WO2006064562A1

WO2006064562A1 - Parts feeder

Info

Publication number: WO2006064562A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/018800
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshiaki Hara
Original assignee: Ueno Seiki Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-12-16
Filing date: 2004-12-16
Publication date: 2006-06-22

Abstract

A parts feeder capable of realizing stable conveyance of electronic parts by accurately conveying the parts and delivering the parts to the next process. The parts feeder is a linear-type feeder and is, as shown in Fig. 1, composed of a conveyance mechanism (1) and a conveyance guide (2). The surface of the conveyance mechanism (1) has a conveyance route (3) in which air discharge holes (4) are arranged at predetermined intervals. The air discharge holes (4) are each connected to an air supply tube (6) through an air supply branch tube (5). A predetermined quantity of air is supplied from an air supply device, not shown, to the air supply tube (6). The air supply device is constructed to supply a predetermined quantity of air to space between the conveyance mechanism (1) and the conveyance guide (2), toward a delivery position (H). The air discharged from the air discharge holes (4) is blown to an electronic part (P) on the conveyance route (3).

Description

Specification

Parts feeder

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a parts feeder for transporting small parts such as electronic parts and semiconductor elements and supplying them to processing apparatuses in various processing steps.

Background art

[0002] Small parts such as electronic parts and semiconductor elements are transported between various processing apparatuses in the manufacturing process and the mounting process, and are delivered. A parts feeder is known as an apparatus for transporting and supplying small parts to various processing apparatuses. Such a parts feeder generally has a conveyance path for conveying parts, a vibration mechanism for continuously moving the parts by applying vibration to the conveyance path, and picking up and taking out the parts and supplying them to the processing device. A pickup mechanism is provided.

[0003] Such a general parts feeder is a combination of a circular vibration part feeder and a linear feed vibration feeder, and conveys a large number of parts continuously, and at the end of the conveyance path, by a suction pad. Parts are picked up and taken out.

[0004] In such a conventional parts feeder, electronic components are conveyed by vibrations from a vibrating body. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, by giving a vibration in an oblique direction in the linear conveyance path R, the parts P are sequentially conveyed and delivered to the escape part E at the delivery position. Furthermore, it is transferred to a turntable equipped with a suction mechanism, and electrical characteristics inspection and the like are sequentially performed.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-182389

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in such a conventional parts feeder, the linear supply vibration feeder vibrates the electronic component by the vibration mechanism and conveys it on the conveyance path R, as shown in FIG. In addition, the supply vibration feeder itself moves within a range indicated by a dotted line and a solid line. On the other hand, the escape section E does not move in accordance with the deviation of the supply vibration feeder. Therefore, there is a gap between the escape E and the parts feeder at the delivery position of the electronic part P. Similarly, a gap is generated between the circular parts feeder and the straight conveyance path.

[0006] In such a case, electronic parts are clogged between the straight conveyance path and the escape E or between the circular parts feeder and the straight conveyance path, or the linear conveyance path vibrates in a state where the electronic component is caught. There was a problem when part P was damaged. Here, it is possible to prevent this problem to some extent by adjusting the vibration level of the parts feeder, but relatively small and thin electronic components can be handled only by adjusting the vibration level. It ’s a powerful force. Moreover, in such a vibration conveyance type parts feeder, electrostatic friction is generated due to friction caused by vibration, and the electronic components are charged, causing damage to the components, troubles in conveyance, or defects in electrical characteristics.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. The purpose of the present invention is to perform stable transportation by accurately transporting electronic components and delivering them to the next process. An object of the present invention is to provide a parts feeder that can carry the electronic parts.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the parts feeder of the present invention includes a transport path for moving an electronic component, and the transport path moves in the transport direction of the electronic component with respect to the transported electronic component. An air supply section for blowing air is provided so as to cause the air to blow.

[0009] In the present invention as described above, the electronic components on the transport path move in the transport direction on the transport path due to the air blown from the air supply unit, so that no vibration is generated in the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the delivery position of the electronic component to the escape, and it is possible to improve delivery accuracy.

[0010] In a preferred aspect, the air supply unit blows air from below and laterally of the electronic component. This provides a parts feeder with higher transport efficiency by blowing air from the lateral direction while the electronic components are levitated by blowing air from below to the electronic components. Is possible. [0011] In a preferred aspect, the air supply unit is configured to blow air in an oblique direction toward the conveying direction of the electronic component. As a result, by blowing air to the electronic component at a predetermined angle in the conveying direction, the electronic component can be lifted in the vertical direction and simultaneously propelled and conveyed in the conveying direction. A feeder can be provided and the supply of air can be unified, so that the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified.

[0012] In a preferred aspect, the air supply unit intermittently blows air against the electronic component. This makes it possible to control the stop and progress of the electronic component on the transport path, so that, for example, the electronic component can be transported in accordance with the delivery timing to the next process such as the pickup means.

[0013] In a preferred aspect, the conveyance path is provided with a guide guide portion for guiding the electronic component blown with air by the air supply portion in the conveyance direction. As a result, when the air is blown from below, laterally, or obliquely from the electronic component, the floated electronic component comes into contact, so that the electronic component can be guided in the transport direction. It becomes possible to prevent scattering of electronic parts.

[0014] In a preferred aspect, electronic component holding means for holding the electronic component intermittently is provided at a conveyance direction end portion of the conveyance path. As a result, the electronic component is held at a predetermined interval at the end of the conveyance path, that is, the electronic component delivery position, so that the electronic component is stopped and the delivery timing of the electronic component to the pickup means such as the escape is achieved. be able to.

[0015] In a preferred aspect, the air supply unit is configured by an ionizer. As a result, the air source that is blown for transporting electronic components is ionized so that the air blown to the electronic components is ionized, so that not only the electronic components can be transported, but also guides, etc. It is possible to remove electricity from electronic parts that have been charged by friction. The invention's effect

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a parts feeder that can realize stable electronic component conveyance by accurately conveying electronic components and delivering them to the next process. The power to do S.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are side cross-sectional views showing the main configuration of the parts feeder of this embodiment.

[0018] [First embodiment]

[Constitution]

The parts feeder in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a transport mechanism 1 and a transport guide 2 as shown in FIG. A transport path 3 is formed on the surface of the transport mechanism 1, and a plurality of air discharge holes 4 are provided in the transport path 3 at predetermined intervals. Each air discharge hole 4 is connected to an air supply pipe 6 from an air supply branch pipe 5, and a predetermined amount of air is supplied to the air supply pipe 6 from an air supply device (not shown). The air discharged from the air discharge hole 4 is blown in the direction of levitation with respect to the electronic component P on the transport path 3. The air supply device is also configured to supply a predetermined amount of air between the transport path 3 and the transport guide 2 toward the delivery position H that is the transport direction.

[0019] The conveyance guide 2 is provided in parallel with the conveyance path so as to cover the upper part of the conveyance path 3 with a little space from the height of the electronic component P. This conveyance guide 2 prevents the electronic parts P floating from the conveyance path 3 from being scattered by the air discharged from the air discharge holes 4. Further, the air supplied between the conveyance path 3 and the conveyance guide 2 guides the alignment toward the delivery position H that is the terminal portion of the conveyance path 3 with the electronic component P in contact therewith.

Here, in FIG. 1, the conveyance guide 2 is a force formed in a flat plate shape in parallel with the conveyance path 3. For example, as shown in FIG. For this purpose, it may be formed in a downwardly concave shape. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, a guide 7 may be provided so as to surround the transport path 3 in the transport mechanism 1. Thereby, the alignment 1J with respect to the conveyance direction of the electronic component P can be maintained.

[0021] It should be noted that the amount of air supplied between the transport path 3 and the transport guide 2 and the amount of air discharged from the air discharge hole 4 and the pressure thereof are appropriately determined depending on the size and weight of the electronic component P to be transported. Although it can be changed, an air flow rate of 40 to 50 L / min and an air pressure of 0.15 to 0.20 MPa are appropriate for the electronic component assumed in this embodiment. It is also possible to intermittently supply air in accordance with the delivery cycle of the pick-up means such as escape that picks up electronic parts from the parts feeder and delivers them to the next process.

[0022] [Function and effect]

The operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. That is, for the electronic parts P sequentially sent from the circular parts feeder onto the conveyance path 3 of the linear supply feeder of the present embodiment, the air supply device force (not shown), the air supply pipe 6, the conveyance guide 2, and the conveyance path Supply a predetermined amount of air between

Then, the electronic component P on the transport path 3 is blown up from the transport path 3 by the air discharged from the air discharge holes 4 and is in a floating state. At this time, the electronic component P comes into contact with the transport guide 2 at the upper part of the transport path 3. The abutting electronic component P guided by the conveyance guide 2 is delivered between the conveyance guide 2 and the conveyance path 3 by the air flowing horizontally in the H direction in the conveyance path 3 and the inlet force is also the terminal portion. Propulsion is carried in the direction of position H.

Here, if the air supplied between the transport guide 2 and the transport path 3 is intermittently blown as described above, the electronic component P moves and moves along the air supply timing. By repeating the stop, the electronic components P can be sequentially delivered to the pickup means in accordance with the delivery timing of the pickup means to the next process.

[0025] According to the parts feeder of the present embodiment as described above, the electronic parts P are transported by air without vibration of the parts feeder. Therefore, unlike the conventional vibratory feeder, the entrance of the linear supply feeder In addition, the electronic parts P are not clogged or damaged at the delivery position, and the electronic parts P can be transported stably, so that the yield can be improved.

[0026] In addition, by providing air from below in a state where the electronic component P is levitated by blowing air from below to the electronic component P, it is possible to provide a parts feeder with higher transport efficiency. Is possible.

Furthermore, the transport guide 2 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the transport path 3, so that When the air is blown from below, laterally, or obliquely from the child component P, the levitated electronic component P abuts on the transport guide 2, so that the electronic component P can be guided in the transport direction. At the same time, scattering of the electronic component P can be prevented.

[0028] [Second Embodiment]

The parts feeder according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an improvement of the air supply pipe and the air supply method according to the first embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air supply branch pipe 11 provided inside the transport mechanism 10 is provided obliquely with an angle toward the transport direction of the electronic component P. A flow meter 13 and a regulator 14 are provided on the supply side of the air supply pipe 12 so as to adjust the air supply amount.

[0030] In the parts feeder having such a configuration, when air is supplied to the air supply pipe 12 from an air supply device (not shown), the regulator 14 responds to the weight, size, or shape of the electronic component P. The air supply amount is adjusted. The adjustment of the supply amount may be confirmed by a flow meter 13 provided in the downstream portion of the regulator 14 and controlled manually, or the regulator 14 may set an air supply amount for each electronic component P in advance. Alternatively, automatic adjustment may be performed by designating the type of electronic component P.

The air adjusted to a predetermined amount in the regulator 14 is discharged from the air discharge hole 15 through the air supply branch pipe 11. The air is discharged according to the angle of the air supply branch pipe 11 while being inclined with respect to the conveying direction.

In the present embodiment as described above, by blowing air to the electronic component P at a predetermined angle in the transport direction, the electronic component P is lifted in the vertical direction and simultaneously propelled and transported in the transport direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide a parts feeder with higher transport efficiency. In addition, since the air supply can be unified as compared with the above embodiment, the configuration of the entire apparatus can be simplified. In addition, by installing a Reguilleta flow meter in the air supply path, the optimum air pressure and flow rate can be set according to the weight and shape of the electronic components.

[0033] [Third embodiment] The parts feeder of the third embodiment of the present invention is an improvement of the configuration of the transport mechanism in the first or second embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transport mechanism 20 is provided with a suction hole 21 for vacuum-sucking the electronic component P in the vicinity of the delivery position H of the transport path 3. That is, as in the first embodiment, the air supplied from the plurality of air discharge holes 4 provided at predetermined intervals on the transport path 3 and the transport guide 2 and the transport path 3 in the transport direction. The electronic parts P are sequentially transported from the inlet side toward the delivery position H by the air supplied toward.

[0035] Then, the suction hole 21 intermittently turns on and off the suction in accordance with the delivery interval of the electronic component P of pick-up means such as escape that delivers the electronic component P to the next process, for example. Configured to return. As a result, the electronic component P can be stopped or conveyed at the delivery position H of the electronic component P at the end portion of the conveyance path 3, so that the electronic component can be conveyed in accordance with the delivery interval of the pick-up means. .

[0036] [Other Embodiments]

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the size, shape, number, material, and the like of each member can be changed as appropriate. For example, in FIG. 4 and the above description, the third embodiment of the present invention has been described as an improvement of the configuration of the parts feeder in the first embodiment. As described above, the transport mechanism 30 can achieve the above-described effects as an improvement of the configuration of the parts feeder in the second embodiment.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the ionizer 16 can be used as the air supply device in each of the above embodiments. Thus, since the electronic component P is transported, ionized air can be sent to the transport path from the air discharge hole or the like, so that the transport direction can be changed while the electronic component P is in contact with the transport guide. It is possible to remove static electricity from electronic parts charged by friction, such as moving. Furthermore, if the transfer path is formed of an insulator at this time, the ionization effect can be kept high.

[0038] In the third embodiment, the electronic component holding means at the end of the transport path is by vacuum suction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanical holding mechanism is used. Any device that can hold and release an electronic component intermittently in accordance with the timing of the pickup means, such as a chuck, may be used.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0039] FIG. 1 is a side view (a) and a plan view (b) showing a configuration of a parts feeder in the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing another aspect of the parts feeder in the first embodiment (a) and (b).

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration of a parts feeder in a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration of a parts feeder in a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing another aspect of the parts feeder in the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of a conventional parts feeder.

Explanation of symbols

[0040] 1, 10, 20, 30 ... conveying mechanism

2 ... Transport guide

3, R… Transport route

4… Air discharge hole

5… Air supply branch

6 ... Air supply pipe

11… Air supply branch

12 ... Air supply pipe

13 ... Flow meter

14 ... Regulator

15 ... Air discharge hole

16 ... Ionizer

21 ... Suction hole

E ... Escape part

P ... Electronic components

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Equipped with a transport path for electronic components to move,

The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein an air supply unit that blows air so as to move the electronic component to be conveyed in the conveying direction of the electronic component is provided in the conveying path.

[2] Equipped with a transport path for electronic components to move,

The transport path is provided with an air supply unit that blows air so as to move the electronic component to be transported in the transport direction of the electronic component,

The air feeder is a parts feeder characterized in that air is blown from below and laterally of the electronic component.

[3] Equipped with a transport path for electronic components to move,

The parts feeder, wherein the air supply unit is configured to blow air from an oblique direction toward a conveying direction of the electronic component.

4. The parts feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air supply section intermittently blows air against the electronic component.

[5] In the upper part of the conveyance path, there is provided a guide guide part for guiding the electronic component blown with air by the air supply part in the conveyance direction. Any part force of 4 parts feeder.

6. The parts feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an electronic component holding means for holding an electronic component is provided at a conveyance direction end portion of the conveyance path.

7. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein the air supply unit is configured by an ionizer.