Work working method and apparatus, cassette, and unit for printing apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

P-0001[0001] The present invention relates to a working method and apparatus for parts and units having precision structures, e.g., a liquid discharging unit mounted on a printer designed to print by discharging a liquid, for which high working and assembly precisions are required, for example, removal of micro-order dust particles and the like is required.

P-0002[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a working method and apparatus which performs working on a circuit board to mount semiconductor chips on the circuit board.

P-0003[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a working method and apparatus which work a unit while keeping a cleanliness with a predetermined precision to prevent dust particles from adhering to the unit in a work atmosphere.

P-0004[0004] The present invention also relates to a working method which partitions a work region for a work as a work target into a plurality of independent regions, and controls the cleanliness in each work region.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

P-0005[0005] As conventional techniques associated with working and processes for integrated circuits, for example, Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 4-082057 and 5-066733, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 11-145245 are disclosed, which are classified in HO1L of IPC (International Patent Classification).

P-0006[0006] As methods and apparatuses for working, assembling, and processing works which are easily affected by dust particles and unwanted components in an atmosphere with a predetermined cleanliness, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 9-264575, 11-023031, 8-313022, and 7-019553 are disclosed, which are classified in F24F of Internal Patent Classification.

P-0007[0007] Along with the recent IT (Information Technology) innovation in various industrial fields, information devices have been increasingly introduced into various departments regardless of whether they are clerical or technical departments. In addition, as a result of new technical innovation of such information devices, information devices having new functions and performance have been introduced commercially.

P-0008[0008] The above situation makes it necessary to perform business management for computers and their peripheral devices, including development, design, manufacture, commercial introduction, and the like, timely in consideration of the market trend.

P-0009[0009] New devices demand a shift from the conventional automated/mechanized mass production scheme based on automated warehouses, automatic part transfer, and automatic working by robots to a production system corresponding to a so-called cell production scheme in which inventory processing is minimized in the process of production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

P-0010[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new working method and apparatus which are suitable for the cell production scheme described above.

P-0011[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a working apparatus which maintains a work environment for each step at a predetermined cleanliness in working and processes for precision parts and units as work target objects which are easily affected by adhesion of unwanted components such as dust particles.

P-0012[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a working method and apparatus which guarantee the cleanliness of a worked unit by managing a work environment under which a part is worked with respect to a work target object to be worked so as to maintain the work target object and the part at a predetermined cleanliness.

P-0013[0013] As one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a working method for a liquid ink discharging unit for a printing apparatus designed to discharge a liquid.

P-0014[0014] With the recent proliferation of the printing apparatus, the precision requirement has increased on the customer side; required are an increase in ink dot density per unit area and an improvement in precision in the prevention of clogging of orifices.

P-0015[0015] In order to achieve the above objects, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working method of performing working of a work, characterized in that a cleanliness with respect to dust particles in a work chamber in which the work is worked is maintained hierarchically in the work chamber, and the working is performed at a position at which the cleanliness is high.

P-0016[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working method of performing working of a work, characterized in that a plurality of work chambers corresponding to work steps for the work are consecutively arrayed, and a cleanliness with respect to dust particles is independently controlled in each of the work chambers, the work is transferred to the respective work chambers, and working is performed in each of the work chambers in which a cleanliness is maintained below a predetermined cleanliness corresponding to a type of working of the work.

P-0017[0017] There is a form of the work working method characterized in that a loading chamber in which a work is loaded is connected to the work chamber, and a cleanliness in the work chamber is forcibly adjusted when the work is loaded into the loading chamber.

P-0018[0018] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working method of performing working of a work, characterized in that a cleanliness in a work chamber in which the work is worked is maintained, a cassette storing parts to be worked on the work is so disposed as to be able to be connected to the work chamber, a cleanliness in the cassette is maintained at a predetermined value, and the part is worked on the work below a predetermined cleanliness.

P-0019[0019] There is a form of the work working method characterized in that when the cassette is connected to the work chamber, a door of the cassette is opened after the door is cleaned.

P-0020[0020] According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above objects, there is provided a working apparatus for performing working of a work, characterized by comprising a work chamber in which the working is performed, the work chamber having a cleanliness atmosphere from which dust particles have been removed by a gas flow, and the cleanliness atmosphere in which a cleanliness is maintained hierarchically.

P-0021[0021] The working apparatus is characterized by further comprising means for working the work at a position at which an atmosphere is maintained at a predetermined cleanliness.

P-0022[0022] The working apparatus is characterized in that a shielding member which maintains the cleanliness at the work position is provided in the work chamber.

P-0023[0023] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working apparatus for performing working of a work, characterized in that a plurality of work chambers corresponding to work steps for the work are arranged, and each of the work chambers includes means for independently maintaining a cleanliness, means for transferring the work to each work chamber, and process means for performing a process corresponding to each step in each of the work chambers.

P-0024[0024] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working apparatus characterized by comprising a work chamber in which working of a work is performed, means for controlling a cleanliness in the work chamber, a cassette which can be attached/detached to/from the work chamber, and means for guaranteeing a cleanliness in the work chamber when the cassette is connected to the work chamber.

P-0025[0025] The working apparatus is characterized in that a mount portion in which the cassette is mounted comprises a first door which opens when the cassette is mounted, and a second door which opens when a part in the cassette is loaded into the work chamber.

P-0026[0026] The working apparatus is characterized by further comprising means for cleaning a door of the cassette while the first door of the work chamber is open.

P-0027[0027] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cassette which loads a part into a work chamber in which a cleanliness is maintained, comprising connection means for connection to a connection portion of the work chamber, a door which opens upon connection to the connection portion, a tray which stores the part in the cassette, and means for loading the tray into the work chamber while floating the tray inside the cassette.

P-0028[0028] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of working a unit for a printing apparatus which discharges a liquid, characterized in that a work forming the unit is worked at a position in a work chamber, in which a cleanliness with respect to dust particles is controlled at a position, at which the cleanliness is high, thereby preventing dust particles from adhering to the unit.

P-0029[0029] In addition, there is provided a unit for a printing apparatus which has a liquid discharging nozzle mounted on a substrate, characterized in that the unit is worked by a working apparatus having a plurality of work chambers in which a predetermined cleanliness is maintained, and a cassette which can be coupled to the work chamber and supplies the nozzle, and the substrate and the nozzle are worked in an atmosphere with a predetermined cleanliness.

P-0030[0030] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working method for a unit for a printing apparatus which prints on a carrier by discharging a liquid, characterized in that the unit has a nozzle mounted on a substrate, the unit is worked through a plurality of independent work chambers corresponding to work steps for the unit, and the work chamber is controlled to have a cleanliness corresponding to the work step.

P-0031[0031] The working method for the unit for the printing apparatus is characterized in that the nozzle is supplied from a cassette which can be connected to the work chamber, and the cassette is connected to the work chamber while a predetermined cleanliness is maintained.

P-0032[0032] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a working method of performing working of a work, characterized in that a work atmosphere for the work is divided into a plurality of independent work regions, the divided regions being kept at a predetermined cleanliness, and the work is transferred from the first independent work region to the second independent work region by first transfer means, and the first transfer means reciprocally moves between the first and second work regions to receive and transfer the work, thereby working the work.

P-0033[0033] The work working method is characterized in that the cleanliness in each of the independent work regions is controlled independently, and the cleanliness in each of the work regions is adjusted upon transfer operation of the transfer means.

P-0034[0034] As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a working method of performing working of a work, characterized in that a cleanliness with respect to dust particles in a work chamber in which the work is worked is maintained hierarchically in the work chamber, and the working is performed at a position at which the cleanliness is high. The provision of this method makes it possible to perform working while maintaining a high cleanliness in a work environment for assembly of precision parts and the like.

P-0035[0035] In addition, there is provided a working method of performing working of a work, characterized in that a plurality of work chambers corresponding to work steps for the work are consecutively arrayed, and a cleanliness with respect to dust particles is independently controlled in each of the work chambers, the work is transferred to the respective work chambers, and working is performed in each of the work chambers in which a cleanliness is maintained below a predetermined cleanliness corresponding to a type of working of the work. The provision of this method makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom in recombining the types of work steps.

P-0036[0036] Cleanliness can be stabilized by the work working method characterized in that a loading chamber in which a work is loaded is connected to the work chamber, and a cleanliness in the work chamber is forcibly adjusted when the work is loaded into the loading chamber.

P-0037[0037] A high cleanliness can be guaranteed by the work working method characterized in that when the cassette is connected to the work chamber, a door of the cassette is opened after the door is cleaned.

P-0038[0038] Working operation can be stabilized by a working apparatus for performing working of a work, characterized by comprising a work chamber in which the working is performed, the work chamber having a cleanliness atmosphere from which dust particles have been removed by a gas flow, and the cleanliness atmosphere in which a cleanliness is maintained hierarchically.

P-0039[0039] A reduction in cost can be attained by a working apparatus for performing working of a work, characterized in that a plurality of work chambers corresponding to work steps for the work are arranged, and each of the work chambers includes means for independently maintaining a cleanliness, means for transferring the work to each work chamber, and process means for performing a process corresponding to each step in each of the work chambers.

P-0040[0040] There is provided a working apparatus characterized by comprising a work chamber in which working of a work is performed, means for controlling a cleanliness in the work chamber, a cassette which can be attached/detached to/from the work chamber, and means for guaranteeing a cleanliness in the work chamber when the cassette is connected to the work chamber. In this working apparatus, a mount portion in which the cassette is mounted comprises a first door which opens when the cassette is mounted, and a second door which opens when a part in the cassette is loaded into the work chamber. The provision of this apparatus makes it possible to guarantee a high cleanliness.

P-0041[0041] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of working a unit for a printing apparatus which discharges a liquid, characterized in that a work forming the unit is worked at a position in a work chamber, in which a cleanliness with respect to dust particles is controlled at a position, at which the cleanliness is high, thereby preventing dust particles from adhering to the unit. This method makes it possible to obtain a printing apparatus with a higher printing precision.

P-0042[0042] According to the present invention, there is provided a unit for a printing apparatus which has a liquid discharging nozzle mounted on a substrate, characterized in that the unit is worked by a working apparatus having a plurality of work chambers in which a predetermined cleanliness is maintained, and a cassette which can be coupled to the work chamber and supplies the nozzle, and the substrate and the nozzle are worked in an atmosphere with a predetermined cleanliness. This printing apparatus can obtain a higher printing precision.

P-0043[0043] Other objects and advantages besides those discussed above shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows. In the description, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example, however, is not exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore reference is made to the claims which follow the description for determining the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

P-0044[0044]FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the overall arrangement of a working apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

P-0045[0045]FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the arrangement of a loading chamber;

P-0046[0046]FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the arrangement of a work chamber <b>2</b>B;

P-0047[0047]FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the main part of a side surface of the work chamber <b>2</b>B;

P-0048[0048]FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the arrangement of a work chamber <b>2</b>C;

P-0049[0049]FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the arrangement of a cassette mounted in the work chamber <b>2</b>C;

P-0050[0050]FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the arrangement of a work chamber <b>2</b>D;

P-0051[0051] FIGS. <b>8</b> to <b>13</b> are views for explaining a unit; and

P-0052[0052] FIGS. <b>14</b> to <b>18</b> are views for explaining assembly operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

P-0053[0053] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

P-0054[0054] (Description of Apparatus Arrangement)

P-0055[0055]FIG. 1 shows the overall arrangement of an apparatus. Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral <b>1</b> denotes an overall working apparatus.

P-0056[0056] Reference numerals <b>2</b>A, <b>2</b>B, <b>2</b>C, <b>2</b>D, and <b>2</b>E denote work/process chambers which respectively form independent work areas. The chamber <b>2</b>A is a loading (introduction) chamber into which a work as a work target object is loaded. The chambers <b>2</b>B, <b>2</b>C, and <b>2</b>D are an adhesive coating work chamber, chip mounting work chamber, and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) work chamber, respectively. The chamber <b>2</b>E is an unloading chamber (discharge) chamber for unloading a worked work.

P-0057[0057] In the respective work chambers, stage bases <b>2</b>A-<b>1</b>, <b>2</b>B-<b>1</b>, <b>2</b>C-<b>1</b>, <b>2</b>D-<b>1</b>, and <b>2</b>E-<b>1</b> and space chambers <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>, <b>2</b>B-<b>2</b>, <b>2</b>C-<b>2</b>, <b>2</b>D-<b>2</b>, and <b>2</b>E-<b>2</b> placed on the stage bases are disposed.

P-0058[0058] Reference numerals <b>4</b>A, <b>4</b>B, <b>4</b>C, <b>4</b>D, and <b>4</b>E denote air blowers respectively attached to the upper portions of the above space chambers; and <b>6</b>A, <b>6</b>B, <b>6</b>C, <b>6</b>D, and <b>6</b>E, cleaning means such as filters for cleaning air from the air blowers.

P-0059[0059] Reference numeral <b>8</b> denotes transfer rails placed on the above stage bases to run across the respective work chambers.

P-0060[0060] The respective work chambers are coupled to each other through the rails <b>8</b>.

P-0061[0061] Opening/closing means <b>10</b>, <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, and <b>16</b> are provided at the connection portions of the respective work chambers.

P-0062[0062] Reference numeral <b>18</b> denotes the door of the loading chamber; and <b>20</b>, the door of the unloading chamber.

P-0063[0063] Front surfaces <b>2</b><i>b</i>, <b>2</b><i>c</i>, and <b>2</b><i>d </i>of the work chambers <b>2</b>B, <b>2</b>C, and <b>2</b>D in FIG. 1 are formed into openable doors that can be opened/closed for troubleshooting in the work spaces.

P-0064[0064] An example of the assembling of an ink discharging unit used for an ink-jet printer will be described below as an embodiment in which working is performed by this working apparatus.

P-0065[0065] The work step in the work chamber <b>2</b>B is the step of applying an ultraviolet curing adhesive to predetermined positions on a unit substrate W loaded from the loading chamber <b>2</b>A.

P-0066[0066] The work step in the work chamber <b>2</b>C is the step of mounting chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> on the adhesive on the unit substrate W.

P-0067[0067] The work step in the work chamber <b>2</b>D is the step of irradiating the adhesive with ultraviolet radiation.

P-0068[0068] In this embodiment, the cleanliness in each work chamber is aimed at Class 100 according to Federal Standard 209B.

P-0069[0069] (Description of Internal Arrangement of Work Chamber)

P-0070[0070] (Description of Arrangement of Loading Chamber <b>2</b>A)

P-0071[0071]FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the loading chamber <b>2</b>A, in which the transfer rails <b>8</b> are placed on the stage base <b>2</b>A-<b>1</b> in the space chamber <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b> on the stage base <b>2</b>A-<b>1</b>.

P-0072[0072] Reference symbol P-<b>1</b> denotes a transfer vehicle for transferring the work W.

P-0073[0073] The opening/closing door <b>18</b> of the loading chamber <b>2</b>A is opened, and the transfer vehicle P-<b>1</b> on which the work W is mounted is placed on the transfer rails <b>8</b>.

P-0074[0074] (Description of Work Chamber <b>2</b>B)

P-0075[0075]FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the main part of the work chamber <b>2</b>B, in which the transfer rails <b>8</b> run on the stage base <b>2</b>B-<b>1</b>.

P-0076[0076] The air blower <b>4</b>B for sending air from outside the apparatus into the apparatus is placed on the uppermost portion of the apparatus. This air is cleaned by the cleaning means <b>6</b>B and the cleaned air is sent into the work chamber <b>2</b>B-<b>2</b>.

P-0077[0077] A grating plate <b>2</b>B-<b>2</b>A having countless holes each having a diameter of about 0.5 mm is placed in the work chamber <b>2</b>B-<b>2</b>. The pressure above the grating plate can be kept higher than that below the grating plate, and the cleanliness in the space above the work W, which is required for working, can be maximized.

P-0078[0078] The front surface side of the work chamber <b>2</b>B is formed into the openable door structure <b>2</b><i>b </i>to cope with maintenance required when a trouble occurs in the transfer vehicle or working means in the work chamber.

P-0079[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral <b>2</b>B-<b>2</b>A denotes a shielding member for vertically shielding the inside of the work chamber <b>2</b>B. This member partitions the work chamber <b>2</b>B into upper and lower portions and allows the air sent from the air blower <b>4</b>B to flow in the direction of the stage base <b>2</b>B-<b>1</b> through the filter of the cleaning means <b>6</b>B. More specifically, many through holes are formed in a transparent resin board.

P-0080[0080] This shielding member serves to ensure a high cleanliness in the work chamber <b>2</b>B by preventing dust particles produced by a driving mechanism in the work chamber <b>2</b>B from being scattered above the shielding member.

P-0081[0081] In this manner, the shielding member in the work chamber can maintain the cleanliness above the shielding plate at a high level.

P-0082[0082] In addition, the shielding member <b>2</b>B-<b>2</b>A reduces the work region relative to the entire volume of the work chamber so as to maintain a high cleanliness in the region.

P-0083[0083]FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the main part of the work chamber <b>2</b>B and the arrangement of working means in the work chamber.

P-0084[0084] The work chamber <b>2</b>B is a chamber for the step of applying an ultraviolet curing resin to predetermined positions on the work W transferred from the loading chamber <b>2</b>A.

P-0085[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, reference numeral <b>22</b> denotes an adhesive supply means. The means <b>22</b> is comprised of a rotating shaft <b>22</b>A rotatably supported on the stage base <b>2</b>B-<b>1</b>, a transfer pin <b>22</b>B, a holding member <b>22</b>C for holding the transfer pin <b>22</b>B on the rotating shaft <b>22</b>A, and the like.

P-0086[0086] The rotating shaft <b>22</b>A is designed to be capable of making rotational and vertical movements.

P-0087[0087] Reference numeral <b>24</b> denotes an adhesive supply plate; and <b>26</b>, a rotation means for the transfer plate.

P-0088[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the work W transferred on the rails <b>8</b> by the transfer vehicle is stopped at predetermined positions in the work chamber <b>2</b>B by a positioning means.

P-0089[0089] (Description of Work Chamber <b>2</b>C)

P-0090[0090]FIG. 5 shows the work chamber <b>2</b>C. The work chamber <b>2</b>C is a chamber for executing the step of mounting chip parts on the adhesive applied to the predetermined positions on the work in the work chamber <b>2</b>B.

P-0091[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral <b>30</b> denotes a robot as a working machine for mounting the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> supplied from a cassette (to be described later) on the work W.

P-0092[0092] The robot <b>30</b> chucks/holds a chip part supplied from the cassette and placed on a tray <b>34</b>, and mounts the chip part at a position on the work W, which is transferred in the work chamber <b>2</b>B, held on the vehicle transferred on the transfer rails <b>8</b>.

P-0093[0093] A shielding member like the one placed in the work chamber <b>2</b>B is also placed in the work chamber <b>2</b>C to keep the cleanliness in the work region high.

P-0094[0094] (Description of Cassette)

P-0095[0095]FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the arrangement of a cassette for supplying chip parts assembled on the work W in the work chamber <b>2</b>B and the arrangement of the connection portion of work chamber <b>2</b>C in which the cassette is mounted.

P-0096[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, reference numeral <b>32</b> denotes a cassette body. This cassette is made of a metal or resin in the form of a vessel, and houses the tray <b>34</b> on which the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> are placed. A side surface of the cassette is formed into a door <b>36</b>.

P-0097[0097] The door <b>36</b> is designed to open when the cassette body <b>32</b> is connected to the work chamber <b>2</b>C.

P-0098[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, the work chamber <b>2</b>C has a double wall constituted by first and second wall surfaces <b>40</b>A and <b>40</b>B. The space inside the first wall surface <b>40</b>A of the double wall forms a work region for the robot <b>30</b>. The space between the first and second wall surfaces <b>40</b>A and <b>40</b>B forms an isolated region <b>42</b>. A cleaned air flow passes through the isolated region <b>42</b>. When the cassette body <b>32</b> is to be connected to the work chamber <b>2</b>C, the isolated region <b>42</b> serves to clean the outer surface of the door <b>36</b> of the cassette body <b>32</b> and prevent impurities adhering to the surface of the door from entering the work chamber <b>2</b>C.

P-0099[0099] Reference numerals <b>38</b>A and <b>38</b>B denote moving means for the tray <b>34</b> in the cassette. These means are formed from magnets, and use the magnetic attraction between the first magnet <b>38</b>A attached to the tray <b>34</b> in the cassette an the second magnet <b>38</b>B that moves on the moving locus of the tray <b>34</b>.

P-0100[0100] When the cassette is mounted in the work chamber <b>2</b>C and the tray is moved from the cassette into the work chamber, the moving means cause the tray <b>34</b> in a noncontact state to move within the work chamber so as to prevent the production of dust particles when it comes into contact with constituent members.

P-0101[0101] (Description of Work Chamber <b>2</b>D)

P-0102[0102]FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of the work chamber <b>2</b>D.

P-0103[0103] The work chamber <b>2</b>D is used to perform the step of irradiating the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> on the work W, which have been coated with the adhesive, with ultraviolet radiation when the work W is transferred on the transfer rails <b>8</b>.

P-0104[0104] Referring to FIG. 7, reference numeral <b>50</b> denotes an ultraviolet radiation source; <b>52</b>, an ultraviolet irradiation fiber; and <b>54</b>, a support member.

P-0105[0105] A shielding member is also placed in the work chamber <b>2</b>D.

P-0106[0106] (Description of Work)

P-0107[0107] A work to be worked by this working apparatus and working method will be described next.

P-0108[0108] The work to be described in one embodiment is a unit corresponding to the ink discharging portion of an ink-jet printer designed to discharge ink.

P-0109[0109] An assembly process for the above ink discharging unit will be described below with reference to FIGS. <b>8</b> to <b>13</b>.

P-0110[0110]FIG. 8 shows the work W. The work W is in the form of a flat plate and is made of a ceramic material.

P-0111[0111] A black ink supply groove portion W-<b>1</b> and three groove portions W-<b>2</b> for the supply of color inks are formed in the upper surface of the flat plate.

P-0112[0112] Each of the groove portions is cut in the flat surface portion.

P-0113[0113]FIG. 9 is a plan view of FIG. 8. Ink supply holes W-<b>1</b>A and W-<b>2</b>A are formed in the middle portions of the respective grooves.

P-0114[0114]FIG. 10 shows the adhesive application positions on the work W in the step of applying an ultraviolet curing adhesive to predetermined positions on the work W in the work chamber <b>2</b>B.

P-0115[0115] The adhesive is applied on thick frames painted in black in FIG. 10.

P-0116[0116]FIG. 11 shows a black ink discharging chip part P<b>1</b> to be mounted at the adhesive application position on the work W.

P-0117[0117] The chip part P<b>1</b> is in the form of a strip and made of silicon. Minute orifices are formed in two rows in the middle portion of the chip part P<b>1</b> in the longitudinal direction.

P-0118[0118]FIG. 12 shows a color ink discharging chip part P<b>2</b>.

P-0119[0119] This chip part is designed to be fitted in the groove portion W-<b>2</b> in the work W. Orifices for discharging inks of three colors, i.e., red, yellow, and blue, are formed in the chip part P<b>2</b>.

P-0120[0120]FIG. 13 shows a state wherein the respective chip parts are mounted on the work W.

P-0121[0121] (Description of Cleanliness)

P-0122[0122] As an embodiment of the present invention, a working method for an assembly process for an ink discharging unit of a printer designed to discharge ink is presented. The orifices in the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> of the unit portion shown as an example in FIGS. <b>8</b> to <b>13</b> have diameters of 0.026 mm and 0.014 mm, respectively. These orifices, amounting to 319, are formed in the chip part P<b>1</b> in the longitudinal direction, and those, amounting to 255×3 (colors)=765, are formed in the chip part P<b>2</b> in the longitudinal direction. The printing precision of images and characters printed in inks discharged from the orifices is set to 1,200 dpi.

P-0123[0123] Under these conditions, this working apparatus is provided with a cleanliness that is so set as to limit the number of dust particles with a diameter of 5 μm entering the above orifices in the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b>. In this embodiment, the cleanlinesses in the respective work chambers <b>2</b>A, <b>2</b>B, <b>2</b>C, <b>2</b>D, and <b>2</b>E are set within the range of 100 dust particles or less with a diameter of 0.5 μm.

P-0124[0124] In this embodiment, the maximum air capacity of the air blowers <b>4</b>A to <b>4</b>E is set to 1.4 m³/min, and the mesh degree of the filters of the cleaning means <b>6</b>A, <b>6</b>B, <b>6</b>C, <b>6</b>D, and <b>6</b>E is so set as to cut 99.7% of dust particles with a particle diameter of 0.03 μm.

P-0125[0125] (Description Working Operation)

P-0126[0126] Operation in the working method for this working apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

P-0127[0127] (Loading of Work)

P-0128[0128] The door <b>18</b> of the loading chamber <b>2</b>A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is opened, and the work W is placed on the transfer vehicle P-<b>1</b> shown in FIG. 8. The door <b>18</b> is then closed.

P-0129[0129] Since the cleanliness in the loading chamber <b>2</b>A decreases due to the opening/closing of the door <b>18</b>, the air capacity of the air blower <b>4</b>A is increased to send impurities in the direction of the stage base <b>2</b>A-<b>1</b>, thereby restoring the cleanliness in the work region in the loading chamber <b>2</b>A.

P-0130[0130] In this apparatus arrangement, in consideration of a decrease in the cleanliness in the loading chamber due to the opening/closing the door <b>18</b>, the air capacity of the air blower <b>4</b>A is increased by 50% for 10 sec after the door <b>18</b> is closed.

P-0131[0131] The opening/closing of the door <b>18</b>, accompanying the loading of the work into the loading chamber, may affect the cleanliness in each adjacent work chamber. In this case, therefore, the air capacities of the air blowers in the remaining work chambers are also increased during the opening/closing period of the door of the loading chamber <b>2</b>A to prevent impurities such as dust particles from being scattered in the work areas in the respective work chambers.

P-0132[0132] The operation of increasing the air capacity of each air blower is controlled in accordance with the detection of cleanliness by the cleanliness sensor placed in each work chamber.

P-0133[0133] (Application of Adhesive on Work)

P-0134[0134] After a work is loaded into the loading chamber <b>2</b>A and the cleanliness in the work chamber <b>2</b>B described above is detected, the transfer vehicle P-<b>1</b> in the loading chamber is moved on the rails <b>8</b> to be transported into the work chamber <b>2</b>B.

P-0135[0135] The transfer vehicle P-<b>1</b> is stopped at a predetermined position in accordance with the detecting operation of a position sensor placed in the work chamber.

P-0136[0136] FIGS. <b>14</b> to <b>18</b> are views for explaining operation in the work chamber <b>2</b>B.

P-0137[0137]FIG. 14 shows a state wherein the transfer vehicle P-<b>1</b> is stopped at the predetermined position. The work W on the transfer vehicle is held at a position above the transfer vehicle by an ejection means <b>50</b>. This operation is done to work the work while it is held at a position where the cleanliness in the work chamber <b>2</b>B is high.

P-0138[0138] The flow of processing then advances to the operation of supplying an adhesive onto the work by the adhesive supply means <b>22</b>.

P-0139[0139] The transfer member of the adhesive supply means <b>22</b> moves downward into the supply plate to be coated with an adhesive in the transfer plate.

P-0140[0140] In this case, the shape of the transfer surface of the transfer member corresponds to the thick frames painted in black at the transfer positions of the adhesive in FIG. 10.

P-0141[0141] Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. <b>15</b> to <b>18</b>, the transfer member is raised and rotated to transfer the adhesive onto the transfer positions on the floating work W shown in FIG. 10.

P-0142[0142] The transfer member is raised and rotated to wait at the standby position after the transfer operation is completed.

P-0143[0143] (Loading of Cassette)

P-0144[0144] The work W having undergone the step shown in FIGS. <b>14</b> to <b>18</b> is transferred from the work chamber <b>2</b>B to the work chamber <b>2</b>C.

P-0145[0145] The robot <b>30</b> shown in FIG. 5 mounts the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> supplied from a cassette <b>32</b> in FIG. 6 on the work W, transferred to a predetermined position in the work chamber <b>2</b>C, at the adhesive transfer positions shown in FIG. 10.

P-0146[0146] As described above, chip parts are arranged and stored on the tray <b>34</b> in the cassette <b>32</b> in another step, and a predetermined cleanliness is maintained in the cassette <b>32</b>.

P-0147[0147] When the cassette <b>32</b> is mounted in a cassette mount portion <b>2</b>C-C in the work chamber <b>2</b>C, the first door <b>40</b>B of the isolated region <b>42</b> of the work chamber <b>2</b>C opens as the door <b>36</b> of the cassette <b>32</b> is mounted on the mount portion. The outer surface of the door <b>36</b> of the cassette is then cleaned by clean air sent from the air blower <b>4</b>C above the isolated region, thereby cleaning up dust particles adhering the door and the like.

P-0148[0148] (Supply of Chip Parts)

P-0149[0149] The flow of processing then advances to the operation of loading chip parts from the cassette <b>32</b>. In this operation, the tray <b>34</b> in the cassette <b>32</b> is loaded to a predetermined in the work chamber shown in FIG. 5 by the moving means <b>38</b>A and <b>38</b>B.

P-0150[0150] The loading position is a position where the suction hand <b>30</b>A of the robot <b>30</b> performs suction operation.

P-0151[0151] As the tray <b>34</b> in the cassette is loaded/moved, the second door <b>40</b>A of the work chamber <b>2</b>C opens.

P-0152[0152] Subsequently, the robot <b>30</b> supplies the chip parts P<b>1</b> and P<b>2</b> on the tray <b>34</b> to the positions on the work W where the adhesive was transferred.

P-0153[0153] In the work chamber <b>2</b>C, since air sent from the air blower <b>4</b>C is maintained at the cleanliness described above by the cleaning means <b>6</b>C, the orifices in the chip members are not clogged.

P-0154[0154] (Assembly and Curing)

P-0155[0155] After the chip parts are mounted on the work W by the robot <b>30</b>, the transfer vehicle P-<b>1</b> is transported into the work chamber <b>2</b>D.

P-0156[0156] The ultraviolet curing adhesive on the work transferred to the work chamber <b>2</b>D, on which the chip parts have been mounted, is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation to fix the chip parts on the work.

P-0157[0157] In the curing step by ultraviolet irradiation in the work chamber <b>2</b>C, air sent from the air blower <b>4</b>D is maintained at the cleanliness described above by the cleaning means <b>6</b>D to prevent dust particles from adhering to the assembled parts.

P-0158[0158] (Unloading of Work)

P-0159[0159] The work assembled in the work chamber <b>2</b>D is transferred to the unloading chamber <b>2</b>E by the transfer vehicle.

P-0160[0160] In the unloading chamber <b>2</b>E, the work is unloaded by opening/closing operation of the door <b>20</b>.

P-0161[0161] In the above manner, the process from loading the work into the loading chamber to the assembly step is completed.

P-0162[0162] As the door <b>20</b> of the unloading chamber is opened and closed, dust particles in the open air may enter the loading chamber to scatter dust particles in the remaining work chambers, resulting in a decrease in cleanliness in the remaining work chambers.

P-0163[0163] In this embodiment, the air capacities of the air blowers in the work chambers <b>2</b>A, <b>2</b>B, <b>2</b>C, <b>2</b>D, and <b>2</b>E are increased at the time of loading and unloading so as to prevent dust particles from being scattered in the respective work chambers.

P-0164[0164] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.