JP4398944B2 - Paste applicator and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paste applicator, and more particularly, to a paste applicator that is convenient to use and can reduce work time, and a control method thereof.

In general, a paste applicator is an apparatus that applies various pastes such as a resistance paste and a sealing paste to a substrate in a predetermined shape, that is, a desired shape pattern.
The paste applicator is divided into a stage on which a substrate is mounted and a head unit having a nozzle for applying paste to the substrate. The head unit includes a paste storage container that stores the paste, and a nozzle that communicates with the paste storage container and discharges the paste to the substrate. That is, the paste applicator forms a paste pattern having a predetermined shape on the substrate while changing the relative positional relationship between the substrate and the nozzle.

  At this time, the relative positions of the substrate and the nozzle and the application conditions for forming the paste pattern are set in advance. The application conditions include the relative speed between the nozzle and the substrate (hereinafter referred to as “application speed”), the relative distance between the nozzle and the substrate (hereinafter referred to as “application height”), and the pressure applied to the paste container (hereinafter referred to as “application speed”). , And “application pressure”). Then, after the paste pattern is formed on the substrate, the cross section of the applied paste pattern is measured in order to confirm whether the user has formed the paste pattern having a desired shape.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional technique for setting pattern data for a paste pattern when a user applies a paste pattern having a desired shape. According to Patent Document 1, a conventional paste applicator first sets a basic pattern as a base of a paste pattern, and copies the basic pattern to form a plurality of paste patterns. The paste applicator sets application data for each paste pattern, and sets pattern data for a user's desired paste pattern by setting a positional relationship between a plurality of paste patterns. At this time, pattern data indicating the relative position between the substrate and the nozzle and the application condition of the paste pattern are individually input for each pattern.

However, the conventional paste applicator described above has the following problems.
First, the conventional paste applicator has a problem that it takes a lot of time to apply a plurality of paste patterns to a single substrate.
Second, the conventional paste applicator has a problem that an error may occur in pattern data when pattern data for a plurality of paste patterns is input.

Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 2002-0018967 Specification

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the problems in the above-described conventional paste applicator, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paste applicator that can shorten the time required for forming a paste pattern, and its It is to provide a control method.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a paste applicator that is convenient to use and can prevent pattern data errors, and a control method therefor.

The method for controlling a paste applicator according to the present invention to achieve the above object comprises the steps of creating primary information in a predetermined format corresponding to a paste pattern having a desired shape; and using the primary information in the paste applicator. A data automatic setting step for automatically setting the secondary information; and a step of drawing a desired paste pattern on the substrate according to the automatically set secondary information.
The primary information is preferably created in a CAD data format.
The secondary information is preferably expressed numerically and is position data of a paste pattern drawn on the substrate.
The automatic data setting step includes a step of reading the primary information into data automatic setting means for automatically setting the primary information as the secondary information, and a step of converting the read primary information into the secondary information. It is desirable to include.
Preferably, the method for controlling the paste applicator further includes a step of automatically setting a nozzle corresponding to a paste pattern to be applied on the substrate.
The step of automatically setting the nozzle includes the step of recognizing the position data of the paste pattern drawn on the substrate and the position data of the nozzle, the step of comparing and determining the position data, Preferably, the method includes a step of determining a paste pattern to be performed and a nozzle.
The method for controlling the paste applicator may further include inputting a coating condition for the paste pattern.
Preferably, the method for controlling the paste applicator further includes a step of previously confirming operation information necessary for the operation of the paste applicator.
Preferably, the step of checking the driving information in advance includes at least one of a step of checking the driving information numerically and a step of checking the driving information in an image format.
The method for controlling the paste applicator preferably includes a step of storing and managing operation information necessary for operation of the paste applicator.

The paste applicator of the present invention made to achieve the above object is a means for creating primary information in a predetermined format corresponding to a paste pattern of a desired shape; and the primary information is used in the paste applicator. Automatic data setting means for automatically setting secondary information; and means for drawing a desired paste pattern on the substrate by the automatically set secondary information.
The paste applicator further includes a reading unit for storing the primary information in a computer, and transmits the primary information to the data automatic setting unit via the reading unit of the computer. It is desirable to automatically set the secondary information.
The automatic data setting means for automatically setting the primary information to the secondary information preferably operates as a unit separate from the paste applicator body.
The paste applicator preferably further includes means for automatically setting a nozzle corresponding to a paste pattern drawn on the substrate.
Preferably, the paste applicator further includes means for inputting application conditions for the paste pattern.
Preferably, the paste applicator further includes means for storing and managing operation information necessary for operation of the paste applicator.

According to the paste applicator and the control method thereof according to the present invention, the following effects are obtained.
First, there is an advantage that the time required to form the paste pattern can be shortened by automatically setting the pattern data for the paste pattern having a desired shape. And there exists an advantage which work efficiency improves and a production cost becomes low.
Second, by automatically setting the pattern data and automatically setting the nozzle corresponding to the pattern, there is an advantage that it is convenient to use and can prevent errors that occur in the pattern data input process.
Third, there is an advantage that defective products can be reduced by automatically setting pattern data and confirming operation information in advance.
Fourthly, there is an advantage that it is suitable for mass production of various products by separately storing and managing the operation information in which the pattern data that has been applied is recorded and constructing an extensive database.

Next, a specific example of the best mode for carrying out the paste applicator and the control method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a preferred example of a paste applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to the figure, the structure of the paste applicator by embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  A Y-axis table 30 that is movable in the Y-axis direction is attached to the upper portion of the frame 10, and a θ-direction moving device (not shown) is attached to the Y-axis table 30 so as to be rotatable in the θ direction. In addition, a stage 40 on which the substrate is sucked is attached to the upper portion of the Y-axis table 30. Of course, an X-axis table 20 movable in the X-axis direction can be attached to the upper part of the frame 10.

At least one column 12 is attached to the upper part of the frame 10, and a number of head units 50 including nozzles 554 that discharge paste are attached to the column 12 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction.
By providing a large number of head units 50, the process speed is reduced when a large number of paste patterns are formed. The column 12 can be moved to the Y axis in order to secure a predetermined space when the substrate is mounted on or discharged from the stage.

  In addition, an alignment camera 60 that serves to calibrate the substrate adsorbed on the stage to a fixed position is attached to the column 12. Before and after the stage 40, a measuring unit 90 used for correcting the position of the replaced nozzle is provided. As the measuring unit 90, an image recognition device using a camera or the like is used.

The control unit 70 for controlling the paste applicator is attached to the inside of the paste applicator and is connected to an input / output means 80 for inputting / outputting operation information necessary for the operation of the paste applicator.
The control unit 70 can also directly receive information corresponding to the user's desired paste pattern, that is, a coordinate value indicating the position of the paste pattern, from the input / output means 80 or a personal computer (PC) 100. Further, the control unit 70 can also receive information regarding the paste pattern created by the personal computer 100 through the input / output means 80.

With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the Example regarding the head unit of the paste applicator by embodiment of this invention is demonstrated concretely.
A paste storage container (Syringe) 552 filled with a paste and a nozzle 554 are attached to the coating head 55 located at the lower end of the head unit 50. The head unit 50 is attached with nozzle Y and Z-axis motors 51 and 52 for moving the position of the nozzle 554 in the Y- and Z-axis directions. Of course, the head unit 50 can also be moved in the X-axis direction by a nozzle X-axis moving device (not shown) attached to the column 12.

  In the head unit 50, after the substrate is mounted on the stage, a separate fine adjustment Z-axis (hereinafter, referred to as the following) can be used to finely adjust the nozzle height in order to accurately adjust the distance between the nozzle and the substrate. A motor (not shown) is attached (referred to as 'ZZ axis').

In addition, a distance sensor 59 that measures the distance between the nozzle and the substrate and a cross-sectional measurement sensor 57 that measures a cross-sectional area after the paste pattern is formed are attached to the head unit 50 when a paste pattern is applied.
Of course, the cross-section measuring sensor 57 can be attached to the movable stage 40 or fixedly attached to the column 12. The cross-section measurement sensor can also be attached to a specific head unit or all head units.

  An exhaust hole 54 for sucking and discharging impurities is formed in the side surface of the head unit 50 in order to remove impurities generated when the coating head 55 is driven.

  By configuring as described above, the stage 40 is moved in the Y-axis direction by a Y-axis table moving device, that is, a first linear motor (not shown), and the head unit 50 attached to the column 12 is It moves in the X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, by an axis moving device, that is, a second linear motor (not shown). Of course, the nozzle 554 attached to the coating head 55 of the head unit 50 can be moved in the Z-axis direction by the nozzle Z-axis motor.

  On the other hand, when the nozzle is replaced or the position correction of the nozzle is necessary, the application head 55 of the head unit 50 is moved by the Y-axis servo motor for the nozzle in order to correct the application position of the nozzle in the Y-axis direction. You can also

  The application head 55 of the head unit 50 is moved in the Z-axis direction by a nozzle Z-axis servomotor and a ball screw in order to correct the distance between the substrate and the nozzle. Further, the head unit 50 can be moved by a second linear motor in order to correct the application position of the nozzle in the X-axis direction.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the nozzle may be fixed, and the stage 40 may be configured to move in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The stage is fixed and the nozzle is in the X-axis direction. And can be configured to move in the Y-axis direction.

Next, a control configuration of the paste applicator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
A motor controller 3, an input / output means 80, and a personal computer (PC: personal computer) 100 are connected to the control unit 70 serving as a central processing unit. Of course, the personal computer 100 can also be connected to the input / output means 80 without being directly connected to the control unit 70.

The personal computer 100 can also be provided separately from the paste applicator body. That is, the information created by the personal computer 100 can be transmitted from the personal computer to the paste applicator by a separate transmission means (not shown).
As a transmission means, a flexible disk, a CD, a network server, or the like that can store and store information created by a personal computer and move it is used.

  On the other hand, the motor controller 3 is connected to a stage Y-axis driver 3a and a θ-direction driver 3b for controlling the movement of the table in the Y-axis direction and the θ-direction. The motor controller 3 is connected to a nozzle X-axis driver 3c, a Y-axis driver 3d, a Z-axis driver 3e, and a ZZ-axis driver 3f.

  The nozzle X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, and ZZ-axis drivers 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f control the position of the nozzle in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction, and ZZ-axis direction, respectively. Of course, an X-axis driver that can move the stage in the X-axis direction may be further provided.

  By configuring as described above, a paste pattern having a predetermined shape is formed on the substrate while the substrate and the nozzle are relatively moved. That is, in FIG. 1, when the paste pattern is formed, the column 12 is fixed, the stage 40 moves in the Y-axis direction, and the head unit 50 moves in the X-axis direction to form a paste pattern with a predetermined shape. Will be.

The process of applying the paste onto the substrate by the paste applicator will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.
First, when the paste pattern to be applied is determined, the user sets application conditions suitable for the paste pattern by test application. If the application conditions are set, the substrate is actually carried in and adsorbed on the stage 40.

  Then, after the positions of the nozzle 554 and the substrate are aligned by the align camera 60 and the measuring unit 90, the paste starts to be discharged from the nozzle. Of course, in the process of discharging the paste, the stage 40 and the head unit 50 move relatively so as to form a paste pattern.

Next, a pattern data setting process of the paste applicator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the user creates primary information in a predetermined format corresponding to all paste patterns applied on one substrate (step S100). The means for creating the primary information means means for functioning by executing a program capable of generating image format data, or means for functioning by executing a microprocessor in which the program is incorporated.

  The program is preferably a CAD program capable of generating information in a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data format. Accordingly, the primary information means CAD data format, that is, data in an image format created using a CAD program. Of course, any program can be used as long as it can recognize existing pictures or photos and create image format data.

  The primary information creating means is preferably built in a personal computer provided separately from the paste applicator, but can also be built in the paste applicator. Also, each paste pattern created in the CAD data format is preferably designed so that it can be classified by line type, line color, and the like.

  Next, the primary information in the CAD data format corresponding to the paste pattern is automatically set to secondary information used in the paste applicator by the data automatic setting means (step S200). The secondary information indicates the position data with respect to the paste pattern applied on the substrate as coordinate values, and is hereinafter referred to as pattern data.

The data automatic setting means means means that functions by executing a program that digitizes image format data created using a CAD program, or means that functions by executing a microprocessor in which the program is incorporated.
At this time, the data automatic setting means accepts primary information for the paste pattern by the transmission means. As described above, the transmission means can store and move the primary information corresponding to the paste pattern, and a flexible disk, a CD, a network server, or the like is used.

  Then, the user reads the primary information designed by the CAD program into the automatic data setting means (step S210). Then, the data automatic setting means converts the primary information into pattern data used in the paste applicator (step S230). That is, the data automatic setting means digitizes the primary information in the CAD data format into a coordinate value indicating the position of the paste pattern.

  At this time, each paste pattern created in the CAD data format has a unique pattern number depending on the line, color, etc. of the paste pattern. The pattern data for the paste pattern is recorded on each data sheet corresponding to the pattern number. The automatic data setting means can be provided inside the paste applicator, or can be provided in a computer provided separately from the paste applicator.

  Next, the user automatically sets the nozzle corresponding to each paste pattern by using the nozzle automatic setting means (step S300). The nozzle automatic setting means means means that functions by executing a program having a corresponding function, or means that functions by executing a microprocessor in which the program is incorporated.

  When the user inputs an operation key (not shown) of the automatic nozzle setting means, the automatic nozzle setting means recognizes the pattern data assigned the pattern number and the nozzle position data (step S310). Then, the nozzle automatic setting means compares the pattern data with the nozzle position data, and sets the corresponding nozzle that is closest to the application start point of each paste pattern (steps S330 and S350).

  The automatic nozzle setting means can be attached inside the paste applicator together with the automatic data setting means, or can be attached to a computer separately provided outside the paste applicator. Further, the nozzle automatic setting means can be separated from the data automatic setting means, one being provided in the paste applicator and the remaining one being provided in a computer separately provided outside the paste applicator.

  Next, the application conditions applied to all paste patterns to which pattern numbers are assigned are input (step S400). The application condition can be input after the pattern data is set by the automatic data setting means and before the nozzle is set by the corresponding pattern data. Of course, it can be input before the pattern data is set by the automatic data setting means. The input means for inputting the application conditions can be provided in the paste applicator, but can also be provided in a general computer located outside the paste applicator.

  Then, the user confirms in advance operation information necessary for operation of the paste applicator before driving the paste applicator to actually apply the paste to the substrate (step S500). The operation information means pattern data for the paste pattern, application conditions, application sequence, and all other information necessary for operation of the paste applicator.

As a method for confirming the operation information of the paste applicator, there are a method for numerically confirming the operation information and a method for performing an application simulation on a computer program based on the operation information.
The method of confirming the driving information numerically is a method of displaying a data sheet (Data sheet) relating to the driving information set by the paste pattern so that the user can directly check the data with the naked eye.

  The method of applying simulation is a method of applying on the program using a simulation program under the same operation information as the paste applicator for applying the actual paste on the substrate. The user confirms the compatibility of the paste pattern with the naked eye against the result of the image format applied by the simulation program.

  Of course, it is also possible to digitize the image as a result of the application simulation and compare it numerically with the data of the operation information. In the present embodiment, it is desirable to use at least one of a method for confirming driving information numerically and a method for confirming in an image format.

  When the step of confirming the operation information is completed, the user operates the paste applicator to form a paste pattern on the actual substrate (step S600). When application to the paste pattern is completed, the user assigns a management number to the data sheet on which the operation information is recorded, and stores the data sheet in a separate storage device (step S700). The storage device can be provided in the paste applicator, but may be a general storage device outside the paste applicator. As the storage device, a flexible disk, a CD, a hard disk, or the like can be used.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a process in which the primary information in the CAD data format is converted into secondary information that is position data of the paste pattern will be described.
The primary information in the CAD data format corresponding to the paste pattern of the desired shape is converted into secondary information in the numerical format indicating the position data for each paste pattern by the data automatic setting means. The pattern data indicating the secondary information is given a pattern number corresponding to each paste pattern.

  As described above, the pattern number is determined by the line type or color of the paste pattern. Specifically, the data automatic setting means is preset so that the pattern number corresponds to the line type and color. For example, a yellow solid line has a pattern number of 1, a yellow dotted line has a pattern number of 2, and a black solid line has a pattern number of 3. Therefore, the number of pattern numbers matches the number of paste patterns.

  The number of coordinate values constituting the pattern data for the paste pattern varies depending on the number of straight lines and curves existing in each paste pattern. For example, if the paste pattern is a quadrangle, the coordinates indicating the straight line portion and the value indicating the radius of the curved portion are recorded in the pattern data. At this time, it is desirable that the coordinate value of each point has one reference coordinate.

  In general, in the pattern data for a rectangular paste pattern, four points and radii when the respective points are connected are automatically set. However, the pattern data can be set in other forms.

  For example, when applying the paste pattern, the application start point is set to an arbitrary point located in the straight line portion, and the number of points indicating the straight line portion and the radius of the curved portion where each straight line portion is connected may be set. it can. That is, even in the case of a square paste pattern, if the position of the start point is set to an arbitrary point on the straight line and the end point is set to be the same as the start point, the points necessary to form the paste pattern are Five, including four vertices and a starting point, are set.

  Also, if an arbitrary point on the straight line is set as the start point and the end point is set so that a certain part of the paste pattern overlaps, the points necessary to form the paste pattern are the four vertices, the start point , Six including the end point are set.

Next, a state in which nozzles corresponding to paste patterns are automatically set will be described with reference to FIG.
The paste pattern of this embodiment is composed of eight patterns P1 to P8 on one substrate, and is divided into two pattern groups having different shapes. That is, the patterns P1 to P4 form a first group, and the patterns P5 to P8 form a second group having a shape different from that of the first group.

A nozzle is positioned in a direction facing the substrate surface 200 on which the paste pattern is drawn, and the nozzle is movably attached to the column 12.
After the pattern data is set by the data automatic setting means, the nozzle automatic setting means recognizes the start point data indicating the position of the application start point and the position data of the nozzles arranged in the column in the pattern data.

  At this time, the nozzle automatic setting means searches for the nozzle that is closest to the start point data. Specifically, after calculating the distance from the application start point of P1 to the positions of all the nozzles, the nozzle with the shortest distance is set as the nozzle for applying P1. The nozzles corresponding to the patterns P2 to P4 are set by the same method.

  That is, P1 is set to the first nozzle 554a, P2 is set to the second nozzle 554b, P3 is set to the third nozzle 554c, and P4 is set to the fifth nozzle 554e. Hereinafter, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the third nozzle, and the fifth nozzle are referred to as 'setting nozzles'. The fourth nozzle 554d and the sixth nozzle 554f remain as nozzles that do not correspond to the paste pattern (hereinafter referred to as “non-setting nozzles”).

  The corresponding nozzles for the patterns P1 to P4 are set, and each set nozzle moves to the position of the application start point of the corresponding pattern. Then, the paste pattern starts to be applied according to the operation information necessary for the operation of the paste applicator. At this time, the non-setting nozzle moves in the same manner as the setting nozzle in order to avoid interference with the setting nozzle. Of course, no paste is discharged from the non-setting nozzle.

  When the application to the first group is finished, the patterns P5 to P8, that is, the nozzles corresponding to the second group are set, and the application to the second group is started. However, the step of setting the nozzles corresponding to the patterns P5 to P8 can be performed immediately after setting the nozzles corresponding to the first group. That is, after the respective nozzles corresponding to the first group pattern and the second group pattern are set, the application to the first group and the second group can be sequentially performed. The method of setting nozzles corresponding to the patterns P5 to P8 is the same as the nozzle setting method of P1 described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the process of setting the nozzles located in one column so as to correspond to the corresponding paste pattern has been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to a plurality of columns. Applicable.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and any person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention belongs can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It belongs to the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a paste applicator and a control method thereof that can shorten the time taken to form a paste pattern, make it convenient to use, and prevent pattern data errors.

It is a perspective view showing roughly the composition of the paste applicator by the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows one Example regarding the head unit of the paste applicator by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the control structure of the paste applicator by embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a pattern data setting process of a paste applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a state figure showing the state where the pattern data of the paste applicator by the embodiment of the present invention was set up. It is a state figure showing the state where the nozzle of the paste applicator by an embodiment of the present invention was set up.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Frame 12 Column 20 X-axis table 30 Y-axis table 40 Stage 50 Head unit 60 Alignment camera 70 Control part 80 Input / output means 90 Measuring means 100 Personal computer 200 Substrate 552 Paste container 554 Nozzle

Claims (14)

Creating primary information in a predetermined format corresponding to a paste pattern of a desired shape;
A data automatic setting step for automatically setting the primary information to secondary information used in the paste applicator;
Drawing a desired paste pattern on the substrate according to the automatically set secondary information;
Automatically setting a nozzle corresponding to a paste pattern to be applied on the substrate;
A method for controlling a paste applicator, comprising:   The method of controlling a paste applicator according to claim 1, wherein the primary information is created in a CAD data format.   3. The method of controlling a paste applicator according to claim 2, wherein the secondary information is expressed numerically and is position data of a paste pattern drawn on a substrate.   The automatic data setting step includes a step of reading the primary information into data automatic setting means for automatically setting the primary information as the secondary information, and a step of converting the read primary information into the secondary information. The paste applicator control method according to claim 3, further comprising: The step of automatically setting the nozzle includes the step of recognizing the position data of the paste pattern drawn on the substrate and the position data of the nozzle, the step of comparing and determining the position data, The method of controlling a paste applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining a paste pattern to be performed and a nozzle. The method of controlling a paste applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising inputting a coating condition for the paste pattern. The method of controlling a paste applicator according to claim 6 , further comprising the step of confirming in advance operation information necessary for operation of the paste applicator. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of checking the driving information in advance includes at least one of a step of checking the driving information numerically and a step of checking the driving information in an image format. Control method for paste applicator. The method of controlling a paste applicator according to claim 6 , wherein the control method of the paste applicator includes a step of storing and managing operation information necessary for operation of the paste applicator. Means for creating primary information in a predetermined format corresponding to a paste pattern of a desired shape;
Automatic data setting means for automatically setting the primary information to secondary information used in the paste applicator;
Means for drawing a desired paste pattern on the substrate according to the automatically set secondary information;
Means for automatically setting a nozzle corresponding to a paste pattern drawn on the substrate;
A paste applicator characterized by comprising: The paste applicator further includes a reading unit for storing the primary information in a computer, and transmits the primary information to the data automatic setting unit via the reading unit of the computer. The paste applicator according to claim 10 , wherein secondary information is automatically set. The paste applicator according to claim 11 , wherein the data automatic setting means for automatically setting the primary information to the secondary information operates as a unit separate from the paste applicator body. The paste applicator according to claim 12 , wherein the paste applicator further includes means for inputting an application condition for the paste pattern. The paste applicator according to claim 13 , wherein the paste applicator further includes means for storing and managing operation information necessary for operation of the paste applicator.

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