Component Mounting Machine Illumination Angle Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounting machines face challenges in identifying characters or marks on components due to inappropriate illumination angles, which can lead to interference with nearby objects or mounted components during the component pickup and mounting operation.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves attaching an illumination light source to the electric component holding frame of the mounting head, positioning it to minimize overhang and ensure a suitable illumination angle for identifying characters or marks on components, while avoiding interference with surrounding objects or mounted components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of illumination units is increased and character identifying illumination light sources are arranged on both outer sides of the general illumination light source, then the illumination angle with respect to the character on the component upper surface is made small and the character can be identified, but the illumination units attached on the lower side of the mark imaging camera greatly overhang on both outer sides of the camera and may interfere with objects or mounted components during component pickup and mounting operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter identification accuracyVSAvoidinterference with objects or mounted components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is divided into two functional groups: general illumination light sources for illuminating the board mark and character identifying illumination light sources specifically for illuminating characters on component upper surfaces. This segmentation allows each group to be optimally positioned for its specific function while minimizing interference with other operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different illumination light sources are positioned at different locations with different illumination angles tailored to their specific functions. The character identifying illumination light sources are positioned to provide oblique illumination at small angles (5-30 degrees) specifically for characters, while general illumination light sources provide broader illumination for board marks, allowing each local area to receive appropriate illumination quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a ring-shaped illumination light source is used in the mark imaging camera, then the structure is simple, but the illumination angle with respect to the identification target is approximately 60 degrees which is too large and makes it difficult to identify the identification target, especially laser-engraved characters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination source structureVSAvoididentification target visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination function is segmented into general illumination for board marks and specialized character illumination. The character identifying illumination light sources are specifically positioned to provide the required oblique illumination angle for characters, separate from the ring-shaped general illumination source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination angle parameter is changed by positioning character identifying illumination light sources at specific locations that produce small illumination angles (5-30 degrees) relative to the character surface, rather than using the large 60-degree ring-shaped source. This parameter change enables proper illumination of laser-engraved characters while maintaining simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective identification of characters or marks on components by adjusting the illumination angle to a suitable range, thereby preventing interference and ensuring accurate component mounting operations.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination light source 22 composed of a light emitting element, such as an LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a mark imaging camera 16 that images a board mark of a circuit board from above

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3917303B1Component mounting machine
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 FUJI CORP
  • EP3917303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3917303B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In a component mounting machine (11), in which a mark imaging camera (16) configured to image a board mark of a circuit board is provided to move integrally with a mounting head (13) and which has a function of identifying an identification target, such as a character attached to an upper surface of a component (20) supplied by a component supply device (12), an illumination light source (22) configured to illuminate the identification target on the upper surface of the component imaged by the mark imaging camera is attached to a lower portion of an electric component holding frame (21) provided to protrude to the side of the mounting head. As the identification target on the upper surface of the component, which is illuminated by the illumination light source from obliquely above, is imaged by the mark imaging camera from above and the image is processed, the identification target on the upper surface of the component is identified.