Vibration isolation device and bulk feeder

Abstract

This vibration isolation device is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies a component. The bulk feeder includes a vibration device that applies vibration to a component member. Same is provided in the component mounting machine or the bulk feeder and attenuates vibration generated by operation of the vibration device between the bulk feeder and another device set in the component mounting machine.

Description

Vibration isolation devices and bulk feeders

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration isolator and a bulk feeder.

[0002] A bulk feeder is equipped in a component mounting machine that mounts components on a board and is used to supply bulk components to a supply area. As shown in Patent Document 1, the bulk feeder is set with a component case that stores a large number of components in bulk, and supplies the components to the component mounting machine so that they can be picked up by transporting the components ejected from the component case to a predetermined supply area.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 095219

[0004] Bulk feeders may be equipped with a vibrating device that applies vibrations to components for the purpose of transporting components inside the bulk feeder. If the vibrations generated in the bulk feeder are transmitted to other devices installed in the component mounting machine, they may affect the operation or status of those devices. For example, if external vibrations are transmitted to other bulk feeders, they may affect the component feeding operation and cause the position of the components being fed to change.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a vibration isolation device and a bulk feeder that can prevent vibrations generated in the bulk feeder from affecting other equipment.

[0006] This specification is applied to a bulk feeder that is set in a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder having a vibration device that imparts vibration to components, and discloses a vibration isolation device that is provided in the component mounting machine or the bulk feeder and attenuates vibrations generated by the operation of the vibration device between the bulk feeder and other equipment set in the component mounting machine.

[0007] This specification discloses a bulk feeder comprising: a feeder body whose horizontal sliding movement is guided by rails of a component mounting machine; a track member that is vibratably attached to the feeder body and forms a transport path for components discharged from a component case; a vibration device that imparts vibration to the track member; and a vibration isolation device that is attached to the feeder body and supports the feeder body by contacting the rails and attenuates vibrations generated by the operation of the vibration device.

[0008] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the vibration-damping device according to claim 2 or 3" in claim 7 originally filed to "the vibration-damping device according to any one of claims 2 to 6," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the vibration-damping device according to claim 2 or 3" in claim 8 originally filed to "the vibration-damping device according to any one of claims 2 to 7." This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the vibration-damping device according to claim 2 or 3" in claim 9 originally filed to "the vibration-damping device according to any one of claims 2 to 8," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the vibration-damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3" to "the vibration-damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 9" in claim 10 originally filed.

[0009] With this configuration, vibrations generated in the bulk feeder are attenuated between the bulk feeder and other equipment, preventing them from being transmitted to the other equipment, thereby preventing vibrations generated in the bulk feeder from affecting the other equipment.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a component mounting machine with a bulk feeder set therein; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the bulk feeder; Fig. 3 is a side view schematically showing the main part of the bulk feeder and a component case; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a vibration-isolating device provided on the feeder main body; Fig. 5 is a side view showing an enlarged view of the vibration-isolating device and rails; Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a feeder setting table of the component mounting machine;

[0011] The bulk feeder 20 will be described with reference to the drawings. The bulk feeder 20 is set in, for example, a component mounting machine 10 that mounts components on a circuit board. The bulk feeder 20 supplies components in a bulk state that are not packaged in a carrier tape, stick, or the like.

[0012] 1. Configuration of the component mounting machine 10 The component mounting machine 10 constitutes a production line for producing circuit board products, together with a plurality of types of substrate-related operation machines, including other component mounting machines 10. The substrate-related operation machines that make up the production line may include a printing machine, an inspection device, a reflow oven, and the like.

[0013] 1, the component mounting machine 10 includes a board transport device 11. The board transport device 11 sequentially transports the boards 91 in a transport direction and positions the boards 91 at predetermined positions within the machine.

[0014] 1-2. Component Supply Device 12 The component mounting machine 10 is equipped with a component supply device 12. The component supply device 12 supplies components to be mounted on the board 91. The component supply device 12 has feeders 122 set in multiple slots 121. For example, a tape feeder that feeds and moves a carrier tape containing a large number of components to supply the components so that they can be picked is used as the feeder 122. Furthermore, a bulk feeder 20 that supplies components stored in a bulk state so that they can be picked is used as the feeder 122. Details of the bulk feeder 20 will be described later.

[0015] In this embodiment, each of the multiple slots 121 has a rail 126 provided on the feeder set table 125 and a connector (not shown). As shown in Fig. 6, the rails 126 are formed on the upper surface of the feeder set table 125 to guide the horizontal sliding movement of the main body of the feeder 122 (e.g., the feeder main body 21 of the bulk feeder 20). The multiple rails 126 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction, which is parallel to the conveying direction of the substrates 91, and are formed by protruding members formed on the upper surface of the feeder set table 125 so as to extend in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane, and have a rectangular concave cross section perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0016] Furthermore, a locking groove 127 is formed in the rail 126, which is recessed downward from the upper surface of the feeder setting table 125. The locking groove 127 is used to restrict movement of the feeder 122 in the removal direction (Y direction) when various feeders 122 are set in the component supply device 12.

[0017] 1-3. Component Transfer Device 13 The component mounting machine 10 is equipped with a component transfer device 13. The component transfer device 13 transfers components supplied by the component supply device 12 to predetermined mounting positions on the board 91. The component transfer device 13 is equipped with a head drive device 131, a movable table 132, a mounting head 133, and a suction nozzle 134. The head drive device 131 moves the movable table 132 in horizontal directions (X and Y directions) using a linear motion mechanism. The mounting head 133 is detachably fixed to the movable table 132 by a clamp member (not shown) and is provided so as to be movable horizontally within the machine.

[0018] The mounting head 133 supports a plurality of suction nozzles 134 that are rotatable and movable up and down. The suction nozzles 134 are holding members that pick up and hold components supplied by the feeder 122. The suction nozzles 134 use supplied negative pressure air to pick up the components supplied by the feeder 122. A chuck or the like that grips and holds components can be used as the holding member attached to the mounting head 133.

[0019] 1-4. Component camera 14, board camera 15 The component mounting machine 10 is equipped with a component camera 14 and a board camera 15. The component camera 14 and the board camera 15 are digital imaging devices having imaging elements such as CMOS. The component camera 14 and the board camera 15 capture images based on control signals and send image data acquired by the images. The component camera 14 is configured to be able to capture images of components held by the suction nozzle 134 from below. The board camera 15 is mounted on a moving stage 132 so as to be movable horizontally integrally with the mounting head 133. The board camera 15 is configured to be able to capture images of the board 91 from above.

[0020] Furthermore, in addition to capturing an image of the surface of the circuit board 91, the board camera 15 can also capture an image of various devices within the movable range of the movable table 132. For example, in this embodiment, the board camera 15 can capture an image of the supply area As (see FIG. 3) to which the bulk feeder 20 supplies components and a reference mark (not shown) provided on the top of the bulk feeder 20 within the camera's field of view. In this way, the board camera 15 can be used to capture images of different objects in order to obtain image data to be used for various image processing.

[0021] 1-5. Control Device 16 As shown in FIG. 1, the component placement machine 10 is equipped with a control device 16. The control device 16 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, a control circuit, and a storage device. The control device 16 stores various data, such as a control program used to control the placement process. The control program indicates the placement positions, placement angles, and component types of components to be placed on the board 91 in the placement process in the planned placement order.

[0022] The control device 16 executes a process for recognizing the holding state of the components held by each of the multiple holding members (suction nozzles 134). Specifically, the control device 16 processes image data acquired by image capture by the component camera 14, and recognizes the position and angle of each component relative to the reference position of the mounting head 133. Note that in addition to the component camera 14, the control device 16 may also process image data acquired by, for example, a head camera unit integrally provided on the mounting head 133 capturing an image of the component from the side, below, or above.

[0023] The control device 16 controls the component mounting operation by the mounting head 133 based on the control program to execute the mounting process. Here, the mounting process includes a process of repeating a PP cycle (pick and place cycle), which includes a picking operation and a mounting operation, multiple times. The above-mentioned "picking operation" refers to the operation of picking up a component supplied by the component supply device 12 with the suction nozzle 134. The above-mentioned "mounting operation" refers to the operation of mounting the picked component at a predetermined mounting position on the board 91 at a predetermined mounting angle.

[0024] When the above-described picking operation is performed, the control device 16 controls the operation of the component supply device 12 including the bulk feeder 20. Control of the bulk feeder 20 includes, for example, control of the component supply operation by the bulk feeder 20. The control device 16 recognizes the supply state of the multiple components in the supply area As of the bulk feeder 20 based on image data acquired by capturing images with a camera (in this embodiment, the board camera 15).

[0025] The supply status recognition process includes a process of recognizing whether or not there are any pickable components in the supply area As, and, if there are any pickable components, a process of recognizing the position and angle of the components. Then, the control device 16 controls the operation of the mounting head 133 in the picking operation based on the results of the supply status recognition process. In the mounting process, the control device 16 controls the operation of the mounting head 133 based on information output from various sensors, image processing results, a control program, and the like. This controls the positions and angles of the multiple suction nozzles 134 supported by the mounting head 133. As a result, the components held by the suction nozzles 134 are mounted at the predetermined mounting positions and angles instructed by the control program.

[0026] 2. Configuration of Bulk Feeder 20 Bulk feeder 20 is set in component mounting machine 10 and functions as part of the component supply device. Bulk feeder 20 supplies components stored in a bulk state (irregularly positioned components) that is not aligned like a carrier tape. Therefore, unlike tape feeders, bulk feeder 20 does not use carrier tape, which has the advantage of eliminating the need to load carrier tape and collect used tape.

[0027] Some bulk feeders 20 supply components in irregular positions to the planar supply area As. However, if the components are so close together in the supply area As that they touch each other, or if they are piled up (overlapping vertically), or if the components are positioned horizontally so that their widths are vertical, the component mounting machine 10 cannot pick these components. Therefore, to increase the percentage of components that can be picked, some bulk feeders 20 supply components in an aligned state in the supply area As. In this embodiment, a bulk feeder 20 of the aligned type will be described as an example.

[0028] 2-1. Feeder Body 21 and Bracket 22 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bulk feeder 20 includes a feeder body 21. The feeder body 21 is formed in a flat box shape. A connector 211 and two pins 212 are provided at the front of the feeder body 21 (the right end in FIG. 3). When the feeder body 21 is set in the slot 121 of the component supply device 12, it is powered via the connector 211 and is capable of communicating with the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10. The two pins 212 are inserted into guide holes provided in the slot 121 and are used to position the feeder body 21 when it is set in the slot 121.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the bulk feeder 20 includes a bracket 22. The bracket 22 is provided so as to be vibrable relative to the feeder body 21. The bracket 22 is formed in a block shape extending in the front-to-rear direction of the feeder body 21 and supports a track member 421 attached to the upper surface. A predetermined vibration is applied to the bracket 22 by a conveyance vibration device 24, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the track member 421 supported by the bracket 22 is fixed by a locking member (not shown).

[0030] 2 and 3, the bulk feeder 20 includes a transport unit 40. The transport unit 40 is detachably attached to the feeder body 21. The transport unit 40 supports the set component cases 50. The transport unit 40 transports components discharged from the component cases 50 from the receiving area (receiving section 411) to the supply area As.

[0031] After the bulk feeder 20 has been used for a predetermined mounting process, a type of maintenance is performed in which all components inside the feeder are removed in preparation for the next use. The transport unit 40 is designed to be removable from the feeder body 21 as a unit that functions as a component flow path to improve workability, assuming such a removal process. In this embodiment, the transport unit 40 includes a case holder 41, a track unit 42, and a connecting member 43.

[0032] The component case 50 is an external device that stores multiple components in bulk. The component case 50 is set in a detachable (replaceable) manner in the case holder 41 of the transport unit 40 of the bulk feeder 20. The component case 50 has an overall shape that is a flat box, similar to the feeder body 21. The component case 50 is set in the case holder 41 and is ready to discharge components from an outlet 51 formed in the bottom.

[0033] 2-2-1. Case Holder 41 The case holder 41 is provided to the feeder body 21 so as to be vibrable. The case holder 41 is vibrated by the discharge vibrator 25. The case holder 41 supports a component case 50 set therein. The case holder 41 has a receiving portion 411 that receives a component 92 discharged from the component case 50. In this embodiment, the portion of the case holder 41 that receives the component 92 has an inclined surface that is inclined forward with respect to the horizontal plane. The case holder 41 has a flow path for the component 92 that extends upward from the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0034] 2-2-2. Track Unit 42 The track unit 42 includes a track member 421 that is detachably attached to the feeder body 21. The track member 421 is attached to the feeder body 21 via the bracket 22. This allows the track member 421 to be vibrated by the conveyance vibration device 24 via the bracket 22. The track member 421 defines a conveyance path R along which multiple components 92 are conveyed, and a supply area As that is connected to the conveyance path R and opens upward so that multiple components 92 can be picked up. Here, the "supply area As" refers to an area where components 92 are supplied in bulk and where the components 92 can be picked up by the component mounting machine 10. The "conveyance path R" refers to the path along which components 92 circulated on the track member 421 from the case holder 41 side are conveyed to the supply area As.

[0035] The track member 421 is formed so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in FIG. 3 ) of the feeder body 21 as a whole. In this embodiment, an alignment member (not shown) is replaceably attached to the track member 421. This alignment member is, for example, one or more plate-shaped members. In this manner, the track unit 42 is unitized by attaching one of a plurality of types of alignment members selected from a plurality of types corresponding to the shapes of a plurality of types of parts 92 to the common track member 421.

[0036] The alignment member defines a plurality of cavities arranged in a predetermined pattern (e.g., a staggered pattern), each of which has a rectangular shape slightly larger than the outer shape of the components 92 supplied by the bulk feeder 20. Thus, the bulk feeder 20 has a plurality of cavities that accommodate the components 92 in a supply area As that supplies the components 92 so that the thickness direction of the components 92 is vertical.

[0037] The track unit 42 has a shutter 422 provided on the front end side of the track member 421. The shutter 422 is provided on the track member 421 so as to be able to open and close, and in the closed state closes the opening of the supply area As. When the track unit 42 is attached to the feeder body 21, the shutter 422 is connected to a shutter drive device (not shown). The opening and closing operation of the shutter 422 is controlled by the shutter drive device. By opening and closing the shutter 422, the bulk feeder 20 can prevent components 92 from jumping out and foreign objects from entering the supply area As.

[0038] 2-2-3. Connecting Member 43 The connecting member 43 connects the case holder 41 and the track unit 42 so that the multiple parts 92 can flow between them. The connecting member 43 is tubular, allowing the multiple parts 92 to flow through it. The connecting member 43 is flexible and deforms in response to the vibrations of the case holder 41 and the track unit 42, thereby absorbing the respective vibrations. In this way, the connecting member 43 reduces or blocks vibrations transmitted between the case holder 41 and the track unit 42, which vibrate independently of each other.

[0039] 2-3. Air Supply Device 23 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with an air supply device 23 that supplies positive pressure air to the transport unit 40. When the transport unit 40 is attached to the feeder body 21, the air supply device 23 supplies positive pressure air to the transport unit 40, and the plurality of components 92 are circulated from the case holder 41 to the track unit 42 via the connecting member 43. In this embodiment, the air supply device 23 supplies positive pressure air supplied from the outside from below the case holder 41 based on commands from the feeder control device 26, which will be described later.

[0040] 2-4. Conveyance Vibration Device 24 The bulk feeder 20 includes a conveyance vibration device 24 provided in the feeder body 21. The conveyance vibration device 24 applies vibration to the track member 421 so that components 92 on the conveyance path R are conveyed, and so that multiple components 92 are conveyed between the conveyance path R communicating with the supply area As and the supply area As. The conveyance vibration device 24 includes, for example, multiple piezoelectric elements. The multiple piezoelectric elements are affixed to a support member that connects the feeder body 21 and the bracket 22. Each of the multiple piezoelectric elements is a vibrator that vibrates at a frequency corresponding to the power supplied from the power supply device.

[0041] When the conveying vibration device 24 applies vibration to the track member 421, the track member 421 moves in an elliptical motion when viewed from the side. As a result, the multiple parts 92 on the conveying path R are subjected to a forward and upward external force or a backward and upward external force depending on the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 421. As a result, the multiple parts 92 are conveyed to the front or rear of the track member 421.

[0042] Furthermore, the power supply device of the conveying vibration device 24 varies the frequency of the power supplied to the piezoelectric element and the applied voltage based on commands from the feeder control device 26. This adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the vibration imparted to the track member 421 and determines the rotation direction of the elliptical motion of the track member 421. When the frequency and amplitude of the vibration of the track member 421 and the rotation direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibration vary, the conveying speed of the conveyed parts 92, the degree of dispersion of the parts 92, the conveying direction, and the like vary.

[0043] In order to improve the conveying efficiency, parameters related to the power supply (frequency, applied voltage) corresponding to the vibration characteristics (including the resonance frequency) that vary among individual units are set in advance for the conveying vibration device 24. For example, the bulk feeder 20 is subjected to a calibration process in a state in which the track member 421 to be used in the planned supply operation is attached, and the calibration values ​​for the supply process of the parts 92 are acquired as the above parameters.

[0044] 2-5. Discharge Vibration Device 25 The bulk feeder 20 includes a discharge vibration device 25 provided in the feeder body 21. The discharge vibration device 25 applies vibration to the component case 50 so that the components 92 are discharged from the discharge port 51 provided at the bottom of the component case 50. In this embodiment, the discharge vibration device 25 has a solenoid that is excited by power supply. The solenoid is excited only while power is supplied, generating a magnetic field.

[0045] The solenoid of the ejection vibration device 25 is disposed opposite the vibrated part that vibrates integrally with the case holder 41, and attracts the vibrated part by the magnetic force it generates. In this configuration, by supplying pulsed power to the solenoid, the ejection vibration device 25 applies vibration to the case holder 41 and the part case 50 set in the case holder 41, thereby ejecting the part 92 from the ejection port 51.

[0046] 2-6. Feeder Control Device 26 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with a feeder control device 26. The feeder control device 26 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. When the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot 121 of the component mounting machine 10, the feeder control device 26 is supplied with power via the connector 211 and is able to communicate with the control device 16 of the component mounting machine 10.

[0047] The feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the air supply device 23, the conveying vibration device 24, the discharge vibration device 25, etc. The feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the conveying vibration device 24 based on, for example, preset conveying parameters to execute the supply process of the parts 92. The above-mentioned "conveying parameters" are parameters for controlling the operation of the conveying vibration device 24 so that the vibrations applied to the track unit 42 are appropriate when conveying the parts 92 in the supply process, and are set in advance in association with, for example, each type of part 92.

[0048] The feeder control device 26 stores various data such as programs and parameters used to control the discharge and supply processes of the components 92. The feeder control device 26 also controls the operation of the shutter drive device and switches the shutter 422 to a predetermined state.

[0049] 2-7. Locking Device 60 The bulk feeder 20 is equipped with a locking device 60. When the bulk feeder 20 is set on the feeder setting table 125 of the component mounting machine 10, the locking device 60 locks the bulk feeder 20. More specifically, the locking device 60 operates when the feeder body 21 of the bulk feeder 20 is guided by the rails 126 of the slot 121 and moved to the setting position, and restricts movement of the bulk feeder 20 in the removal direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the locking device 60 has a locking member 61. The locking member 61 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction (vertical direction in Figure 3) relative to the feeder body 21. The locking member 61 is formed so as to protrude downward from the underside of the feeder body 21 in the locked state. The locking member 61 restricts movement of the bulk feeder 20 by engaging with a locking groove 127 formed in the feeder set table 125. In addition, the locking member 61 is recessed inside the feeder body 21 in the unlocked state, allowing movement of the bulk feeder 20.

[0051] The locking device 60 operates the locking member 61 in conjunction with the operation of an operating unit (not shown) that receives operation by an operator to release the locking device. The operating unit is, for example, an operating lever provided at the top of the rear end side (left side in FIG. 3 ) of the feeder body 21. The locking device 60 connects the operating unit to the locking member 61 via a wire 62. In the initial state where the operating unit is not operated, the locking device 60 biases the locking member 61 with a spring 63 so that the locking member 61 protrudes from the bottom surface of the feeder body 21. Furthermore, the locking device 60 operates the locking member 61 in conjunction with the operation of the operating unit so that it is released when the amount of operation of the operating unit exceeds a specified value.

[0052] 2-8. Vibration Isolation Device 70 Vibration isolation device 70 attenuates vibrations generated by the operation of the vibration excitation devices (conveyance vibration excitation device 24, discharge vibration excitation device 25) between bulk feeder 20 and other devices set in component mounting machine 10. Vibration isolation device 70 is provided on feeder body 21. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , vibration isolation device 70 is provided so as to protrude downward from the underside of feeder body 21, and supports feeder body 21 by contacting rail 126. Vibration isolation device 70 contacts rail 126, which is the member with which it comes into contact, more specifically, the bottom surface of the rectangular concave groove in rail 126.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the bulk feeder 20 is guided by the rails 126 and set on the feeder set table 125, the vibration isolation device 70 comes into contact with the rails 126, and the feeder body 21 comes out of contact with the rails 126. Note that the connector 211 and the two pins 212 are joined to or inserted into the mating member of the feeder set table 125 in the sliding direction (Y direction), and make almost no contribution to supporting the mass of the feeder body 21 in the set state. Details of the vibration isolation device 70 will be described later.

[0054] 3. Component Supply Processing by Bulk Feeder 20 The component supply processing by the bulk feeder 20 configured as described above will now be described. First, the feeder control device 26 performs an operation to discharge components 92 from the component case 50 based on, for example, an external supply command. This discharge operation may be performed after a supply command is input, or may be performed after the previous supply processing has been performed in preparation for the next supply processing.

[0055] The feeder control device 26 controls the operation of the discharge vibration device 25 to impart vibrations to the case holder 41 to which the component case 50 is attached. When the component case 50 vibrates at a predetermined frequency, the component 92 is discharged from the discharge port 51. The discharged component 92 falls onto the inclined portion of the case holder 41 located below the discharge port 51 and slides forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion. As a result, the component 92 is retained in the receiving portion 411 in front of the inclined portion.

[0056] In this state, the feeder control device 26 commands the air supply device 23 to supply positive pressure air. The positive pressure air supplied by the air supply device 23 blows up the stagnant components 92 and flows through the flow path formed in the case holder 41 together with the components 92. As a result, the positive pressure air and the components 92 flow from the case holder 41 through the connecting member 43 to the track unit 42 and reach the conveying path R of the track unit 42. Here, the positive pressure air is exhausted to the outside from an exhaust port formed in the cover of the track unit 42.

[0057] Thereafter, when the conveying vibration device 24 applies vibration to the track member 421, the multiple components 92 are conveyed toward the supply area As. Furthermore, the track member 421 is applied with vibrations that move the components 92 forward or backward, depending on factors such as the amount of components 92 being supplied in the supply area As. Some of the multiple components 92 conveyed to the supply area As are accommodated in the cavities. Components 92 that are not accommodated in the cavities are retracted toward the conveying path R by the vibrations applied by the conveying vibration device 24, and are removed from the supply area As. Through this component supply process, the components 92 accommodated in the multiple cavities are supplied in a state in which they can be picked up by the component mounting machine 10.

[0058] 4. Details of the Vibration Isolation Device 70 4-1. Overview of the Vibration Isolation Device 70 The bulk feeder 20 configured as described above is equipped with two types of vibration excitation devices that impart vibrations to its components. Specifically, the bulk feeder 20 is equipped with a transport vibration excitation device 24 that imparts vibrations to the track member 421, which is a component, and a discharge vibration excitation device 25 that imparts vibrations to the case holder 41, which is also a component. Here, it is expected that vibrations generated when the bulk feeder 20 performs the supply operation or discharge operation of components 92 will propagate to other devices set in the component mounting machine 10.

[0059] The "other equipment" mentioned above includes, for example, other feeders 122 (including tape feeders and bulk feeders 20) set on the feeder set table 125. If vibrations propagate to other equipment, the operation and status of the other equipment may be affected. For example, if vibrations propagate from outside to another bulk feeder 20, the supply operation of components 92 being performed at the same time may be affected, and the position and angle of the components 92 being supplied may change. There is also concern that similar effects may occur if vibrations generated outside the bulk feeder 20 propagate.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration including a vibration isolation device 70 is adopted to prevent vibrations generated in the bulk feeder 20 from affecting other equipment. The vibration isolation device 70 attenuates vibrations generated by the operation of the vibration devices (transport vibration device 24, discharge vibration device 25) that make up the bulk feeder 20 between the bulk feeder 20 and other equipment set in the component mounting machine 10. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the vibration isolation device 70 is provided in the bulk feeder 20.

[0061] 4-2. Detailed configuration of vibration isolation device 70 Vibration isolation device 70 is provided on feeder body 21. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, vibration isolation device 70 is provided so as to protrude downward from the underside of feeder body 21, and supports feeder body 21 by contacting rail 126. Vibration isolation device 70 contacts rail 126, which is the member with which it comes into contact, more specifically, the bottom surface of the rectangular concave groove in rail 126.

[0062] The main body 71 of the vibration isolator 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fixed to the feeder main body 21 via a mounting seat 72. The mounting seat 72 is detachably attached to the underside of the feeder main body 21 using a predetermined fixing method such as a screw method. A contact portion 73 that protrudes downward is provided at the lower end of the main body 71. In this embodiment, the contact portion 73 comes into contact with the rail 126 when the bulk feeder 20 is set in the slot 121. The tip of the contact portion 73 has a spherical outer surface 731.

[0063] Here, the vibration-damping device 70 may include a damping mechanism, such as a damper, inside the main body 71 to damp vibrations. In this embodiment, the contact portion 73 is formed from an elastic material. This allows the vibration-damping device 70 to damp the propagating vibrations. Various materials can be used as the elastic member. For example, the contact portion 73 is formed from rubber or silicone.

[0064] The international rubber hardness of the contact portion 73 is set to 70 IRHD or more and 90 IRHD or less. The optimal value of the international rubber hardness of the contact portion 73 can vary depending on the mass of the bulk feeder 20, the position of the center of gravity, the position of the vibration isolator 70, the characteristics of the vibrations being propagated, and the like. In the configuration of this embodiment, favorable damping characteristics were obtained when the international rubber hardness was set to 80 IRHD or more, so the international rubber hardness of the contact portion 73 is set to 80 IRHD. The above international rubber hardness is measured in accordance with JIS K6253.

[0065] As described above, contact portion 73 is formed from an elastic material and has a spherical outer surface 731. When contact portion 73 contacts the groove bottom surface of rail 126 and vibration isolator 70 supports the mass of feeder body 21, contact portion 73 elastically deforms so as to be compressed in the vertical direction. At this time, it has been demonstrated that a smaller contact area between vibration isolator 70 and the target member (rail 126) when supporting feeder body 21 improves vibration damping performance under specified conditions.

[0066] Although the contact area may vary depending on the remaining amount of loaded components 92 and the mass including external devices such as component case 50, in this embodiment, the contact area of ​​contact portion 73 (area of ​​the circular contact region) is less than half the area of ​​an imaginary circle Vc whose diameter is the width D1 (see FIG. 6) of a pair of adjacent rails 126. Note that, in order to improve damping performance, it is also conceivable to reduce the diameter of spherical outer surface 731 to further reduce the contact area of ​​contact portion 73, and to set the international rubber hardness high to further suppress elastic deformation.

[0067] Furthermore, it is known that the position Tp at which the vibration isolation device 70 contacts the rail 126 as the target member affects the vibration isolation performance shown by experiments on the degree of vibration actually transmitted to other equipment. It is presumed that the above vibration isolation performance is correlated with not only the damping performance of the vibration isolation device 70 but also the state of vibration generation in the bulk feeder 20 and the structure of the vibration path to other equipment. In the configuration exemplified in this embodiment, when the set side of the bulk feeder 20 is the front side of the rail 126 in the sliding direction (Y direction), the further rearward in the sliding direction of the rail 126 the vibration isolation performance can be improved.

[0068] Therefore, the position Tp at which the contact portion 73 of the vibration isolation device 70 contacts the rail 126 as the target member is set rearward of the center Cn in the sliding direction of the rail 126, as shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the position Tp at which the contact portion 73 of the vibration isolation device 70 contacts the rail 126 may be set rearward of the lock groove 127 of the rail 126, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

[0069] In this way, setting the position Tp rearward in the sliding direction is thought to lengthen the transmission path of vibration to other equipment, and to obtain a structural damping effect, particularly via the lock groove 127. Furthermore, in the configuration exemplified in this embodiment, the center of gravity of the bulk feeder 20 is located further rearward in the sliding direction than the rear end of the rail 126, and it is thought that the state in which vibration is generated and attempts to propagate from the feeder main body 21 to the outside due to the positional relationship between the vibrator, the center of gravity of the bulk feeder 20, and the contact position Tp contributes to the vibration-damping performance.

[0070] 5. Effects of the Configuration of the Embodiment In the embodiment, an example has been given in which vibration-isolating device 70 is provided on feeder main body 21. In detail, bulk feeder 20 includes feeder main body 21 whose horizontal sliding movement is guided by rails 126 of component mounting machine 10, track member 421 that is vibratably provided on feeder main body 21 and that forms conveyance path R for components 92 discharged from component cases 50, and conveyance vibration exciter 24 that imparts vibration to track member 421. Furthermore, bulk feeder 20 includes vibration-isolating device 70 that is provided on feeder main body 21 and contacts rails 126 to support feeder main body 21 and attenuate vibrations generated by operation of conveyance vibration exciter 24.

[0071] With this configuration, vibrations generated in the bulk feeder 20 are attenuated between the bulk feeder 20 and other equipment, preventing them from propagating to the other equipment. This prevents vibrations generated in the bulk feeder 20 from affecting the other equipment. The vibration isolation device 70 also functions as a support for the feeder body 21. With this configuration, the vibration isolation device 70 can be added to an existing bulk feeder 20, reducing the equipment costs for the facility that produces product substrates.

[0072] 6. Modifications of the Embodiment In the embodiment, one vibration-isolating device 70 is provided for the bulk feeder 20. However, multiple vibration-isolating devices 70 may be provided for the feeder body 21. Furthermore, the vibration-isolating device 70 is provided for the feeder body 21, which is one of the feeder body 21 and the rail 126, and supports the feeder body 21 by contacting the rail 126, which is the other of the feeder body 21 and the rail 126, which is the target member. However, the vibration-isolating device 70 may also be provided for the rail 126. Specifically, the vibration-isolating device 70 may be provided so as to protrude upward from the groove bottom surface of the rail 126 and may contact the underside of the feeder body 21 (target member) of the set bulk feeder 20, thereby supporting the feeder body 21 from below.

[0073] Furthermore, the vibration isolation device 70 may be built into the feeder set table 125, for example, and configured to attenuate vibrations propagating between two predetermined slots 121. Specifically, the feeder set table 125 may be configured to include a plurality of blocks each having a plurality of slots 121 formed therein, and a damper that connects these blocks and attenuates the propagating vibrations. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent vibrations generated in the bulk feeder 20 from propagating to other equipment.

[0074] In the embodiment, the vibration excitation devices are the conveying vibration excitation device 24 and the discharging vibration excitation device 25. However, if there is a component device that generates vibration in the bulk feeder 20, this component device may be used as the vibration excitation device. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the embodiment. Furthermore, if the bulk feeder 20 uses vibration to convey, discharge, or perform other operations for the parts 92, a configuration in which a vibration isolation device 70 is provided to prevent the intrusion of external vibrations is particularly useful because it can reduce the impact on the various operations described above.

[0075] In the embodiment, the bulk feeder 20 supplies components to be mounted on the board 91 by the component mounting machine 10. In contrast, the components are used in a substrate-related operation machine that performs a predetermined operation on the board 91, such as the component mounting machine 10, and various items can be applied as long as they can be supplied to the supply area As of the bulk feeder 20. For example, the bulk feeder 20 may supply solder balls formed in a spherical shape as an example of components. Even in such an embodiment, the same effects as those of the embodiment can be achieved.

[0076] 10: Component mounting machine, 12: Component supply device, 121: Slot, 122: Feeder, 125: Feeder set table, 126: Rail, 127: Lock groove, 20: Bulk feeder, 21: Feeder body, 24: Conveyance vibration device (vibration device), 25: Discharge vibration device (vibration device), 40: Conveyance unit, 41: Case holder (component), 42: Track unit, 421: Track member (component), 43: Connecting member, 50: Component case, 60: Locking device, 70: Vibration isolation device, 71: Main body, 72: Mounting seat, 73: Contact portion, 731: Spherical outer surface, D1: Width (of a pair of rails), Vc: Virtual circle, Tp: Contact position, Cn: Center (in the sliding direction)

Claims

1. A vibration isolation device applied to a bulk feeder that is set on a component mounting machine and supplies components, the bulk feeder having a vibration excitation device that imparts vibrations to components, the vibration isolation device being provided on the component mounting machine or the bulk feeder and attenuating vibrations generated by the operation of the vibration excitation device between the bulk feeder and other equipment set on the component mounting machine.

2. The vibration isolation device according to claim 1, wherein the component mounting machine is provided with rails that guide the horizontal sliding movement of the feeder body of the bulk feeder, and the vibration isolation device is provided on one of the feeder body and the rail, and supports the feeder body by contacting a target member which is the other of the feeder body and the rail.

3. The vibration isolation device according to claim 2, wherein the contact area of ​​the vibration isolation device with the target material when supporting the feeder body is less than half the area of ​​an imaginary circle whose diameter is the width of a pair of adjacent rails.

4. An anti-vibration device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the tip of the contact portion which comes into contact with the target member has a spherical outer surface.

5. The vibration isolation device according to claim 4, wherein said contact portion is formed of an elastic material.

6. The vibration isolation device according to claim 4, wherein the contact portion is made of rubber or silicon and has an international rubber hardness of 80 IRHD or more.

7. An anti-vibration device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the position at which the anti-vibration device contacts the target member is set rearward of the center of the rail in the sliding direction when the set side of the bulk feeder is the front side of the rail in the sliding direction.

8. An anti-vibration device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the rail is formed with a locking groove that is concave downward, the bulk feeder is provided with a locking device that restricts sliding movement by engaging a locking member in the locking groove when the bulk feeder is set, and the position at which the anti-vibration device contacts the target member is set rearward of the locking groove of the rail when the set side of the bulk feeder is considered to be the front side in the sliding direction of the rail.

9. The vibration isolation device according to claim 2 or 3, which is provided on the feeder body and supports the feeder body by contacting the rail, which is the target member.

10. The vibration isolation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bulk feeder includes a track member as a component member forming a transport path for the parts discharged from a parts case, and transports the parts on the transport path by applying vibration to the track member by the vibration excitation device.

11. A bulk feeder comprising: a feeder body whose horizontal sliding movement is guided by a rail of a component mounting machine; a track member which is vibratably mounted on the feeder body and forms a transport path for components discharged from a component case; a vibration device which imparts vibration to the track member; and a vibration isolation device which is mounted on the feeder body and supports the feeder body by contacting the rail, and which dampens vibrations generated by the operation of the vibration device.

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