Component Mounter Head Exchange Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current component mounters can only automatically exchange either the rotary head or the suction nozzle, leading to reduced operation rates as manual intervention is often necessary, causing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A component mounter configuration that enables simultaneous automatic exchange of both the head and suction nozzle, utilizing a shared head rotating mechanism and nozzle rotating mechanism, with mechanical engagement and air cylinder-driven engagement members to prevent positional deviation and dropping during high-speed movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only rotary head or suction nozzle can be automatically exchanged, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotary head exchange mechanism and suction nozzle exchange mechanism into a single integrated system. The head holding unit simultaneously holds multiple rotary heads and multiple suction nozzles, allowing both to be exchanged together through one coordinated operation rather than separate manual interventions, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The head holding unit is designed with universal functionality to hold both rotary heads and suction nozzles using the same basic structure and engagement mechanisms. The engaging members can engage with different types of heads and nozzles, allowing the system to handle multiple component types without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each, thus improving operational flexibility and rate
2Loss of time
If head and suction nozzle are exchanged separately, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to multiple exchange operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple rotary heads and multiple suction nozzles in advance on the head holding unit before they are needed. When a head or nozzle needs to be exchanged, the pre-positioned replacement is already available, allowing immediate exchange without waiting for separate preparation operations, thus reducing exchange time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the exchange operations of heads and nozzles into a single simultaneous action. The head holding unit is designed so that when one head is exchanged, the corresponding nozzle exchange can occur at the same time through coordinated movement of engaging members, reducing the total exchange time compared to sequential operations
3Reliability
If mechanical engagement with springs is used, then reliability of holding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded engaging members are designed to automatically engage and disengage heads and nozzles without requiring external control for each individual engagement action. The springs provide automatic resetting and maintaining of engagement force, allowing the mechanism to service itself through elastic deformation and recovery, thus improving reliability while keeping the control system simple
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for faster exchange times, improved operation rates, and reduced costs and space requirements by enabling automatic selection and exchange of both the head and suction nozzle, while preventing positional issues due to inertia.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to maintain the state in which the engagement protruding section is engaged with the engagement groove is provided in the nozzle holder
Implementation Method 2
an air cylinder which is a driving source to move the engaging member between the engagement position and the engagement release position is provided on the head holding unit
Implementation Method 3
the rotary head is attached and held to a head holding section of a component mounter using negative pressure suction force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(i)
Figure 3
AI summary
A component mounter comprises a head placement section on which rotary heads 11 for exchange are placed and a nozzle placement section on which suction nozzles 13 for exchange are placed, and as well as rotary head 11 being exchangeably held on head holding unit 21 moved by head moving device 20, suction nozzle 13 is exchangeably held on rotary head 11. Control device 41 of a component mounter controls the operation for rotary head 11 on a head placement section to be held by head holding unit 21 and the operation for suction nozzle 13 on a nozzle placement section to be held by rotary head 11. By this, it is possible to perform automatic exchange of rotary head 11 and automatic exchange of suction nozzle 13 by appropriately selecting them and the time required for exchanging rotary head 11 or suction nozzle 13 can be shortened, thus the operation rate of a component mounter can be improved.