Substrate work machine

Abstract

This substrate work machine comprises: a backup plate that has a first placement surface on which a backup member for supporting a substrate from below is placed; an accommodation part that opens on the first placement surface and can accommodate the backup member below the first placement surface; and a cover member that is provided at the opening of the accommodation part and has a second placement surface on which the backup member is placed.

Description

Substrate-related work machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a substrate-related operating machine.

[0002] Substrate-related operation machines are used in the production of product substrates. The substrate-related operation machine includes a backup device that supports the substrate from below using backup members arranged at predetermined positions within the machine when performing a predetermined substrate-related operation. Patent Document 1 discloses a component mounting machine that includes a backup device and mounts components on a substrate as a substrate-related operation. The number, type, and placement position of the backup members are appropriately set depending on the substrate-related operation to be performed, the type of substrate, and the condition of the back surface of the substrate (the lower surface of the positioned substrate).

[0003] WO 2004 / 103054

[0004] It is desirable for a substrate-related operation machine equipped with a backup device to have greater flexibility in the placement of backup members to more reliably support the substrate, and it is also desirable for the substrate-related operation machine to have improved accommodation of backup members to accommodate multiple types of substrate-related operations.

[0005] An object of the present specification is to provide a substrate-related operating apparatus that allows for greater flexibility in the placement of backup members and improves the accommodation of backup members.

[0006] This specification discloses a substrate-related operating machine that includes a backup plate having a first mounting surface on which a backup member that supports a substrate from below is placed, a storage section that opens at the first mounting surface and is capable of storing the backup member below the first mounting surface, and a cover member that is provided at the opening of the storage section and has a second mounting surface on which the backup member is placed.

[0007] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the substrate-related operation machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6" in claim 8 as originally filed to "the substrate-related operation machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7", and the technical idea of ​​changing "the substrate-related operation machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6" in claim 10 as originally filed to "the substrate-related operation machine according to any one of claims 3 to 9".

[0008] With this configuration of the substrate-related performing apparatus, it is possible to place backup members on the second mounting surface in addition to the first mounting surface, which increases the degree of freedom in the placement of the backup members during the placement change process. Also, since the backup members can be stored in the storage section, it is possible to improve the storage efficiency of the backup members.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing a component mounting machine as a substrate-related operating machine in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a backup device for a substrate transport device. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a backup device for a substrate transport device. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing a closed state of a cover member of an accommodating device. FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing a closed state of the cover member of the accommodating device. FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view showing a first state in the middle of transitioning the cover member of the accommodating device from the closed state to the open state. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view showing a second state in the middle of transitioning the cover member of the accommodating device from the closed state to the open state. FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view showing an open state of the cover member of the accommodating device. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing an open state of the cover member of the accommodating device.

[0010] 1. Overview of the Substrate-Related Performing Machine A substrate-related performing performing machine used in the production of product substrates includes a backup device 50 that supports a substrate 91 from below using backup members 70 arranged at predetermined positions within the machine when performing a predetermined substrate-related performing operation. A control device of the substrate-related performing performing machine executes a process for changing the position of the backup members 70 in accordance with the substrate-related performing operation to be performed. The process for changing the position of the backup members 70 is executed as needed, for example, during setup work for the substrate-related performing operation. In this embodiment, a component mounting machine 1 is exemplified as a substrate-related performing performing machine equipped with a backup device 50.

[0011] 2. Configuration of Production Line Ln A plurality of the component mounting machines 1 described above are installed side by side together with other substrate-related operation machines to form the production line Ln. A mounting process for mounting components on a board 91 is performed as a predetermined substrate-related operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the production line Ln is configured by installing a plurality of substrate-related operation machines in the transport direction of the board 91. Each of the plurality of substrate-related operation machines is communicably connected to a host computer (not shown) that controls the production line Ln as a whole.

[0012] The host computer stores placement information for the backup members 70. This placement information indicates the placement positions of the backup members 70 set for substrate-related operations corresponding to the production of product substrates. The placement information is downloaded in response to a request from the substrate-related operation machine on each production line Ln and stored in the control device of the substrate-related operation machine.

[0013] The production line Ln is composed of a plurality of substrate-related processing machines, such as a printer, a reflow oven, and an inspection machine. The printer prints solder paste onto the component mounting positions of the board 91 that has been carried in. The reflow oven heats the board 91 that has been carried in from the upstream side of the production line Ln, melting the solder on the board 91 and soldering it. The inspection machine inspects whether the appearance or function of the product boards produced on the production line Ln is normal.

[0014] In this embodiment, a factory for producing product substrates may be configured with multiple production lines Ln. The configuration of each of the multiple production lines Ln may be appropriately added or modified depending on, for example, the type of product substrate to be produced. Specifically, the multiple production lines Ln may be appropriately equipped with substrate-related processing devices such as a buffer device for temporarily holding the transported substrates 91, a substrate supply device, a substrate inverting device, various inspection devices, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0015] 1 , the component mounting machine 1 includes a board transport device 10, a component supply device 20, a component transfer device 30, a component camera 41, a board camera 42, a nozzle station 43, and a control device 45. In the following description, the horizontal direction, which is the front-to-rear direction of the component mounting machine 1 (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 1 ), is referred to as the Y direction, the horizontal direction intersecting the Y direction, which is the left-to-right direction of the component mounting machine 1 (the left-to-right direction in FIG. 1 ), is referred to as the X direction, and the vertical direction (the front-to-rear direction in FIG. 1 ) perpendicular to the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction.

[0016] 3-1. Substrate Transfer Device 10 The substrate transfer device 10 is composed of a transfer mechanism 11 arranged side by side in the Y direction. Each transfer mechanism 11 has a pair of guide rails 12 and a pair of conveyor belts 13. The pair of guide rails 12 extend in the substrate transfer direction (X direction) and support the periphery of the substrate 91 placed on the conveyor belts 13 for transfer. At least one of the pair of guide rails 12 is provided on a base so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0017] The board transport device 10 sequentially transports the boards 91 in the transport direction and positions the boards 91 at predetermined positions within the machine. The board transport device 10 has a backup device 50 that clamps the positioned boards 91. The detailed configurations of the board transport device 10 and the backup device 50 will be described later. After performing the component mounting process, the board transport device 10 transports the boards 91 out of the component mounting machine 1.

[0018] 3-2. Component Supply Device 20 The component supply device 20 includes a plurality of slots 21 and a plurality of reel holders 22 arranged in the X direction. A feeder 23 is detachably attached to each of the plurality of slots 21. The feeder 23 feeds and moves a carrier tape containing a large number of components, thereby supplying the components so that they can be picked up. The reel holder 22 replaceably holds a reel around which the carrier tape is wound. Furthermore, the component supply device 20 may supply, for example, relatively large components arranged on a tray placed on a pallet. In the above configuration, the component supply device 20 draws a predetermined pallet from a storage device that stores a plurality of pallets, depending on the mounting process, and supplies the components.

[0019] 3-3. Component transfer device 30 The component transfer device 30 transfers components supplied by the component supply device 20 to predetermined mounting positions on the board 91 carried into the machine by the board transport device 10. The head drive device 31 of the component transfer device 30 moves the movable table 32 in horizontal directions (X and Y directions) using a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 33 is replaceably fixed to the movable table 32 by a clamp member (not shown). Various tools are detachably attached to the mounting head 33.

[0020] The above tools include a suction nozzle 34 that holds a component. The suction nozzle 34 sucks and holds the component using supplied negative pressure air. The suction nozzle 34 has its elevation position and angle relative to the mounting head 33, and the state of the negative pressure air supply controlled. In addition, a chuck that clamps the component can be attached to the mounting head 33 as another tool.

[0021] Furthermore, another tool, such as a picker 80 (see FIG. 2 ) that holds the backup member 70 by engaging with a predetermined portion of the backup member 70, can be detachably attached to the mounting head 33. As described above, the component transfer device 30 is configured to be able to hold the backup member 70 in addition to components, and functions as a moving device that moves the backup member 70. The component transfer device 30 is used to change the arrangement of the backup member 70 (including increasing / decreasing the arrangement and changing the position).

[0022] 3-4. Component camera 41, board camera 42 The component camera 41 and board camera 42 are digital imaging devices having imaging elements such as CMOS. The component camera 41 and board camera 42 capture images based on control signals and send image data acquired by the images. The component camera 41 is configured to be able to capture images of the component held by the suction nozzle 34 from below. The board camera 42 is mounted on the moving stage 32 so as to be movable horizontally integrally with the mounting head 33. The board camera 42 is configured to be able to capture images of the board 91 from above.

[0023] Furthermore, in addition to capturing an image of the surface of the substrate 91, the substrate camera 42 can also capture an image of various devices within the movable range of the movable stage 32. For example, the substrate camera 42 can capture an image of a reference mark or barcode attached to the nozzle station 43 (described later) or a tool (suction nozzle 34 or picker 80) housed in the nozzle station 43 within the camera's field of view. In this way, the substrate camera 42 can be used to capture images of different objects in order to obtain image data used for various image processing.

[0024] 3-5. Nozzle Station 43 The nozzle station 43 is provided inside the component mounting machine 1. The nozzle station 43 is a tool station that houses various tools used by the component mounting machine 1 as a substrate-related operation machine for substrate-related operations. In this embodiment, the nozzle station 43 detachably holds multiple suction nozzles 34 and pickers 80. In the process of replacing a suction nozzle 34, the nozzle station 43 holds a suction nozzle 34 that has been removed from the mounting head 33, and also holds another suction nozzle 34 so that it can be removed. This allows the component mounting machine 1 to automatically replace the suction nozzle 34 depending on the type of component to be mounted, for example, during the mounting process.

[0025] The nozzle station 43 is detachably mounted on the base of the component mounting machine 1. An unillustrated reference mark and a barcode are provided on the top surface of the nozzle station 43. The reference mark indicates a reference position on the top surface of the nozzle station 43 and is provided so as to have a specified positional relationship with the storage units that store the individual tools. The barcode indicates identification information for the nozzle station 43. This identification information is associated with the identification information and storage position of the tool stored in the nozzle station 43. This storage position is indicated, for example, by the relative position of the storage unit with respect to the reference position.

[0026] 3-6. Control Device 45 The control device 45 is mainly composed of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. The control device 45 executes a mounting process for mounting components on the board 91. During the mounting process, the control device 45 controls the operation of the component transfer device 30 based on information output from various sensors, the results of image processing, pre-stored control programs, and the like. This controls the positions and angles of the multiple suction nozzles 34 supported by the mounting head 33. The control device 45 also executes a placement change process, including adding or removing backup members 70 used by the board transport device 10 to support the board 91 from below during the mounting process, and changing the position of the backup members 70.

[0027] The control device 45 stores the placement information downloaded from the host computer. The above-mentioned "placement information" indicates the placement positions of the backup members 70 set for the substrate-related work (corresponding to the type of product substrate) to be performed. The placement information indicates the placement positions of the backup members 70 and the type of backup members 70 (e.g., hard type, soft type). In addition to the above, the placement information may also include the tolerance for the placement of the backup members 70 relative to the placement positions. The placement information is set in advance according to the type of substrate 91 (including size and hardness), the type of product substrate to be produced (including component mounting positions), the production process, etc.

[0028] 4. Detailed Configuration of Board Transfer Device 10 and Backup Device 50 4-1. Board Transfer Device 10 The component mounting machine 1 of this embodiment is a double-track conveyor system equipped with multiple transfer mechanisms 11A, 11B. A pair of guide rails 12 constituting the transfer mechanism 11 are mounted on a base so as to be relatively movable in the Y direction. This allows the transfer mechanism 11 to adjust the spacing between the pair of guide rails 12 in accordance with the dimension of the board 91 in the Y direction (see FIG. 3).

[0029] 4-2. Backup Device 50 The backup device 50 supports the substrate 91 transported by the transport mechanism 11 from below, and clamps the substrate 91 between the pair of guide rails 12. In this embodiment, the backup device 50 supports the substrate 91 by bringing the backup members 70 into contact with the underside of the substrate 91. In this way, the backup device 50 clamps the substrate 91 between the pair of guide rails 12, and prevents the substrate 91 from bending by maintaining the height of the portion with which the backup members 70 are in contact.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , the backup device 50 includes a backup plate 51 and an elevating device 52. The backup plate 51 is disposed opposite the underside of the substrate 91 positioned by the transport mechanism 11. The backup plate 51 is mounted on a base so as to be able to move up and down in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the backup plate 51 has an overall rectangular shape. The backup plate 51 has a first mounting surface 511 on which the backup member 70 is detachably mounted. The first mounting surface 511 is the upper surface of the backup plate 51.

[0031] The lifting device 52 raises and lowers the backup plate 51 relative to the base. In this embodiment, the lifting device 52 has a linear motion mechanism 53 and an electric motor 54. The linear motion mechanism 53 is, for example, a ball screw mechanism, and moves the backup plate 51 in the Z direction by operation of the electric motor 54. The lifting device 52 may be configured with a plurality of air cylinders. For example, the rods of each air cylinder are detachably fixed to the four corners of the backup plate 51 and are moved forward and backward in the Z direction according to the air pressure of the air cylinder.

[0032] The lifting device 52 of the backup device 50 retracts the backup member 70 downward from the back surface of the substrate 91 when the substrate 91 is carried in or out. As a result, the lifting device 52 lowers the backup plate 51 to a preparation height (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 ) at which components (back surface components) mounted on the back surface of the substrate 91 do not interfere with the backup member 70. Furthermore, the lifting device 52 raises the backup plate 51 to a backup height (shown by a solid line in FIG. 2 ) during the mounting process. As a result, the backup device 50 pushes up the substrate 91 from below and supports it.

[0033] The backup device 50 includes a frame 55 that moves up and down integrally with the backup plate 51. The frame 55 is fixed to the underside of the backup plate 51 and supports a storage device 60 (described later). As a result, the backup plate 51 and the storage device 60 are connected by the frame 55 and move up and down integrally by driving the lifting device 52.

[0034] 4-3. Storage device 60 Here, for a predetermined production process (e.g., a mounting process by the component mounting machine 1), the backup members 70 are arranged in predetermined positions in the number of backup members 70 required for each production process, as set in the arrangement information. Excess backup members 70 in the machine that are not used for the production process are generally evacuated to an evacuation area provided so as not to interfere with the board 91 being positioned. However, if the size of the board 91 to be processed in the production process is large, the configurable evacuation area may become narrow.

[0035] Therefore, the backup device 50 of this embodiment employs a configuration including a storage device 60 that has an opening in the upper surface of the backup plate 51 and can store multiple backup members 70 below the backup plate 51. However, providing an opening in the upper surface of the backup plate 51 as described above reduces the area of ​​the first placement surface 511, which can reduce the degree of freedom in arranging the backup members 70. Therefore, in this embodiment, the backup device 50 employs a configuration that allows the backup members 70 to be arranged in this opening.

[0036] 2 and 3, the storage device 60 has a storage section 61, a cover member 62, a table 63, a guide member 64, a bracket 65, an auxiliary lifting device 66, a descent buffer device 67, a holder block 68, and an ascent buffer device 69. The storage section 61 opens at the first mounting surface 511 and is a space below the first mounting surface 511 that can store the backup member 70. Note that the "opening" refers not only to the upper end of a through-hole that passes through the backup plate 51 in the vertical direction as in this embodiment, but also to the upper end of a shape formed by cutting out part of the outer edge of the backup plate 51.

[0037] The cover member 62 is provided so as to be able to open and close relative to the opening 611 of the storage section 61. The cover member 62 is a rectangular plate-like member in this embodiment, and its overall shape is formed to match the shape of the opening of the storage section 61. The cover member 62 has an upper surface made of a magnetic material, and has a second mounting surface 621 on which the backup member 70 is mounted in the closed state, as shown in FIG.

[0038] The table 63 is provided below the opening 611 so as to be able to move up and down relative to the backup plate 51. An upper surface 631 of the table 63 is formed so that backup members 70 can be placed thereon. In this embodiment, cylindrical pedestals 633 that support the backup members 70 are placed on the upper surface 631 of the table 63, corresponding to each of a plurality of positions where the backup members 70 can be placed. The vertical dimension from the upper surface 631 (storage surface) of the table 63 to the lower surface 622 of the cover member 62 is set to be slightly larger than the vertical dimension of the backup members 70.

[0039] The guide member 64 is fixed to the table 63 and moves up and down integrally therewith. In this embodiment, the guide member 64 is made of a plate-like member and has an L-shaped guide groove 641 that engages with a guide pin 651 (described later). The guide groove 641 is composed of a horizontal portion 641A extending horizontally, a vertical portion 641B extending up and down, and a corner portion 641C connecting the horizontal portion 641A and the vertical portion 641B. This allows the vertical portion 641B to communicate with one end of the horizontal portion 641A. The horizontal portion 641A only needs to have a horizontal component, and may be shaped to be inclined at a predetermined angle horizontally, for example. The guide groove 641 may also be formed into an arc-shaped shape as a whole.

[0040] The bracket 65 is fixed to the lower surface 622 of the cover member 62. The bracket 65 has a guide pin 651 that protrudes from a surface facing one side of the guide member 64. The guide pin 651 is configured to be movable along a guide groove 641 of the guide member 64. The bracket 65 has a support shaft 652 that is rotatably supported with respect to the backup plate 51. As a result, the cover member 62 is provided, via the bracket 65, to be rotatable about the support shaft 652 that is horizontal with respect to the backup plate 51.

[0041] Furthermore, when the table 63 rises or falls relative to the backup plate 51, the guide pin 651 engaged with the guide groove 641 moves along the guide groove 641, causing the cover member 62 to rotate integrally with the bracket 65 around the support shaft 652, thereby opening or closing. In this way, the opening and closing operation of the cover member 62 is configured to be linked to the rising and lowering operation of the table 63 relative to the backup plate 51.

[0042] The auxiliary lifting device 66 is provided on the frame 55 and lifts and lowers the table 63 independently of the lifting and lowering movement of the backup plate 51. In this embodiment, the auxiliary lifting device 66 has the same configuration as the lifting device 52 and is composed of, for example, a linear motion mechanism and an electric motor or an air cylinder. When the auxiliary lifting device 66 is not in operation, the cover member 62 is lifted and lowered in conjunction with the lifting and lowering movement of the backup plate 51 by the operation of the lifting device 52. When the auxiliary lifting device 66 is in operation, the cover member 62 can be opened and closed by the operation of the auxiliary lifting device 66 regardless of the operating state of the lifting device 52, i.e., regardless of the position of the backup plate 51 in the Z direction.

[0043] The descent buffer device 67 is provided on either the underside 632 of the table 63 or the opposing surface of the frame 55 that faces the underside 632. In this embodiment, the descent buffer device 67 is provided on the frame 55. The descent buffer device 67 is interposed between the opposing surface of the frame 55 and the underside 632 of the table 63 that has descended to a predetermined position relative to the backup plate 51, and absorbs the impact that occurs as the table 63 descends. Specifically, the descent buffer device 67 may be made of an elastic member such as urethane rubber, or may be configured to have a damper that contracts in response to the force applied from the table 63 to the frame 55.

[0044] The holder block 68 is provided integrally with the backup plate 51. The holder block 68 is a support member that supports the cover member 62 from below so that the first mounting surface 511 and the second mounting surface 621 are positioned on the same plane when the cover member 62 is in the closed state. In this embodiment, the holder block 68 is formed in a block shape that comes into surface contact with the lower surface 622 of the cover member 62 in the closed state. Here, when a backup member 70 is placed on the second mounting surface 621 of the cover member 62 and the backup member 70 supports the substrate 91 from below, a reaction force from the substrate 91 is applied to the cover member 62.

[0045] If the cover member 62 is displaced downward or rotated about the support shaft 652 due to the reaction force, there is a risk that the support function for the substrate 91 will be reduced. Therefore, the backup device 50 of this embodiment employs a configuration in which the cover member 62 is supported by a holder block 68 integral with the backup plate 51 so that the cover member 62 does not displace downward when the cover member 62 is in the closed state. Also, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the holder block 68 is configured to be in surface contact with almost the entire lower surface 622 of the cover member 62 so that the cover member 62 does not displace locally.

[0046] The holder block 68 has through holes 681 through which the backup members 70 arranged at each of a plurality of predetermined positions on the table 63 can pass. The "plurality of predetermined positions" are positions that are regularly arranged on the upper surface 631 of the table 63 and correspond to pedestals 633 that support the backup members 70. When the table 63 rises relative to the backup plate 51, the backup members 70 placed on the table 63 also rise. At this time, the holder block 68, which is integral with the backup plate 51, has through holes 681 formed therein as passages for the backup members 70 so that the upper portions of the backup members 70 can protrude above the first placement surface 511 of the backup plate 51.

[0047] The ascent buffer device 69 is provided on either the upper surface 631 of the table 63 or the opposing surface of the holder block 68 that faces the upper surface 631. In this embodiment, the ascent buffer device 69 is provided on the opposing surface of the holder block 68. The ascent buffer device 69 is interposed between the upper surface 631 of the table 63 that has risen to a predetermined position relative to the backup plate 51 and the opposing surface of the holder block 68, and absorbs impacts that occur as the table 63 rises. Specifically, the ascent buffer device 69 may be made of an elastic member such as urethane rubber, or may be configured to have a damper that contracts in response to a force applied from the table 63 to the holder block 68.

[0048] The storage device 60 configured as described above includes a drive mechanism 601 that moves the backup member 70, which stores the backup member 70, between a take-out position and a storage position by raising and lowering the table 63 relative to the backup plate 51, and an opening / closing mechanism 602 that opens and closes the cover member 62. In this embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 602 links the raising and lowering operation of the table 63 with the opening and closing operation of the cover member 62. Details of the operation of the storage device 60 will be described later.

[0049] 4-4. Backup Member 70 The backup member 70 is detachably disposed on the first mounting surface 511 or the second mounting surface 621. In this embodiment, the backup member 70 includes a hard pin 70H, whose tip has a support portion 73 made of a relatively hard material (e.g., a metal material), and a soft pin 70S, whose tip has a support portion 73 made of a relatively soft material (e.g., a rubber material). The backup member 70 has a body portion 72, and the support portion 73 is connected to a base portion 71 via the body portion 72. The backup member 70 has a magnet embedded in the base portion 71 located at the lower end, and is fixed to the backup plate 51 or the cover member 62 by magnetic force. The backup member 70 also has an engagement portion 74 formed above the base portion 71, which has the same shape as the base portion 71. The engagement portion 74 engages with a picker 80 attached to the mounting head 33.

[0050] 4-5. Picker 80 As shown in FIG. 2, the picker 80 has a main body 81 and a collection portion 82. The main body 81 is formed into an overall cylindrical shape. The main body 81 is formed so as to be attachable to the mounting head 33, similar to the suction nozzle 34. The collection portion 82 is provided at the lower end of the main body 81. The collection portion 82 engages with the engaging portion 74 of the hard pin 70H and the engaging portion 74 of the soft pin 70S. To maintain the state in which the picker 80 holds the hard pin 70H or the soft pin 70S, the picker 80 presses the tip of the engaging portion 74 with the elastic force of an elastic member provided inside the main body 81, urging the lower end of the engaging portion 74 toward the collection portion 82.

[0051] 5. Rearrangement Change Processing of Backup Members 70 Before performing a mounting process (the next work on a substrate) for a specific product board, for example, the control device 45 of the component mounting machine 1 performs rearrangement processing of the backup members 70 based on the arrangement information using the component transfer device 30 that functions as a moving device for the backup members 70. The purpose of performing the rearrangement processing is to accommodate the type and position of the backup members 70, which may vary depending on, for example, the dimensions of the board 91 and the number and positions of the components to be mounted.

[0052] When the type of product board to be produced changes, the component mounting machine 1 performs a process of changing the location of the backup members 70 as part of the setup process as necessary. This process of changing the location includes fixing the backup members 70 to the backup plate 51 located below the board 91, as well as storing the backup members 70 in the storage device 60. This storing of the backup members 70 is a process of moving spare backup members 70 that are not used to support the board 91 to predetermined storage positions in the storage section 61.

[0053] When executing the relocation process for the backup member 70, the control device 45 attaches a picker 80 capable of holding the backup member 70 to the mounting head 33. The picker 80 is housed in the nozzle station 43 and replaces the suction nozzle 34 attached to the mounting head 33. The control device 45 drives the component transfer device 30 to appropriately move the target backup member 70 to the position indicated by the location information.

[0054] The component mounting machine 1 configured as described above can automatically perform all of the rearrangement processing of the backup members 70 during setup. Specifically, during setup for the next mounting process, the control device 45 uses the picker 80 to move each backup member 70 individually based on the above-mentioned layout information, position information indicating the current position of each backup member 70 used in the current mounting process, and spare information indicating the current position of spare backup members 70 placed in the storage section 61.

[0055] After all the backup members 70 have been placed, the control device 45 stores the picker 80 in the nozzle station, thereby completing the relocation process. The control device 45 also updates and stores the position information and preliminary information indicating the target area in the component mounting machine 1 where the backup members 70 are to be placed, and the current position (stored position) of the backup members 70 placed in the storage section 61. This allows the control device 45 to perform the relocation process of the backup members 70 without requiring the operator to move them.

[0056] Furthermore, the backup device 50 of this embodiment is configured so that the backup member 70 can be stored in the storage section 61 provided below the first storage surface 511, and the backup member 70 can be placed on a second storage surface 621 that is the upper surface of the cover member 62 that closes the opening 611 of the storage section 61. Note that, in the above-described position change process, when the cover member 62 is in the open state, a process is appropriately executed to temporarily move the backup member 70 to a temporary storage position so that the backup member 70 is not placed on the second storage surface 621.

[0057] 6. Operation of Storage Device 60 As described above, the storage device 60 of the backup device 50 includes a drive mechanism 601 that raises and lowers the stored backup member 70, and an opening / closing mechanism 602 that opens and closes the cover member 62. The opening / closing mechanism 602 opens and closes the cover member 62 in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the table 63 by vertically engaging a guide pin 651 that rotates around a support shaft 652 integrally with the cover member 62 with a guide member 64 that rises and lowers integrally with the table 63.

[0058] The following describes the operation of each component when the cover member 62 transitions from the closed state to the open state in conjunction with the elevation of the table 63. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the cover member 62 in the closed state. At this time, the guide pin 651 is positioned near the center of the horizontal portion 641A of the L-shaped guide groove 641. When the table 63 and guide member 64 are elevated by the operation of the auxiliary lifting device 66, the guide pin 651 receives an upward external force from the groove side surface of the horizontal portion 641A and moves upward, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6. At this time, the bracket 65 having the guide pin 651 and the cover member 62 to which the bracket 65 is fixed rotate around the support shaft 652.

[0059] Here, the dashed lines in Figures 5 and 6 indicate the movement trajectory of the guide pin 651 centered on the support shaft 652 and the position of the guide pin 651 before movement relative to the guide groove 641 (similarly shown in Figures 7 and 8). In this embodiment, the guide pin 651 is located lower than the support shaft 652 at the initial height shown in Figure 5, and therefore moves left and right along the horizontal portion 641A as it rotates around the support shaft 652. This causes the cover member 62 to begin transitioning from the closed state to the open state. Note that as the table 63 rises, the backup member 70 housed in the storage device 60 also rises, but the amount by which the cover member 62 opens is set to be greater than the amount of rise.

[0060] In detail, when the cover member 62 transitions from the closed state to the open state, the opening amount of the portion of the cover member 62 located above the backup member 70 housed in the housing section 61 (the portion of the underside 622 of the cover member 62 located on an extension of the upper end side of the backup member 70) is greater than the amount of lift of the table 63. In this way, the opening and closing mechanism 602 ensures a gap between the backup member 70 and the cover member 62. As a result, interference between the backup member 70 and the cover member 62 is prevented.

[0061] As described above, when the table 63 rises relative to the backup plate 51, the guide pin 651 moves toward the end of the horizontal portion 641A of the guide groove 641 while approaching the same height as the support shaft 652. When the table 63 is further raised, the guide pin 651 moves toward the corner portion 641C of the guide groove 641, as shown in FIG. 7 . As a result, the cover member 62 and the bracket 65 are rotated to the maximum angle around the support shaft 652. In other words, the cover member 62 transitions from the closed state to the open state.

[0062] Thereafter, when the table 63 is further raised, the guide pin 651 moves along the vertical portion 641B of the guide groove 641, as shown in FIG. 8. As a result, the table 63 and the guide member 64 are raised while the angle of the cover member 62 in the open state is maintained. At this time, the guide pin 651 is restricted from moving in the horizontal direction by the vertical portion 641B. As a result, the rotation of the cover member 62 around the support shaft 652 is restricted, and the cover member 62 is maintained in the open state.

[0063] Furthermore, when the table 63 rises, the backup members 70 pass through the multiple through-holes 681 of the holder block 68 and are moved to a predetermined height. At this time, the ascent buffer device 69 is sandwiched between the upper surface 631 of the table 63, which has risen to a predetermined position (the ascent end of the table 63 in this embodiment) relative to the backup plate 51, and the opposing surface of the holder block 68, and contracts, absorbing the impact generated as the table 63 rises.

[0064] 9 , the cover member 62 is in the open state, and the backup member 70 stored in the storage section 61 is moved to a height at which it can be picked up by the picker 80. In this way, the auxiliary lifting device 66 of the storage device 60 constitutes a drive mechanism 601 that raises and lowers the arranged backup member 70, and also constitutes an opening / closing mechanism 602 that opens and closes the cover member 62.

[0065] With the cover member 62 in the open state as described above, the backup member 70 can be taken out from a predetermined storage position in the storage section 61 or stored through the opening 611. In addition, the storage device 60 lowers the table 63 relatively to the backup plate 51, whereby the guide pin 651 moves along the guide groove 641 in the reverse order described above, and the cover member 62 transitions from the open state to the closed state.

[0066] At this time, the descent buffer device 67 is sandwiched and contracted between the lower surface 632 of the table 63, which has descended to a predetermined position (the descending end of the table 63 in this embodiment) relative to the backup plate 51, and the opposing surface of the frame 55, absorbing the impact generated by the descent of the table 63. In addition, the lower surface 632 of the cover member 62 is in surface contact with the upper surface of the holder block 68 and is supported so as not to be displaced by a downward pushing force. When the cover member 62 is in such a closed state, the second mounting surface 621, which is its upper surface, forms the same plane as the first mounting surface 511 and, like the first mounting surface 511, serves as a surface on which the backup member 70 can be placed.

[0067] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to store spare backup members 70 without providing a retraction area on the first placement surface 511 for retracting spare backup members 70 that are not used to support the substrate 91. Furthermore, by closing the cover member 62 so as to close the opening 611 of the storage section 61, it is possible to place the backup members 70 on the second placement surface 621, which is the upper surface of the opening 611. This makes it possible to place the backup members 70 on the second placement surface 621 in addition to the first placement surface 511, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the placement of the backup members 70 in the placement change process.

[0068] Furthermore, since the backup member 70 can be stored in the storage section 61, the storage capacity of the backup member 70 can be improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage device 60 is configured to include an opening / closing mechanism 602. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the cover member 62 is linked to the raising and lowering operation of the table 63 on which the backup member 70 stored in the storage section 61 is placed, so it is possible to omit the installation of a drive device dedicated to the opening and closing operation of the cover member 62. This reduces equipment costs.

[0069] 7. Modifications of the Embodiment 7-1. Regarding the Opening / Closing Mechanism 602 In the embodiment, the guide groove 641 is configured to have a corner portion 641C that connects the horizontal portion 641A and the vertical portion 641B. However, depending on the relationship of the opening degree of the cover member 62 to the lifting stroke of the table 63, the guide groove 641 can have various shapes, such as a configuration without the vertical portion 641B or a configuration having a curved shape.

[0070] In the embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 602 having the guide groove 641 and the guide pin 651 is employed as a configuration for linking the opening and closing operation of the cover member 62 with the lifting and lowering operation of the table 63. However, various configurations may be employed for the opening / closing mechanism 602. For example, the opening / closing mechanism 602 may be configured such that the guide pin 651 vertically engages with a cam surface of a cam having a predetermined shape provided on the guide member. Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 602 may be configured with an elastic member that applies an elastic force in a direction to maintain the cover member 62 in the closed state, and a power transmission member such as a wire that applies an external force in a direction to open the cover member 62 against the elastic force by the lifting and lowering operation of the table 63.

[0071] 7-2. Regarding the storage device 60 In the embodiment, the auxiliary lifting device 66 is configured to be lifted and lowered integrally with the backup plate 51 by the frame 55. This allows the storage device 60 to lift and lower the backup plate 51 and the cover member 62 integrally without operating the auxiliary lifting device 66. Alternatively, the auxiliary lifting device 66 may be provided on a base, for example, and may be configured to lift and lower the cover member 62 and the table 63 independently of the lifting and lowering of the backup plate 51.

[0072] In the embodiment, the storage device 60 is configured to include a descent buffer device 67 and an ascent buffer device 69. However, for example, if the table 63 is raised and lowered so that the table 63 is not in contact with the frame 55 at the lowering end or is not in contact with the holder block 68 at the upper end, the descent buffer device 67 and the ascent buffer device 69 may be omitted.

[0073] In the embodiment, the storage device 60 is configured to include a support member that is a block-shaped holder block 68 formed with a plurality of through holes 681. In contrast, if the backup member 70 can be placed at any position on the table 63 rather than at a specified position, the support member may not have the through holes 681 and may be formed in a shape that corresponds to the area where the backup member 70 is to be placed. In this case, the support member may be formed in a shape that supports the peripheral portion of the lower surface 622 of the cover member 62, as long as it can prevent the cover member 62 from displacing downward or from rotating around the support shaft 652.

[0074] In the embodiment, the cover member 62 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the opening 611 of the accommodation section 61, and the accommodation device 60 is configured to include the table 63 and the opening / closing mechanism 602. In contrast, the accommodation device 60 may be configured not to include the opening / closing mechanism 602 that links the opening and closing operation of the cover member 62 with the lifting and lowering operation of the table 63. In such a configuration, the cover member 62 may be opened and closed by, for example, an opening / closing device that performs an opening and closing operation independently of the lifting and lowering operation of the table 63. The opening / closing device may be incorporated into the accommodation device 60, or may be a driving member such as a working head of a substrate-related performing machine.

[0075] In the embodiment, the cover member 62 is configured to be rotatable about the horizontal support shaft 652, and thereby be openable and closable relative to the opening 611 of the accommodation section 61. In contrast, the cover member 62 may be configured to be detachable from the opening 611, for example. In such a configuration, the cover member 62 may be attached and detached by the working head of the substrate-related performing machine, as described above, or may be attached and detached manually by an operator.

[0076] 7-3. Others In the embodiment, the substrate-related operation machine is the component mounting machine 1 that mounts components on the substrate 91. However, the present invention can be applied to other substrate-related operation machines as long as the substrate 91 is supported by the backup member 70 and the position of the backup member 70 can be automatically changed using a work head. For example, the substrate-related operation machine may be one that performs solder printing as a substrate-related operation, applies a bonding material to the substrate 91 using a work head, or inspects the appearance and function of the substrate 91.

[0077] 1: component mounting machine (substrate-related operation machine), 10: substrate transport device, 20: component supply device, 30: component transfer device, 50: backup device, 51: backup plate, 511: first placement surface, 52: lifting device, 55: frame, 60: storage device, 601: drive mechanism, 602: opening / closing mechanism, 61: storage section, 611: opening, 62: cover member, 621: second placement surface, 622: lower surface, 63: table, 631: upper surface, 632: lower surface, 633: base, 64: guide member, 641: guide groove, 641A: horizontal portion, 641B: vertical portion, 641C: corner portion, 65: bracket, 651: guide pin, 652: support shaft, 66: auxiliary lifting device, 67: Descending buffer device, 68: Holder block (support member), 681: Through hole, 69: Ascending buffer device

Claims

1. A substrate-related operating machine comprising: a backup plate having a first mounting surface on which a backup member that supports a substrate from below is mounted; a housing section that opens at the first mounting surface and is capable of housing the backup member below the first mounting surface; and a cover member that is provided at the opening of the housing section and has a second mounting surface on which the backup member is mounted.

2. The substrate-related operating machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is provided so as to be able to open and close relative to the opening of the accommodation portion, and in the closed state, the backup member is placed on the second placement surface.

3. The substrate-related operating machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a table that is provided below the opening of the accommodation section and can be raised and lowered relative to the backup plate, and on which the backup member accommodated in the accommodation section is placed; and an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the cover member in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the table.

4. A substrate-related operating machine as described in claim 3, wherein the cover member is rotatable around a horizontal support shaft, and the opening / closing mechanism opens and closes the cover member in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the table by vertically engaging a guide pin that rotates around the support shaft integrally with the cover member with a guide member that rises and falls integrally with the table.

5. A substrate-related operating machine as described in claim 4, wherein the guide member has a guide groove that engages with the guide pin, the guide groove has a horizontal portion that extends horizontally or in a direction inclined toward the horizontal, and the guide pin is located in the horizontal portion of the guide groove when the cover member is in a closed state, and moves along the horizontal portion as the table is raised.

6. A substrate-related operating machine as described in claim 5, wherein the guide groove has a vertical portion that is connected to one end of the horizontal portion and extends in the up-down direction, and the guide pin is located in the vertical portion of the guide groove when the cover member is in an open state, and moves along the vertical portion as the table is raised and lowered.

7. A substrate-related operating machine as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the opening / closing mechanism ensures a gap between the backup member and the cover member by making the amount by which the portion of the cover member located above the backup member housed in the housing section opens greater than the amount by which the table rises when the cover member transitions from a closed state to an open state.

8. A substrate-related operating machine as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising: a lifting device that lifts and lowers the backup plate; a frame that lifts and lowers integrally with the backup plate; and an auxiliary lifting device that is provided on the frame and lifts and lowers the table independently of the lifting and lowering movement of the backup plate.

9. A substrate-related operating machine as described in claim 8, further comprising a lowering buffer device provided on either the underside of the table or the opposing surface of the frame opposite the underside, interposed between the underside of the table that has been lowered to a predetermined position relative to the backup plate and the opposing surface of the frame, to absorb impacts that occur as the table is lowered.

10. A substrate-related operating machine as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a support member that is integrally formed with the backup plate and supports the cover member from below so that the first placement surface and the second placement surface are positioned on the same plane when the cover member is in a closed state.

11. A substrate-related operating machine as described in claim 10, wherein the support member is formed in a block shape that makes surface contact with the underside of the cover member when closed, and has through holes through which the backup members arranged at each of a plurality of specified positions on the table can pass.

12. A substrate-related operating machine as described in claim 11, further comprising an ascent buffer device provided on either the top surface of the table or the opposing surface of the support member that faces the top surface, interposed between the top surface of the table that has been raised to a predetermined position relative to the backup plate and the opposing surface of the support member to absorb impacts that occur as the table is raised.

Images