Compact PCB Mounting Apparatus Using Orthogonal Substrate Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic component mounting apparatuses are limited in compactness in the conveyance direction due to the alignment of loading, holding, and unloading units, which increases the apparatus's dimensions and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a substrate conveyance unit that moves printed circuit boards in orthogonal directions, allowing for a compact configuration by aligning loading, holding, and unloading units in one direction, eliminating the need for distribution conveyors and enabling efficient component mounting and unloading without shifting components due to vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the printed circuit board loading unit, substrate holding unit, and printed circuit board unloading unit are aligned in a line in the conveyance direction, then the apparatus can maintain a simple structure, but the dimension in the conveyance direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a linear configuration (all units aligned in the conveyance direction) to a two-dimensional layout where the loading unit, substrate holding unit, and unloading unit are arranged in a different spatial configuration. Specifically, the substrate holding unit is positioned adjacent to the loading unit, and the unloading unit is positioned adjacent to the substrate holding unit, creating a compact L-shaped or U-shaped arrangement that reduces the conveyance direction dimension while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If multiple mounting apparatuses are aligned in a line in the conveyance direction, then high productivity can be achieved, but the overall dimension in the conveyance direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple mounting apparatuses to be arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, rather than forcing them into a linear sequence along the conveyance direction. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows each apparatus to operate independently with its own loading, holding, and unloading units, maintaining high productivity while reducing the conveyance direction footprint of the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distribution conveyors are provided between multiple mounting apparatuses, then board diversion is enabled, but the dimension in the conveyance direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the board diversion function from separate distribution conveyors and integrates it directly into the substrate holding unit of each mounting apparatus. The substrate holding unit can independently receive boards from the loading unit and transfer them to the unloading unit, eliminating the need for external distribution conveyors while maintaining full diversion capability and reducing the conveyance direction dimension.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic component mounting apparatus includes a loading unit which loads a printed circuit board. This apparatus includes a first substrate moving unit which moves the printed circuit board, loaded by the loading unit, in the Y-direction. This apparatus includes a substrate holding unit which temporarily holds the printed circuit board moved by the first substrate moving unit. This apparatus includes a component mounting unit which mounts an electronic component on the printed circuit board. This apparatus includes a second substrate moving unit which moves the printed circuit board with the electronic component mounted thereon in the Y-direction. This apparatus includes an unloading unit which moves the printed circuit board, moved by the second substrate moving unit, in the X-direction to unload it. This invention can provide an electronic component mounting apparatus which is compact in its conveyance direction for conveying a printed circuit board.