Tape front end processing method and tape front end processing jig

Abstract

By forming a cut in the carrier tape at the front end of the component supply tape only along the length direction of the component supply tape, the carrier tape at the front end is separated into a first carrier region and a second carrier region in the width direction of the component supply tape. Then, by selectively lifting the first carrier region from below, a first cover region in the cover tape that is located on the first carrier region is lifted, and as the first cover region is lifted, a second cover region that is located on the second carrier region moves away from the second carrier region upwards. Thus, at the front end of the component supply tape, a relatively wide space is formed between the second carrier region and the second cover region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for processing the front end of a component supply tape and a tape front processing fixture suitable for the method, wherein a cover tape is disposed on the upper surface of a carrier tape such that it covers an opening above a housing portion of a carrier tape having a housing portion of a component. Background Technology

[0002] A component mounting machine is known to have a feeder that supplies components housed in a component supply belt to a component supply position, and produces a component mounting substrate by mounting the components supplied to the component supply position onto a substrate (Patent Documents 1, 2, etc.). In this component mounting machine, the component needs to be exposed before it can be moved to the component supply position. For example, in component mounting machines using an automatic loading feeder capable of automatically loading the component supply belt, two methods have been proposed to expose the component by peeling the cover tape covering the component's housing portion from the carrier belt (Non-Patent Document 1). Regardless of the method, the component is exposed by inserting the front end of the exposure processing mechanism portion, i.e., the blade tip, between the carrier belt and the cover tape.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5884083

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6320001

[0007] Non-patent literature

[0008] Non-patent document 1: Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, “Technical Report on the Specifications of Embossed Belts Corresponding to Automatic Feeders”, [online], November 2018, Standardization Center of Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, [Searched on September 21, 2021], Internet<URL:https: / / www.jeita.or.jp / japanese / standard / book / ETR-7030_J / > Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, to improve the insertability of the blade tip, as a pretreatment for the exposure process, an insertion space (hereinafter referred to as "insertion space") is formed between the cover tape and the carrier tape by recessing the front end of the carrier tape. More specifically, a recess is formed as the insertion space by inserting a clamp for forming a recess at the boundary between the cover tape and the carrier tape. However, inserting the clamp at the boundary is not always easy, making it difficult to reliably form the insertion space. Furthermore, in order to form the recess, the carrier tape is pressed downwards, but since the cover tape is soft and easily deformed, it sometimes flexes into the space formed downwards. As a result, poor exposure may sometimes occur.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a tape front end processing method and a fixture suitable for the method, which can easily and reliably form a wide space between the carrier tape and the cover tape at the front end of the component supply tape.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0013] The first aspect of the present invention is a front-end processing method for processing the front end of a component supply belt, wherein a cover belt is disposed on the upper surface of a carrier belt such that it covers an opening above a storage portion of a component storage portion relative to a carrier belt having a storage portion thereon. The front-end processing method is characterized by comprising the following steps: a cut-in step, wherein a cut is formed only in the carrier belt along the length direction of the component supply belt at the front end, thereby separating the carrier belt at the front end into a first bearing area and a second bearing area in the width direction of the component supply belt; and a lifting step, wherein a first covering area located on the first bearing area in the cover belt is lifted by selectively lifting the first bearing area from below, and as the first covering area is lifted, a second covering area located on the second bearing area moves upward from the second bearing area, thereby forming a space between the second bearing area and the second covering area.

[0014] In this method of processing the front end of the belt, cuts are made only in the carrier belt and cover belt at the front end of the component supply belt, separating them into a first carrier region and a second carrier region. Subsequently, the first carrier region is selectively lifted from below. At this time, the cover belt remains continuous in the width direction without any cuts. Therefore, the first covering region located on the first carrier region in the cover belt is lifted, and simultaneously, the second covering region located on the second carrier region moves upward from the second carrier region. This creates a space between the second carrier region and the second covering region.

[0015] Alternatively, the cut-in process can include a process of forming a cut by pressing the tip of the cutting section from below the carrier belt. By using the tip in this way, the cut at the front end can be introduced with high precision.

[0016] Furthermore, when forming a cut using the blade tip, it is preferable to use a belt pressing member and a blade tip clamping element to supply the belt. By arranging the belt pressing member in this way, it is possible to effectively prevent the blade tip from shifting towards the pressing position of the carrier belt when introducing the cut using the blade tip. Moreover, a recess is provided on the lower surface of the belt pressing member, opposite to the blade tip. Therefore, the portion of the cover belt above the blade tip is retracted into the recess. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the blade tip, after forming a cut on the carrier belt, from further reaching the cover belt.

[0017] Alternatively, it can be configured to include a cutting process: before the cut-in process, the area in the length direction of the component supply belt where no receiving portion is formed is cut off, so that the front end does not contain a receiving portion. Thus, since the front end never contains a receiving portion, space can be reliably formed at the front end through the cut-in process and the lifting process described above.

[0018] Alternatively, the aforementioned cut-in process can be performed using a dedicated tape front-end processing fixture. For example, such a fixture can be used, comprising: a cutting section positioned below the front end of the component supply tape with the blade tip facing the carrier tape; and a tape pressing member positioned above the cutting section, which clamps the front end and forms a cut only on the carrier tape using the blade tip along the length of the component supply tape. With this configuration, the tape front-end processing fixture effectively prevents the blade tip from shifting towards the pressing position on the carrier tape during cut-in, thereby ensuring a smooth cut-in process.

[0019] Here, the pressing member can also be configured such that it has: a lower surface opposite to the cutting portion; and a recess, in which the area opposite to the blade tip in the lower surface is formed by retracting upward from the lower surface. Thus, when a cut is formed in the carrier belt using the blade tip, the portion of the cover belt above the blade tip retracts into the recess. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the blade tip, having formed a cut in the carrier belt, from further reaching the cover belt.

[0020] Alternatively, it can be configured to also include a guide section that supplies the front end of the belt to a guide element between the blade tip and the blade pressing member, which are separated in the vertical direction, before and after the front end is clamped by the belt pressing member and the cutting section. This allows for smooth clamping of the blade tip and the belt pressing member onto the front end, thereby enabling a proper cutting introduction process.

[0021] Alternatively, the guide section can be composed of a force-applying member that applies force to the guided front end to disengage it from the blade tip, thereby reliably preventing the front end from getting stuck on the blade tip before performing the cut-in process. After performing the cut-in process, the front end disengages from the blade tip, allowing for reliable pulling of the component supply belt.

[0022] Alternatively, the lifting process described above can be performed using a dedicated end-face processing fixture. For example, such a fixture can be used, comprising: a lower pressure member having a protruding portion extending toward a first bearing area of ​​the carrier belt; and an upper pressure member positioned above the lower pressure member and having a retractable portion that freely engages with the protruding portion. The lower and upper pressure members clamp the front end, and the protruding portion lifts the first bearing area upward to form a space. With this fixture, by clamping the front end with the lower and upper pressure members, the lifting of the first bearing area and the first covering area, and the upward movement of the second covering area from the second bearing area, can be performed integrally, thereby effectively forming a space.

[0023] Furthermore, it can also be configured to use a fixture with a front-end processing unit to perform the above-mentioned cut-in process and the above-mentioned lifting process. As a front-end processing fixture, for example, a front-end processing fixture can be used, comprising: a base having a cut-in space for performing a cut-in process and a lifting space for performing a lifting process; a cut-in mechanism disposed in the cut-in space; and a lifting mechanism disposed in the lifting space. The cut-in mechanism comprises: a cutting portion disposed below the front end of the component supply belt in a posture with the blade tip facing the carrier belt; and a belt pressing member disposed above the cutting portion, which clamps the front end of the component supply belt by the cutting portion and the belt pressing member and forms a cut only on the carrier belt along the length direction of the component supply belt using the blade tip. The lifting mechanism comprises: a lower pressing member having a protruding portion protruding toward a first bearing area of ​​the carrier belt; and an upper pressing member disposed above the lower pressing member and having a retracting portion that can freely engage with the protruding portion, which clamps the front end of the component supply belt by the lower pressing member and the upper pressing member and lifts the first bearing area upward using the protruding portion to form a space. This allows for the continuous execution of the cut-in and lift-out processes using a single fixture with a front-end processing arm, thereby improving operator operability.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] In the invention configured as described above, since the first carrier region is selectively lifted from below after being separated into a first carrier region and a second carrier region by cutting into the carrier belt, a wide space can be easily and reliably formed between the carrier belt and the cover belt at the front end of the element supply belt. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a top view illustrating an example of a component mounting machine that mounts a component supplied with a front-end processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention onto a substrate.

[0027] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the feeder in the component mounting machine.

[0028] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the structure of the component supply belt used in the component supply of the feeder.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the front-end processing method involved in the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the front-end processing fixture involved in the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a schematic representation of the meaning of the word. Figure 5 The diagram shows the cut-in process performed by the front-end processing fixture.

[0032] Figure 7 This diagram schematically illustrates the exposure treatment performed by the exposure treatment mechanism on the front end of the element supply belt to which the front end treatment method of the present invention is applied.

[0033] Figure 8A yes Figure 5 The cut-in mechanism with front-end processing fixture shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 8B yes Figure 5 The cut-in mechanism with front-end processing fixture shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the pressing component viewed from below.

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the lifting mechanism with front-end processing fixture shown indicates the lifting execution state during the lifting process.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a side view showing the relationship between the component supply belt and the lifting mechanism during the lifting process.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a front view showing the relationship between the component supply belt and the lifting mechanism during the lifting process. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1This is a top view illustrating an example of a component mounting machine that mounts a component supplied with a front-end processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention onto a substrate. The component mounting machine 1 is an apparatus for mounting electronic components E supplied by a feeder 50 assembled to a feeder-type supply mechanism 40 onto a substrate B. In addition to the aforementioned feeder-type supply mechanism 40, it also includes a base 10, a conveyor 20 for transporting the substrate B, and a conveyor for transporting electronic components (…). Figure 3 The component mounting device 30, labeled E, is mounted on the substrate B.

[0040] The base 10 is rectangular when viewed from above. A transport conveyor 20 is arranged parallel to the base 10 along its length. A support plate (not shown) is provided below the transport conveyor 20 to support the substrate B when mounting electronic components onto it. In the following description, the length of the base 10 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10. Figure 1 The left and right directions) and the conveying direction of the conveyor 20 to the substrate B are set as the X direction, and the short side direction of the base 10 ( Figure 1 The vertical direction is set as the Y direction, and the vertical direction (explained later) is set as the Y direction. Figure 2 The vertical direction is set as the Z direction.

[0041] A conveyor 20 is positioned approximately at the center of the base 10 in the Y direction and transports the substrate B along the transport direction (X direction). The conveyor 20 includes a pair of conveyor belts 22 that are driven in a cyclic manner in the X direction. The substrate B is mounted on the two conveyor belts 22 and transported in the X direction in this manner. The substrate B is transported from one side of the transport direction X (… Figure 1 (As shown on the right) is moved along conveyor belt 22 to the working position on base 10. Figure 1 The position enclosed by double-dotted lines, after the electronic components were installed at the work position, was moved to the other side along conveyor belt 22. Figure 1 (As shown on the left).

[0042] The component mounting device 30 includes a pair of support frames 31, a head unit 32, and a head unit drive mechanism for driving the head unit 32. Each support frame 31 is located on either side of the base 10 in the X direction and extends in the Y direction. An X-axis servo mechanism and a Y-axis servo mechanism constituting the head unit drive mechanism are provided on the support frame 31. Furthermore, based on operation commands from a control unit (not shown) that controls the entire device, the X-axis servo mechanism and the Y-axis servo mechanism operate, thereby moving the head unit 32 within a certain movable range along the X and Y directions.

[0043] The Y-axis servo mechanism includes a Y-axis guide rail 33Y, a Y-axis ball screw 34Y, and a Y-axis servo motor 35Y. In this Y-axis servo mechanism, the Y-axis guide rail 33Y extends relative to each support frame 31. Additionally, the Y-axis ball screw 34Y extends parallel to each Y-axis guide rail 33Y. A Y-axis servo motor 35Y is mounted at one end of the Y-axis ball screw 34Y, and moves in the Y direction by operating according to drive commands from the control unit, thereby moving the ball nuts (not shown) that are screwed to the Y-axis ball screw 34Y. A head support 36 is fixed to these ball nuts. The head support 36 extends in the X direction. Furthermore, the head support 36 is arranged on the ball nuts in a manner that bridges the two Y-axis guide rails 33Y, allowing free movement along the Y-axis guide rails 33Y. Therefore, when the Y-axis servo motor 35Y is energized and controlled by the control unit, the head support 36 and head unit 32 fixed to the ball nut move in the Y direction along the Y-axis guide rail 33Y through the forward and backward movement of the ball nut.

[0044] The X-axis servo mechanism includes an X-axis guide rail (not shown), an X-axis ball screw 34X, and an X-axis servo motor 35X. In this X-axis servo mechanism, an X-axis guide rail 33X extends in the X direction relative to the head support 36. The X-axis ball screw 34X extends parallel to the X-axis guide rail 33X. An X-axis servo motor 35X is mounted at one end of the X-axis ball screw 34X. By operating according to drive commands from the control unit, the ball nut (not shown) that meshes with the X-axis ball screw 34X moves in the X direction. A head unit 32 is fixed to the ball nut, and by the movement of the ball nut, the head unit 32 moves along the X-axis guide rail 33X in the X direction.

[0045] The head unit 32 takes out the electronic components supplied by the feeder-type supply mechanism 40 (described later) and mounts them onto the substrate B. Multiple mounting heads 37 for mounting electronic components are arranged in a row on the head unit 32. Each mounting head 37 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the head unit 32, and its front end is provided with a suction nozzle (not shown) that uses negative pressure to attract electronic components.

[0046] Each mounting head 37 can rotate about an axis extending in the vertical Z direction via an R-axis servo motor (not shown). Additionally, each mounting head 37 can move up and down relative to the head unit 32 in the vertical Z direction via a Z-axis servo motor.

[0047] Additionally, a substrate recognition camera (not shown) is provided in the head unit 32. The substrate recognition camera is fixed to the frame 32A of the head unit 32 with its imaging surface facing down, and moves integrally with the head unit 32. The substrate recognition camera moves in the X and Y directions via the head unit 32, thereby capturing images of any position on the substrate B that is stopped at the working position.

[0048] Additionally, a component identification camera C2 is fixed near the work position where the head unit 32 performs operations on the base 10. The component identification camera C2 identifies components supplied from the mounting head 37 at position S (…). Figure 2 Images of the extracted electronic components are captured to identify the adsorption posture of each electronic component based on the nozzle 38.

[0049] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the feeder in the component mounting machine. Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the structure of the component supply belt used in component feeding. (See figure.) Figure 1 As shown, the feeder-type supply mechanism 40 is located on both sides of the conveyor 20. Figure 1 The feeders 50 are arranged in two locations along the X direction on both sides (top and bottom), for a total of four locations. Each feeder-type supply mechanism 40 is composed of a changeover trolley that allows multiple feeders 50 to be easily assembled and disassembled in a row. Each feeder-type supply mechanism 40 is provided with multiple spool supports (not shown), which can feed the component supply belt 60, which is wound into a spool shape relative to the spool supports, to the feeder 50.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the component supply tape 60 consists of a carrier tape 62 with a sheet shape that is longer in one direction and a cover tape 64 attached to the upper surface of the carrier tape 62. On the carrier tape 62, box-shaped storage portions 62A that open upwards are provided at constant intervals along the length of the tape. Furthermore, electronic components E are stored and held in a sealed state by the cover tape 64 relative to each storage portion 62A. Additionally, on one side of the carrier tape 62, through-holes 62B are provided at constant intervals along its edge.

[0051] The component supply belt 60, configured in this way, is fed from the reel support and placed onto the feeder 50 after its front end has undergone prescribed front-end treatment by the belt front-end treatment fixture, which will be described in detail later. Then, it is conveyed to the component supply position S by the operation of the feeder 50 in accordance with the operation command from the control unit. Furthermore, for ease of explanation during the structural description of the feeder 50, the side supplying the electronic component E (the side facing the conveyor 20) will be used. Figure 4 The right side of the feeder 50 is designated as the front side, and the opposite side is designated as the rear side. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction (Y direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction) of the feeder 50 is designated as the width direction (X direction) of the feeder 50.

[0052] A feeder mounting section 42 is provided in the feeder-type supply mechanism 40, and multiple feeders 50 can be mounted in a row in the X direction in the feeder mounting section 42. Each feeder 50 feeds the component supply belt 60 holding the electronic component E toward the component supply position S, such as... Figure 2 As shown, two delivery portions 52 and 54 are provided relative to the main body portion 51, which is elongated in the front-to-back direction (Y direction). Additionally, a cover member 511 is mounted on the main body portion 51, but... Figure 2 The structure of the two delivery parts 52 and 54 is shown by cutting open the cover component 511.

[0053] The delivery section 52 is a front delivery section located on the front side of the main body 51, and includes a front motor 52A, a front gear set 52B composed of multiple gears, a front sprocket 52C, and an intermediate sprocket 52D disposed on the upper front end of the main body 51. The front motor 52A is electrically connected to the control unit and operates according to the operation commands from the control unit. Thus, the front motor 52A operates according to the installation procedure pre-stored in the control unit. Furthermore, the power of the front motor 52A is transmitted to the front sprocket 52C and the intermediate sprocket 52D via the front gear set 52B, causing the front sprocket 52C and the intermediate sprocket 52D to rotate. On the outer periphery of the front sprocket 55B, teeth 52E are formed at equal intervals to engage with the engagement holes of the component supply belt 60. Furthermore, on the outer periphery of the intermediate sprocket 52D, similar to the front sprocket 52C, teeth 52F are formed at equal intervals to engage with the engagement holes 62B of the component supply belt 60. The front feed section 52 rotates the front sprocket 52C and the intermediate sprocket 52D while the teeth 52E of the front sprocket 52C are engaged with the engagement holes 62B of the component supply belt 60, thereby feeding the component supply belt 60 from the rear feed section 54 to the component supply position S at the front end of the feeder 50.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, an exposure processing position is provided between the intermediate sprocket 52D and the front sprocket 52C, and an exposure processing mechanism 57 is disposed at this exposure processing position. That is, the exposure processing mechanism 57 is disposed on the (-Y) direction side relative to the component supply position S. Therefore, the cover tape 64 of the component supply belt 60, which is conveyed to the exposure processing mechanism 57, is peeled off from the carrier belt 62 by the exposure processing mechanism 57 in a one-sided peeling manner, exposing the electronic component E. Then, with the electronic component E exposed, the component supply belt 60 is supplied to the component supply position S. In addition, the belt tip processing fixture and belt tip processing will be described in detail later.

[0055] The rear delivery section 54 includes a rear motor 54A, a rear gear set 54B composed of multiple gears, and a rear sprocket 54C disposed on the upper rear end of the main body 51. The rear delivery section 54 is also constructed in essentially the same way as the front delivery section 52. That is, as... Figure 3 As shown, the rear motor 54A is electrically connected to the control unit and operates according to the operation commands from the control unit. Thus, the rear motor 54A operates according to the above-described installation procedure. Furthermore, the power of the rear motor 54A is transmitted to the rear sprocket 54C via the rear gear set 54B. The rear sprocket 54C rotates when its teeth 54D engage with the engagement hole 62B of the component supply belt 60. As a result, the component supply belt 60 is fed to the front delivery unit 52 via the belt passage 56.

[0056] That is, by placing the component supply belt 60 on the rear delivery section 54, the component supply belt 60 is delivered from the rear delivery section 54 to the front delivery section 52, and then the component supply belt 60 is further delivered forward by the front delivery section 52, thereby enabling the electronic component E housed in the component supply belt 60 to be transported to the component supply position S. In addition, as described above, while the teeth 52E of the front sprocket 52C are engaged with the engagement hole 62B of the component supply belt 60, the teeth 54D of the rear sprocket 54C are not engaged with the engagement hole 62B of the component supply belt 60, i.e., the free state remains unchanged, and the electronic component E is transported to the component supply position S only through the front delivery section 52. Furthermore, the component supply belt 60 (hereinafter referred to as "preceding belt 60") that is placed prior to the feeder 50 can be fed only through the front delivery section 52, and corresponding to the case where the end of the preceding belt 60 is close to the feeder 50, the component supply belt 60 placed prior to the feeder 50 (hereinafter referred to as "following belt 60") is fed toward the front delivery section 52 through the rear delivery section 54. That is, the feeder 50 has a front delivery section 52 and a rear delivery section 54, and can transport the component supply belt 60 in the following three ways:

[0057] • First belt delivery method: A component supply belt 60 is delivered to the front delivery section 52 using the rear delivery section 54, and then the component supply belt 60 is delivered to the component supply position S using the front delivery section 52.

[0058] • Second belt delivery method: Only the front delivery section 52 is used to deliver one component supply belt 60 to the component supply position S;

[0059] • Third belt delivery method: Independent of the delivery of the lead belt 60 to the component supply position S using only the front delivery section 52, the follow belt 60 is delivered to the front delivery section 52 using the rear delivery section 54.

[0060] In addition, in order to execute the above three sending methods, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the main body 51, a belt passage 56 is provided from the rear delivery portion 54 toward the front delivery portion 52, and an inlet region 53 is provided for guiding the component supply belt 60 into the belt passage 56. The inlet region 53 expands in a trumpet shape in the vertical direction Z from the position connected to the belt passage 56 toward the rear end of the main body 51.

[0061] The front end of the belt mounting section 55 is detachably inserted and removed from the inlet region 53. Furthermore, by inserting the belt mounting section 55 into the inlet region 53, the component supply belt 60 can be delivered by the rear delivery section 54. Additionally, by pulling (detaching) the belt mounting section 55 from the inlet region 53 and releasing the belt support, the component supply belt 60 moves downwards from the inlet region 53 and becomes free relative to the rear delivery section 54. Moreover, the belt mounting section 55 and the mounting movement mechanism 70 that moves the belt mounting section 55 in the Y direction have the same structure as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-199831. Therefore, a description of the belt mounting section 55 and the mounting movement mechanism 70 is omitted here.

[0062] As explained above, the feeder 50 equipped on the component mounting machine 1 is a so-called automatic loading feeder, which has the function of automatically feeding out the subsequent belt 60 during the component supply process using the leading belt 60, so that the front end of the subsequent belt 60 approaches the end of the leading belt 60 to suppress the interruption of component supply. In order to effectively perform this function, it is effective to implement the above-described belt tip treatment, and in order to reliably achieve this function, it is preferable to use a dedicated belt tip treatment fixture. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the belt tip treatment and belt tip treatment fixture according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the front-end processing method involved in this invention. Additionally, Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the front-end processing fixture according to the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 6 It is a schematic representation of the meaning of the word. Figure 5 The diagram shows the cut-in process performed by the belt tip-processing fixture. This belt tip-processing method is performed before placing the subsequent belt 60, i.e., the new component supply belt 60, into the belt placement section 55 and inserting the belt placement section 55 into the inlet area 53. The belt tip-processing method generally has three steps (cutting step, cut-in process, and lifting step). The cutting step is the process of cutting the component supply belt 60 released from the reel support, performed, for example, using a belt cutting fixture as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-162844. More specifically, for example, as... Figure 3As shown, the operator uses a cutting clamp to cut the component supply belt 60 between adjacent storage sections 62A, i.e., in the area 62C where storage sections 62A are not formed (step S1). Therefore, at the front end 66 of the component supply belt 60 (refer to...), Figure 5 , Figure 8A It does not include the storage section 62A, thereby enabling reliable subsequent cut-in process (step S2) and lifting process (step S3).

[0064] The incision insertion process is carried out by the operator. Figure 5 The front-end processing fixture 100 shown is used for execution. In this cut-in process, as... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow AR2, the operator inserts the front end 66 of the component supply tape 60 into the cut-in mechanism 110 of the tape end-processing fixture 100. Subsequently, the operator operates the tape end-processing fixture 100 using the same method as with the stapler. As a result, the blade tip 112a of the cutting portion 112, such as the cutter, bites into the carrier tape 62 only at the front end 66, forming a cut only in the carrier tape 62 along the length Y direction of the component supply tape 60. Consequently, as... Figure 6 As shown, in the width direction X of the component supply belt 60, the carrier belt 62 at the front end 66 is separated into a first carrier region 621 and a second carrier region 622. On the other hand, the blade tip 112a of the cutting part 112 does not reach the cover belt 64, and the cut is not introduced. The structure and operation of the belt front end processing fixture 100, including the cut introduction mechanism 110, will be described in detail later.

[0065] The operator stops operating the front-end processing fixture 100 and pulls the component supply belt 60 out of the front-end processing fixture 100, thus ending the feed-in process. Subsequently, as... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow AR3, the operator inserts the front end 66 of the element supply tape 60, which is divided into two support areas 621 and 622, into the lifting mechanism 150 of the tape front-end processing fixture 100. Then, the operator operates the tape front-end processing fixture 100 again using the same operation as with the stapler. This selectively lifts only the first support area 621 from below (lifting process). Consequently, the first covering area 641 on the cover tape 64, located on the first support area 621, is lifted, and as the first covering area 641 is lifted, the second cover area 642 on the second support area 622 moves upward from the second support area 622. As a result, a space is formed between the second support area 622 and the second covering area 642. Figure 7 , Figure 12 (SP in the text).

[0066] Thus, when the belt tip processing is complete, after the operator pulls the component supply belt 60 out of the belt tip processing fixture 100, the component supply belt 60 is fitted into the belt placement part 55, and the belt placement part 55 is inserted into the inlet area 53. Furthermore, when belt conveying is performed for component supply using the component supply belt 60, such as... Figure 7 As shown in column (a), the front end portion 66 reaches the exposure processing position. In columns (a-2) and (b) of this column, dots are added to the exposure processing mechanism portion 57 to clarify the positional relationship between the exposure processing mechanism portion 57 and the component supply tape 60. Thus, by reaching the exposure processing position through the front end portion 66, the tip 571 of the exposure processing mechanism portion 57 enters the aforementioned space SP. In particular, in this embodiment, by means of the aforementioned tape tip processing method, a space SP wider than that in the prior art is formed above the second support region 622 without deforming the second support region 622. Furthermore, this space SP functions as an insertion space. Therefore, a wide space SP can be easily and reliably formed between the carrier tape 62 and the cover tape 64 at the front end portion 66 of the component supply tape 60. As a result, the exposure of the electronic component E at the exposure processing position can be performed reliably and stably.

[0067] Next, the structure and operation of the front-end processing fixture 100 will be explained. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the front-end processing fixture 100 includes a base 101, a partition member 102, and an operating member 103. The base 101 functions as a base for holding the cut-in mechanism 110 and the lifting mechanism 150. A partition member 102, extending vertically upwards along the Y direction, is provided at the center of the upper surface of the base 101. This partition member 102 divides the space above the base 101 into two partitioned spaces in the width direction X. The cut-in mechanism 110 is disposed in the partitioned space on the (-X) direction side, while the lifting mechanism 150 is disposed in the partitioned space on the (+X) direction side. Thus, in this embodiment, the partitioned space on the (-X) direction side and the partitioned space on the (+X) direction side function as the "cut-in space" and "lifting space" of the present invention, respectively.

[0068] Additionally, an operating member 103 is arranged to cover the base 101, the separating member 102, the cut-in mechanism 110, and the lifting mechanism 150 from above. The end of the operating member 103 in the (+Y) direction is oscillatingly connected to the end of the base 101 in the (+Y) direction via a shaft support pin 104. Therefore, the end of the operating member 103 in the (-Y) direction can approach and separate from the cut-in mechanism 110 and the lifting mechanism 150 from above. Furthermore, when the operator is not operating the end-of-trap processing clamp 100, the force of the spring member assembly provided in the cut-in mechanism 110 and the lifting mechanism 150, as described below, is applied to the operating member 103. As a result, as... Figure 5 As shown, the end of the operating member 103 on the (-Y) direction side is stationary at a position where it moves upward away from the cut-in mechanism 110 and the lifting mechanism 150.

[0069] Figure 8A and Figure 8B yes Figure 5 The cut-in mechanism with front-end processing fixture shown is a cross-sectional view. Figure 8A This indicates the static state before the cut-in process is executed. Figure 8B This indicates that the cut-in process is in progress. The cut-in mechanism 110 has the capability to perform the cut-in execution state. Figure 5 A cutting base 111 is fixed to the base 101 in the partition space on the (-X) direction side. With the blade tip 112a protruding upwards from the center of the upper surface of the cutting base 111, the cutting portion 112 is fixed to the cutting base 111. A stop member 113 is fixed to the cutting base 111 on the (+Y) direction side relative to the blade tip 112a. On the other hand, a wire spring 114 is installed on the (-Y) direction side relative to the blade tip 112a, as an example of the "guide portion" of the present invention. Therefore, as... Figure 8AAs indicated by arrow AR2, when the operator inserts the front end 66 of the component supply belt 60 into the cut-in mechanism 110, the front end 66 is guided upwards toward the blade tip 112a along the wire spring 114. At the point when the front end 66 engages with the end of the stop member 113 on the (-Y) direction side (hereinafter referred to as the "-Y end"), the front end 66 is positioned directly above the blade tip 112a. Furthermore, the wire spring 114 not only provides the aforementioned guiding function but also applies upward force to the front end 66. Therefore, it reliably prevents the front end 66 from getting caught on the blade tip 112a before performing the cut-in process (step S2). Additionally, after performing the cut-in process, it helps the carrier belt 62 to retract upwards from the blade tip 112a. Therefore, after the cutting and guiding process is performed, the state of the carrier tape 62 biting into the blade tip 112a can be reliably avoided, thereby allowing the element supply tape 60 to be smoothly pulled out from the tape front end processing fixture 100. In addition, hereafter, the end of each component located on the (-Y) direction side will be referred to as the "-Y end", and the end located on the (+Y) direction side will be referred to as the "+Y end".

[0070] A pressing member 115 is disposed above the blade tip 112a. The pressing member 115 has a lower surface opposite to the cutting portion 112. A groove-shaped recess formed by retracting from the lower surface is provided on this lower surface. Figure 9 Reference numeral 115a) indicates a recess with a pressing member 115 positioned so that the recess is opposite to the blade tip 112a. Here, to clarify the structure of the pressing member 115, in... Figure 9 The figure shows the condition of the belt pressing member 115 viewed from below. As shown in the figure, a recess 115a is provided in the area opposite to the blade tip 112a on the lower surface of the belt pressing member 115, extending along the length direction Y. Furthermore, while aligning the recess 115a with the blade tip 112a, the +Y end of the belt pressing member 115 is flexibly connected to the base 101 via the shaft support pin 116. A protrusion 117 protrudes from the +Y end of the belt pressing member 115 in the (+Y) direction, and its front end is connected to the cutting base 111 via the spring member 118. Therefore, by the force of the spring member 118, the belt pressing member 115 rotates around the shaft support pin 116. Figure 8A When rotated clockwise on the paper surface, the -Y end of the pressing member 115 approaches the -Y end of the operating member 103. Furthermore, a spring member 119 is provided at the -Y end of the pressing member 115, allowing it to move freely forward and backward relative to the upper surface of the pressing member 115. Therefore, the -Y end of the pressing member 115 abuts against the -Y end of the operating member 103 via the spring member 119.

[0071] Here, during the period when the operator is not operating the front-end processing fixture 100, such as Figure 8A As shown, due to the force of the spring member 118, the belt pressing member 115 moves upward from the blade tip 112a, allowing the front end 66 of the element supply belt 60 to be inserted into the cutting guide mechanism 110, and is positioned between the belt pressing member 115 and the blade tip 112a while being stopped by the stop member 113. On the other hand, when the operator operates the operating member 103, the operating member 103 is moved against the force of the spring member assembly. Figure 8B When the paper is swung counterclockwise, the pressing member 115 moves toward the blade tip 112a and clamps the front end 66 with the blade tip 112a. At this time, as Figure 6 As shown, the blade tip 112a cuts into the carrier tape 62 along the length direction Y of the component supply tape 60 at the front end 66. Here, the cover tape 64 is more flexible than the carrier tape 62, and the recess 115a is located directly above the blade tip 112a during cutting, so the portion of the cover tape 64 present at the cutting position enters the recess 115a. As a result, a cut can be reliably formed only in the carrier tape 62, and the carrier tape 62 at the front end 66 of the component supply tape 60 is separated into a first bearing region 621 and a second bearing region 622 in the width direction X of the component supply tape 60. On the other hand, this situation can be reliably prevented regarding the cutting into the cover tape 64 by the blade tip 112a.

[0072] Thus, the cut-in mechanism 110 of the front-end processing fixture 100 configured as described above is an example of the "front-end processing fixture used in the front-end processing method" of the present invention, and can reliably perform the "cut-in process". That is, by using the front-end processing fixture 100, at the front end 66, it is possible to separate the cover strip 64 into two carrying areas 621 and 622 by forming a cut only in the carrier strip 62 while keeping the cover strip 64 continuous in the width direction X.

[0073] Furthermore, in the cut introduction mechanism 110, the front end 66 is pressed against the blade tip 112a by the belt pressing member 115 via the spring member 119, thus forming a cut on the carrier belt 62. Therefore, even if the external force applied to the operating member 103 varies depending on each operator, the aforementioned pressing action can be performed with a force equivalent to the force of the spring member 119. That is, it is possible to reproduce with high precision the fine pressing adjustment that forms a cut only on the carrier belt 62. As a result, the "cut introduction process" can be performed stably regardless of individual differences among operators.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the cut is formed parallel to the length direction Y by the cut-in mechanism 110, but the cut shape is not limited to this. As long as the cut can be formed along the length direction Y to separate into two bearing areas 621 and 622 in the width direction X, the cut shape is arbitrary.

[0075] Furthermore, the placement of the cut in the width direction X is arbitrary, as long as it is the center position of the carrier tape 62 in the width direction X. For example, in this embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown in column (a-2), a cut is formed at the position P where the imaginary line VL, which passes through the center of the storage portion 62A in the width direction X and extends along the length direction Y, intersects with the front end portion 66.

[0076] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the lifting mechanism with front-end processing fixture shown indicates the lifting execution state during the lifting process. Figure 11 This is a side view showing the relationship between the component supply belt and the lifting mechanism during the lifting process. Figure 12 This is a front view showing the relationship between the component supply belt and the lifting mechanism during the lifting process. Furthermore, the static state before the lifting process is basically the same as the static state before the cut-in process. Figure 8A (Approximately), therefore the illustration is omitted.

[0077] The lifting mechanism 150 has the ability to lift in Figure 5 A lifting base 151 is fixed to the base 101 in the partition space on the (+X) direction side. The lower pressure member 152 is fixed to the lifting base 151 with its upper portion protruding upwards from the center of the upper surface of the lifting base 151. A stop member 153 is fixed to the lifting base 151 on the (+Y) direction side relative to the lower pressure member 152. A pressure holding portion 155 is disposed above the lower pressure member 152. This pressure holding portion 155 holds the lower portion of the upper pressure member 154 protruding towards the lower pressure member 152. Furthermore, while the upper pressure member 154 and the lower pressure member 152 are facing each other, the +Y end of the pressure holding portion 155 is flexibly connected to the base 101 via a shaft support pin 156. A protrusion 157 protrudes from the +Y end of the pressure holding part 155 in the (+Y) direction, and its front end is connected to the lifting base 151 via a spring member 158. Therefore, by the force of the spring member 158, the pressure holding part 155 rotates around the shaft support pin 156 as the center of rotation. Figure 10 When rotated clockwise within the paper, the -Y end of the pressure holding portion 155 approaches the -Y end of the operating member 103. Furthermore, a spring member 159 is provided at the -Y end of the pressure holding portion 155 in a manner that allows it to move freely forward and backward relative to the upper surface of the pressure holding portion 155. Therefore, the -Y end of the pressure holding portion 155 abuts against the -Y end of the operating member 103 via the spring member 159.

[0078] Here, while the operator is not operating the front end processing fixture 100, similarly to the cut-in mechanism 110, the pressure holding part 155 moves upward from the lifting base 151 by the force of the spring member assembly. As a result, the upper pressure member 154 moves upward from the lower pressure member 152, allowing the front end 66 of the component supply belt 60, which has already undergone the cut-in process, to be inserted into the lifting mechanism 150, and positioned between the lower pressure member 152 and the upper pressure member 154 while being stopped by the stop member 153.

[0079] like Figure 11 As shown in the enlarged area R1, a protruding portion 152a protruding laterally upward in the (+X) direction is provided on the upper part of the lower pressure member 152. On the other hand, on the lower part of the upper pressure member 154, as shown in the enlarged area R1, a protruding portion 152a protruding laterally upward in the (+X) direction is provided. Figure 11 As shown in the enlarged portion R2, a retracted portion 154a is provided that retracts laterally upward in the (+X) direction. The protruding portion 152a and the retracted portion 154a have a shape that allows them to interlock. Furthermore, when the front end 66 of the component supply belt 60 is positioned above the lower pressure member 152, the operator operates the operating member 103, overcoming the force of the spring member 159 while moving the operating member 103... Figure 10 When the paper is swung counterclockwise on the surface, the upper pressure member 154 and the pressure holding part 155 move together toward the lower pressure member 152, clamping the front end 66 with the lower pressure member 152. As a result, the first bearing area 621 on the (+Y) direction side of the two bearing areas 621, 622 is selectively lifted from below by the protruding part 152a. At this time, the first covering area 641 on the first bearing area 621 in the cover strip 64 is also lifted. Furthermore, as the first covering area 641 is lifted, the second covering area 642 on the second bearing area 622 peels off and separates from the second bearing area 622 upwards. Thus, as... Figure 12 As shown, a space SP is formed between the second bearing area 622 and the second covering area 642.

[0080] Thus, the lifting mechanism 150 with the front-end processing fixture 100 configured as described above is an example of the "front-end processing fixture used in the front-end processing method" of the present invention, and can reliably perform the "lifting process".

[0081] The reason for placing the space SP on the (-Y) direction side is that the exposed processing mechanism 57 has a shape corresponding to the one-sided peeling method. That is, in this embodiment, as... Figure 7As shown, the exposed processing mechanism 57, viewed from above, has a shape similar to the number "4," and has a wing portion that extends in a wing-like manner in the (-Y) direction. The (-X) direction side edge of this wing portion, i.e., the blade tip 571, enters the interface between the carrier tape 62 and the cover tape 64. Furthermore, the position where the blade tip 571 contacts the carrier tape / cover tape interface, i.e., the peeling position, moves in the (-X) direction as the component supply tape 60 is conveyed in the length direction Y, thereby performing one-sided peeling of the cover tape 64. Therefore, in order to reliably perform the above-mentioned one-sided peeling, a space SP needs to be provided on the side where the blade tip 571 is provided, and the blade tip 571 of the exposed processing mechanism 57 is inserted into this space SP. Therefore, in this embodiment, corresponding to the one-sided peeling of the cover tape 64 in the (-X) direction, the first bearing area 621 is lifted from below, and an insertion space SP is provided on the (+X) direction side.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, by using the tape end processing jig 100, which is provided with the cutting guide mechanism 110 and the lifting mechanism 150 side by side, a wide space SP can be easily and reliably formed between the carrier tape 62 and the cover tape 64 at the front end 66 of the component supply tape 60. Furthermore, since the cover tape 64 is peeled off by inserting the blade tip 571 of the exposed processing mechanism portion 57 into this space SP, the electronic component E can be reliably exposed, thereby enabling smooth component supply operation.

[0083] In addition, the cutting introduction process (step S2) and the lifting process (step S3) can be performed continuously by a single fixture with a front-end processing jig 100, thereby improving the operator's operability.

[0084] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from its spirit. For example, the cutting inlet mechanism 110 and the lifting mechanism 150 are arranged side by side with the front-end processing fixture 100, but it is also possible to prepare a front-end processing fixture equipped with the cutting inlet mechanism 110 and a front-end processing fixture equipped with the lifting mechanism 150 separately, and perform front-end processing sequentially using each front-end processing fixture.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the "guide part" of the present invention is composed of a wire spring 114 as an example of a force-applying member, but it may also be composed of other force-applying members, such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, a structure equivalent to the wire spring 114 may be applied to the lifting mechanism 150, thereby reliably guiding the front end 66, which has undergone the cut-in insertion process, to a position above the lower pressure member 152.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the single-sided peeling method, but the present invention can also be applied to the double-sided peeling method.

[0087] Industrial availability

[0088] This invention can be applied to all tape front-end processing techniques for processing the front end of a component supply tape in which a cover tape is disposed on the upper surface of the carrier tape such that it covers the opening above the housing portion of the carrier tape in relation to the housing portion of the component.

[0089] Label Explanation

[0090] 60… Component supply belt,

[0091] 62…carrier tape,

[0092] 62C… (area without storage)

[0093] 64…cover strap,

[0094] 66…(the front end of the component supply belt),

[0095] 100…with front-end processing fixture,

[0096] 101…Abutment,

[0097] 110…Incision insertion mechanism,

[0098] 112…cut-in section,

[0099] 112a…(the cutting tip) of the blade,

[0100] 114… Wire spring (guide section),

[0101] 115…with pressing component,

[0102] 115a...concave,

[0103] 150… Lifting mechanism,

[0104] 152…lower side pressure member,

[0105] 152a…protruding part,

[0106] 154…Upper pressure member,

[0107] 154a…rear section,

[0108] 621…First bearing area,

[0109] 622…Second bearing area,

[0110] 641…First coverage area,

[0111] 642…Second coverage area,

[0112] E…electronic components,

[0113] SP…space,

[0114] X… (the width direction of the component supply tape)

[0115] Y... length direction.

Claims

1. A method for processing the front end of a component supply tape, wherein a cover tape is disposed on the upper surface of the carrier tape such that it covers an opening above a housing portion formed thereon relative to the carrier tape, the method being characterized by comprising the following steps: The cut-in process involves forming a cut only on the carrier tape along the length direction of the component supply tape at the front end, thereby separating the carrier tape at the front end into a first bearing area and a second bearing area in the width direction of the component supply tape; and The lifting process involves selectively lifting the first bearing area from below to lift the first covering area located on the first bearing area, and as the first covering area is lifted, the second covering area located on the second bearing area moves upward from the second bearing area, thereby creating a space between the second bearing area and the second covering area.

2. The method with front-end processing according to claim 1, wherein, The cut introduction process includes a process of forming the cut by pressing the tip of the cutting part from below the carrier tape.

3. The method with front-end processing according to claim 2, wherein, The cut-in process includes the following steps: with the belt pressing member having a recess on its lower surface configured such that the recess is opposite to the blade tip, the element supply belt is clamped in by the belt pressing member and the blade tip, thereby pushing the blade tip onto the carrier belt.

4. The method with front-end processing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method for processing the front end of the belt further includes the following cutting step: before the cutting introduction step, cutting off the area in the length direction of the component supply belt where the receiving portion is not formed, so that the receiving portion is not included at the front end.

5. A fixture with a front-end processing arm, used in the front-end processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The cutting portion is positioned below the front end of the component supply belt in an orientation such that the blade tip faces the carrier belt; and A pressing member is positioned above the cutting portion. The cutting portion and the belt pressing member clamp the front end and the blade tip forms a cut only in the carrier belt along the length direction of the element supply belt.

6. The fixture with front-end processing according to claim 5, wherein, The pressing member has: a lower surface opposite to the cutting portion; and a recess formed in the lower surface in a region opposite to the blade tip, which recedes upward from the lower surface.

7. The fixture with front-end processing according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The belt front end processing fixture also includes a guide portion that guides the front end of the element supply belt between the blade tip and the belt pressing member, which are separated from each other in the vertical direction, before and after the front end is clamped by the belt pressing member and the cutting portion.

8. The fixture with front-end processing according to claim 7, wherein, The guide portion is composed of a force-applying member that applies force to the guided front end to cause it to move away from the blade tip.

9. A fixture with a front-end processing arm, used in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, have: The lower pressure member has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the first load-bearing area of ​​the carrier belt; and The upper pressure member is positioned above the lower pressure member and has a retractable portion that can freely engage with the protruding portion. The space is formed by clamping the front end with the lower pressure member and the upper pressure member and lifting the first bearing area upward with the protruding part.

10. A fixture with a front-end processing element, used in the front-end processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The base has a cut-in space for performing the cut-in process and a lifting space for performing the lifting process; A cut-in guide mechanism is configured in the cut-in guide space; and A lifting mechanism is configured in the lifting space. The cutting guide mechanism includes: a cutting portion disposed below the front end portion of the component supply belt with the blade tip facing the carrier belt; and a belt pressing member disposed above the cutting portion, which clamps the front end portion and forms a cut only in the carrier belt along the length direction of the component supply belt using the blade tip. The lifting mechanism comprises: a lower pressure member having a protruding portion protruding toward the first bearing area of ​​the carrier belt; and an upper pressure member disposed above the lower pressure member and having a retractable portion that can be freely engaged with the protruding portion, wherein the lower pressure member and the upper pressure member clamp the front end and the protruding portion lifts the first bearing area upward to form the space.

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