Electronic Component Supply Apparatus Sprocket Hole Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic component supply apparatuses face inefficiencies in detecting the presence or absence of components in accommodation sections of component supply tapes, leading to wasted time and reduced productivity during reel replacement due to inaccurate detection methods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic component supply apparatus with a sensor unit that includes a sprocket hole detecting unit and an electronic component detecting unit, using optical sensors to reliably determine the presence or absence of components by detecting sprocket holes and electronic components on the transport path, allowing for efficient and accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If component detection is performed by the suction nozzle repeatedly checking empty accommodation sections, then component presence/absence can be determined, but time is wasted due to repeated lifting and lowering of the suction nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
An optical sensor is introduced as an intermediary detection device between the component supply tape and the suction nozzle. The optical sensor detects components in accommodation sections upstream from the picking-up position, providing advance detection information without requiring the suction nozzle to repeatedly approach and withdraw from empty sections, thus eliminating wasted time while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of components in accommodation sections before they reach the picking-up position. This advance detection allows the system to identify empty sections ahead of time and adjust operations accordingly, preventing the suction nozzle from performing unnecessary repeated suction attempts on empty sections
2Ease of operation
If the suction nozzle is used for component detection, then the mounting head can pick up components, but detection accuracy is insufficient when accommodation sections are empty
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor serves as an intermediary detection device that provides accurate component presence/absence information upstream from the picking-up position. This separate detection function complements the suction nozzle's picking function, allowing the system to make informed decisions about which accommodation sections contain components without compromising the suction nozzle's primary picking operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical suction-based detection method is supplemented by an optical detection system. The optical sensor uses light to detect component presence non-contactly and with higher precision, replacing the inadequate mechanical detection approach while preserving the mechanical suction function for actual component pickup
3Productivity
If fast winding is performed without accurate component detection, then reel replacement is faster, but time is wasted in heading of component and empty tape discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of component presence/absence in accommodation sections upstream from the picking-up position. This advance information allows the system to perform fast winding without uncertainty, accurately determining when to stop for heading of component or empty tape discharge, thereby reducing wasted time while maintaining high reel replacement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor provides continuous feedback information about component presence/absence in the component supply tape. This feedback enables the control system to make real-time decisions about reel replacement timing, accurately identifying when the tape is depleted or when the next component is available, thus eliminating wasted time in heading of component and empty tape discharge operations
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
Enables efficient and reliable detection of electronic components, reducing time wastage and improving productivity by accurately determining component presence or absence, thus optimizing the reel replacement process.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic component detecting unit that detects an electronic component accommodated in the accommodation section on the transport path on the upstream side from the component picking-up position
Implementation Method 2
a sprocket hole detecting unit that detects at least one of the sprocket holes on the upstream side on the transport path from the component picking-up position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component supply apparatus that transports a component supply tape which has accommodation sections and sprocket holes and which accommodates an electronic component in each of the accommodation sections and is covered with a cover tape, to a component picking-up position and that supplies the electronic component to a component mounting apparatus, the electronic component supply apparatus includes a sprocket hole detecting unit that detects a sprocket hole on the upstream side on a transport path from the component picking-up position; an electronic component detecting unit that detects an electronic component accommodated in the accommodation section on the transport path on the upstream side from the component picking-up position; and a component presence/absence determining unit that determines presence or absence of an electronic component in the accommodation section based on information from the sprocket hole detecting unit and information from the electronic component detecting unit.