Expander device and mounting system

Abstract

An expander device according to the present disclosure comprises: a first bearing that has a central axis extending in the vertical direction; a second bearing that is arranged above the first bearing and shares the same central axis with the first bearing; a base to which a first outer ring of the first bearing is fixed; a first drive device that is fixed to the base, transmits a rotational drive force to a first inner ring of the first bearing, and rotates the first inner ring about the central axis with respect to the first outer ring; a second drive device that is fixed to the base, transmits a lifting drive force to a second outer ring of the second bearing, and lifts the second bearing with respect to the first bearing; a holding part that is fixed to a second inner ring of the second bearing and holds a component carrier; an expander ring fixed to the first inner ring; and a connection member that connects the first inner ring and the second inner ring so as to allow relative lifting while regulating relative rotation between the first inner ring and the second inner ring.

Description

Expander Device and Mounting System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an expander device and a mounting system having the expander device.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an expander device including a base, a table member that holds a component carrier, and a rotating device. The rotating device rotates the table member within a predetermined angular range with respect to the base. By rotating the table member, the angle of the component carrier held by the table member can be adjusted, and the angle of the component on the component carrier can be corrected.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 4085994

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for an expander device capable of rotating components within a larger angular range.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an expander device with an expanded rotatable angular range of components.

[0006] An expander device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an expander device that expands a tape supported by a frame of a component carrier, and includes a first bearing having a central axis extending in the vertical direction, a second bearing disposed above the first bearing and having a central axis common to the first bearing, a base to which a first outer ring of the first bearing is fixed, a first driving device fixed to the base, transmitting a rotational driving force to a first inner ring of the first bearing, and rotating the first inner ring around the central axis with respect to the first outer ring, a second driving device fixed to the base, transmitting a lifting driving force to a second outer ring of the second bearing, and lifting and lowering the second bearing with respect to the first bearing, a holding portion fixed to a second inner ring of the second bearing and holding the component carrier, an expander ring fixed to the first inner ring, and a connecting member connecting the first inner ring and the second inner ring so as to allow relative lifting and lowering while restricting relative rotation between the first inner ring and the second inner ring.

[0007] A mounting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an expander device that holds a component carrier holding a plurality of components on the surface of a tape, an ejector that pushes up components from the component carrier held by the expander device from the back surface of the component carrier, and a mounting device that picks up the components pushed up by the ejector and mounts them onto a substrate.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an expander device that expands the rotatable angular range of a component.

[0009] Schematic diagram of the implementation system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure Perspective view of the expander device Perspective view of the expander device Schematic diagram of the expander device Cross-sectional view of a part of the expander device near the connecting member Schematic plan view of the connecting member viewed from above and below Cross-sectional view of a part of the expander device Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the implementation system Schematic diagram of the expander device in the operation of the implementation system Schematic diagram of the expander device in the operation of the implementation system Schematic diagram of the expander device in the operation of the implementation system Schematic diagram of the expander device in the operation of the implementation system

[0010] (Background to this Disclosure) For example, an expander device is known that includes a base, a holding section for holding a component carrier, an expander ring, a rotating device, and a lifting device. The holding section is rotatable relative to the base by the rotating device and is movable up and down relative to the expander ring by the lifting device. The rotating device and the lifting device are mounted on the holding section and rotate together with the holding section. The rotating device has a motor connected to an external control unit via wiring, for example. The lifting device has an air cylinder connected to an external pump via piping, for example.

[0011] However, in this configuration, the wiring and piping extending from the rotating and lifting devices mounted on the holding section become constraints in maintaining connections with the external components, making it difficult to increase the rotation angle.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors investigated the configuration of an expander device with a wider range of rotatable angles, leading to this disclosure.

[0013] Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [Overall Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the implementation system 1 in Embodiment 1 according to the present disclosure. In Figure 1 and subsequent drawings, the mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are referred to as the X direction / Y direction, and the direction that is orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as the up-down direction Z (vertical direction).

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the mounting system 1 is a system for mounting multiple components P, held on a carrier C, individually onto a substrate B. In Embodiment 1, the carrier C is a member that integrally holds multiple components P formed by dicing or other methods to separate a semiconductor wafer. The carrier C has a tape 114 that supports the multiple components P and a frame 112 that supports the tape 114. The tape 114 is a sheet-like member having an adhesive surface (surface R1) that adheres and holds the multiple components P, and may be called, for example, a dicing tape. The frame 112 is a ring-shaped member that holds the outer circumference of the tape 114, and may be called, for example, a tape frame, a dicing frame, or a wafer ring. The components P are, for example, semiconductor chips such as dies or IC chips, and the substrate B is, for example, a semiconductor wafer such as a Si wafer.

[0016] The mounting system 1 comprises an expander device 3, an ejector 4, a mounting device 9, and a control unit 10.

[0017] The expander device 3 holds the carrier C supplied to the mounting system 1 and expands the tape 114 supported by the frame 112 of the carrier C to widen the spacing between components P on the carrier C. Specifically, the expander device 3 widens the spacing between components P on the carrier C by stretching the tape 114 of the carrier C in the radial direction. The carrier C may be supplied to the expander device 3 manually, for example, from a container containing multiple carriers C, or it may be supplied automatically by a robotic arm or the like.

[0018] The ejector 4 is a device that pushes up a component P on a carrier C held by the expander device 3 from the back side R2 of the tape 114. Specifically, the ejector 4 includes an ejector pin that can move up and down relative to the tape 114 to push up the component P, and an actuator that moves the ejector pin up and down. By pushing up the component P, the ejector 4 assists the pickup of the component P by the mounting device 9.

[0019] The mounting device 9 is a device that picks up components P pushed up by the ejector 4 and mounts them onto a substrate B supplied to the mounting device 9. In Embodiment 1, the mounting device 9 includes a pickup head 91, a stage 92, and a head moving device 93. The pickup head 91 is a device having a suction nozzle at its tip for attracting and picking up components P. The stage 92 is a member having a mounting surface on which the substrate B is placed. The head moving device 93 is a device that moves the pickup head 91 relative to the stage 92, and includes, for example, an actuator.

[0020] The control unit 10 is configured to control the implementation system 1. Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the expander device 3, the ejector 4, and the implementation device 9. The control unit 10 includes, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that realizes predetermined functions by executing a program. The control unit 10 realizes its functions by executing a program stored in memory (not shown). The control unit 10 is not limited to realizing predetermined functions through the cooperation of hardware and software, but may also be a hardware circuit specifically designed to realize predetermined functions.

[0021] Next, the overall configuration of the expander device 3 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the expander device 3. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the expander device 3 from a different direction than Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the expander device 3.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the expander device 3 includes a first bearing 31, a second bearing 32, a connecting member 33 (Figure 3), a base 34, drive devices 41 and 42, a guide 44, a holding part 51, an expander ring 52, and a support part 53 (Figure 4).

[0023] The first bearing 31 is a component that rotates the expander ring 52 relative to the base 34. As shown in Figure 4, the first bearing 31 has, in order from the inside out, a first inner ring 61, a first rolling element 62, and a first outer ring 63. The expander ring 52 is fixed to the first inner ring 61 (via a support portion 53), and the first outer ring 63 is fixed to the base 34.

[0024] The first inner ring 61 and the first outer ring 63 are ring-shaped members that extend around a central axis V0 extending in the vertical direction Z, with an opening defined in the center. The first rolling element 62 is provided between the first inner ring 61 and the first outer ring 63 and is a member that reduces friction by rotating, thereby suppressing the transmission of the rotation of the first inner ring 61 to the first outer ring 63. That is, the first rolling element 62 allows the first inner ring 61 to rotate relative to the first outer ring 63. The first rolling element 62 is, for example, a ball, but may be other rotating members such as rollers. In Embodiment 1, the first bearing 31 is a cross roller bearing, but may be other types of bearings.

[0025] The second bearing 32 is positioned above the first bearing 31 and is a member that supports the holding portion 51 that holds the carrier C. Specifically, the second bearing 32 rotates together with the first bearing 31, causing the holding portion 51 to rotate relative to the base 34, while supporting the first bearing 31 so that it can move up and down. By rotating the holding portion 51, the angle of the component P on the carrier C held by the holding portion 51 around the Z axis can be adjusted. Therefore, for example, the angle of the component P can be pre-aligned with the mounting position on the substrate B before the component P is picked up from the carrier C. The second bearing 32 has, in order from the inside, a second inner ring 71, a second rolling element 72, and a second outer ring 73. The holding portion 51 is fixed to the second inner ring 71, and the second outer ring 73 is supported by the base 34 so that it can move up and down.

[0026] The second inner ring 71 and the second outer ring 73 are ring-shaped members that extend around a central axis V0 and define an opening in the center. The second rolling element 72 is provided between the second inner ring 71 and the second outer ring 73 and is a member that reduces friction by rotating, thereby suppressing the transmission of the rotation of the second inner ring 71 to the second outer ring 73. That is, the second rolling element 72 allows the second inner ring 71 to rotate relative to the second outer ring 73. The second rolling element 72 is, for example, a ball, but may be other rotating members such as rollers. In Embodiment 1, the second bearing 32 is a cross roller bearing, similar to the first bearing 31, but may be other types of bearings.

[0027] The first bearing 31 and the second bearing 32 share a common central axis V0 and are arranged to overlap in the vertical direction Z. Specifically, the inner rings 61 and 71 of bearings 31 and 32 overlap, and the outer rings 63 and 73 overlap. There may be a gap between the inner rings 61 and 71 and the outer rings 63 and 73 in the vertical direction Z.

[0028] An ejector 4 (Figure 1) is positioned inside the bearings 31 and 32. The inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings 31 and 32 define the range of motion of the ejector 4.

[0029] Comparing bearings 31 and 32, bearings 31 and 32 may have a common structure. Having a common structure for bearings 31 and 32 can improve the accuracy of the rotation angle of the component P on the carrier C. On the other hand, the radial gap between the second inner ring 71 and the second outer ring 73 in the second bearing 32 may be larger than the radial gap between the first inner ring 61 and the first outer ring 63 in the first bearing 31. With this configuration, the sliding resistance of the second bearing 32 can be reduced while ensuring the accuracy of the rotation angle of the component P on the carrier C, thereby absorbing the runout of the second bearing 32.

[0030] In the following explanation, the direction perpendicular to the central axis V0 is referred to as the "radial direction K," the direction away from the central axis V0 is referred to as the radially outward direction K1, and the direction approaching the central axis V0 is referred to as the radially inward direction K2. The direction that circles the central axis V0 is referred to as the circumferential direction M.

[0031] The connecting member 33 is a member that connects the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31 and the second inner ring 71 of the second bearing 32 in such a way that relative rotation is restricted while relative vertical movement is permitted. Specifically, the connecting member 33 is a member that includes a mechanism that transmits power in the circumferential direction M while suppressing the transmission of power in the vertical direction Z between the first inner ring 61 and the second inner ring 71. In this specification, "to connect" includes both direct connection and connection via other members or mechanisms.

[0032] In Embodiment 1, the connecting member 33 has a projection 35 and a wall portion 37 as a mechanism that transmits power in the circumferential direction M while suppressing the transmission of power in the vertical direction Z. The projection 35 is fixed to the second inner ring 71 and protrudes radially inward K2. The wall portion 37 is provided on a support portion 53 fixed to the first inner ring 61 and receives the projection 35, restricting the rotation of the projection 35 relative to the support portion 53 while allowing the projection 35 to move up and down. The wall portion 37 is part of the support portion 53. The wall portion 37 extends in the vertical direction Z and defines a hole 36 into which the projection 35 is inserted. Together, the projection 35 and the hole 36 function as a keyway or a pin and guide. The hole 36 penetrates the support portion 53, but instead of the hole 36, a groove may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 53 that does not penetrate the support portion 53.

[0033] The connecting member 33 is not limited to this configuration, and may include bearings such as stroke bearings or rails as a mechanism that transmits power in the circumferential direction M while suppressing the transmission of power in the vertical direction Z.

[0034] The base 34 is a member to which the first outer ring 63 of the first bearing 31, the first drive unit 41, the second drive unit 42, and the guide 44 are fixed. The first outer ring 63, the first drive unit 41, the second drive unit 42, and the guide 44 may be fixed directly to the base 34, or they may be fixed to other members fixed to the base 34. The first outer ring 63, the first drive unit 41, the second drive unit 42, and the guide 44 may be fixed to the base 34 by screws, for example. Other components of the expander device 3 may be fixed to the base 34.

[0035] The base 34 is supported, for example, on the base of the implementation system 1.

[0036] The first drive unit 41 is a device that transmits rotational driving force to the first inner ring 61 and rotates the first inner ring 61 around the central axis V0 relative to the first outer ring 63. Specifically, the first drive unit 41 includes an actuator that converts energy supplied from an external power source to the expander device 3 into rotational motion. The first drive unit 41 may include a motor, an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or the like. In Embodiment 1, the first drive unit 41 includes a motor connected to an external power source via wiring.

[0037] The first drive unit 41 drives the first inner ring 61 around the central axis V0. The rotation of the first inner ring 61 is transmitted to the second inner ring 71 via the connecting member 33, causing the second inner ring 71 to also rotate around the central axis V0. On the other hand, the rotation of the inner rings 61, 71 is absorbed by the rolling elements 62, 72 and is not transmitted to the outer rings 63, 73.

[0038] The second drive unit 42 is a device that transmits lifting and lowering driving force to the second outer ring 73 and moves the second bearing 32 up and down relative to the first bearing 31. Specifically, the second drive unit 42 includes an actuator that converts energy supplied from an external power source to the expander device 3 into lifting and lowering motion. The second drive unit 42 may include a motor, an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or the like. In Embodiment 1, the second drive unit 42 includes an air cylinder connected to an external pump via air piping and a piston 45 (see Figure 5) that moves up and down inside the air cylinder. The piston 45 of the second drive unit 42 is connected to the second outer ring 73 of the second bearing 32.

[0039] The second bearing 32 moves up and down due to the drive of the second drive unit 42. However, the movement of the second bearing 32 is absorbed by the connecting member 33 and is not transmitted to the first bearing 31.

[0040] Driven by the second drive unit 42, the second bearing 32 is able to move up and down between a holding height H1 and an expanded height H2 located below the holding height H1 Z2. When the second bearing 32 is at the holding height H1, the upper end 52A of the expander ring 52 is away from the tape 114 of the carrier C held by the holding part 51. When the second bearing 32 is at the expanded height H2, the upper end 52A of the expander ring 52 protrudes above the holding surface R3 of the holding part 51 that presses down on the frame 112 of the carrier C from above Z1 and comes into contact with the tape 114.

[0041] The guide 44 is a member that guides the up and down movement of the second bearing 32. In the first embodiment, the guide 44 includes a rail that fits with the second bearing 32 and extends in the vertical direction Z.

[0042] In Embodiment 1, the first drive unit 41, the second drive unit 42, and the guide 44 are arranged radially outward K1 of the bearings 31 and 32. The expander device 3 has two second drive units 42 facing each other radially in the direction K, and two guides 44 are arranged on both sides of each second drive unit 42. By positioning the second drive units 42 facing each other, the tilting of the second bearing 32 can be suppressed during raising and lowering.

[0043] The holding portion 51 is a member that holds the frame 112 of the carrier C. In Embodiment 1, the holding portion 51 includes two ring-shaped members 51A and 51B that overlap in the vertical direction Z, with the lower member 51A supporting the frame 112 from below before expansion, and the upper member 51B pressing down on the frame 112 from above when expanded. Member 51B has a holding surface R3 that presses down on the frame 112 from above. The holding portion 51 holds the carrier C such that the central openings of the ring-shaped members 51A and 51B overlap with the component P on the tape 114.

[0044] The holding part 51 is fixed to the second inner ring 71 of the second bearing 32. The holding part 51 may be directly fixed to the second inner ring 71, or may be fixed to another member fixed to the second inner ring 71. In the first embodiment, the holding part 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the second inner ring 71. Since it is fixed to the second inner ring 71, the holding part 51 is rotatable together with the second inner ring 71 and is movable up and down with respect to the first bearing 31.

[0045] The expanding member 52 is a member that widens the interval between the components P on the carrier C by expanding the tape 114 of the carrier C in the radial direction K. Specifically, the expanding member 52 is a member that can contact the back surface of the tape 114 and can project above the frame 112 held by the holding part 51. In the first embodiment, the expanding member 52 is a cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction Z. The expanding member 52 is disposed radially inward K2 of the holding part 51, and the upper end 52A of the expanding member 52 can contact the back surface of the tape 114 in the radial direction K2 inside the holding part 51.

[0046] The expanding member 52 is fixed to the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31. The expanding member 52 may be directly fixed to the first inner ring 61, or may be fixed to another member fixed to the first inner ring 61. In the first embodiment, the expanding member 52 is fixed to the support part 53 fixed to the first inner ring 61. Since it is fixed to the first inner ring 61, the expanding member 52 is rotatable about the central axis V0 together with the first inner ring 61.

[0047] The expanding member 52 is removably fixed to the support part 53. Therefore, the expanding member 52 can be exchanged according to the type and size of the carrier C.

[0048] The support portion 53 is a member that is fixed to the first inner ring 61 and supports the expander 52 from below. The support portion 53 extends upward from the first inner ring 61 in the upper direction Z1 and faces the inner peripheral surface 71A of the second inner ring 71 in the radial direction K. In Embodiment 1, the support portion 53 is a cylindrical member that extends upward from the first inner ring 61 to the second inner ring 71 and has an outer peripheral surface 53A that faces the inner peripheral surface 71A of the second inner ring 71 in a part thereof. The support portion 53 supports the expander 52 at its upper end.

[0049] The support portion 53 has a cylindrical portion 56 and a flange 57. The cylindrical portion 56 is a cylindrical part that extends in the vertical direction Z. The flange 57 is a part that protrudes outward in the radial direction K1 from the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface 53A) of the cylindrical portion 56 and is fixed in contact with the upper surface of the first inner ring 61.

[0050] Next, the connecting member 33 will be described in more detail while referring to FIGS. 5 to 6. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the expander device 3 in the vicinity of the connecting member 33 along the line V-V in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the connecting member 33 as viewed from the vertical direction Z.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 35 is fixed to the lower surface of the second inner ring 71. The hole 36 extends in the vertical direction Z to define the movement locus of the protrusion 35 with respect to the first inner ring 61 in the vertical direction Z. The dimension W1 of the hole 36 in the vertical direction Z is longer than the lifting stroke of the second bearing 32. That is, the dimension W1 of the hole 36 in the vertical direction Z is larger than the height difference W2 (FIG. 4) between the holding height H1 and the expansion height H2 of the second bearing 32. With such a configuration, even when the protrusion 35 moves up and down, the protrusion 35 only moves up and down within the hole 36, and the up and down movement of the protrusion 35 is not transmitted to the first bearing 31 and is absorbed by the hole 36. With such a configuration, the connecting member 33 allows the relative up and down movement between the first bearing 31 and the second bearing 32.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the circumferential dimension W0 of the hole 36 is constant in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, when the support portion 53 rotates together with the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31, the projection 35 strikes one side wall 37A or the other side wall 37B of the wall portion 37 that defines the hole 36 and is rotated. The rotational movement of the first inner ring 61 is transmitted to the projection 35 and the second inner ring 71, causing the first inner ring 61 and the second inner ring 71 to rotate together. With this configuration, the connecting member 33 restricts the relative rotation of the first inner ring 61 and the second inner ring 71.

[0053] The circumferential dimension W3 of the projection 35 is greater than the vertical dimension W4 (Figure 5) of the projection 35 in the vertical direction Z, and the projection 35 has a plate shape. This configuration makes it easier to ensure the rigidity of the projection 35 that receives force from the circumferential direction M. The projection 35 may also have any other arbitrary shape, such as a cylindrical shape extending in the radial direction K.

[0054] The projection 35 is located radially inward K2 from the outer circumferential surface 71B of the second inner ring 71. In addition, since the wall portion 37 is provided on the support portion 53, the connecting member 33 is located radially inward K2 from the first outer ring 63 of the first bearing 31 and the second outer ring 73 of the second bearing 32. With this configuration, interference between the connecting member 33 and the components located radially outward K1 of the bearings 31 and 32 can be suppressed when the inner rings 61 and 71 rotate.

[0055] Returning to Figure 5, the cylindrical portion 56 of the support portion 53 has a step 56A at its lower end that is recessed radially outward K1 relative to the inner circumferential surface of the expander ring 52. The lower part of the cylindrical portion 56 is thinner radially K than the upper part of the cylindrical portion 56 that supports the expander ring 52. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure sufficient strength to support the expander ring 52 while suppressing interference between the cylindrical portion 56 and the ejector 4 which is positioned inside the first bearing 31.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the tip 35A of the projection 35 is located inside the hole 36. Specifically, above the step 56A (see Figure 5) at Z1, the tip 35A of the projection 35 is located inside the hole 36.

[0057] In Embodiment 1, the expander device 3 has a single connecting member 33. The single connecting member 33 makes alignment during assembly of the expander device 3 easier compared to the case where multiple connecting members 33 are provided. Furthermore, galling between the projection 35 and the hole 36 can be suppressed when the inner rings 61 and 71 rotate.

[0058] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the fitting of the first drive unit 41 and the first inner ring 61 will be explained in more detail. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the expander device 3 along the line VII-VII in Figure 2.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the first drive unit 41 has a drive gear 43 that can be rotated by a motor or the like. A driven gear 65 is fixed to the lower part of the first inner ring 61 and is fitted with the drive gear 43 of the first drive unit 41. Because the first drive unit 41 is located radially outward K1 of the first outer ring 63, the driven gear 65 protrudes radially outward K1 from the lower surface of the first inner ring 61, passing below the first outer ring 63. When the drive gear 43 rotates, the first inner ring 61 rotates via the driven gear 65.

[0060] In Embodiment 1, the driven gear 65 is provided around the central axis V0 and along the entire circumference of the first inner ring 61. Therefore, the first inner ring 61 is rotatable 360°.

[0061] (Operation) With the above configuration, an example of the operation of the implementation system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the implementation system 1. Figures 9 to 12 are schematic diagrams of the expander device 3 in the operation of the implementation system 1.

[0062] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, first, the control unit 10 loads the carrier C into the expander device 3 based on a production program stored in memory (S10). In the expander device 3, the holding unit 51 holds the frame 112 of the carrier C. The second bearing 32 is positioned at a holding height H1.

[0063] Next, the control unit 10 controls the second drive unit 42 to lower the second bearing 32 from the holding height H1 to the extended height H2 (S11).

[0064] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the descent of the second bearing 32 pushes the frame 112 of the carrier C against the holding surface R3 of the holding portion 51, pushing it down below the upper end 52A of the expander ring 52. As a result, the upper end 52A of the expander ring 52 is pressed against the back surface of the tape 114, causing the tape 114 to expand radially outward K1. Also, the projection 35 of the connecting member 33 descends within the hole 36. Therefore, even when the second bearing 32 descends, the first bearing 31 does not move in the vertical direction Z.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 10 then controls the first drive unit 41 to rotate the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31 in order to align the orientation of the component P on the carrier C with respect to the mounting position on the substrate B, for example (S12). If the information stored in memory, such as a production program, includes information regarding the angle of the component P on the carrier C with respect to the mounting position, the control unit 10 determines the rotation angle of the first inner ring 61 based on the information stored in memory, such as a production program. The control unit 10 may also determine the rotation angle of the first inner ring 61 based on an input instruction. The control unit 10 determines the amount of rotation of the motor of the first drive unit 41 according to the determined rotation angle and controls the first drive unit 41. The rotation angle is, for example, within the range of 0° to 360°.

[0066] The rotation of the first inner ring 61 causes the support portion 53 and the expander ring 52 to rotate, and the second inner ring 71 and the holding portion 51 also rotate via the connecting member 33.

[0067] The control unit 10 may detect the amount of rotation of the motor of the first drive unit 41 from its origin and determine whether or not the rotation angle has been achieved. If the mounting system 1 further has a camera that recognizes the component P held on the carrier C from above, the control unit 10 may determine whether or not the rotation angle has been achieved according to the recognition result of the camera. If the rotation angle has not been achieved, the control unit 10 may, according to the recognition result of the camera, rotate the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31 again to further adjust the angle of the component P. The amount of rotation of the first inner ring 61 after recognition may be less than the amount of rotation of the first inner ring 61 before recognition.

[0068] The control unit 10 may execute steps S11 and S12 in a reversed order.

[0069] Next, the control unit 10 controls the ejector 4 to push up part P from below Z2 (S13). Based on information stored in memory, such as a production program, or input instructions, the control unit 10 determines which part P to push up and raises the ejector pin of the ejector 4 below the determined part P.

[0070] Next, the control unit 10 drives the mounting device 9 to pick up the thrust-up component P (S14). Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the head moving device 93 to move the pickup head 91 above the component P, and the pickup head 91 picks up the component P.

[0071] If the pickup head 91 is rotatable around the vertical direction Z, after picking up the component P, the control unit 10 may rotate the pickup head 91 to further adjust the angle of the component P. If the mounting system 1 further has a camera that recognizes the component P held by the pickup head 91, the control unit 10 may rotate the pickup head 91 to further adjust the angle of the component P according to the recognition result from the camera. On the other hand, by adjusting the angle of the component P in advance with the expander device 3, the time required for the pickup head 91 to adjust the angle of the component P can be shortened.

[0072] Next, the control unit 10 controls the ejector 4 to lower the ejector pin of the ejector 4 and separate it from the tape 114 (S15).

[0073] Next, the control unit 10 controls the head moving device 93 to move the pickup head 91 above the substrate B supported by the stage 92, and the pickup head 91 mounts the component P onto the substrate B (S16).

[0074] Next, the control unit 10 may repeatedly execute steps S13 to S16 for some or all of the components P on the carrier C, based on information stored in memory, such as a production program, or input instructions.

[0075] Next, the control unit 10 controls the second drive unit 42 to raise the second bearing 32 from the expanded height H2 to the holding height H1 (S20). The expander ring 52 separates from the tape 114, and the tape 114 returns to its pre-expanded state.

[0076] Next, the control unit 10 controls the first drive unit 41 to reverse the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31 and return it to its initial angle (S21).

[0077] Next, the control unit 10 unloads the carrier C from the expander device 3 (S22).

[0078] The control unit 10 may perform step S12 to rotate the first inner ring 61 to a different angle before returning the first inner ring 61 to its initial angle, and then perform steps S13 to S16 again.

[0079] (Effects) The expander device 3 and mounting system 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0080] The expander device 3 of Embodiment 1 is an expander device that expands a tape 114 supported on the frame 112 of a carrier C (parts carrier). The expander device 3 comprises a first bearing 31 having a central axis V0 extending in the vertical direction Z, a second bearing 32 positioned above the first bearing 31 Z1 (above) and having a common central axis V0 with the first bearing 31, and a connecting member 33. The connecting member 33 connects the first inner ring 61 of the first bearing 31 and the second inner ring 71 of the second bearing 32. The expander device 3 further comprises a base 34 to which the first outer ring 63 of the first bearing 31 is fixed, a first drive device 41, a second drive device 42, a holding part 51, and an expander ring 52. The first drive unit 41 is fixed to the base 34 and transmits rotational driving force to the first inner ring 61, causing the first inner ring 61 to rotate around the central axis V0 relative to the first outer ring 63. The second drive unit 42 is fixed to the base 34 and transmits lifting driving force to the second outer ring 73 of the second bearing 32, causing the second bearing 32 to move up and down relative to the first bearing 31. The holding part 51 is fixed to the second inner ring 71 and holds the carrier C. The expander ring 52 is fixed to the first inner ring. The connecting member 33 restricts relative rotation between the first inner ring 61 and the second inner ring 71 while allowing relative lifting and lowering.

[0081] With this configuration, the first rolling element 62 can suppress the transmission of the rotation of the first inner ring 61 to the first drive unit 41. The second rolling element 72 can suppress the transmission of the rotation of the second inner ring 71 to the second drive unit 42. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the drive units 41 and 42 rotate together with the bearings 31 and 32, the wiring and piping connecting the external energy supply source and the drive units 41 and 42 are less likely to restrict rotation. Consequently, the rotatable angular range of the inner rings 61 and 71 can be widened.

[0082] In the expander device 3 of the first embodiment, the connecting member 33 is located radially inward K2 than the first outer ring 63 and the second outer ring 73.

[0083] This configuration makes it possible to suppress interference between the connecting member 33 and the components positioned radially outward K1 of the bearings 31 and 32 when the inner rings 61 and 71 rotate.

[0084] The expander device 3 of the first embodiment further includes a support portion 53 that is fixed to the first inner ring 61, extends upward Z1 (upward) from the first inner ring 61, faces the inner circumferential surface 71A of the second inner ring 71 in the radial direction K, and supports the expander ring 52.

[0085] With this configuration, the second inner ring 71 and the support portion 53 face each other in the radial direction K, making it easy to connect the inner rings 61 and 71 by providing the connecting member 33 on the support portion 53.

[0086] In the expander device 3 of the first embodiment, the connecting member 33 has a projection 35 fixed to the second inner ring 71 and projecting radially inward K2, and a wall portion 37 (receiving portion) provided on the support portion 53 that receives the projection 35 and restricts the relative rotation of the projection 35 while allowing the projection 35 to move up and down.

[0087] This configuration allows for a simpler structure than using bearings, while transmitting the rotation of the first inner ring 61 to the second inner ring 71, and suppressing the transmission of the vertical movement of the second inner ring 71 to the first inner ring 61.

[0088] In the expander device 3 of Embodiment 1, the wall portion 37 defines a hole 36 that extends in the vertical direction Z and into which a projection 35 is inserted.

[0089] With this configuration, it is possible to transmit the rotation of the first inner ring 61 to the second inner ring 71 with a simple structure, while suppressing the transmission of the vertical movement of the second inner ring 71 to the first inner ring 61.

[0090] In the expander device 3 of Embodiment 1, the holding portion 51 has a holding surface R3 that presses the frame 112 of the carrier C from above. The second bearing 32 is movable between a holding height H1 (first height) and an expansion height H2 (second height) by a second drive device 42. The expansion height H2 is located below the holding height H1 (Z2 downwards), and is the height at which the expander ring 52 protrudes above the holding surface R3 (Z1 upwards). The vertical dimension W1 of the hole 36 is greater than the height difference W2 between the holding height H1 and the expansion height H2.

[0091] With this configuration, by making the dimension W1 of the hole 36 larger than the height difference W2, the transmission of the upward and downward movement of the second bearing 32 to the first bearing 31 can be further suppressed.

[0092] In the expander device 3 of Embodiment 1, the first drive device 41 has a rotatable drive gear 43. A driven gear 65 is fixed to the first inner ring 61, which is fitted with the drive gear 43 and rotates around the central axis V0.

[0093] With this configuration, the first inner ring 61 can rotate 360°.

[0094] The mounting system 1 of Embodiment 1 comprises an expander device 3, an ejector 4, and a mounting device 9. The expander device 3 holds a carrier C (component carrier) that holds a plurality of components P on the surface R1 of the tape 114. The ejector 4 pushes up the components P from the carrier C held by the expander device 3 from the back surface R2 of the carrier C. The mounting device 9 picks up the components P pushed up by the ejector 4 and mounts them on the substrate B.

[0095] With this configuration, even if the mounting device 9 cannot rotate the component P, the mounting device 9 can pick up the component P, which has been rotated to an arbitrary angle by the expander device 3, and mount it on the substrate B. The step of adjusting the rotation angle of the component P in the mounting device 9 can be shortened or omitted.

[0096] This disclosure is not limited to Embodiment 1, and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0097] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the first inner ring 61 is rotatable by 360°, but the invention is not limited to this. The first inner ring 61 may be rotatable by an angle of less than 360°. In this case, the driven gear 65 does not have to be provided so as to complete one revolution around the central axis V0.

[0098] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the connecting member 33 connects the inner rings 61 and 71 via the support portion 53, but the invention is not limited to this. The connecting member 33 may directly connect the inner rings 61 and 71. For example, the hole 36 may be provided in the first inner ring 61.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the outer rings 63 and 73 are ring-shaped members, but the invention is not limited to this. As long as the inner rings 61 and 71 can be positioned on the inside, the outer rings 63 and 73 may have an outer shell of any shape, since they are fixed to the base 34.

[0100] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the control unit 10 determines the amount of rotation of the motor of the first drive unit 41 and controls the rotation angle, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first drive unit 41 may further have a linear scale for detecting the rotation angle, and the control unit 10 may control the rotation angle according to the measurement value of the linear scale. Also, the expander device 3 may have a sensor for detecting the amount of rotation of the holding unit 51, and the control unit 10 may control the rotation angle according to the detected amount of rotation of the holding unit 51. Such a configuration improves the accuracy of the rotation angle.

[0101] An expander device in a first embodiment is an expander device for expanding a tape supported on a frame of a parts carrier, comprising: a first bearing having a central axis extending in the vertical direction; a second bearing disposed above the first bearing and having a central axis common to the first bearing; a base to which the first outer ring of the first bearing is fixed; a first drive device fixed to the base and transmitting rotational driving force to the first inner ring of the first bearing, causing the first inner ring to rotate around the central axis relative to the first outer ring; a second drive device fixed to the base and transmitting lifting driving force to the second outer ring of the second bearing, causing the second bearing to move up and down relative to the first bearing; a holding part fixed to the second inner ring of the second bearing and holding the parts carrier; an expander ring fixed to the first inner ring; and a connecting member connecting the first inner ring and the second inner ring so as to restrict relative rotation between the first inner ring and the second inner ring while allowing relative lifting and lowering.

[0102] In the second embodiment of the expander device, the connecting member is located radially inward from the first outer ring and the second outer ring, as in the expander device of the first embodiment.

[0103] In a third embodiment, the expander device further comprises a support portion fixed to the first inner ring, extending upward from the first inner ring and facing the inner circumferential surface of the second inner ring in the radial direction, and supporting the expander ring, in the expander device of the first or second embodiment.

[0104] In the fourth embodiment of the expander device, in the third embodiment of the expander device, the connecting member has a projection fixed to the second inner ring and projecting radially inward, and a receiving portion provided on the support portion that receives the projection and restricts the relative rotation of the projection while allowing the projection to move up and down.

[0105] In the fifth embodiment of the expander device, in the fourth embodiment of the expander device, the receiving portion is a wall portion that extends in the vertical direction and defines a hole or groove into which a projection is inserted.

[0106] In the sixth embodiment of the expander device, in the fifth embodiment of the expander device, the holding portion has a holding surface that presses the frame of the component carrier from above, the second bearing is movable by a second drive device between a first height and a second height located below the first height, where the expander ring protrudes above the holding surface, and the vertical dimension of the hole or groove is greater than the height difference between the first height and the second height.

[0107] In the seventh embodiment, as an expander device in any of the first to sixth embodiments, the first drive device has a rotatable drive gear, and a driven gear that engages with the drive gear and rotates around the central axis is fixed to the first inner ring.

[0108] The mounting system in the eighth embodiment includes an expander device of any of the first to sixth embodiments that holds a component carrier that holds a plurality of components on the surface of a tape, an ejector that pushes up components from the component carrier held by the expander device from the back surface of the component carrier, and a mounting device that picks up the components pushed up by the ejector and mounts them on a substrate.

[0109] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0110] The expander device of this disclosure has the effect of rotating a component to any angle and is particularly useful in a mounting system for mounting components.

[0111] 1 Mounting system 3 Expander device 4 Ejector 9 Mounting device 10 Control unit 31 First bearing 32 Second bearing 33 Connecting member 34 Base 35 Projection 36 Hole 37 Wall (receiving part) 41 First drive device 42 Second drive device 51 Holding part 52 Expander ring 53 Support part 61 First inner ring 63 First outer ring 71 Second inner ring 73 Second outer ring

Claims

1. An expander device for expanding a tape supported on a frame of a parts carrier, comprising: a first bearing having a central axis extending in the vertical direction; a second bearing disposed above the first bearing and having the same central axis as the first bearing; a base to which the first outer ring of the first bearing is fixed; a first drive device fixed to the base and transmitting rotational driving force to the first inner ring of the first bearing, causing the first inner ring to rotate around the central axis relative to the first outer ring; a second drive device fixed to the base and transmitting lifting driving force to the second outer ring of the second bearing, causing the second bearing to move up and down relative to the first bearing; a holding portion fixed to the second inner ring of the second bearing and holding a parts carrier; an expander ring fixed to the first inner ring; and a connecting member connecting the first inner ring and the second inner ring so as to restrict relative rotation between the first inner ring and the second inner ring while allowing relative lifting and lowering.

2. The expander device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is located radially inward from the first outer ring and the second outer ring.

3. The expander device according to claim 1, further comprising a support portion fixed to the first inner ring, extending upward from the first inner ring and facing the inner circumferential surface of the second inner ring in the radial direction, and supporting the expander ring.

4. The expander device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member has a projection fixed to the second inner ring and projecting radially inward, and a receiving portion provided on the support portion that receives the projection and restricts the relative rotation of the projection while allowing the projection to move up and down.

5. The expander device according to claim 4, wherein the receiving portion is a wall portion that extends in the vertical direction and defines a hole or groove into which the projection is inserted.

6. The expander device according to claim 5, wherein the retaining portion has a retaining surface that presses the frame of the component carrier from above, the second bearing is movable by the second drive device between a first height and a second height located below the first height and where the expander ring protrudes above the retaining surface, and the vertical dimension of the hole or groove is greater than the height difference between the first height and the second height.

7. The expander device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first drive device has a rotatable drive gear, and a driven gear is fixed to the first inner ring, which is fitted with the drive gear and rotates around the central axis.

8. An expander device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which holds a component carrier for holding a plurality of components on the surface of the tape; an ejector for pushing up components from the component carrier held by the expander device from the back surface of the component carrier; and a mounting device for picking up the components pushed up by the ejector and mounting them onto a substrate.

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