 55K transports (pushes in) the component storage unit 41 onto the transport table 52, it first moves the second engagement rod 55R from its position on the transport table 52 in a direction toward the outside of the transport table 52 through the storage unit entrance / exit 56D (hereinafter referred to as "outward"). After engaging the second engagement rod 55R with the pair of second engagement blocks 45 provided on the component storage unit 41, it moves the second engagement rod 55R back to its position on the transport table 52 through the storage unit entrance / exit 56D (hereinafter referred to as "inward").

[0033] In this embodiment, a second engaging block 45 is provided at the end of the component storage body 41 as an engaging portion, and the transport means 55 has a second engaging rod 55R as an engaging portion that can engage with the second engaging block 45, and the component storage body 41 is transported by moving the second engaging rod 55R while it is engaged with the second engaging block 45.

[0034] In Figure 5, the transport table lifting mechanism 53 is equipped with a lifting ball screw 53B extending in the Z direction. The lifting ball screw 53B is driven by a second lifting motor 53M and rotates around the Z axis.

[0035] In Figures 2 and 3, a ball screw 53B for lifting is screwed onto the transport table 52. Therefore, when the second lifting motor 53M operates and the ball screw 53B rotates, the transport table 52 moves up and down (arrow C shown in Figure 5). The table rotation mechanism 54 rotates the transport table 52 in the XY plane.

[0036] Figure 7 shows the control system of the component loading device 1. The control device 60 of the component loading device 1 controls the operation of the conveyor 12, tray feeder 3T, head movement mechanism 13, and loading head 14. The conveyor 12 is controlled by the control device 60 to load, position, and unload substrates KB. The tray feeder 3T is controlled by the control device 60 to position the component storage body 41 pulled from the magazine 40 at the component supply position and supply components BH to the loading head 14. The head movement mechanism 13 is controlled by the control device 60 to move the loading head 14 in the XY plane, and the loading head 14 is controlled by the control device 60 to pick up components BH at the lower end of the nozzle 14N. The control device 60 also controls the operation of the second engagement rod drive unit 55K (i.e., transport device 57), the second lifting motor 53M, and the table rotation mechanism 54 provided in the stocker 3S.

[0037] When the component mounting device 1 performs a component mounting operation in which component BH is mounted on the circuit board KB, the control device 60 first operates the conveyor 12 to bring in the circuit board KB from the outside and position it at a predetermined work position. Then, by operating the first lifting motor 24M and raising and lowering the drawer table 23, the upper surface of the drawer table 23 is positioned at a drawer preparation position slightly higher than the height of the component storage 41 (the component storage body 41 to be drawn out) in the magazine 40 stored in the magazine storage unit 22.

[0038] When the top surface of the drawer table 23 is in the drawer preparation position, the control device 60 activates the first engagement rod drive unit 25K to move the first engagement rod 25R toward the magazine 40 (arrow A1 shown in Figure 8(a)). Then, when the left and right ends of the first engagement rod 25R are positioned above the left and right first engagement blocks 44 provided on the pallet 43 of the parts storage body 41 to be drawn out, the drawer table 23 is lowered slightly to engage both ends of the first engagement rod 25R with the left and right first engagement blocks 44.

[0039] When both ends of the first engagement rod 25R engage with the left and right first engagement blocks 44, the control device 60 activates the first engagement rod drive unit 25K to move the first engagement rod 25R forward (arrow A2 shown in Figure 8(b)). As a result, the parts storage unit 41 is pulled out of the magazine 40 and positioned on the pull-out table 23 (Figure 8(b)).

[0040] Here, when the parts storage unit 41 is pulled out onto the drawer table 23, the parts storage unit 41 (or more precisely, the pallet 43) is guided by the left and right guide rails 23G on its underside and left and right ends. As a result, the parts storage unit 41 moves along the drawer table 23 along a predetermined path (in this case, the direction of movement of the first engagement rod 25R by the first engagement rod drive unit 25K).

[0041] Once the component storage unit 41 is positioned on the drawer table 23, the first lifting motor 24M is activated to raise the drawer table 23, positioning the component storage unit 41 in the component supply position (Figure 2). This allows the mounting head 14 to pick up component BH from the component storage unit 41.

[0042] Once the control device 60 has positioned the component storage unit 41 at the component supply position, it activates the head movement mechanism 13 to move the mounting head 14 between the tray feeder 3T and the substrate KB positioned at the work position by the conveyor 12, and repeatedly performs the operation of picking up the components BH supplied by the tray feeder 3T with the nozzle 14N and mounting them onto the substrate KB. Once all the components BH to be mounted have been mounted onto the substrate KB, the control device 60 activates the conveyor 12 to transport the substrate KB to the outside.

[0043] In the parts loading device 1 that performs such parts loading operations, the stocker 3S in this embodiment, as described above, moves the second engagement rod 55R by the transport means 55 to perform a transfer operation to move parts storage units 41 from the magazine 40 in the stocker 3S (stock section 51) to the magazine 40 in the tray feeder 3T (magazine storage section 22), and a transfer operation to move parts storage units 41 from the magazine 40 in the tray feeder 3T to the magazine 40 in the stocker 3S. This makes it possible to replenish the tray feeder 3T with parts storage units 41 and to transfer parts storage units 41 that are not used for supplying parts from the tray feeder 3T to the stocker 3S. The transfer operation of parts storage units 41 by the stocker 3S will be described below.

[0044] When transferring a parts storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 in the stocker 3S (stock section 51) to the magazine 40 in the tray feeder 3T (magazine storage section 22), the control device 60 first pulls out (transports) the parts storage unit 41 to be transferred from the magazine 40 of the stocker 3S onto the transport table 52 (Figure 9(a)), rotates the parts storage unit 41 90 degrees in the XY plane (Figure 9(b)), and then inserts the pulled-out parts storage unit 41 into the magazine 40 of the tray feeder 3T through the second opening 33 of the storage section 22 (Figure 9(c)).

[0045] In this movement operation, the control device 60 first activates the table rotation mechanism 54 to rotate the transport table 52, thereby aligning the storage compartment entrance 56D with the opening 51K of the stock section 51 (Figure 10). Then, the second lifting motor 53M raises and lowers the transport table 52, positioning the top surface of the transport table 52 at a ready-to-remove position slightly higher than the height of the slot in the magazine 40 where the parts storage compartment 41 to be removed is stored.

[0046] When the top surface of the transport table 52 is in the position ready for withdrawal, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R outward (towards the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51) (arrow D1 shown in Figure 11). Then, when the left and right ends of the second engagement rod 55R are positioned above the left and right second engagement blocks 45 provided on the pallet 43 of the parts storage body 41 to be withdrawn, the transport table 52 is lowered slightly to engage both ends of the second engagement rod 55R with the left and right second engagement blocks 45.

[0047] When both ends of the second engagement rod 55R engage with the left and right second engagement blocks 45, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R inward (towards the transport table 52) (arrow D2 shown in Figure 12). As a result, the parts storage unit 41 (directly the pallet 43) is pulled out from the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51, and the parts storage unit 41 is positioned on the transport table 52 (Figure 12).

[0048] Here, when the parts storage unit 41 is pulled out onto the transport table 52, the parts storage unit 41 (more directly, the pallet 43) is guided by the left and right guide parts 56G on its bottom surface and left and right ends. As a result, the parts storage unit 41 moves along the transport table 52 along a predetermined path (in this case, the direction of movement of the second engagement rod 55R by the second engagement rod drive unit 55K).

[0049] Once the parts storage unit 41 is pulled out from the magazine 40 in the stocker 3S onto the transport table 52 as described above, the control device 60 activates the table rotation mechanism 54 to rotate the transport table 52 by 90 degrees (arrow R shown in Figure 13), so that the storage unit entrance / exit 56D faces the second opening 33 of the magazine storage unit 22 (Figure 13). Then, the second lifting motor 53M raises and lowers the transport table 52 so that the top surface of the transport table 52 is at the height of the slot in the magazine 40 into which the parts storage unit 41 is to be inserted.

[0050] When the upper surface of the transport table 52 is positioned at the height of the slot into which the component storage unit 41 is to be inserted, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R outward (towards the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22) (arrow D3 shown in Figure 14). This inserts the component storage unit 41 into the slot of the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22 (Figure 14).

[0051] Once the parts storage unit 41 is inserted into the slot, the transport table 52 is slightly raised to disengage both ends of the second engagement rod 55R from the left and right second engagement blocks 45. Once both ends of the second engagement rod 55R are disengaged from the left and right second engagement blocks 45, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R inward (towards the transport table 52) (Figure 15. Arrow D4 in the figure. Figure 9(c)). This completes the transfer operation of the parts storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51 to the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22.

[0052] On the other hand, when transferring a parts storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 of the tray feeder 3T (magazine storage unit 22) to the magazine 40 of the stocker 3S (stock unit 51), the control device 60 first operates the table rotation mechanism 54 to rotate the transport table 52, thereby aligning the storage unit entrance / exit 56D with the second opening 33 of the magazine storage unit 22 (Figure 15). Then, by raising and lowering the transport table 52 with the second lifting motor 53M, the upper surface of the transport table 52 is positioned at a preparation position slightly higher than the height of the slot in which the parts storage unit 41 to be pulled out is stored.

[0053] When the upper surface of the transport table 52 is in the position ready for withdrawal, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R outward (towards the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22) (Figure 14). Then, when the left and right ends of the second engagement rod 55R are positioned above the left and right second engagement blocks 45 provided on the pallet 43 of the parts storage body 41 to be withdrawn, the transport table 52 is lowered slightly to engage both ends of the second engagement rod 55R with the left and right second engagement blocks 45.

[0054] When both ends of the second engagement rod 55R engage with the left and right second engagement blocks 45, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R inward (towards the transport table 52). As a result, the parts storage unit 41 (directly the pallet 43) is pulled out of the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22 and positioned on the transport table 52 (Figure 13). Here again, when the parts storage unit 41 is pulled out onto the transport table 52, the left and right ends of the parts storage unit 41 (directly the pallet 43) are guided by the left and right guide units 56G.

[0055] Once the parts storage unit 41 is pulled out from the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22 onto the transport table 52 as described above, the control device 60 activates the table rotation mechanism 54 to rotate the transport table 52 by 90 degrees, so that the storage unit entrance / exit 56D faces the opening 51K of the stock unit 51 (Figure 12). Then, the second lifting motor 53M raises and lowers the transport table 52 so that the top surface of the transport table 52 is at the height of the slot in the magazine 40 into which the parts storage unit 41 is to be inserted.

[0056] When the upper surface of the transport table 52 is positioned at the height of the slot into which the parts storage unit 41 is to be inserted, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R outward (towards the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22) (Figure 11). This inserts the parts storage unit 41 into the slot of the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51.

[0057] Once the parts storage unit 41 is inserted into the slot, the transport table 52 is slightly raised to disengage both ends of the second engagement rod 55R from the left and right second engagement blocks 45. Once both ends of the second engagement rod 55R are disengaged from the left and right second engagement blocks 45, the control device 60 activates the second engagement rod drive unit 55K to move the second engagement rod 55R inward (towards the transport table 52) (Figure 10). This completes the transfer operation of the parts storage unit 41 from the magazine 40 in the magazine storage unit 22 to the magazine 40 in the stock unit 51.

[0058] In this component mounting device 1, the configuration of the guide means 56 provided on the transport table 52 is a distinctive feature, which will be explained below.

[0059] In Figures 16(a) and (b), the left and right guide sections 56G constituting the guide means 56 each consist of a lower guide member 61 and a side guide member 62. The lower guide member 61 is a member that guides the lower surface of the parts storage body 41 that is transported by the transport means 55, and the side guide member 62 is a member that guides the side surface of the parts storage body 41 that is transported by the transport means 55.

[0060] The left lower guide member 61 and the left side guide member 62 are made of separate components and are positioned close to or in contact with each other. Similarly, the right lower guide member 61 and the right side guide member 62 are made of separate components and are positioned close to or in contact with each other.

[0061] In this embodiment, the guide means 56 comprises a pair of left and right lower guide members 61 that support the lower surface of the component housing 41, and a pair of left and right side guide members 62 that guide the left and right side surfaces of the component housing 41, with the pair of lower guide members 61 and the pair of side guide members 62 being made of separate components from each other.

[0062] In Figures 16(a) and (b), the left and right lower guide members 61 and the left and right side guide members 62 extend parallel to each other. The left and right side guide members 62 are provided on the transport table 52, facing each other at positions that sandwich the second engagement rod 55R. The left and right lower guide members 61 are provided on the transport table 52, facing each other between the left and right side guide members 62.

[0063] In Figures 16(a) and 16(b), a first lateral tapered surface 62P is provided on the inner surface of the end of each of the left and right side guide members 62 on the side facing the storage compartment entrance 56D. The first lateral tapered surface 62P has a shape in which the distance between the inner surfaces narrows in the direction of inward transport of the parts storage compartment 41 from the storage compartment entrance 56D (arrow E shown in Figure 16(a)).

[0064] Each of the left and right lower guide members 61 has a vertically tapered surface 61P on the upper side of the end facing the storage compartment entrance 56D. The vertically tapered surface 61P has a shape in which the height of the upper surface increases from the storage compartment entrance 56D toward the transport direction (inward direction) of the parts storage compartment 41.

[0065] In Figures 16(a) and 16(b), a second lateral tapered surface 62Q is provided on the outer surface of the end of each of the pair of left and right side guide members 62 that is opposite to the storage body entrance / exit 56D side. The second lateral tapered surface 62Q has a shape in which the spacing between the outer surfaces widens from the end opposite to the storage body entrance / exit 56D in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the parts storage body 41 (outward direction; opposite to the direction of arrow E shown in Figure 16(a)).

[0066] As described above, the conveying device 57 in this embodiment is configured such that each end of the pair of side guide members 62 on the side of the storage inlet 56D, which is the entrance for the workpiece (in this case, the parts storage unit 41), has a first lateral tapered surface 62P in which the distance between the inner surfaces narrows in the direction of conveyance of the parts storage unit 41 entering from the storage inlet 56D (i.e., inward). Furthermore, the conveying device 57 is configured such that the end of the pair of side guide members 62 on the side opposite to the storage inlet 56D has a second lateral tapered surface 62Q in which the distance between the outer surfaces widens in the direction opposite to the direction of conveyance of the parts storage unit 41 entering from the storage inlet 56D (i.e., outward).

[0067] When the parts storage unit 41 is pulled from the magazine 40 (the magazine 40 in the stock section 51 or the magazine 40 in the magazine storage section 22) towards the transport table 52 by the transport means 55, the left and right ends of the leading end 41T of the parts storage unit 41 are guided by a pair of first lateral tapered surfaces 62P formed on the left and right side guide members 62 (Figures 17(a) → 17(b) → 17(c)), and the lower surface of the leading end 41T of the parts storage unit 41 is guided by a pair of vertical tapered surfaces 61P formed on the left and right lower surface guide members 61 (Figures 18(a) → 18(b) → 18(c)), causing it to move onto the transport table 52. As a result, the parts storage unit 41 is smoothly positioned on the transport table 52.

[0068] In the conveying device 57, the vertical tapered surface length L1 (Figures 16(a), 17(a), and 18(a)), which is the length from the start to the end of the vertical tapered surface 61P, and the lateral tapered surface length L2 (Figures 16(a), 17(a), and 18(a)), which is the length from the start to the end of the first lateral tapered surface 62P, are not necessarily the same. In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 16(a), (b), 17(a), (b), (c), and 18(a), (b), (c), the vertical tapered surface length L1 is shorter than the lateral tapered surface length L2. The length of the second lateral tapered surface 62Q is the same as the lateral tapered surface length L2 of the first lateral tapered surface 62P (Figure 16(a)).

[0069] As described above, the transport device 57 provided in the parts supply unit 3 of the parts mounting device 1 in Embodiment 1 has a transport means 55 for transporting the parts storage body 41 as a workpiece, and a guide means 56 for guiding the parts storage body 41 so that it moves along a predetermined path as it is transported by the transport means 55, and is provided on the transport table 52 which serves as the base. The guide means 56 includes a lower guide member 61 that supports the lower surface of the parts storage body 41, and a pair of side guide members 62 that guide a pair of sides of the parts storage body 41.

[0070] Here, the vertical tapered surface length L1 and the horizontal tapered surface length L2 are set to optimal values ​​according to the dimensions and rigidity in the thickness direction of the component housing 41, so that the component housing 41 is smoothly transported (pulled in) between the left and right guide portions 56G. In Embodiment 1, as described above, the vertical tapered surface length L1 is shorter than the horizontal tapered surface length L2.

[0071] Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the left and right sides of the leading portion 41T of the component storage body 41 are gradually guided along the inner surfaces of the left and right side guide members 62 by gently sloping tapered surfaces (first lateral tapered surface 62P) (Figure 17(a) → Figure 17(b) → Figure 17(c)), while the lower surface of the leading portion 41T of the component storage body 41 can be brought into contact with the steeply sloping vertical tapered surface 61P as quickly as possible. This reduces the sag Δ of the leading portion 41T that may occur before it moves onto the lower guide member 61 (Figure 18(b)), allowing the component storage body 41 to smoothly move from the vertical tapered surface 61P onto the upper surface of the lower guide member 61, thus enabling stable transport of the component storage body 41.

[0072] Thus, it is preferable for the parts storage body 41 to be transported stably if the length of the tapered surface formed on the lower guide member 61 (vertical tapered surface length L1) and the length of the tapered surface formed on the side guide member 62 (lateral tapered surface length L2) are set independently to optimal values. In Embodiment 1, since the lower guide member 61 and the pair of side guide members 62 are made of separate materials, it is far easier to manufacture than in the conventional method of creating both the vertical tapered surface 61P and the first lateral tapered surface 62P on a single guide member, and the guide means 56 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0073] As mentioned above, the second lateral tapered surface 62Q is located at the end opposite to the storage compartment entrance 56D, and is shaped such that the gap between its outer surfaces widens in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the parts storage compartment 41 entering from the storage compartment entrance 56D. Therefore, by removing the left and right side guide members 62 from the transport table 52, rotating them 180 degrees in the XY plane, and then reattaching them to the transport table 52 (Figure 19(a) → Figure 19(b)), the positions of the first lateral tapered surface 62P and the second lateral tapered surface 62Q can be swapped.

[0074] By swapping the positions of the first lateral tapered surface 62P and the second lateral tapered surface 62Q, the second lateral tapered surface 62Q can be used as a new tapered surface for guiding the component housing 41. Therefore, if the first lateral tapered surface 62P wears down due to use, the same effect as if the side guide member 62 had been replaced can be obtained without replacing the part with a new one. This effect is obtained because the bottom guide member 61 and the side guide member 62 are configured as separate components.

[0075] Furthermore, by reattaching the left and right side guide members 62 to the transport table 52 after inverting them vertically and swapping their left and right sides (Figure 20(a) → Figure 20(b)), the upper half (area shown in dark color) and lower half (area shown in light color) of the first lateral tapered surface 62P can be swapped between the left and right side guide members 62. Therefore, if the upper or lower half of the first lateral tapered surface 62P is locally worn due to use, the same effect as if the side guide member 62 had been replaced can be obtained without replacing the part with a new one. This is also an effect obtained by configuring the bottom guide member 61 and the side guide members 62 as separate components.

[0076] As described above, the component mounting device 1 in Embodiment 1 comprises a component storage body 41 as a workpiece containing component BH, a magazine storage unit 22 (storage unit storage unit) for storing a magazine 40 as a workpiece storage body containing the component storage body 41, a pull-out unit 25 for pulling out the component storage body 41 from the magazine 40 stored in the magazine storage unit 22 and positioning it at the component supply position, and a mounting head 14 for picking up component BH from the component storage body 41 positioned at the component supply position by the pull-out unit 25 and mounting it on the circuit board KB. The device also includes a stocker 3S for stocking magazines 40 different from the magazine 40 stored in the magazine storage unit 22, and a transport device 57 for transporting the component storage body 41 between the magazines 40 stocked in the stocker 3S and the magazines 40 stored in the magazine storage unit 22.

[0077] The transport device 57 includes a transport means 55 for transporting the parts storage body 41 as a workpiece, and a guide means 56 for guiding the parts storage body 41 so that it moves along a predetermined path as it is transported by the transport means 55. The guide means 56 includes a lower guide member 61 that supports the lower surface of the parts storage body 41, and a pair of side guide members 62 that guide a pair of sides of the parts storage body 41. The lower guide member 61 and the pair of side guide members 62 are made of separate components from each other. As a result, the length of the tapered surface (vertical tapered surface 61P) provided on the lower guide member 61 and the length of the tapered surface (first lateral tapered surface 62P) provided on the side guide members 62 can be set to optimal values ​​with easy workability, and the parts storage body 41 can be transported stably with an inexpensive configuration.

[0078] (Embodiment 2) Figures 21(a), (b), and (c) show a component mounting device 1A in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The component mounting device 1A in Embodiment 2 includes a component supply unit 3A for supplying components, a substrate supply unit 3B for supplying substrates KB as workpieces, a transport device 57A for transporting substrates KB supplied from the substrate supply unit 3B, and a mounting head 14 for picking up components BH supplied by the component supply unit 3A and mounting them onto the substrates KB.

[0079] In Embodiment 2, the transport device 57A differs from Embodiment 1 in that it transports the substrate KB as a workpiece. The mounting head 14 has the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and mounts the component BH onto the substrate KB, which has been transported by the transport device 57A and positioned at the work position.

[0080] The component supply unit 3A consists of, for example, a tape feeder and a tray feeder. The transport device 57A has a transport means 55A for transporting the substrate KB as a workpiece, and a guide means 56A for guiding the substrate KB so that it moves along a predetermined path as it is transported by the transport means 55A (Figures 21(a), (b)).

[0081] In Figure 21(a), the transport means 55A consists of a contact member 71 that contacts the rear edge of the substrate KB supplied by the substrate supply unit 3B from behind, and a contact member moving unit 72 that moves the contact member 71. The transport means 55A moves the contact member 71, which is in contact with the rear surface of the substrate KB, in the direction in which the guide means 56A of the transport device 57A extends, using the contact member moving unit 72. Then, by guiding the bottom surface and left and right sides of the substrate KB with the guide means 56A, the substrate KB is transported in a predetermined direction and positioned at a predetermined location (Figure 21(a) → Figure 21(b)). The mounting head 14 picks up the component BH supplied by the component supply unit 3A and mounts it on the substrate KB, as in the first embodiment (Figure 21(c)).

[0082] The guide means 56A of the transport device 57A in the component mounting device 1A in Embodiment 2 is equipped with left and right guide sections 56G on the transport table 52, similar to the case in Embodiment 1. Each of these left and right guide sections 56G is equipped with a bottom guide member 61 that supports the bottom surface of the workpiece (substrate KB) and a pair of side guide members 62 that guide a pair of sides of the workpiece (Figure 21(a)).

[0083] As in Embodiment 1, the lower guide member 61 and the pair of side guide members 62 are made of separate components. Therefore, the length of the tapered surface (vertical tapered surface 61P) provided on the lower guide member 61 and the length of the tapered surface (first lateral tapered surface 62P) provided on the first side guide member 62 can be set to optimal values ​​with easy workability, and as in Embodiment 1, the component storage body 41 can be transported stably with an inexpensive configuration.

[0084] As described above, in the conveying device 57 (and the component mounting device 1 equipped therewith) in embodiments 1 and 2, the guide means 56 and 56A that guide the workpiece so that the workpiece conveyed by the conveying means 55 and 55A proceeds along a predetermined path comprises a lower guide member 61 that supports the lower surface of the workpiece and a pair of side guide members 62 that guide a pair of sides of the workpiece, and the lower guide member 61 and the pair of side guide members 62 are made of separate components from each other. Therefore, the length of the lateral tapered surface and the length of the vertical tapered surface can be set to optimal values ​​with easy workability, and it is possible to stably convey the workpiece with an inexpensive configuration.

[0085] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, two lower guide members 61 were arranged on the left and right sides, similar to the left and right side guide members 62, but the number of lower guide members 61 is not limited to two; there may be one or three or more. Furthermore, the transport device 57 can also be applied to a configuration consisting of a drawer table 23 and a pair of guide rails 23G provided in the parts mounting device 1.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the parts storage body 41 consisted of a tray 42 having a plurality of pockets formed in a matrix and a dish-shaped pallet 43 to which the tray 42 was fixed. However, the parts storage body 41 only needs to be able to store parts BH, and the tray 42 does not necessarily need to have pockets. Alternatively, the tray 42 and the pallet 43 may be formed as a single unit (with pockets formed in the pallet 43), etc. [Industrial applicability]

[0087] The present invention provides a conveying device that can stably transport workpieces with an inexpensive configuration, and a component mounting device equipped with this conveying device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1.1A Component Mounting Device 2. Main body of the mounted device 3,3A parts supply section 3B Board supply section 3T Tray Feeder 3S Stocker 14 Mounted Heads 22 Magazine storage compartment (storage compartment) 23 Drawer Table 25 Drawer section 32 Storage section first opening 33 Storage section second opening 40 Magazine (Work Storage Compartment) 41. Parts storage unit (workpiece) 45 Second engaged block (engaged portion) 51 Stock section 52 Transport Table 55, 55A Conveying means 55R Second engaging rod (engaging part) 56, 56A Guide means 56G Guide Section 56D Entrance / Exit to Storage Unit (Entrance) 57,57A Conveyor device 61 Lower guide member 61P Vertical tapered surface 62 Side guide member 62P First lateral tapered surface 62Q Second lateral tapered surface L1 Vertical tapered surface length L2 Lateral tapered surface length BH parts KB board

Claims

1. A conveying means for transporting workpieces, The system includes a guide means for guiding the workpiece so that it moves along a predetermined path when transported by the transport means, The aforementioned guiding means is A lower surface guide member that supports the lower surface of the workpiece and has a vertically tapered surface formed on the entrance side of the workpiece such that the height of the upper surface increases, The device comprises a pair of side guide members that guide a pair of sides of the workpiece, each having a first lateral tapered surface formed on the entrance side of the workpiece, where the distance between the inner surfaces narrows, The lower guide member and the pair of side guide members are made of separate components from each other. The vertical tapered surface and the first horizontal tapered surface can be set independently. The lower guide member is provided between the pair of side guide members. Each of the pair of side guide members is provided with a first lateral tapered surface at the end on the workpiece entrance side, such that the distance between the inner surfaces narrows in the direction of transport of the workpiece entering from the workpiece entrance. The lower guide member is provided with a vertically tapered surface at the end on the workpiece entrance side, such that the height of the upper surface increases from the workpiece entrance toward the workpiece transport direction. A conveying device in which a second lateral tapered surface is provided at the end of the pair of side guide members opposite to the workpiece entrance side, the tapered surface having a shape in which the gap between the outer surfaces widens in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the workpiece entering from the workpiece entrance.

2. A conveying means for transporting workpieces, The system includes a guide means for guiding the workpiece so that it moves along a predetermined path when transported by the transport means, The aforementioned guiding means is A lower guide member that supports the lower surface of the workpiece, The workpiece comprises a pair of side guide members that guide a pair of side surfaces, The lower guide member and the pair of side guide members are made of separate components from each other. The pair of side guide members are Each of the pair of side guide members is provided with a first lateral tapered surface at the end on the workpiece entrance side, such that the distance between the inner surfaces narrows in the direction of transport of the workpiece entering from the workpiece entrance. The aforementioned lower guide member is The lower guide member is provided with a vertically tapered surface at the end on the workpiece entrance side, such that the height of the upper surface increases from the workpiece entrance toward the workpiece transport direction. A conveying device in which a second lateral tapered surface is provided at the end of the pair of side guide members opposite to the workpiece entrance side, the tapered surface having a shape in which the gap between the outer surfaces widens in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the workpiece entering from the workpiece entrance.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an engaging portion is provided at the end of the workpiece, the conveying means has an engaging portion that can engage with the engaging portion, and the workpiece is conveyed by moving the engaging portion while it is engaged with the engaging portion.

4. A component mounting device comprising: a workpiece containing components; a storage unit for storing a workpiece storage unit containing the workpiece; a pull-out unit for pulling the workpiece out from the workpiece storage unit stored in the storage unit and positioning it at a component supply position; and a mounting head for picking up components from the workpiece positioned at the component supply position by the pull-out unit and mounting them on a substrate, A stocker for storing workpiece storage units different from the workpiece storage units stored in the aforementioned storage unit, A component mounting device comprising a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which conveys the workpiece between a workpiece storage unit stocked in the stocker and a workpiece storage unit stored in the storage unit.

5. The parts supply unit that supplies parts, A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for conveying a workpiece, A component mounting device comprising: a mounting head that picks up components supplied by the component supply unit and mounts the components onto a substrate that has been transported and positioned by the transport device.

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