Method and apparatus for checking possibility of inserting component

Abstract

A method for checking a possibility of inserting a component, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: recognizing, by a first camera, the positions, sizes, and shapes of pin insertion portions of a PCB; storing the positions, sizes, and shapes of the pin insertion portions as data; checking, by a second camera, the positions of pins of a component to be inserted; adjusting the position of the component to be inserted so as to match the positions of the pins of the component to be inserted with the positions of the pin insertion portions, by using position data of the pin insertion portions; fixing the positions of the PCB and the pin insertion portions, recognizing the sizes and shapes of the pins of the component to be inserted, and storing same as data; and determining whether or not the pins of the component to be inserted can be inserted into the pin insertion portions, by matching the sizes and shapes of the pins of the component to be inserted with the pin insertion portions.

Description

Method and device for checking the possibility of inserting a part

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and device for confirming the possibility of inserting a component.

[0002] A chip mounter is a device that picks up components with a head and places them on a PCB. Components must be placed on the PCB at a precise position and angle, but the position and angle of the component can change each time the head picks it up.

[0003] Therefore, before mounting a component on a PCB, the component must be captured with a camera, and the image information obtained from the captured image must be used to accurately mount the component on the PCB. While it's possible to detect the component's position and angle each time the head picks it up without prior knowledge of the component's position and angle, this method is limited to specific shapes, such as a rectangular outer shape, and recognizing the component's position and angle can be time-consuming.

[0004] Therefore, in the SMT (Surface Mount Technology) process, it is common to register the component mounting angle and position information in advance using image information acquired through camera shooting, and to utilize the image information whenever the component mounting position and angle are aligned.

[0005] However, compared to components placed on a PCB, components that include pins that must be inserted into holes in the PCB generally have pins that are not easily visible in the optical system. Therefore, when mounting the pins, a laser light is used to illuminate the pins, and before mounting the pin components, the height, thickness, nozzle dimensions, etc. of the recognized components are specifically entered by the worker through a camera shot of the pin components to secure data before mounting the components on the PCB.

[0006] Additionally, if the pin component cannot be fully captured in a single shot within the camera's field of view (FOV), a segmented recognition image must be acquired to register the component's location and size information. However, the distortion of the image that occurs during the segmented recognition process of the component image makes it difficult to accurately identify the pin's location, and the difficulty of component recognition also increases. For this reason, in the case of pin components, a chip mounter is generally not used, but rather a process in which the worker manually inserts the pin component into the PCB.

[0007] And, since there may be bent pins among the pins of the insert parts, there is a risk of mass production of defective products if the insert parts containing bent pins are mounted on the PCB as is.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the main task is to provide a method and device for checking the possibility of inserting a component, which determines in advance whether an insert component can be inserted into a PCB before inserting the insert component into a PCB, taking into account deformation of a pin of the insert component.

[0009] However, these tasks are exemplary, and the tasks to be solved by the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0010] A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: recognizing the position, size, and shape of pin insertion portions of a PCB by a first camera; storing the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion portions as data; confirming the position of pins of an insertion portion by a second camera; adjusting the position of the insertion portion so that the positions of the pins of the insertion portion match the positions of the pin insertion portions using the position data of the pin insertion portions; fixing the positions of the PCB and the pin insertion portions, recognizing the size and shape of the pins of the insertion portion, and storing the recognition as data; and determining whether the pins of the insertion portion can be inserted into the pin insertion portions by corresponding the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion portions and the pins of the insertion portion.

[0011] The step of determining whether the pins of the insertion component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions by corresponding the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion portions and the pins of the insertion component may include a step of determining that the pin cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portions when a distance (G) between a first concentric circle formed by a point furthest from the center point of the pin insertion portion recognition portion on the outer line of the pin recognition portion and a second concentric circle formed by a point closest to the center point on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion is less than a preset value.

[0012] Before the step of the first camera recognizing the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion portions, the step may further include a step of the first camera being positioned at an upper side of the PCB, toward the PCB, and corresponding to the central portion of the pin insertion portions.

[0013] The second camera may further include a step of moving the insertion part picked up by the head to the upper central portion of the second camera before checking the position of the pins of the insertion part.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component includes: a step of recognizing the position, size, and shape of pins of an insertion component by a second camera; a step of storing the position, size, and shape of the pins of the insertion component as data; a step of placing a first camera at a position corresponding to the center of pin insertion portions from an upper side of a PCB, toward the PCB; a step of confirming the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion portions of the PCB by the first camera; a step of adjusting the position of the insertion portion so that the position of the pins of the insertion portion matches the position of the pin insertion portion; a step of fixing the position of the pin insertion portions, recognizing the size and shape of the pins of the insertion portion, and storing the recognition as data; and a step of corresponding the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion portions and the pins of the insertion portion to determine whether the pins of the insertion portion can be inserted into the pin insertion portions.

[0015] The step of determining whether the pins of the insertion component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions by corresponding the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion portions and the pins of the insertion component may include a step of determining that the pin cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portions when a distance (G) between a first concentric circle formed by a point furthest from the center point of the pin insertion portion recognition portion on the outer line of the pin recognition portion and a second concentric circle formed by a point closest to the center point on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion is less than a preset value.

[0016] Before the step of the second camera recognizing the position, size and shape of the pins of the insertion part, the step may further include a step of moving the insertion part picked up by the head to the upper central portion of the second camera.

[0017] The method may further include a step in which, before the first camera confirms the position, size and shape of the pin insertion portion of the PCB, the first camera is positioned on the upper side of the PCB, toward the PCB, at a position corresponding to the center of the pin insertion portions.

[0018] A device for checking the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first camera for generating image data including the position, size, and shape of pin insertion portions of a PCB; a second camera for generating image data including the position, size, and shape of pins of an insertion component; and a control unit for moving the position of the insertion component so that the pins of the insertion component and the pin insertion portion of the PCB are matched, and determining whether the pins of the insertion component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions.

[0019] The above control unit may include a data storage unit that stores the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion parts as image data.

[0020] The control unit may include a position alignment unit that moves and aligns the position of the insertion component so that the pins of the insertion component and the pin insertion portion of the PCB are matched.

[0021] The above control unit may include an insertion part size and shape recognition unit that recognizes the size and shape of the pins of the insertion part.

[0022] The above control unit may include a component insertion allowance range setting unit that determines whether the pins of the insertion component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions.

[0023] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims and drawings for carrying out the invention.

[0024] A method and device for checking component insertability according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine, prior to insertion, whether the pins of an insertable component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions by matching the positions, sizes, and shapes of the pin insertion portions with the pins of the insertable component. This allows the insertable component to be mounted on a PCB only when its pins can be inserted into the pin insertion portions, thereby reducing the defect rate of the product. In addition, insertable insertable components can be automatically mounted on the PCB by a mounter rather than manually, thereby improving the productivity of the PCB.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0026] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a mounter device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an insertion joint structure of an insertion component and a PCB according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is an exemplary drawing showing a case where a part of the pin of the insertion part is bent.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a device for checking the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the control unit of Fig. 4.

[0031] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a first camera photographing a PCB to obtain image data on the position, size, and shape of pin inserts.

[0033] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a second camera photographing an inserted part to obtain image data on the position, size, and shape of the pins.

[0034] Fig. 9(a) is a drawing showing the outer recognition part of the pin insertion part of the PCB. Fig. 9(b) is a drawing showing the recognition part of the pin insertion part of the PCB.

[0035] Fig. 10(a) is a drawing showing the appearance of matching the positions of pins of an insertion component based on the image data of the pin insertion recognition portion of Fig. 9(b). Fig. 10(b) is a drawing showing the appearance of the pin recognition portion of the insertion component being created.

[0036] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a process for checking the gap between a pin recognition unit and a pin insertion recognition unit.

[0037] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, identical components are identified by the same reference numerals even when illustrated in different embodiments.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0040] In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0041] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0043] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0044] In some embodiments, where implementations are otherwise feasible, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the described order.

[0045] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a mounter, an insertion component mounted through the mounter, and a device for checking the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0047] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a mounter device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an insertion-joint structure of an insertion component and a PCB according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a case where a portion of the pin of the insertion component is bent. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a device for checking the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the mounter (100) for mounting an insert component (20) on a substrate and the first and second cameras (250, 260) for confirming the mounting position of the insert component (20) mounted on the mounter (100) are included.

[0049] In order to mount a component on a PCB (10), at least one mounter (100) may be placed. A mounting process of an insert component (20) on the PCB (10) may be performed on each of at least one mounter (100).

[0050] At least one mounter (100) can assign mounting to some of the components to be mounted on the PCB (10). That is, all components can be mounted on the PCB (10) with at least one mounter. When the components to be mounted are assigned to each mounter, information on the order in which the components are to be mounted, i.e., step information, can also be transmitted to the mounter (100). At this time, information on the component assignment and mounting order for the mounter (100) is defined as job information, and the job information can be input to the control unit (240).

[0051] Each mounter (100) may include a substrate moving unit (160) on which a PCB (10) is mounted and moved, a feeder (not shown) for preparing insert components (20), a gantry (120) for mounting components, and a driving unit (110) connected to a control unit (240) and controlling the gantry (120). The gantry (120) may move the head (130), the nozzle (140), and the insert components (20) through the driving unit (110).

[0052] The gantry (120) can be moved from the upper side relative to the mounting position to mount the insertion part (20). The gantry (120) can be equipped with multiple heads (130) to simultaneously mount multiple parts in a single operation. Each head (130) can be equipped with a nozzle (140) according to the size of the part, etc. to adsorb the part.

[0053] The difference (error) between the intended mounting position of a component on the PCB (10) and the actual mounting position of the component may be affected by the position and angle at which the component is mounted, the state of the nozzle (140), etc., as a result of the control of the gantry (120) or the head (130). The above configurations are all components that constitute the mounter (100), and may be components corresponding to the movable part of the mounter (100).

[0054] The head (130) may be a component for performing a pick-and-place operation on a target placed on a PCB (10). For example, the head (130) may include a suction-type head, a finger-driven head, a magnetic head, or a custom head. For example, in some cases, the mounter (100) may include multiple arms or multiple heads (130). In the following description of the present invention, the head (130) is described as a suction-type head, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] The driving unit (110) may be a component for moving the head (130). The driving unit (110) may drive the head (130) in vertical and horizontal axes. However, the shaft operation of the driving unit (110) may have a certain degree of error when driven for a long period of time. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the manufacturing process while compensating for such errors in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

[0056] The control unit (240) may be a component for controlling other components of the mounter (100), generating and transmitting control commands, and receiving and storing data generated from other components. For example, the control unit (240) may be a user terminal, a computing device, a server, etc. For example, the control unit (240) may obtain center point information of the head (130) and center point information of the target based on image data generated from the first and second cameras (250, 260). The control unit (240) may correct the position of the head (130) based on the above-described center point information.

[0057] The first and second cameras (250, 260) may be components that include optical sensors and capture images of an object to generate optical images. According to the present embodiment, the first camera (250) may acquire and generate image data including the positions, sizes, and shapes of the pin insertion portions (11) of the PCB (10). In addition, the second camera (260) may acquire and generate image data including the positions, sizes, and shapes of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20).

[0058] The control unit (240) can control the head (130) and the first and second cameras (250, 260) by controlling the driving unit (110). The driving unit (110) can control the positions of the first and second cameras (250, 260) so that the first and second cameras (250, 260) can precisely acquire image data including the positions, sizes, and shapes of the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) and the pins (21) of the insertion component (20), respectively.

[0059] The control unit (240) can move the position of the insertion component (20) so that the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) and the pin insertion portions (11) of the PCB (10) are matched, and can determine whether the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion portions (11). The control unit (240) can move the position of the insertion component (20) through the driving unit (110).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, a device (200) for checking the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a memory (210), a processor (220), a communication unit (230), the aforementioned control unit (240), a first camera (250), and a second camera (260).

[0061] The control unit (240) may include a memory (210), a processor (220), and a communication unit (230). In this specification, operations, commands, controls, etc. performed by the control unit (240) are performed by the processor (220) that performs commands stored in the memory (210) described later, and data or information generated by the processor (220) may be understood to be transmitted to an external device by the communication unit (230).

[0062] The memory (210) stores data that supports various functions of the control unit (240). The memory (210) can store a plurality of application programs (or applications) driven by the control unit (240), data for the operation of the control unit (240), and commands. The application programs are stored in the memory (210), installed in the control unit (240), and driven by the processor (220) to perform the operation (or function) of the control unit (240).

[0063] The processor (220) can control other components by executing instructions stored in the memory (210). The processor (220) can execute instructions stored in the memory (210). The processor (220) is a component that can perform operations and control other devices. It can mainly refer to a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.

[0064] The communication unit (230) can perform wired communication functions with other components, or wireless communication via an antenna. Wireless communication may refer to communication using existing communication facilities installed by communication companies and a wireless communication network that uses the frequency of the communication facilities. Alternatively, wireless communication may refer to short-range communication such as Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Beacon, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), NFC (Near Field Communication), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, etc.

[0065] According to the present embodiment, the insert component (20) may be a component including pins (21). At this time, the insert component (20) may be mounted by having a plurality of pins (21) of the insert component (20) inserted into a plurality of holes of the PCB (10), i.e., pin insertion portions (11).

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insert components (20) may have a bent pin (21') among the pins (21). In this case, if the degree of bending of the bent pin (21') is minimal and can be sufficiently inserted into the pin insertion portion (11), even the bent pin (21') can be inserted into the pin insertion portion (11). However, if the degree of bending of the bent pin (21') is severe as illustrated in FIG. 3, it is difficult to insert the pin into the pin insertion portion (11), and when the insert component (20) is mounted on the PCB (10), the PCB (10) may be judged as defective.

[0067] At this time, when the bent pin (21') is inserted into the pin insertion portion (11), the degree of bending of the bent pin (21') to allow insertion can be determined according to the free space of the hole of the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10). At this time, the insertion cross-sectional shape of the pin (21) of the inserted insert component (20) and the size of the insertion hole of the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) must be considered, and it takes considerable effort to manually determine whether the pin (21) can be inserted into the pin insertion portion (11).

[0068] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the control unit (240) moves the position of the insertion component (20) so that the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) and the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) are matched, and determines whether the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion portions (11).

[0069] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the control unit of Fig. 4.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, the data storage unit (241) can store the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion portions (11) as image data. The image data can be acquired and generated through the first camera (250) of FIG. 7. The first camera (250) is positioned on the upper side of the PCB (10) at a position corresponding to the central portion (C1) of the PCB (10) to capture the pin insertion portions (11) of the PCB (10). In this case, if it is difficult to capture all the pin insertion portions (11) with one first camera (250), two or more first cameras (250) are disposed, and images taken by the two or more first cameras (250) can be merged to capture image data of the pin insertion portions (11) disposed throughout the PCB (10). The first camera (250) can transmit the acquired image data to the control unit (240).

[0071] The position alignment unit (242) can move and align the position of the insertion component (20) so that the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) and the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) are matched. The position alignment unit (242) can place the insertion component (20) at a position corresponding to the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) based on image data captured by the first camera (250). At this time, the position alignment unit (242) can move the insertion component (20) so that the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) are placed at a position corresponding to the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) by driving the driving unit (110) through the head (130).

[0072] The insertion part size and shape recognition unit (243) can recognize the size and shape of the pins (21) of the insertion part (20). The size and shape of the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) can be recognized as image data. The image data can be acquired and generated through the second camera (260) of FIG. 8. The second camera (260) is arranged at a position corresponding to the central portion (C2) of the insertion part (20) on the lower side of the insertion part (20), so as to photograph the pins (21) of the insertion part (20). In this case, when it is difficult to photograph all the pins (21) with one second camera (260), two or more second cameras (260) are arranged, and images taken by the two or more second cameras (260) are merged to acquire image data of the pins (21) arranged throughout the insertion part (20). The second camera (260) can transmit the acquired image data to the control unit (240).

[0073] The component insertion allowance range setting unit (244) can determine whether the pins of the insertion component can be inserted into the pin insertion units.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 9(a), the first camera (250) can specifically recognize a ring-shaped pin insertion part outer printed portion (11a) forming the outer perimeter of a circular pin insertion part (11) of a PCB (10). The pin insertion part outer printed portion (11a) forms the outer perimeter of the pin insertion part (11) and may be an area where lead for bonding components is printed.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 9(b), the first camera (250) can recognize the pin insertion part outer printing part (11a) of the ring shape, and then recognize the pin insertion part recognition part (11b), which is the inner circumference of the pin insertion part outer printing part (11a) adjacent to the pin insertion part (11), among the pin insertion part outer printing parts (11a). When the first camera (250) recognizes the pin insertion part recognition part (11b), the control part (240) can determine the inner space of the pin insertion part recognition part (11b) as the pin insertion part (11).

[0076] Referring to Fig. 10(a), the second camera (260) can photograph the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) while the positions of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) are positioned to match the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10) through the position alignment portion (242).

[0077] At this time, the second camera (260) recognizes the positions of the pins (21) based on the pin insertion part recognition part (11b) recognized through the first camera (250), and can adjust the position of the insertion part (20) so that the positions of the pins (21) match the positions of the pin insertion part recognition part (11b) as much as possible.

[0078] However, referring to part A of Fig. 10(a), if one of the pins is bent, it may not be located in the middle of the bent pin (21') and the pin insertion portion recognition portion (11b').

[0079] In this case, the control unit (240) determines the relative position information of the bent pin (21') recognized through the second camera (260) and the pin insertion part recognition unit (11b'),

[0080] Referring to Fig. 10(b), the second camera (260) can recognize the pin recognition portion (21a), which is the inner periphery of the outer line of the pin (21). When the second camera (260) recognizes the pin recognition portion (21a), the control unit (240) can determine the outer periphery of the pin recognition portion (21a) as the outer line of the pin (21).

[0081] Referring to part A of Fig. 10(b), if one of the pins is bent, the pin recognition unit (21a') that recognizes the bent pin (21') may not be located in the center of the pin insertion unit recognition unit (11b'). In this case, the control unit (240) can determine the relative position information between the bent pin (21') recognized through the second camera (260) and the pin recognition unit (21a'), and determine whether the bent pin (21') can be inserted into the pin insertion unit (11).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 11, the component insertion allowance range setting unit (244) can determine whether the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion portions (11) by matching the sizes and shapes of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) with the pin insertion portions (11).

[0083] For example, in this drawing, the pin (21) is depicted as having a square shape, but the shape of the pin (21) is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that it may be formed into various and irregular shapes. However, the shape of the pin must be a shape that can be recognized by a camera.

[0084] According to the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, when the distance (G) between the first concentric circle (Ci1) formed by the point furthest from the center point (C3) of the pin insertion portion recognition portion (11b) on the outer line of the pin recognition portion (21a) and the second concentric circle (Ci2) formed by the point closest to the center point (C3) on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion (11b) is less than a preset value, it can be determined that the pin (21) cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portion (11). Here, the center of the first concentric circle (Ci1) and the second concentric circle (Ci1) may be the center point (C3).

[0085] At this time, the preset value may be a value that comprehensively considers the size of the pin insertion portion (11), the size and shape of the cross-section of the pin (21), and the assembly tolerance between the pin (21) and the pin insertion portion (11).

[0086] According to the present embodiment, by making the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion portions (11) and the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) correspond, it is possible to automatically determine through a camera and a control unit whether the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion portions (11), thereby preventing in advance the possibility of the pins (21) being judged as defective when inserted into the pin insertion portion (11). In addition, by early detection of defects in the insertion component, such as bent pins, before the insertion component is mounted on the PCB, the productivity of the PCB can be improved and the average production quality of the PCB can be enhanced.

[0087] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first camera photographing a PCB to obtain image data on the position, size, and shape of pin insertion portions. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second camera photographing an inserted component to obtain image data on the position, size, and shape of pins. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating a pin insertion portion outer recognition portion of a PCB. FIG. 9(b) is a diagram illustrating a pin insertion portion recognition portion of a PCB. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram illustrating a process of matching the positions of pins of an inserted component based on the image data of the pin insertion portion recognition portion of FIG. 9(b). FIG. 10(b) is a diagram illustrating a process of generating a pin recognition portion of an inserted component. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of checking the gap between the pin recognition portion and the pin insertion portion recognition portion.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S110) in which a first camera (250) recognizes the position, size, and shape of pin insertion portions (11) of a PCB (10), a step (S120) in which the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion portions (11) are stored as data, a step (S130) in which a second camera (260) confirms the position of the pins (21) of the insertion portion (20), a step (S140) in which the position of the insertion portion (20) is adjusted so that the position of the pins (21) of the insertion portion (20) matches the position of the pin insertion portions (11) using the position data of the pin insertion portions (11), a step (S150) in which the positions of the PCB (10) and the pin insertion portions (11) are fixed, and the size and shape of the pins (21) of the insertion portion (20) are recognized and stored as data, and a step (S160) in which the size and shape of the pin insertion portions (11) and the pins (21) of the insertion portion (20) are stored as data. It may include a step (S160) of determining whether the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion portions (11) by matching the shapes.

[0090] At this time, the step (S160) of determining whether the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion parts (11) by matching the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion parts (11) and the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) is performed by: a first concentric circle (Ci1) formed by the point furthest from the center point (C3) of the pin insertion part recognition part (11b) on the outer line of the pin recognition part (21a);

[0091] A step may be included for determining that the pin (21) cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portion (11) when the distance (G) between the second concentric circle (Ci2) formed by the center point (C3) and the closest point on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion (11b) is less than a preset value.

[0092] In addition, before the step (S110) in which the first camera (250) recognizes the position, size and shape of the pin insertion portions (11), the step may further include a step in which the first camera (250) is positioned at the upper side of the PCB (10), toward the PCB (10), at a position corresponding to the central portion (C1) of the pin insertion portions (11).

[0093] And before the second camera (260) checks the position of the pins (21) of the insertion part (20), a step may be further included in which the insertion part (20) picked up by the head (130) is moved to the upper central part of the second camera (260).

[0094] The first camera (250) can be attached to the head (130). The first camera (250) attached to the head (130) can be moved to the center of the mounting position of the insertion component (20) to be inserted into the PCB (10).

[0095] Next, the entire outer size of the PCB is set as the recognition area, and all insertion holes, i.e. pin insertion portions (11) within it are recognized, so that their positions, sizes, and shapes can be digitized. At this time, since the PCB (10) may have a similar shape even if it is not an insertion hole depending on the specifications, the control unit (240) may further include a step of removing a portion set as the recognition area that is not a pin insertion portion (11).

[0096] After that, the insertion part (20) is picked up by the head (130) and moved over the second camera (260), and the positions of the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) can be found and matched based on the pin insertion part (11) data.

[0097] Next, the position of each pin insertion part (11) data is fixed, and the data can be adjusted according to the size and shape of the pin (21) of the insertion part (20). This is because the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) can be supplied slightly bent, and the position of the pin insertion part (11) of the PCB (10) becomes a more accurate reference.

[0098] Here, among the pins (21), a small number of pins made of dark-colored plastic material that are not easily visible in the optical system can be confirmed through the camera, and the control unit (240) may further include a step of deleting the corresponding data.

[0099] This is because, in the case of pins made of plastic, they are not visible and thus have a negative impact on the accuracy of recognition for accurate mounting of components, while pins made of metal are important as they are involved in the actual operation of the circuit.

[0100] According to this embodiment, since the insertion component (20) cannot be inserted into the PCB (10) if the pin (21) is bent beyond a certain extent, causing a defect, an allowable value for the pin (21) to be inserted into the PCB (10) is required. Therefore, the distance between the outermost point closest to the center of the previously obtained pin insertion portion (11) and the outermost point farthest from the center of the pin can be obtained, and if the pin is bent more than the above distance during component recognition during actual production, it can be processed as an error.

[0101] Additionally, the above-described process can be equally applied to the process of recognizing images by combining images from multiple shots, as parts or insertion holes may not fit in a single shot of the camera.

[0102] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 12, a method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S210) in which a second camera (260) recognizes the position, size and shape of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20), a step (S220) in which the position, size and shape of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) are stored as data, a step (S230) in which a first camera (250) is positioned at a position corresponding to the central portion (C2) of the pin insertion portions (11) from the upper side of the PCB (10), toward the PCB (10), a step (S240) in which the first camera (250) confirms the position, size and shape of the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10), a step (S250) in which the position of the insertion component (20) is adjusted so that the positions of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) match the positions of the pin insertion portions (11), and the position of the insertion component (20) is fixed. It includes a step (S260) of recognizing the size and shape of the pins (21) and storing them as data, and a step (S270) of matching the size and shape of the pins (21) of the pin insertion portions (11) and the insertion component (20) to determine whether the pins (21) of the insertion component (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion portions (11).

[0104] According to this embodiment, the possibility of inserting a component can be confirmed by first having the second camera (260) recognize the position, size, and shape of the pins (21) of the insertion component (20), and then having the first camera (250) confirm the position, size, and shape of the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10).

[0105] At this time, the step (S270) of determining whether the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) can be inserted into the pin insertion parts (11) by matching the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion parts (11) and the pins (21) of the insertion part (20) is a first concentric circle (Ci1) formed by the point furthest from the center point (C3) of the pin insertion part recognition part (11b) on the outer line of the pin recognition part (21a),

[0106] A step may be included for determining that the pin (21) cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portion (11) when the distance (G) between the second concentric circle (Ci2) formed by the center point (C3) and the closest point on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion (11b) is less than a preset value.

[0107] In addition, before the step (S210) in which the second camera (260) recognizes the position, size and shape of the pin insertion parts (11), a step may be further included in which the insertion part (20) picked up by the head (130) is moved to the upper central part (C2) of the second camera (260).

[0108] And before the first camera (250) checks the position, size and shape of the pin insertion portion (11) of the PCB (10), a step may be further included in which the first camera (250) is positioned at the upper side of the PCB (10), toward the PCB (10), at a position corresponding to the central portion (C1) of the pin insertion portions (11).

[0109] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible based on the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims.

[0110] Specific technical details described in the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the embodiments. In order to describe the invention concisely and clearly, descriptions of conventional general techniques and configurations may be omitted. In addition, the connection or absence of connection between the lines of components illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and in an actual device, they may be expressed as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that are replaceable or additional. In addition, if there is no specific mention such as "essential" or "important," it may not be a component absolutely necessary for the application of the present invention.

[0111] The terms "above" and "above" or similar designators used in the description and claims of the invention can refer to both singular and plural numbers, unless specifically limited. In addition, when a range is described in an embodiment, it is intended that the invention includes the application of individual values ​​falling within the range (unless otherwise stated), and it is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the range in the description of the invention. In addition, unless the order of steps constituting a method according to an embodiment is explicitly stated or stated to the contrary, the steps can be performed in any appropriate order. The embodiments are not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., "for example," etc.) in the embodiments is merely for the purpose of describing the embodiments in more detail, and the scope of the embodiments is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms, unless otherwise limited by the claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, combinations, and variations can be configured according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A step in which the first camera recognizes the position, size and shape of the pin inserts of the PCB; A step in which the position, size and shape of the above pin insertion parts are stored as data; A step in which a second camera checks the positions of the pins of the inserted component; A step of adjusting the position of the insertion part so that the positions of the pins of the insertion part match the positions of the pin insertion parts using the position data of the pin insertion parts; A step of fixing the positions of the PCB and the pin insert parts, recognizing the size and shape of the pins of the insert parts, and storing them as data; and A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a step of determining whether the pins of the insert component can be inserted into the pin insert portions by matching the sizes and shapes of the pin insert portions and the pins of the insert component.

2. In paragraph 1, The step of determining whether the pins of the insertion part can be inserted into the pin insertion parts by matching the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion parts and the pins of the insertion part is as follows. A first concentric circle formed by the point furthest from the center point of the pin insertion recognition part on the outer line of the pin recognition part, A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a step of determining that the pin cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portion when the distance (G) between the second concentric circle formed by the center point and the closest point on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion is less than a preset value.

3. In paragraph 1, Before the step of the above first camera recognizing the position, size and shape of the pin insertions, A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, further comprising the step of positioning the first camera at an upper side of the PCB, facing the PCB, and corresponding to the central portion of the pin insertion portions.

4. In paragraph 1, Before the second camera checks the position of the pins of the insert component, A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, further comprising a step of moving the inserted component picked up by the head to the upper central portion of the second camera.

5. A step in which the second camera recognizes the position, size and shape of the pins of the inserted component; A step in which the position, size and shape of the pins of the above insertion part are stored as data; A step in which a first camera is placed on the upper side of the PCB, facing the PCB, at a position corresponding to the center of the pin insertion portions; Step 1: The first camera checks the position, size and shape of the pin insertion part of the PCB; A step of adjusting the position of the insertion part so that the positions of the pins of the insertion part match the positions of the pin insertion portion; A step of fixing the positions of the above pin insertions, recognizing the size and shape of the pins of the above insertion part, and storing them as data; and A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a step of determining whether the pins of the insert component can be inserted into the pin insert portions by matching the sizes and shapes of the pin insert portions and the pins of the insert component.

6. In paragraph 5, The step of determining whether the pins of the insertion part can be inserted into the pin insertion parts by matching the sizes and shapes of the pin insertion parts and the pins of the insertion part is as follows. A first concentric circle formed by the point furthest from the center point of the pin insertion recognition part on the outer line of the pin recognition part, A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a step of determining that the pin cannot be inserted into the pin insertion portion when the distance (G) between the second concentric circle formed by the center point and the closest point on the inner line of the pin insertion portion recognition portion is less than a preset value.

7. In paragraph 5, Before the step where the second camera recognizes the position, size and shape of the pins of the insertion component, A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, further comprising a step of moving the inserted component picked up by the head to the upper central portion of the second camera.

8. In paragraph 5, Before the first camera checks the position, size and shape of the pin insertion portion of the PCB, A method for confirming the possibility of inserting a component, further comprising the step of positioning the first camera at an upper side of the PCB, facing the PCB, and corresponding to the central portion of the pin insertion portions.

9. A first camera that generates image data including the position, size and shape of pin insertion portions of the PCB; A second camera that generates image data including the position, size, and shape of the pins of the insert component; and A device for checking the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a control unit that moves the position of the insert component so that the pins of the insert component and the pin insertion portion of the PCB are aligned, and determines whether the pins of the insert component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions.

10. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A device for checking the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a data storage unit that stores the position, size, and shape of pin insertion portions as image data.

11. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A device for checking the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a position alignment unit that moves and aligns the position of the insert component so that the pins of the insert component and the pin insertion portion of the PCB are matched.

12. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A device for checking the possibility of inserting a component, comprising an insert component size and shape recognition unit that recognizes the size and shape of pins of the insert component.

13. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A device for checking the possibility of inserting a component, comprising a component insertion allowance setting unit for determining whether the pins of the above insertion component can be inserted into the pin insertion portions.

Images