Electronic component receiving device and electronic component receiving method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an electronic component receiving device and an electronic component receiving method that can reduce the time required when receiving electronic components in multiple containers. [Solution] An electronic component receiving device comprises a discharge section, a container exchange device, an opening / closing mechanism, an opening / closing sensor, and a control section. The discharge section includes two discharge sections. The receiving position includes two receiving positions corresponding to the two discharge sections. The control section moves one container from a container storage section to one receiving position by means of a moving mechanism and discharges an electronic component from one discharge section to one container. While discharging an electronic component to one container, the control section moves another container from a container storage section to another receiving position by means of a moving mechanism and opens the inlet of another container at the other receiving position by means of an opening / closing mechanism.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic component receiving device and an electronic component receiving method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic component receiving device (component receiving device) that accommodates a plurality of electronic components in a container (case). The electronic component receiving device described in Patent Document 1 has a supply transfer unit that transfers containers one by one from a supply waiting unit to an installation unit, and a recovery transfer unit that transfers containers one by one from the installation unit to a recovery storage unit. In this electronic component receiving device, after a plurality of electronic components are accommodated in a container, the container is automatically exchanged by the supply transfer unit and the recovery transfer unit. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Publication No. 2022-147615 The problem to be solved

[0004] However, in the aforementioned electronic component receiving device, the operation of the device was stopped when exchanging containers. Consequently, a significant amount of time was required when storing electronic components in multiple containers.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an electronic component receiving device and an electronic component receiving method that can reduce the time required when receiving electronic components in a plurality of containers. means of solving the problem

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to [1] to [9] below.

[0007] [1] An electronic component receiving device that receives multiple electronic components inspected by an inspection device, and receives them in a container,

[0008] The discharge section in which the above electronic component is discharged, and

[0009] A container exchange device having a container storage unit for storing the container in which the electronic component is not contained, a container recovery unit for recovering the container in which the electronic component is contained, and a moving mechanism for moving the container in which the electronic component is contained from the container storage unit to a receiving position in which the electronic component discharged from the discharge unit is contained in the container, and moving the container in which the electronic component is contained from the receiving position to the container recovery unit.

[0010] An opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening of the container at the above receiving position, and

[0011] An opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the inlet of the container at the above receiving position, and

[0012] It is equipped with a control unit, and

[0013] The above discharge unit includes two of the above discharge units, and

[0014] The above receiving position includes two receiving positions corresponding to two discharge portions, and

[0015] The above control unit is,

[0016] One of the containers is moved from the container storage unit to one of the receiving positions by the above moving mechanism, and the opening of the inlet of one of the containers at one of the receiving positions is opened by the above opening / closing mechanism.

[0017] When the opening / closing sensor detects that the inlet of one of the containers is open at one of the receiving positions, the electronic component is discharged from one of the discharge portions into one of the containers, and

[0018] While discharging the electronic component into one of the containers, another container is moved by the moving mechanism from the container storage unit to the receiving position on the other side, and

[0019] The opening of the inlet of the other container at the receiving position on the other side is opened by the above opening and closing mechanism, and

[0020] When the number of electronic components discharged from one discharge section reaches a preset number, and the opening / closing sensor detects that the inlet of another container at the receiving position on the other side is open, the discharge location of the electronic components is switched from one discharge section to the other discharge section, and the electronic components are discharged from the other discharge section into another container.

[0021] An electronic component receiving device that closes the opening of one container from which the electronic component has been discharged at one receiving position by means of the opening and closing mechanism, and moves one container with the closed opening from one receiving position to the container recovery unit by means of the moving mechanism.

[0022] [2] The electronic component receiving device described in [1], wherein the control unit moves a new container from the container storage unit to one receiving position by means of the moving mechanism while discharging the electronic component to another container.

[0023] [3] The electronic component receiving device described in [2], wherein the control unit terminates the operation of the electronic component receiving device when the number of containers moved to the receiving position reaches a predetermined number.

[0024] [4] An electronic component receiving device described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the control unit opens the inlet of the other container at the receiving position on the other side by means of the opening and closing mechanism when the number of electronic components discharged from the discharge unit on one side reaches a second set number that is less than the set number.

[0025] [5] Further equipped with a reading device for reading a two-dimensional barcode provided on the container at the above receiving position,

[0026] An electronic component receiving device described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the control unit reads the two-dimensional barcode before the start of the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component into the container by the reading device, and reads the two-dimensional barcode after the end of the discharge operation, and checks whether the two-dimensional barcode read before the start of the discharge operation matches the two-dimensional barcode read after the end of the discharge operation.

[0027] [6] The electronic component receiving device described in [5], wherein the control unit stops the operation of the electronic component receiving device when the two-dimensional barcode read before the start of the discharge operation and the two-dimensional barcode read after the end of the discharge operation do not match.

[0028] [7] An electronic component receiving device described in any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a vibrating part that vibrates the above discharge part.

[0029] [8] The electronic component receiving device described in [7], wherein the control unit vibrates the discharge unit by the vibration unit after discharging the electronic component from the discharge unit to the container.

[0030] [9] A method for receiving electronic components, in which a plurality of electronic components inspected by an inspection device are received in a container using an electronic component receiving device,

[0031] The above electronic component receiving device is,

[0032] The discharge section in which the above electronic component is discharged, and

[0033] A container exchange device having a container storage unit for storing the container in which the electronic component is not contained, a container recovery unit for recovering the container in which the electronic component is contained, and a moving mechanism for moving the container in which the electronic component is contained from the container storage unit to a receiving position in which the electronic component discharged from the discharge unit is contained in the container, and moving the container in which the electronic component is contained from the receiving position to the container recovery unit.

[0034] An opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening of the container at the above receiving position, and

[0035] A sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the inlet of the container at the above receiving position is provided,

[0036] The above discharge unit includes two of the above discharge units, and

[0037] The above receiving position includes two receiving positions corresponding to two discharge portions, and

[0038] The above method for accommodating electronic components is,

[0039] A process of moving one of the containers from the container storage unit to one of the receiving positions by means of the moving mechanism, and opening the inlet of one of the containers at one of the receiving positions by means of the opening and closing mechanism, and

[0040] A process of discharging the electronic component from one discharge part into one container when the opening / closing sensor detects that the inlet of one container is open at one of the receiving positions, and

[0041] A process of moving another container from the container storage section to the receiving position on the other side by the moving mechanism while discharging the electronic component into one of the above containers, and

[0042] A process of opening the opening of the other container at the receiving position on the other side by the above opening / closing mechanism, and

[0043] A process for discharging electronic components from one discharge section to another discharge section by switching the discharge location of the electronic components from one discharge section to the other discharge section and discharging the electronic components from the other discharge section to the other container when the number of electronic components discharged from one discharge section reaches a preset number and the opening / closing sensor detects that the opening of the other container at the receiving position on the other side is open.

[0044] A method for receiving electronic components, comprising the process of closing the opening of one container from which the electronic component has been discharged at one receiving position by means of the opening and closing mechanism, and moving one container with the closed opening from one receiving position to the container recovery unit by means of the moving mechanism. Effects of the invention

[0045] According to the present disclosure, the time required to accommodate electronic components in a plurality of containers can be reduced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0046] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of an electronic component receiving device. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the good product discharge section. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing a container installed in a container installation part. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a container exchange device. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0047] In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been altered and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and ease of understanding. In some cases, configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in others.

[0048] In this specification, terms such as “parallel” and “orthogonal,” which specify shapes and geometric conditions and their degrees, are not limited to a strict sense but are interpreted to include a range in which similar functions can be expected.

[0049] To clarify the relationship between directions in drawings, some drawings indicate the X, Y, and Z directions as common directions by arrows with common symbols. In the following examples, the X and Y directions are directions parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z direction is a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. An arrow pointing directly forward from the ground along a direction perpendicular to the ground of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with a dot inside a circle, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0050] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of an electronic component receiving device (10). The electronic component receiving device (10) is a device that receives a plurality of electronic components (W) inspected by an inspection device (13) into a container (30).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic component receiving device (10) includes a return table (11), a parts feeder (12), an inspection device (13), a good part discharge unit (14) (discharge unit), and a defective part discharge unit (15). The parts feeder (12), the inspection device (13), the good part discharge unit (14), and the defective part discharge unit (15) are arranged to follow the outer periphery of the return table (11).

[0052] A return table (11) returns a plurality of electronic components (W). The return table (11) is formed in the shape of a disc. The return table (11) is configured to be rotatable. The return table (11) is driven to rotate by a return motor (not shown) controlled by a control unit (80). The return table (11) may be configured, for example, by a transparent glass table. The return table (11) may have any other configuration. The return table (11) rotates continuously. The return table (11) may rotate intermittently.

[0053] The return table (11) has an upper surface located in the vertical direction (Z direction). The upper surface of the return table (11) is composed of a flat surface. An electronic component (W) supplied from a parts feeder (12) in the supply area (R1) is placed on the upper surface of the return table (11). The electronic component (W) on the return table (11) is returned along an arc-shaped movement path (T) according to the rotation of the return table (11) (clockwise rotation in the example shown in FIG. 1). The electronic component (W) supplied in the supply area (R1) is assigned sequential positions to an inspection area (R2), a good product discharge area (R3), and a defective product discharge area (R4) by the return table (11). The supply area (R1), inspection area (R2), good product discharge area (R3), and defective product discharge area (R4) are located in this order from upstream to downstream along the travel path (T).

[0054] The parts feeder (12) supplies a plurality of electronic components (W) to the upper surface of the conveying table (11) in the supply area (R1). As shown in FIG. 1, the parts feeder (12) includes a feeder supply unit (12a) and a feeder discharge unit (12b). The feeder supply unit (12a) receives a plurality of supplied electronic components (W) and supplies them to the feeder discharge unit (12b). The feeder discharge unit (12b) sends the plurality of electronic components (W) supplied from the feeder supply unit (12a) to the supply area (R1) on the upper surface of the conveying table (11) while aligning them in a row.

[0055] The feeder output unit (12b) places a plurality of electronic components (W) one by one in succession onto a rotating conveyor table (11). As a result, on the upper surface of the conveyor table (11), the plurality of electronic components (W) are arranged in a row in an arc shape along a movement path (T) that follows the circumferential direction of the conveyor table (11). On the upper surface of the conveyor table (11), two or more electronic components (W) are arranged so as not to overlap in the radial direction of the conveyor table (11).

[0056] The inspection device (13) performs an inspection on an electronic component (W) that is positioned in an inspection area (R2) by a return table (11). The inspection may be an external inspection. The inspection device (13) may perform the inspection by capturing individual electronic components (W) that are positioned in the inspection area (R2), acquiring images of the electronic components (W), and processing these images. In this case, the inspection device (13) may include an imaging device and a judgment unit. The imaging device may capture the electronic components (W) at the timing when the electronic components (W) pass through the inspection area (R2). And, the judgment unit (2) may perform an external inspection based on the captured images of the electronic components (W). For example, the judgment unit (2) may determine whether there is an external abnormality, such as scratches or defects, of the electronic components (W) by processing the captured images.

[0057] Additionally, the inspection device (13) may perform inspections other than external inspection on the electronic component (W). Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, one inspection area (R2) and one inspection device (13) are installed, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of inspection areas (R2) and a plurality of inspection devices (13) that perform inspections on each electronic component (W) assigned to a position in these inspection areas (R2) may be installed in the movement path (T) between the supply area (R1) and the good product discharge area (R3).

[0058] The good product discharge unit (14) and the defective product discharge unit (15) discharge electronic components (W) from the return table (11). The good product discharge unit (14) and the defective product discharge unit (15) discharge electronic components (W) assigned to the good product discharge area (R3) and the defective product discharge area (R4), respectively, which are located downstream of the inspection area (R2). The good product discharge unit (14) discharges electronic components (W) that are determined to be good products as a result of inspection by the inspection device (13). The defective product discharge unit (15) discharges electronic components (W) that are not determined to be good products (determined to be defective products) as a result of inspection by the inspection device (13).

[0059] The good product discharge section (14) includes two good product discharge sections (14a, 14b). One of the two good product discharge sections (14a, 14b), the good product discharge section (14a), is also referred to as the first good product discharge section (14a). The other good product discharge section (14b) among the two good product discharge sections (14a, 14b), which is located downstream of the first good product discharge section (14a), is also referred to as the second good product discharge section (14b). The good product discharge area (R3) also includes two good product discharge areas (R3a, R3b). One of the two good product discharge areas (R3a, R3b), the good product discharge area (R3a), is also referred to as the first good product discharge area (R3a). The other good product discharge area (R3b) located downstream of the first good product discharge area (R3a) among the two good product discharge areas (R3a, R3b) is also referred to as the second good product discharge area (R3b). The first good product discharge unit (14a) discharges electronic components (W) assigned to the first good product discharge area (R3a). The second good product discharge unit (14b) discharges electronic components (W) assigned to the second good product discharge area (R3b).

[0060] As a result of inspection by the inspection device (13), electronic components (W) that are determined to be good are discharged by the first good product discharge unit (14a) or the second good product discharge unit (14b) at the timing when they reach the first good product discharge area (R3a) or the second good product discharge area (R3b). Meanwhile, electronic components (W) that are not determined to be good (defective) as a result of inspection by the inspection device (13) are not discharged by the good product discharge unit (14a, 14b) but pass through the good product discharge area (R3a, R3b) and are discharged by the defective product discharge unit (15) at the timing when they reach the defective product discharge area (R4).

[0061] Using FIG. 2, the configuration of the good product discharge unit (14) is described. The first good product discharge unit (14a) and the second good product discharge unit (14b) may have the same configuration or different configurations. The defective product discharge unit (15) may also have the same configuration as the good product discharge unit (14) or different configuration from the good product discharge unit (14). Here, the configuration of one good product discharge unit (14) is described as a representative example. The description of the configuration of the defective product discharge unit (15) is omitted.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing a good product discharge section (14). As shown in FIG. 2, the good product discharge section (14) includes a gas ejection section (20) and a guide unit (21).

[0063] The gas ejection unit (20) is configured to eject compressed air (gas) toward an electronic component (W) so as to blow the electronic component (W) on the conveying table (11) which is positioned in the good product discharge area (R3). The electronic component (W) blown from the conveying table (11) is discharged from the discharge port (25) through the guide path (24) within the guide unit (21) and is received in a container (30) located at the receiving position (P). The gas ejection unit (20) is supported by a support body not shown. This support body may be fixed or installed to be movable. If the support body is installed to be movable, the gas ejection unit (20) may be installed to be movable integrally with the support body. Additionally, the good product discharge unit (14) may move the electronic component (W) from the conveying table (11) by any means other than gas.

[0064] The guide unit (21) includes an upper guide section (22) and a lower guide section (23). The upper guide section (22) is located in the upper direction in the Z direction. The lower guide section (23) is located in the lower direction in the Z direction. A guide path (24) is defined between the upper guide section (22) and the lower guide section (23). The guide path (24) is a passage that guides electronic components (W) blown from the conveyor table (11) in the good product discharge area (R3) to the inlet (33) of a container (30) located at the receiving position (P). The electronic components (W) guided to the inlet (33) of the container (30) are received in a receiving space (32) provided inside the container (30). As shown in FIG. 2, the guide path (24) may have a shape that tapers toward the discharge port (25).

[0065] Additionally, the electronic component receiving device (10) includes a vibration unit (26), a container installation unit (40), an opening / closing mechanism (45), an opening / closing sensor (50), a container detection device (52), and a reading device (55).

[0066] The vibration unit (26) is configured to vibrate the good product discharge unit (14). The vibration unit (26) is located near the good product discharge unit (14). The vibration unit (26) may be located near the first good product discharge unit (14a) and the second good product discharge unit (14b), respectively. The vibration unit (26) may also be located near the lower guide unit (23). As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration unit (26) includes a vibration piston (27) and a reciprocating body (28). The vibration piston (27) is controlled by the control unit (80) to perform reciprocating motion to vibrate. The reciprocating body (28) is attached to the tip of the vibration piston (27). The reciprocating body (28) moves between a position separated from the vibration receiving part (29) integrally installed on the lower guide part (23) and a contact position that is in contact (collided with) the vibration receiving part (29), in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the vibration piston (27). As the vibration piston (27) is driven and the collision and separation of the reciprocating body (28) with respect to the vibration receiving part (29) are repeated, the vibration receiving part (29) and the lower guide part (23) vibrate, causing the good product discharge part (14) to vibrate. The vibration part (26) vibrates the good product discharge part (14) at the timing after the good product discharge part (14) discharges the electronic component (W).

[0067] The container installation section (40) is configured to allow the container (30) located at the receiving position (P) to be installed. The container installation section (40) is located below the good product discharge section (14) in the Z direction. The container (30) is installed in the container installation section (40) in a position determined such that the electronic component (W) discharged from the good product discharge section (14) at the receiving position (P) falls into the inlet (33) of the container (30). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing the container (30) installed in the container installation section (40). As shown in FIG. 3, the container (30) is installed in the container installation section (40) in a vertical arrangement at the receiving position (P). The container installation section (40) includes a wall section (41) and a retaining section (not shown). The wall section (41) includes a wall surface (42) and a concave section (43). The wall surface (42) is composed of a flat surface along the Z direction. The concave portion (43) is formed in a concave shape on the wall surface (42). The holding portion holds the container (30) in a vertical position on the wall portion (41).

[0068] The container (30) is configured to accommodate an electronic component (W). The container (30) can be configured using a standard container (for example, a case disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-147615). For this reason, a detailed description of the container (30) is omitted here, and a brief overview thereof is described.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the container (30) has an external shape that is approximately rectangular. The container (30) has a thickness direction along the X direction, a short side direction along the Y direction, and a long side direction along the Z direction. The thickness direction dimension of the container (30) is smaller than the short side direction dimension of the container (30) and the long side direction dimension of the container (30). The short side direction dimension of the container (30) is smaller than the long side direction dimension of the container (30).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the container (30) includes a container body (31), a receiving space (32), an inlet (33), and a shutter member (34). The receiving space (32) is a space provided on the inside of the container body (31). A plurality of electronic components (W) are received in this receiving space (32). The inlet (33) penetrates the container body (31). The inlet (33) communicates with the inside (receiving space (32)) and the outside of the container body (31). The electronic components (W) are received in the receiving space (32) through this inlet (33). The shutter member (34) is configured to open and close the inlet (33).

[0071] A shutter member (34) is attached to a container body (31). The shutter member (34) is configured to slide along the container body (31). By sliding, the shutter member (34) opens and closes the inlet (33). The shutter member (34) can slide to a closed position, which closes the inlet (33) by covering it, and to an open position, which opens the inlet (33) by not covering it. A slider (35) is attached to the end portion (the lower end portion in the Z direction) of the shutter member (34). The slider (35) is a member with a roughly rectangular shape. An opening (36) is installed in the slider (35). The slider (35) is configured to move in the vertical direction (upward and downward in the Z direction). The slider (35) is integral with the shutter member (34) and moves together with the shutter member (34). When the slider (35) is positioned upward in the Z direction, the shutter member (34) is positioned in a closed position that closes the entrance (33). When the slider (35) is positioned downward in the Z direction, the shutter member (34) is positioned in an open position that opens the entrance (33).

[0072] The opening / closing mechanism (45) is configured to open and close the inlet (33) of the container (30) at the receiving position (P). As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing mechanism (45) is located in the concave portion (43) of the wall portion (41). The opening / closing mechanism (45) includes a driving pin (46). The driving pin (46) is installed to be movable in the up-and-down direction along the bottom surface of the concave portion (43). For example, the driving pin (46) is supported to be movable in the up-and-down direction along a guide groove provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion (43) and is reciprocated in the up-and-down direction by an actuator not shown. The tip of the driving pin (46) protrudes in the Y direction from the wall surface (42).

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, when a container (30) with an inlet (33) closed by a shutter member (34) is positioned at a receiving position (P), a driving pin (46) located upward in the Z direction is inserted into the opening (36) of a slider (35) located upward in the Z direction. In this state, when the driving pin (46) moves downward in the Z direction, the driving pin (46) pushes the slider (35) downward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the slider (35) moves downward in the Z direction, and accordingly, the shutter member (34) moves from a closed position to an open position, and the inlet (33) of the container (30) is opened. Meanwhile, when the opening (33) of the container (30) is opened and the driving pin (46) is inserted into the opening (36) of the slider (35) located downward in the Z direction, when the driving pin (46) moves upward in the Z direction, the driving pin (46) pushes the slider (35) upward in the Z direction. Accordingly, the slider (35) moves upward in the Z direction, and accordingly, the shutter member (34) moves from the open position to the closed position, and the opening (33) of the container (30) is closed.

[0074] The opening / closing sensor (50) is configured to detect the opening / closing of the inlet (33) of the container (30) at the receiving position (P). The opening / closing sensor (50) may be installed at any position. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing sensor (50) may be located above the container (30) in the Z direction at the receiving position (P). The opening / closing sensor (50) may be, for example, a laser sensor or a fiber sensor. The opening / closing sensor (50) may detect the opening / closing of the inlet (33) of the container (30) by irradiating light, such as laser light or LED light, onto the shutter member (34) from above in the Z direction and determining the presence or absence of the shutter member (34) at the inlet (33) of the container (30) or in the vicinity of the inlet (33). The opening / closing sensor (50) may include a plurality of opening / closing sensors (50). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing sensor (50) includes two opening / closing sensors (50a, 50b). The opening / closing sensor (50a) is positioned to face the inlet (33), and the opening / closing sensor (50b) is positioned to face the container body (31) in the vicinity of the inlet (33). By arranging a plurality of opening / closing sensors (50), the detection precision of the opening / closing of the inlet (33) of the container (30) can be improved.

[0075] The container detection device (52) is configured to detect the container (30) at the receiving position (P). That is, the container detection device (52) detects that the container (30) is located at the receiving position (P). In other words, the container detection device (52) detects that the container (30) is installed (set) in the container installation part (40). The container detection device (52) may be installed at any location. As shown in FIG. 3, the container detection device (52) may be located below the container (30) in the Z direction at the receiving position (P). The container detection device (52) may be, for example, a laser sensor or a fiber sensor. The container detection device (52) may detect the presence or absence of the container (30) by irradiating light, such as laser light or LED light, onto the container body (31) from below in the Z direction. Additionally, the container detection device (52) may detect the presence or absence of the container (30) by switching a mechanical switch positioned downward in the Z direction from the container (30) at the receiving position (P). The container detection device (52) may include a plurality of container detection devices (52). Also, the container detection device (52) may not be installed. That is, the electronic component receiving device (10) may not include the container detection device (52).

[0076] The reading device (55) is configured to read a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided on the container (30) at the receiving position (P). The reading device (55) includes a two-dimensional barcode reader. As shown in FIG. 3, the two-dimensional barcode (39) is provided on the outer surface of the container body (31). The two-dimensional barcode (39) may also be provided on the side of the container body (31). The reading device (55) may be installed at any location as long as it can read the two-dimensional barcode (39). As shown in FIG. 3, the reading device (55) may be positioned facing the side of the container body (31). The two-dimensional barcode (39) is used to identify the container (30). That is, by reading the two-dimensional barcode (39) with the reading device (55), the identity of the container (30) can be confirmed.

[0077] Additionally, the electronic component receiving device (10) includes a container exchange device (60). The container exchange device (60) is located outside the return table (11) and near the good product discharge section (14). FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the container exchange device (60). As shown in FIG. 4, the container exchange device (60) has a container storage section (61), a container recovery section (63), and a moving mechanism (70).

[0078] The container storage unit (61) stores a container (30) in which an electronic component (W) is not contained. A container (30) in which an electronic component (W) is not contained is also referred to as an empty container (30). The container storage unit (61) can store a plurality of containers (30). The container storage unit (61) includes a storage case (62). The storage case (62) may be formed in a box shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage case (62) may have a rectangular shape extending along the X direction in a planar view. In this specification, "planar view" means observing an object along the Z direction. The storage case (62) may have openings on both sides in the upward direction in the Z direction and in the X direction. That is, the storage case (62) may be composed of a bottom portion (62a) located at the bottom in the Z direction and side wall portions (62b) located on both sides in the Y direction.

[0079] A storage case (62) holds a plurality of containers (30) arranged in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 4, within the storage case (62), a plurality of containers (30) are arranged on one side (right side in FIG. 4) and the other side (left side in FIG. 4) in the X direction, respectively. Two partition plates (62c, 62d) are installed within the storage case (62). The partition plate (62c) located on one side in the X direction among the two partition plates (62c, 62d) is also referred to as the first storage partition plate (62c). The partition plate (62d) located on the other side in the X direction among the two partition plates (62c, 62d) is also referred to as the second storage partition plate (62d). The first storage partition plate (62c) is positioned so as to be adjacent to the container (30) in the X direction, on the other side of the X direction, among the plurality of containers (30) arranged on one side of the X direction within the storage case (62). The second storage partition plate (62d) is positioned so as to be adjacent to the container (30) in the X direction, on the other side of the X direction, among the plurality of containers (30) arranged on the other side of the X direction within the storage case (62).

[0080] The partition plates (62c, 62d) are configured to be movable in the X direction. The partition plates (62c, 62d) may be moved in the X direction by being driven by an actuator not shown. The first storage partition plate (62c) moves to one side in the X direction, thereby pushing a plurality of containers (30) arranged on one side in the X direction within the storage case (62) toward one side in the X direction. Accordingly, one container (30) located on the far side in the X direction is extruded out of the storage case (62) from the opening on one side in the X direction of the storage case (62). The second storage partition plate (62d) moves to the other side in the X direction, thereby pushing a plurality of containers (30) arranged on the other side in the X direction within the storage case (62) toward the other side in the X direction. Accordingly, one container (30) located on the other side in the X direction is extruded out of the storage case (62) from the opening on the other side in the X direction of the storage case (62).

[0081] The container recovery unit (63) recovers a container (30) containing an electronic component (W). A container (30) containing an electronic component (W) is also referred to as a container (30) that has completed charging. The container recovery unit (63) can recover multiple containers (30). As shown in FIG. 4, the container recovery unit (63) may be arranged to be aligned with the container storage unit (61) in the Y direction. The container recovery unit (63) may be located on one side (upper side in FIG. 4) in the Y direction relative to the container storage unit (61). The container recovery unit (63) includes a recovery case (64). The recovery case (64) may be formed in a box shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the recovery case (64) may have a rectangular shape extending along the X direction in a planar view. The recovery case (64) may be open on both sides in the Z direction upward and in the X direction. That is, the recovery case (64) may be composed of a bottom portion (64a) located at the bottom in the Z direction and side wall portions (64b) located on both sides in the Y direction.

[0082] The recovery case (64) may be maintained so that a plurality of containers (30) are arranged in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 4, within the recovery case (64), a plurality of containers (30) are arranged on one side (right side in FIG. 4) and the other side (left side in FIG. 4) in the X direction, respectively. Two partition plates (64c, 64d) are installed within the recovery case (64). The partition plate (64c) located on one side in the X direction among the two partition plates (64c, 64d) is also referred to as the first recovery partition plate (64c). The partition plate (64d) located on the other side in the X direction among the two partition plates (64c, 64d) is also referred to as the second recovery partition plate (64d). The first recovery partition plate (64c) is positioned so as to be adjacent to the container (30) in the X direction, on the other side of the X direction, among the plurality of containers (30) arranged on one side of the X direction within the recovery case (64). The second recovery partition plate (64d) is positioned so as to be adjacent to the container (30) in the X direction, on the other side of the X direction, among the plurality of containers (30) arranged on the other side of the X direction within the recovery case (64).

[0083] The partition plates (64c, 64d) are configured to be movable in the X direction. The partition plates (64c, 64d) may be moved in the X direction by being driven by an actuator not shown. The first recovery partition plate (64c) moves to the other side in the X direction to accommodate the container (30) when the container (30) is recovered into the recovery case (64) from an opening on one side in the X direction of the recovery case (64). The second recovery partition plate (64d) moves to the one side in the X direction to accommodate the container (30) when the container (30) is recovered into the recovery case (64) from an opening on the other side in the X direction of the recovery case (64).

[0084] The moving mechanism (70) moves the empty container (30) from the container storage unit (61) to the receiving position (P), and at the same time moves the container (30) that has been filled from the receiving position (P) to the container recovery unit (63). Here, as described above, the receiving position (P) is a position where electronic components (W) discharged from the good product discharge unit (14) are received in the container (30), and is located below the good product discharge unit (14) in the Z direction. The receiving position (P) includes a first receiving position (P1) and a second receiving position (P2). The first receiving position (P1) is a position where electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) are received in the container (30), and is located below the first good product discharge unit (14a) in the Z direction. The second receiving position (P2) is a position where an electronic component (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) is received in the container (30), and is located below the second good product discharge unit (14b) in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the moving mechanism (70) includes a first moving mechanism (71a) and a second moving mechanism (71b).

[0085] The first moving mechanism (71a) is located on one side (the right side in FIG. 4) in the X direction relative to the container storage section (61) and the container recovery section (63). The first moving mechanism (71a) moves an empty container (30) from the container storage section (61) to the first receiving position (P1), and also moves a fully filled container (30) from the first receiving position (P1) to the container recovery section (63). As shown in FIG. 4, the first moving mechanism (71a) has a first rail material (72a), a first moving platform (73a), and a first pressing device (75a).

[0086] The first rail member (72a) extends from a position adjacent to the container storage section (61) and the container recovery section (63) in the X direction to the first receiving position (P1). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first rail member (72a) extends in the Y direction. The first rail member (72a) supports the first movable platform (73a) so that it can move in the Y direction.

[0087] The first movable unit (73a) is positioned on the first rail member (72a). The first movable unit (73a) is configured to be movable in the Y direction along the first rail member (72a) on the first rail member (72a). The first movable unit (73a) may be moved in the Y direction by being driven by an actuator not shown. A container (30) is mounted on the first movable unit (73a). The first movable unit (73a) moves in the Y direction while the container (30) is mounted. The first movable unit (73a) is positioned adjacent to the container storage unit (61) in the X direction, and an empty container (30) extruded from an opening on one side of the storage case (62) in the X direction is mounted thereon. The first moving unit (73a) moves the loaded empty container (30) from a position adjacent to the container storage unit (61) in the X direction to the first receiving position (P1). Additionally, the first moving unit (73a) moves the fully charged container (30) containing the electronic component (W) at the first receiving position (P1) from the first receiving position (P1) to a position adjacent to the container recovery unit (63) in the X direction.

[0088] The first press-fit device (75a) is positioned on the first moving platform (73a). The first press-fit device (75a) moves in the Y direction together with the first moving platform (73a). The first press-fit device (75a) pushes the fully charged container (30), which has been moved by the first moving platform (73a) to a position adjacent to the container recovery unit (63) in the X direction, toward the other side in the X direction and presses it into the recovery case (64) of the container recovery unit (63). Accordingly, the fully charged container (30) moves to the container recovery unit (63) and is recovered.

[0089] The first press-fit device (75a) includes a first rod (76a) and a first press-fit plate (77a). The first rod (76a) is configured to be movable in the X direction. The first rod (76a) may be moved in the X direction by being driven by an actuator not shown. The first press-fit plate (77a) is attached to the tip of the first rod (76a). The first press-fit plate (77a) moves in the X direction together with the first rod (76a). The first press-fit plate (77a) moves between a retraction position, which is retracted from the position where the container (30) on the first movable platform (73a) is mounted, and a press-fit position that overlaps with the position where the container (30) on the first movable platform (73a) is mounted, depending on the movement of the first rod (76a). When the container (30) is mounted on the first moving platform (73a), the first press-in plate (77a) is positioned in the withdrawal position. The first press-in plate (77a) moves from the withdrawal position to the press-in position when the container (30) that has completed filling is moved by the first moving platform (73a) to a position adjacent to the container recovery unit (63) in the X direction. As the first press-in plate (77a) moves from the withdrawal position to the press-in position, the container (30) is pushed to the other side in the X direction and extruded from the first moving platform (73a). The extruded container (30) moves to the container recovery unit (63) and is recovered. After extruding the container (30) that has completed filling from the first moving platform (73a), the first press-in plate (77a) returns from the press-in position to the withdrawal position.

[0090] The second moving mechanism (71b) is located on the other side (left side in FIG. 4) in the X direction from the container storage section (61) and the container recovery section (63). The second moving mechanism (71b) moves the empty container (30) from the container storage section (61) to the second receiving position (P2), and also moves the filled container (30) from the second receiving position (P2) to the container recovery section (63). As shown in FIG. 4, the second moving mechanism (71b) has a second rail material (72b), a second moving platform (73b), and a second pressing device (75b).

[0091] The second rail member (72b) extends from a position adjacent to the container storage section (61) and the container recovery section (63) in the X direction to the second receiving position (P2). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second rail member (72b) extends in the Y direction. The second rail member (72b) supports the second moving platform (73b) so that it can move in the Y direction.

[0092] The second moving platform (73b) is positioned on the second rail material (72b). The second moving platform (73b) is configured to be movable in the Y direction along the second rail material (72b) on the second rail material (72b). The second moving platform (73b) may be moved in the Y direction by being driven by an actuator not shown. A container (30) is mounted on the second moving platform (73b). The second moving platform (73b) moves in the Y direction while the container (30) is mounted. The second moving platform (73b) is positioned adjacent to the container storage section (61) in the X direction, and an empty container (30) extruded from the opening on the other side of the storage case (62) in the X direction is mounted thereon. The second moving unit (73b) moves the loaded empty container (30) from a position adjacent to the container storage unit (61) in the X direction to the second receiving position (P2). Additionally, the second moving unit (73b) moves the fully charged container (30) containing the electronic component (W) at the second receiving position (P2) from the second receiving position (P2) to a position adjacent to the container recovery unit (63) in the X direction.

[0093] The second press-fit device (75b) is positioned on the second moving platform (73b). The second press-fit device (75b) moves in the Y direction together with the second moving platform (73b). The second press-fit device (75b) pushes the fully charged container (30), which has been moved by the second moving platform (73b) to a position adjacent to the container recovery unit (63) in the X direction, toward one side in the X direction and presses it into the recovery case (64) of the container recovery unit (63). Accordingly, the fully charged container (30) moves to the container recovery unit (63) and is recovered.

[0094] The second press-fit device (75b) includes a second rod (76b) and a second press-fit plate (77b). The second rod (76b) is configured to be movable in the X direction. The second rod (76b) may be moved in the X direction by being driven by an actuator not shown. The second press-fit plate (77b) is attached to the tip of the second rod (76b). The second press-fit plate (77b) moves in the X direction together with the second rod (76b). The second press-fit plate (77b) moves between a retraction position, which is retracted from the position where the container (30) on the second movable platform (73b) is mounted, and a press-fit position that overlaps with the position where the container (30) on the second movable platform (73b) is mounted, depending on the movement of the second rod (76b). When the container (30) is mounted on the second moving platform (73b), the second pressing plate (77b) is positioned in the withdrawal position. The second pressing plate (77b) moves from the withdrawal position to the pressing position when the container (30) that has completed filling is moved by the second moving platform (73b) to a position adjacent to the container recovery unit (63) in the X direction. As the second pressing plate (77b) moves from the withdrawal position to the pressing position, the container (30) is pushed to the other side in the X direction and extruded from the second moving platform (73b). The extruded container (30) moves to the container recovery unit (63) and is recovered. After extruding the container (30) that has completed filling from the second moving platform (73b), the second pressing plate (77b) returns from the pressing position to the withdrawal position.

[0095] Additionally, the electronic component receiving device (10) includes a control unit (80). The control unit (80) controls the electronic component receiving device (10). The control unit (80) is responsible for controlling the entire electronic component receiving device (10). More specifically, the electronic component receiving device (10) controls a return table (11), a parts feeder (12), an inspection device (13), a good product discharge unit (14), a defective product discharge unit (15), a vibration unit (26), an opening / closing mechanism (45), an opening / closing sensor (50), a container detection device (52), a reading device (55), and a container exchange device (60). That is, each operation of the above-described return table (11), parts feeder (12), inspection device (13), good product discharge unit (14), defective product discharge unit (15), vibration unit (26), opening / closing mechanism (45), opening / closing sensor (50), container detection device (52), reading device (55), and container exchange device (60) is controlled by the control unit (80).

[0096] The control unit (80) controls the parts feeder (12) to supply a plurality of electronic components (W) to the upper surface of the return table (11) in the supply area (R1). The control unit (80) controls a return motor (not shown) to rotate the return table (11) and returns a plurality of electronic components (W) by the return table (11). The control unit (80) controls the inspection device (13) to perform an inspection on the electronic components (W) assigned to the inspection area (R2) by the return table (11). The control unit (80) controls the good product discharge unit (14) to discharge from the good product discharge unit (14) the electronic components (W) that are judged to be good products as a result of the inspection by the inspection device (13) and are assigned to the good product discharge area (R3). The control unit (80) controls the defective product discharge unit (15) and discharges the electronic component (W) that is not judged to be a good product (judged to be a defective product) as a result of inspection by the inspection device (13) and is assigned a position in the defective product discharge area (R4) from the defective product discharge unit (15).

[0097] Additionally, the control unit (80) controls the moving mechanism (70) to move one container (30) (empty container (30)) from the container storage unit (61) to one receiving position (P) (first receiving position (P1) or second receiving position (P2)) by means of the moving mechanism (70). The control unit (80) controls the container detection device (52) to detect one container (30) at one receiving position (P). The control unit (80) controls the reading device (55) to read the two-dimensional barcode (39) provided on one container (30) at one receiving position (P). The control unit (80) controls the opening / closing mechanism (45) to open the inlet (33) of one container (30) at one receiving position (P) by means of the opening / closing mechanism (45). The control unit (80) controls the opening / closing sensor (50) to detect whether the opening (33) of one container (30) is open at one receiving position (P) by the opening / closing sensor (50).

[0098] When the control unit (80) detects that the inlet (33) of one container (30) is open at one receiving position (P) by the opening / closing sensor (50), it controls the good product discharge unit (14) to discharge electronic components (W) from one good product discharge unit (14) (first good product discharge unit (14a) or second good product discharge unit (14b)) into one container (30). At this time, the control unit (80) counts the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from one good product discharge unit (14).

[0099] The control unit (80) controls the moving mechanism (70) while discharging electronic components (W) into one container (30) and moves another container (30) from the container storage unit (61) to another receiving position (P) by the moving mechanism (70). The control unit (80) controls the container detection device (52) to detect the container (30) at the other receiving position (P). The control unit (80) controls the reading device (55) to read the two-dimensional barcode (39) provided on the container (30) at the other receiving position (P). When the number of electronic components (W) discharged from one good product discharge unit (14) reaches a preset number N2 (second preset number), the control unit (80) controls the opening / closing mechanism (45) to open the inlet (33) of another container (30) at the other receiving position (P) by means of the opening / closing mechanism (45). Here, the preset number N2 is a number smaller than the preset number N1 described later. For example, the preset number N2 may be a number between 80% and 99% of the preset number N1. The control unit (80) controls the opening / closing sensor (50) to detect whether the inlet (33) of another container (30) at the other receiving position (P) is open by means of the opening / closing sensor (50).

[0100] Additionally, when the number of electronic components (W) discharged from one good product discharge unit (14) reaches a preset number N1 and the opening / closing sensor (50) detects that the inlet (33) of another container (30) at the other receiving position (P) is open, the control unit (80) switches the discharge location of the electronic components (W) from one good product discharge unit (14) to the other good product discharge unit (14) and discharges the electronic components (W) from the other good product discharge unit (14) to the other container (30). Here, the preset number N1 is the number at which the container (30) is considered fully charged when that number of electronic components (W) are received in the container (30). At this time, the control unit (80) counts the number of electronic components (W) discharged from the other good product discharge unit (14).

[0101] After discharging an electronic component (W) from one good product discharge unit (14) into a container (30), the control unit (80) controls the vibration unit (26) to vibrate the one good product discharge unit (14) by the vibration unit (26). Additionally, the control unit (80) controls the reading device (55) to read a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in one container (30) at one receiving position (P). The control unit (80) checks whether the two-dimensional barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) into one container (30) matches the two-dimensional barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation. If the 2D barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation and the 2D barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation do not match, the control unit (80) determines that a defect occurred, such as the container (30) being exchanged during the discharge operation, and stops the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10).

[0102] Additionally, the control unit (80) controls the opening / closing mechanism (45) to close the inlet (33) of one container (30) at one receiving position (P) by means of the opening / closing mechanism (45). The control unit (80) controls the moving mechanism (70) to move one container (30) (a container (30) that has completed filling) with the inlet (33) closed by means of the moving mechanism (70) from one receiving position (P) to the container recovery unit (63).

[0103] The control unit (80) controls the moving mechanism (70) while discharging the electronic component (W) into another container (30) and moves a new container (30) from the container storage unit (61) to one receiving position (P) by means of the moving mechanism (70). Afterward, the control unit (80) performs the same control on the new container (30) as the control performed on the aforementioned container (30). In addition, the control unit (80) performs the same control on the other container (30) from which the electronic component (W) was discharged as the control performed on the aforementioned container (30).

[0104] By repeating such control, the control unit (80) can sequentially accommodate electronic components (W) in multiple containers (30) without stopping the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) in the middle. When the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) reaches a predetermined number, the control unit (80) determines that the containers (30) in the container storage unit (61) have been depleted and terminates the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10). Here, the predetermined number is, for example, the number of containers (30) stored in the container storage unit (61) by the operator before the start of the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10).

[0105] The control by the control unit (80) described above will be explained in more detail using the flowchart shown in FIGS. 5 to 11. FIGS. 5 to 11 are drawings showing a flowchart of an electronic component receiving method.

[0106] The electronic component receiving method according to the present embodiment uses the electronic component receiving device (10) described above to receive a plurality of electronic components (W) inspected by the inspection device (13) into a container (30). Each component of the electronic component receiving device (10) is controlled and operated by the control unit (80) described above. When the start button of the electronic component receiving device (10) is pressed, the electronic component receiving method according to the present embodiment is started.

[0107] First, in step S10, a container (30) (empty container (30)) is moved from the container storage unit (61) to the first receiving position (P1) by the moving mechanism (70). When a container (30) is placed at the first receiving position (P1), the container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is detected by the container detection device (52).

[0108] Next, in step S11, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in a container (30) at a first receiving position (P1) is read by a reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) prior to the start of the discharge operation of discharging an electronic component (W) into a container (30).

[0109] Next, in step S12, the opening (33) of one container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is opened by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0110] Next, in step S13, the opening / closing sensor (50) detects whether the inlet (33) of one container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is open. In step S13, if it is not detected that the inlet (33) of one container (30) is open (if the inlet (33) of the container (30) is not open) (No in step S13), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the electronic component receiving device (10), and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S13, if it is detected that the inlet (33) of one container (30) is open (Yes in step S13), proceed to step S14.

[0111] In step S14, a discharge operation is initiated to discharge electronic components (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into a container (30). While the discharge operation is being performed, the number of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a), N, is counted.

[0112] Next, in step S15, it is determined whether there is a container (30) in the container storage unit (61). For example, the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) detected by the container detection device (52) is counted, and if the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that there are no containers (30) in the container storage unit (61). In step S15, if it is determined that there are no containers (30) in the container storage unit (61) (No. of step S15), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0113] In Step S20, the discharge operation of discharging electronic components (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into one container (30) continues until it is determined that the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) in Step S21 has reached a set number N1. In Step S21, if the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) has reached a set number N1 (Yes in Step S21), the process proceeds to Step S22.

[0114] In step S22, the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into one container (30) is terminated.

[0115] Next, in step S23, the first good product discharge unit (14a) is vibrated by the vibration unit (26).

[0116] Next, in step S24, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in a container (30) at a first receiving position (P1) is read by a reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) after the end of the discharge operation of discharging an electronic component (W) into a container (30).

[0117] Next, in step S25, it is determined whether the 2D barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation in step S11 and the 2D barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation in step S24 match. In step S25, if the 2D barcode (39) does not match (No in step S25), it is determined that a defect, such as the container (30) being replaced during the discharge operation, has occurred, and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S25, if the 2D barcode (39) matches (Yes in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0118] In step S26, the opening (33) of one container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is closed by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0119] After that, in step S27, a container (30) (a container (30) with a closed entrance (33)) is moved from the first receiving position (P1) to the container recovery unit (63) by means of the moving mechanism (70), and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is terminated.

[0120] Meanwhile, in step S15, if it is determined that there is a container (30) in the container storage unit (61) (Yes in step S15), proceed to step S30.

[0121] In step S30, another container (30) (empty container (30)) is moved from the container storage unit (61) to the second receiving position (P2) by the moving mechanism (70). When the other container (30) is placed at the second receiving position (P2), the other container (30) at the second receiving position (P2) is detected by the container detection device (52).

[0122] Next, in step S31, the discharge operation of discharging electronic components (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into one container (30) continues until it is determined that the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) in step S32 has reached a set number N2 (second set number). In step S32, if the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) has reached a set number N2 (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0123] In step S33, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in another container (30) at the second receiving position (P2) is read by a reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) prior to the start of the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) into another container (30).

[0124] Next, in step S34, the opening (33) of another container (30) in the second receiving position (P2) is opened by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0125] Next, in step S35, the opening / closing sensor (50) detects whether the inlet (33) of another container (30) at the second receiving position (P2) is open. In step S35, if it is not detected that the inlet (33) of another container (30) is open (if the inlet (33) of the container (30) is not open) (No in step S35), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the electronic component receiving device (10), and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S35, if it is detected that the inlet (33) of another container (30) is open (Yes in step S35), proceed to step S40.

[0126] In step S40, the discharge operation of discharging electronic components (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into one container (30) continues until it is determined that the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) in step S41 has reached a set number N1. In step S41, if the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) has reached a set number N1 (Yes in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0127] In step S42, the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into one container (30) is terminated.

[0128] Next, in step S43, a discharge operation is initiated to discharge electronic components (W) from the second good product discharge unit (14b) to another container (30). While the discharge operation is being performed, the number of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) N is counted.

[0129] Next, in step S44, the first good product discharge unit (14a) is vibrated by the vibration unit (26).

[0130] Next, in step S45, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in a container (30) at a first receiving position (P1) is read by a reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) after the end of the discharge operation of discharging an electronic component (W) into a container (30).

[0131] Next, in step S46, it is determined whether the 2D barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation in step S11 and the 2D barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation in step S45 match. In step S46, if the 2D barcode (39) does not match (No in step S46), it is determined that a defect, such as the container (30) being replaced during the discharge operation, has occurred, and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S46, if the 2D barcode (39) matches (Yes in step S46), proceed to step S47.

[0132] In step S47, the opening (33) of one container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is closed by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0133] Next, in step S48, a container (30) (a container (30) with a closed inlet (33)) is moved from the first receiving position (P1) to the container recovery unit (63) by means of the moving mechanism (70).

[0134] Next, in step S50, it is determined whether there is a container (30) in the container storage unit (61). For example, the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) detected by the container detection device (52) is counted, and if the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that there are no containers (30) in the container storage unit (61). In step S50, if it is determined that there are no containers (30) in the container storage unit (61) (No. of step S50), the process proceeds to step S51.

[0135] In step S51, the discharge operation of discharging electronic components (W) from the second good product discharge unit (14b) to another container (30) continues until it is determined that the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) in step S52 has reached a set number N1. In step S52, if the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) has reached a set number N1 (Yes in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53.

[0136] In step S53, the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) from the second good product discharge unit (14b) to another container (30) is terminated.

[0137] Next, in step S54, the second good product discharge unit (14b) is vibrated by the vibration unit (26).

[0138] Next, in step S55, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in another container (30) at the second receiving position (P2) is read by a reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) after the end of the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) into another container (30).

[0139] Next, in step S56, it is determined whether the 2D barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation in step S33 matches the 2D barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation in step S55. In step S56, if the 2D barcode (39) does not match (No in step S56), it is determined that a defect, such as the container (30) being replaced during the discharge operation, has occurred, and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S56, if the 2D barcode (39) matches (Yes in step S56), the process proceeds to step S57.

[0140] In step S57, the opening (33) of another container (30) in the second receiving position (P2) is closed by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0141] After that, in step S58, another container (30) (a container (30) with a closed entrance (33)) is moved from the second receiving position (P2) to the container recovery unit (63) by means of the moving mechanism (70), and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is terminated.

[0142] Meanwhile, in step S50, if it is determined that there is a container (30) in the container storage unit (61) (Yes in step S50), proceed to step S60.

[0143] In step S60, a new container (30) (empty container (30)) is moved from the container storage unit (61) to the first receiving position (P1) by the moving mechanism (70). When the container (30) is positioned at the first receiving position (P1), the container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is detected by the container detection device (52).

[0144] Next, in step S61, the discharge operation of discharging electronic components (W) from the second good product discharge unit (14b) to another container (30) continues until it is determined that the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) in step S62 has reached a set number N2 (second set number). In step S62, if the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) has reached a set number N2 (Yes in step S62), the process proceeds to step S63.

[0145] In step S63, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in a container (30) at a first receiving position (P1) is read by a reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) prior to the start of the discharge operation of discharging an electronic component (W) into a container (30).

[0146] Next, in step S64, the opening (33) of one container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is opened by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0147] Next, in step S65, the opening / closing sensor (50) detects whether the inlet (33) of one container (30) at the first receiving position (P1) is open. In step S65, if it is not detected that the inlet (33) of one container (30) is open (if the inlet (33) of the container (30) is not open) (No in step S65), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the electronic component receiving device (10), and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S65, if it is detected that the inlet (33) of one container (30) is open (Yes in step S65), proceed to step S70.

[0148] In step S70, the discharge operation of discharging electronic components (W) from the second good product discharge unit (14b) to another container (30) continues until it is determined that the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) in step S71 has reached a set number N1. In step S71, if the number N of electronic components (W) discharged from the second good product discharge unit (14b) has reached a set number N1 (Yes in step S71), the process proceeds to step S72.

[0149] In step S72, the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) from the second good product discharge unit (14b) to another container (30) is terminated.

[0150] Next, in step S73, a discharge operation is initiated to discharge electronic components (W) from the first good product discharge unit (14a) into a container (30). While the discharge operation is being performed, the number of electronic components (W) discharged from the first good product discharge unit (14a) N is counted.

[0151] Next, in step S74, the second good product discharge unit (14b) is vibrated by the vibration unit (26).

[0152] Next, in step S75, a two-dimensional barcode (39) provided in another container (30) at the second receiving position (P2) is read by the reading device (55). This reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) corresponds to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode (39) after the end of the discharge operation of discharging the electronic component (W) into another container (30).

[0153] Next, in step S76, it is determined whether the 2D barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation in step S33 matches the 2D barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation in step S75. In step S76, if the 2D barcode (39) does not match (No in step S76), it is determined that a defect, such as the container (30) being replaced during the discharge operation, has occurred, and the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) is stopped. On the other hand, in step S76, if the 2D barcode (39) matches (Yes in step S76), the process proceeds to step S77.

[0154] In step S77, the opening (33) of another container (30) in the second receiving position (P2) is closed by the opening / closing mechanism (45).

[0155] Next, in step S78, another container (30) (a container (30) with a closed inlet (33)) is moved from the second receiving position (P2) to the container recovery unit (63) by means of the moving mechanism (70).

[0156] Next, in step S79, it is determined whether there is a container (30) in the container storage unit (61). For example, the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) detected by the container detection device (52) is counted, and when the number of containers (30) moved to the receiving position (P) reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that there are no containers (30) in the container storage unit (61).

[0157] In step S79, if it is determined that there is a container (30) in the container storage unit (61) (Yes in step S79), return to step S30. Then, in step S79 again, the above-described process is repeated until it is determined that there is no container (30) in the container storage unit (61).

[0158] In step S79, if it is determined that there is no container (30) in the container storage unit (61) (No. of step S79), proceed to step S20, perform the processes of steps S20 to S27 described above, and terminate the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10).

[0159] In this way, electronic components (W) that are determined to be good products as a result of inspection by the inspection device (13) are sequentially received in a plurality of containers (30).

[0160] According to the present embodiment, while electronic components (W) are being discharged into one container (30), another container (30) is moved from the container storage unit (61) to another receiving position (P) by a moving mechanism (70), and the inlet (33) of the other container (30) at the other receiving position (P) is opened by an opening / closing mechanism (45). By doing so, in the electronic component receiving device (10), it is not necessary to stop the operation of the device when exchanging the container (30). That is, continuous operation of the device is possible without stopping the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10) even when exchanging the container (30). Because of this, the time required to receive electronic components (W) in multiple containers (30) can be shortened.

[0161] Additionally, according to the present embodiment, when the number of electronic components (W) discharged from one good product discharge unit (14) reaches a set number N2 (second set number), the opening (33) of another container (30) at the other receiving position (P) is opened by the opening / closing mechanism (45). Here, the set number N1 is the number at which the container (30) is considered fully charged when that number of electronic components (W) are received in the container (30), and the set number N2 is a number less than the set number N1. By doing so, the opening (33) of another container (30) can be opened just before the number of electronic components (W) discharged into one container (30) reaches the number at which one container (30) is considered fully charged. That is, the discharge location of the electronic component (W) can be switched from one good product discharge section (14) to the other good product discharge section (14), and just before discharging the electronic component (W) from the other good product discharge section (14) to another container (30), the inlet (33) of the other container (30) can be opened. Because of this, while the electronic component (W) is being discharged into one container (30), foreign matter can be prevented from being mixed into the other container (30).

[0162] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the reading device (55) reads the two-dimensional barcode (39) provided on the container (30) before the start of the discharge operation, and also reads the two-dimensional barcode (39) provided on the container (30) after the end of the discharge operation. Then, it is checked whether the two-dimensional barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation matches the two-dimensional barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation. By doing so, it becomes possible to determine whether a defect, such as the container (30) being replaced, has occurred during the discharge operation. Furthermore, if the two-dimensional barcode (39) read before the start of the discharge operation does not match the two-dimensional barcode (39) read after the end of the discharge operation, it becomes possible to respond to the defect, such as stopping the operation of the electronic component receiving device (10).

[0163] In addition, according to the present embodiment, a vibrating unit (26) is installed to vibrate the good product discharge unit (14). By doing so, electronic components (W) that are attached to, for example, the guide unit (21) of the good product discharge unit (14) and are staying in the guide path (24) can be dropped by vibration by the vibrating unit (26) and discharged from the discharge port (25). Because of this, a desired number of electronic components (W) can be stably accommodated in the container (30).

[0164] In particular, according to the present embodiment, after the electronic component (W) is discharged from the good component discharge unit (14) into the container (30), the good component discharge unit (14) is vibrated by the vibration unit (26). By vibrating the good component discharge unit (14) immediately after the electronic component (W) is discharged, the electronic component (W) can be discharged more effectively from the discharge port (25). Because of this, a desired number of electronic components (W) can be accommodated in the container (30) more stably.

[0165] According to the embodiment described above, the time required to accommodate electronic components (W) in a plurality of containers (30) can be reduced.

[0166] In the foregoing, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific examples, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific examples described above. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and additions are possible within the scope of not departing from the gist thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0167] 10 Electronic component receiving device 13 Inspection device 14 Good Product Discharge Section 14a 1st Good Product Discharge Section 14b 2nd Good Product Ejection Section 26 Vibration Section 30 containers 33 opening 39 2D barcode 45 Opening / closing mechanism 50 Open / close sensor 55 Reading device 60 Container exchange device 61 Container storage unit 63 Container recovery unit 70 Moving mechanism 80 Control Unit P Acceptance Position P1 First reception location P2 Second reception location W Electronic Components

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic component receiving device for receiving a plurality of electronic components inspected by an inspection device, comprising: a discharge section for discharging the electronic components; a container storage section for storing the container in which the electronic components are not received; a container recovery section for recovering the container in which the electronic components are received; a receiving position in which the electronic components discharged from the discharge section are received in the container; a container exchange device having a moving mechanism for moving the container in which the electronic components are not received from the container storage section to the receiving position, and moving the container in which the electronic components are received from the receiving position to the container recovery section; an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the inlet of the container at the receiving position; an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the inlet of the container at the receiving position; and a control unit. The discharge section comprises two discharge sections, and the receiving position comprises two receiving positions corresponding to the two discharge sections. The control unit moves one container from the container storage section to one of the receiving positions by the moving mechanism, and the inlet of one container at one of the receiving positions by the opening / closing mechanism When the opening and closing sensor detects that the inlet of one container at one of the receiving positions is open, the electronic components are discharged from one discharge unit into one container, and while the electronic components are being discharged into one container, the other container is moved from the container storage unit to the other receiving position by the moving mechanism, and the inlet of another container at the other receiving position is opened by the opening and closing mechanism, and when the number of electronic components discharged from one discharge unit reaches a preset number, and the opening and closing sensor also detects that the inlet of another container at the other receiving position is open,An electronic component receiving device that switches the discharge location of the electronic component from one discharge section to another discharge section, discharges the electronic component from the other discharge section into another container, closes the inlet of one container from which the electronic component has been discharged at one receiving position by means of the opening and closing mechanism, and moves one container with the closed inlet from one receiving position to a container recovery section by means of the moving mechanism. Claim 2 An electronic component receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves a new container from the container storage unit to one receiving position by means of the moving mechanism while discharging the electronic component to another container. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the control unit terminates the operation of the electronic component receiving device when the number of containers moved to the receiving position reaches a predetermined number. Claim 4 An electronic component receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit opens the inlet of the other container at the receiving position on the other side by means of the opening and closing mechanism when the number of electronic components discharged from the discharge unit on one side reaches a second set number that is less than the set number. Claim 5 An electronic component receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising a reading device for reading a two-dimensional barcode provided in the container at the receiving position, wherein the control unit reads the two-dimensional barcode before the start of a discharge operation for discharging the electronic component into the container by the reading device, and reads the two-dimensional barcode after the end of the discharge operation, and verifies whether the two-dimensional barcode read before the start of the discharge operation matches the two-dimensional barcode read after the end of the discharge operation. Claim 6 An electronic component receiving device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit stops the operation of the electronic component receiving device if the two-dimensional barcode read before the start of the discharge operation and the two-dimensional barcode read after the end of the discharge operation do not match. Claim 7 An electronic component receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrating part that vibrates the discharge part. Claim 8 In claim 7, the control unit vibrates the discharge unit by the vibration unit after discharging the electronic component from the discharge unit to the container, in an electronic component receiving device. Claim 9 A method for receiving electronic components, wherein a plurality of electronic components inspected by an inspection device are received in a container using an electronic component receiving device, the electronic component receiving device comprises: a discharge section for discharging the electronic components; a container storage section for storing the container in which the electronic components are not received; a container recovery section for recovering the container in which the electronic components are received; a receiving position in which the electronic components discharged from the discharge section are received in the container; a container exchange device having a moving mechanism for moving the container in which the electronic components are not received from the container storage section to the receiving position, and moving the container in which the electronic components are received from the receiving position to the container recovery section; an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the inlet of the container at the receiving position; and an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the inlet of the container at the receiving position. The discharge section comprises two discharge sections, and the receiving position comprises two receiving positions corresponding to the two discharge sections. The electronic component receiving method comprises moving one container from the container storage section to one of the receiving positions by the moving mechanism, and one of the A process of opening the inlet of one of the containers at a receiving position; a process of discharging the electronic components from one discharge unit into one of the containers when the opening / closing sensor detects that the inlet of one of the containers at one of the receiving positions is open; a process of moving another container from the container storage unit to the other receiving position by the moving mechanism while the electronic components are being discharged into one of the containers; a process of opening the inlet of another container at the other receiving position by the opening / closing mechanism; and when the number of electronic components discharged from one discharge unit reaches a preset number.A method for receiving electronic components, comprising: a process of switching the discharge location of the electronic component from one discharge section to the other discharge section when the opening / closing sensor detects that

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