Tape feeder

Abstract

A tape feeder is provided with: a tape guide that guides a carrier tape in a predetermined feeding direction, the carrier tape comprising a base tape having a chamber for accommodating components, and a cover tape that covers the chamber and is adhered to the base tape by two adhesive sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape; a tape feeding mechanism capable of conveying the carrier tape in a feeding direction along the tape guide and returning the carrier tape in a reverse direction; a tape peeling mechanism that opens the chamber by peeling one side edge of the cover tape from the base tape together with the one adhesive portion when the carrier tape is conveyed in the feeding direction; and a first passage that is provided to the tape guide and that conveys the peeled side edge of the cover tape in the feeding direction, and a second passage that is located on the lower side of the first passage and that returns the peeled side edge of the cover tape in the opposite direction by having a passage width equal to or greater than the first passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to belt feeders that use carrier belts to supply components. Background Technology

[0002] The technology of mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate-to-substrate operations on substrates with circuit patterns is becoming increasingly common. As a representative example of a substrate-to-substrate operation machine, there is a component mounting machine that mounts components onto a substrate. Many component mounting machines are equipped with a belt feeder that uses a carrier tape to supply components. There are various types of belt feeders, such as those equipped with a tape peeling mechanism that peels one edge of the cover tape from the base tape constituting the carrier tape, supplying components in a semi-peeled state with the other edge of the cover tape adhered to. Patent Document 1 discloses a technical example related to such a belt feeder.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic loading feeder with a recovery function. This recovery function determines whether peeling has started after the front end of the carrier belt is fed to the stripping blade and before the suction nozzle begins its suction action. If it determines that peeling has not started, it performs a recovery action that temporarily returns the front end of the carrier belt to the stripping blade and feeds it out again. Thus, it is possible to quickly determine whether peeling has started.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 147339 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the technical example of Patent Document 1, if the carrier tape is repeatedly fed and returned during the recovery operation, damage such as wrinkles, cracks, and slackness will occur on the cover tape, raising concerns about hindering subsequent component supply operations. This concern is not limited to the recovery operation when the front end of the carrier tape is peeled off; it may also occur during the use of the carrier tape. Furthermore, this concern is common not only in automatic loading feeders but also in models that supply components with the cover tape in a semi-peeled state.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a belt feeder that can reduce the stress acting on the cover belt returning in the opposite direction and suppress damage to the cover belt.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] This specification discloses a belt feeder comprising: a belt guide for guiding a carrier belt in a predetermined feed direction, the carrier belt comprising a base belt and a cover belt, the base belt having a cavity for housing elements, and the cover belt being bonded to the base belt by two adhesive portions extending along the belt length direction to cover the cavity; a belt feeding mechanism capable of conveying the carrier belt along the belt guide in the feed direction and returning the carrier belt in the opposite direction; a belt peeling mechanism for peeling one side edge of the cover belt along with one of the adhesive portions from the base belt to open the cavity when the carrier belt is conveyed in the feed direction; and a first passage and a second passage, the first passage being provided in the belt guide and conveying the peeled side edge of the cover belt in the feed direction, the second passage being located below the first passage and having a passage width dimension greater than or equal to the first passage to return the peeled side edge of the cover belt in the opposite direction.

[0011] Furthermore, this specification discloses a belt feeder comprising: a belt guide for guiding a carrier belt in a predetermined feed direction, the carrier belt comprising a base belt and a cover belt, the base belt having a cavity for housing elements, and the cover belt being bonded to the base belt by two adhesive portions extending along the belt length direction to cover the cavity; a belt feeding mechanism capable of conveying the carrier belt along the belt guide in the feed direction and returning the carrier belt in the opposite direction; a belt peeling mechanism for peeling one side edge of the cover belt together with one of the adhesive portions from the base belt to open the cavity when the carrier belt is conveyed in the feed direction; and a chamfered portion located upstream of the belt peeling mechanism in the feed direction and provided at the end downstream of the lower surface of the top plate constituting the belt guide, and extending along a width direction intersecting the feed direction.

[0012] Furthermore, this specification discloses the technical ideas of changing "the belt feeder of claim 2" to "the belt feeder of claim 2 or 3" in claim 4 of the initial application, changing "the belt feeder of claim 5" to "the belt feeder of any one of claims 5 to 7" in claim 8 of the initial application, and changing "the belt peeling device of claim 5" to "the belt peeling device of any one of claims 5 to 8" in claim 10 of the initial application.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] In the disclosed belt feeder having a first passage and a second passage, the second passage has a passage width dimension greater than that of the first passage. Therefore, the second passage can reduce the stress acting on one side edge of the cover tape when it returns in the opposite direction after being peeled off, resulting in suppression of damage to the cover tape. Furthermore, in the disclosed belt feeder having a chamfered portion, the chamfered portion allows the cover tape returning in the opposite direction to pass smoothly. Therefore, the chamfered portion can reduce the stress acting on the cover tape, resulting in suppression of damage to the cover tape. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a structural example of a component mounting machine and component mounting system using the belt feeder of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a side view of the belt feeder according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view along the width of the carrier belt used in a belt feeder.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a top view that schematically shows the structure with guides and a peeling mechanism and illustrates the peeling action.

[0019] Figure 5 Is only shown Figure 4 A top view of the carrier tape.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a schematic three-dimensional view showing the detailed structure of the guide and the cover tape feeding along the feed direction.

[0021] Figure 7 Viewed from the downstream side of the Y-axis Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the XZ section of the cut shown.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a schematic representation of the detailed structure of the guide and the cover strip returning in the opposite direction in a three-dimensional view.

[0023] Figure 9 Viewed from the downstream side of the Y-axis Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the XZ section of the cut shown.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the comparative example without a notch, viewed from the downstream side in the Y-axis direction, and the carrier tape returning in the opposite direction.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of the chamfered portion with guide and the peeling blade provided in the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 It is a side sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape of the chamfer and explaining its function.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic side sectional view of a comparative example structure without chamfered edges and a carrier belt returning in the opposite direction.

[0028] Figure 14 This is to explain from Figure 13 The side sectional view shows the effect of feeding the cover strip in the feed direction again when the state shown is displayed.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a side view schematically showing the overall structure of the belt feeder according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 1. Structural example of component mounting machine 93 and component mounting system 9

[0031] First, refer to Figure 1 A structural example of the component mounting machine 93 using the belt feeder 1 of the first embodiment and the component mounting system 9 comprising the component mounting machine 93 will be described. Figure 1 As shown in the upper left of the paper, the front, back, left, and right positions of the component mounting system 9 are appropriately determined. The component mounting system 9 is composed of multiple substrate mounting machines arranged in the left-right direction. That is, the solder printing machine 91, the printing inspection machine 92, three component mounting machines 93, the substrate appearance inspection machine (not shown), and the reflow soldering machine (not shown) are arranged in the left-right direction. Each substrate mounting machine performs a predetermined operation on the substrate.

[0032] The three component mounting machines 93 have identical structures. Each component mounting machine 93 includes: a component supply section 94, a pre-feeder storage section 95, and a... Figure 1 The substrate handling device and component transfer device are not visible in the machine. The component supply unit 94 is located at approximately the middle height of the rear side of the machine base 99, and multiple belt feeders 1 are detachably arranged and equipped in the component supply unit 94. A pre-feeder storage unit 95 is located below the component supply unit 94 at the rear side of the machine base 99, and multiple replacement belt feeders 1 are detachably arranged and held in the pre-feeder storage unit 95. The substrate handling device performs substrate loading, positioning, and unloading. The component transfer device uses component mounting components such as suction nozzles to pick up components from the belt feeders 1 of the component supply unit 94 and mount them onto the substrate.

[0033] The component mounting system 9 includes a feeder storage device 96, a line management device 97, and a feeder replacement device 98. The feeder storage device 96 is located adjacent to the left side of the solder printing machine 91 and is positioned at the same height as the component supply section 94 of the component mounting machine 93. The feeder storage device 96 stores both ready-to-use and used belt feeders 1. The production line management device 97 is located adjacent to the left side of the feeder storage device 96. The production line management device 97 manages the operation status of multiple substrate mounting machines that are communicatively connected.

[0034] The feeder changing device 98 transports and changes the belt feeder 1 in three parts of the component mounting machine 93: the component supply section 94, the pre-feeder storage section 95, and the feeder storage device 96. The feeder changing device 98 has a changing section 9C for changing and storing the belt feeder 1, and a lifting drive section 9D for raising and lowering the changing section 9C. The feeder changing device 98 travels along a middle track 9A and a lower track 9B provided on the rear surfaces of the plurality of substrate mounting machines and the feeder storage device 96.

[0035] 2. Overall structure of the belt feeder 1 in the first embodiment

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 2 The overall structure of the belt feeder 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. From... Figure 2 The direction from left to right is the feeding direction of the carrier belt 8, with the left side being the upstream side and the right side being the downstream side. The belt feeder 1 is configured to be relatively thin in the width direction by assembling various components on the feeder body 2, which includes side plates. The belt feeder 1 consists of the feeder body 2, the belt feeding mechanism 3, the belt stripping mechanism 4, the belt guide 5, and the feeder control unit 6, etc.

[0037] The feeder body 2 includes: a disassembly / assembly rail 21, a tape reel receiving frame 231, a receiving plate 232, an opening / closing plate 233, a tape conveyor path 24, and a locking mechanism 25. The disassembly / assembly rail 21 is located on the bottom surface of the feeder body 2 and is used for mounting to the component mounting machine 93. From the upper side to the lower side of the downstream end face of the feeder body 2, an upper positioning pin 221, a connector 222, and a lower positioning pin 223 are sequentially provided. The upper positioning pin 221 and the lower positioning pin 223 engage with positioning holes provided on the main body side of the component mounting machine 93 to position the tape feeder 1. When the tape feeder 1 is positioned, the connector 222 automatically engages with the receiving-side connector provided on the component mounting machine 93. As a result, the tape feeder 1 is supplied with power, and the feeder control unit 6 is communicatively connected to the main body side of the component mounting machine 93.

[0038] The reel receiving frame 231 is a plurality of frame components forming a large circular internal space approximately in the center of the feeder body 2. The reel receiving frame 231 houses the reel RL within its internal space, allowing it to rotate freely. A receiving plate 232 is installed at the lower part of the reel receiving frame 231. The separation distance between the receiving plate 232 and the side plate of the feeder body 2 is set slightly larger than the thickness of the reel RL. The receiving plate 232 prevents the housed reel RL from detaching. An opening / closing plate 233 is installed at a height slightly above the middle of the reel receiving frame 231. The separation distance between the opening / closing plate 233 and the side plate of the feeder body 2 is set slightly larger than the thickness of the reel RL. Furthermore, the front and rear support portions 234 at the upper part of the opening / closing plate 233 are supported on the feeder body 2 in a swingable manner for opening and closing. The reel RL can be replaced by opening the opening / closing plate 233. A carrier tape 8 containing multiple components is wound around the reel RL.

[0039] The belt conveyor path 24 forms a moving path for conveying the carrier belt 8 in a predetermined feed direction. The belt conveyor path 24 may be formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape, for example, using a base plate, two side plates, and a top plate; alternatively, a portion of the cylindrical shape may be omitted. The belt conveyor path 24 begins near the position of the belt reel RL, extends diagonally upwards and downstream, extends approximately horizontally downstream from the middle, and ends at the upper part of the downstream end of the feeder body 2. The position near the end of the belt conveyor path 24 becomes the predetermined component supply position 242.

[0040] A stripping mechanism 4 is provided upstream of the component supply position 242 in the belt conveyor path 24. The belt conveyor path 24 guides the carrier belt 8 pulled from the reel RL to the stripping mechanism 4, and at least guides the base belt 82 (described later) from the stripping mechanism 4 to the component supply position 242. A belt guide 5 is disposed close to the stripping mechanism 4. The stripping mechanism 4 and the belt guide 5 will be described in detail later.

[0041] The locking mechanism 25 is located on the upper part of the upstream side of the feeder body 2. The locking mechanism 25 consists of a locking pin 251, a locking operation component 252, and a locking sensor 253. The locking pin 251 is a cylindrical component held by the feeder body 2 to allow vertical movement. Normally, the locking pin 251 is pushed upwards by a force-applying spring (not shown in the attached drawing) to lock, restricting the removal of the belt feeder 1 from the component supply section 94. The locking operation component 252 is a Y-shaped component with a central pivot point. When automatically or manually oscillating, the locking operation component 252 drives the locking pin 251 downwards to release the lock, allowing the removal of the belt feeder 1 from the component supply section 94. The locking sensor 253 detects the position of the locking pin 251, i.e., whether it is locked, and outputs this information to the feeder control section 6.

[0042] The belt feeding mechanism 3 feeds the carrier belt 8 at regular intervals, sequentially supplying components at the component supply position 242. The belt feeding mechanism 3 consists of a sprocket, a servo motor, and a gear mechanism (not shown in the diagram). The sprocket is positioned below the belt conveyor 24 and is rotatably supported on the feeder body 2. The teeth of the sprocket protrude from grooves formed in the base plate of the belt conveyor 24 and are embedded in the feed holes 84 (described later) of the carrier belt 8. The sprocket is driven by a servo motor and a gear mechanism and can switch between forward and reverse rotation.

[0043] The feeder control unit 6 is located on the lower part of the upstream side of the feeder body 2, and its position is not limited. The feeder control unit 6 is communicatively connected to the control device on the main body side of the component mounting machine 93 via connector 222. The feeder control unit 6 controls the belt feed mechanism 3 and monitors the status of the locking mechanism 25.

[0044] 3. Structure of carrier tape 8

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the carrier belt 8 used in the belt feeder 1 of the first embodiment will be described. The carrier belt 8 consists of a cover belt 81 and a base belt 82. The base belt 82 is formed by forming a plurality of chambers 83 on a paper belt of approximately a certain thickness and attaching a thin film belt to the bottom surface. As a supplement, a plurality of rectangular chambers 83 are provided at equal intervals along the belt length direction near one side edge from the center in the belt width direction of the base belt 82. Each chamber 83 houses an element 89. A plurality of feed holes 84 are provided at equal intervals along the belt length direction near the other side edge of the base belt 82.

[0046] A thin-film cover strip 81 is peelably bonded to the upper surface of the base strip 82. The cover strip 81 is formed of a transparent film so that the components 89 inside the chamber 83 can be seen visually or by an optical camera. A first adhesive portion 85 extending along the length of the strip is provided between the chamber 83 of the base strip 82 and a side edge. Furthermore, a second adhesive portion 86 extending along the length of the strip is provided between the chamber 83 of the base strip 82 and the feed hole 84.

[0047] In other words, the two adhesive portions (85, 86) are arranged across multiple chambers 83. The two adhesive portions (85, 86) bond the two side edges of the cover tape 81 to the base tape 82 in a peelable manner. Furthermore, the two adhesive portions (85, 86) are not limited to a straight line; for example, they can be arranged dispersedly as shown by dashed lines. The width of the cover tape 81 is smaller than that of the base tape 82, covering the chambers 83 but not the feed holes 84. The carrier tape 8 comes in various types with different width and thickness dimensions, corresponding to various sizes of the component 89.

[0048] In addition, there is an embossed carrier tape with a different structure than the paper carrier tape 8 described above (illustrated but not shown). The embossed carrier tape, like carrier tape 8, consists of a cover tape and a base tape. However, the base tape constituting the embossed carrier tape undergoes an expansion process at equal intervals along the length of the resin tape to form chambers. The embossed carrier tape is interchangeable with the paper carrier tape 8 in use.

[0049] 4. The structure with guide 5 and peeling mechanism 4, and the peeling action.

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the guide element 5 and the peeling mechanism 4, as well as the peeling action, will be explained. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, the cover tape 81, which constitutes the carrier tape 8, is indicated by a shading with diagonal lines for convenience. In addition, for convenience, the two adhesive portions (85, 86) and the component 89 are indicated by black.

[0051] The belt guide 5 is detachably mounted on the feeder body 2. The belt guide 5 is part of the belt conveyor path 24 that guides the carrier belt 8 in a predetermined feed direction. Figure 4 As shown, the belt guide 5 is composed of a first top plate 51, a second top plate 54, a side plate 56, and a side plate 57. The side plates 56 and 57 extend parallel to the feed direction of the carrier belt 8, separated from each other. The side plates 56 and 57 may also be located at least downstream of the first top plate 51 and extend further in the feed direction.

[0052] The first top plate 51 and the second top plate 54 are flat plate components, and are connected to the bottom plate 455 with the conveyor path 24 (see reference). Figure 8 The feeders are arranged separately and in parallel. The separation dimension between the first top plate 51 and the second top plate 54 and the bottom plate 455 is slightly larger than the thickness dimension of the carrier belt 8. The carrier belt 8 moves in the movement path formed by this separation dimension. The upstream portion of the first top plate 51 occupies approximately the entire width of the feeder body 2. The downstream portion of the first top plate 51 has a reduced width dimension and is arranged against a side plate 56. The first top plate 51 has cutout windows (52, 53) that allow a visual view of the feed hole 84 of the carrier belt 8.

[0053] The first top plate 51, with its force spring (not shown), applies downward force, pressing the carrier belt 8 against the bottom plate 455. This reliably engages the teeth of the second sprocket 32 ​​with the feed hole 84 of the carrier belt 8, and stabilizes the relative height of the carrier belt 8 with respect to the belt peeling mechanism 4. The second top plate 54 is located on another side plate 57 downstream of the first top plate 51. The portion of the second top plate 54 corresponding to the component supply position 242 is cut off and left open. An opening 55 extending in the feed direction is formed between the first top plate 51 and the second top plate 54.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the stripping mechanism 4 consists of a stripping blade 41 and a strip retraction member 45. The stripping blade 41 is disposed near another side plate 57 within the opening 55 upstream of the second top plate 54. The stripping blade 41 has a front end 42 and a blade tip 43. The front end 42 is located at the upstream end of the stripping blade 41 and faces upstream. The front end 42 is formed to be relatively thin in the vertical direction, so that it can easily enter between the base strip 82 and the cover strip 81.

[0055] The blade tip 43 is positioned on one side of the front end portion 42 in the belt width direction, overlapping one adhesive portion 85 of the conveyed carrier belt 8, but not overlapping the other adhesive portion 86. The blade tip 43 is formed to extend obliquely relative to the feed direction and is thinner in the vertical direction, thereby enabling easy peeling of one adhesive portion 85. The peeling blade 41 can be adjusted in height so that the front end portion 42 and the blade tip 43 are at appropriate heights relative to the carrier belt 8.

[0056] The fold-back component 45 is formed in a manner connected to the downstream side of the peeling blade 41. The fold-back component 45 is arranged parallel to each other above the second top plate 54. The fold-back component 45 gradually widens as it moves downstream away from the peeling blade 41. The fold-back component 45 has a side edge 46 in the widened portion for folding back the cover tape 81 to open the chamber 83. The downstream portion of the fold-back component 45 occupies approximately the entire width of the feeder body 2. The portion of the fold-back component 45 corresponding to the element supply position 242 is cut off and opened.

[0057] Next, the peeling operation of the tape peeling mechanism 4 will be explained. When conveying the carrier tape 8, the tape peeling mechanism 4 peels one side edge 87 of the cover tape 81, along with an adhesive portion 85, from the base tape 82, thus opening the chamber 83. Specifically, when the tape feeding mechanism 3 operates to convey the carrier tape 8 in the feeding direction, the front end of the carrier tape 8 faces the peeling blade 41. As the carrier tape 8 is further conveyed and its front end reaches the peeling blade 41, the front end 42 first enters between the base tape 82 and the cover tape 81. As the carrier tape 8 is further conveyed, the front end 42 advances relative to the base tape 82 and the cover tape 81. Furthermore, the blade tip 43 obliquely abuts against the advancing adhesive portion 85 and cuts it, peeling the cover tape 81 from the base tape 82. Thus, the cover tape 81 is conveyed downstream in a semi-peeled state, with one adhesive portion 85 and one side edge 87 peeled, and another adhesive portion 86 and the other side edge bonded.

[0058] like Figure 4As shown, the partially peeled cap tape 81 passes over the upper side of the peeling blade 41. The cap tape 81 is conveyed downstream along the side of the peeling blade 41 and rises above another adhesive portion 86. Furthermore, the cap tape 81 folds back along the side edge 46 of the tape fold-back member 45 towards a side plate 56. Then, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cover tape 81 is folded back 180° at the component supply position 242. This opens the chamber 83, allowing the supply of component 89. After component 89 is removed, the carrier tape 8 is conveyed downstream while the cover tape 81 remains adhered to the base tape 82 via another adhesive section 86.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the carrier tape 8, having passed through component supply position 242, bends downward at approximately 90° at the downstream end of tape conveyor 24 and is discharged externally, then conveyed into the component mounting machine 93. The component mounting machine 93 includes a tape cutter and a collection bin (not shown). The tape cutter operates at a predetermined time to cut the carrier tape 8. The cut carrier tape 8 falls into the collection bin. During the bending of the carrier tape 8, the folded-back cover tape 81 is forcefully pressed towards the base tape 82, giving it a bending tendency.

[0060] Here, we envision a scenario where the belt feeder 1 is removed from the component mounting machine 93 via the feeder changing device 98. In this case, if the belt feeder 1 is removed while the machine is in operation, the carrier belt 8 that has been fed to the outside becomes exposed. The exposed carrier belt 8 may obstruct the changing operation of the feeder changing device 98. Therefore, when the belt feeder 1 is removed, the feeder control unit 6 pre-controls the belt feeding mechanism 3 to return the carrier belt 8 in the opposite direction, so that it is stored inside the belt feeder 1.

[0061] In other cases where the carrier belt 8 returns in the opposite direction, there may be a situation where the peeling of the leading edge of the carrier belt 8 fails, requiring a recovery operation. Additionally, there may be situations where the belt feeder 1 temporarily stops due to power outages, causing the position of the carrier belt 8 in the feeding direction, such as the position of the leading chamber 83 containing the element 89, to become unclear. In such cases, the feeder control unit 6 performs the return and feeding of the carrier belt 8 to confirm its position.

[0062] 5. Detailed structure and function of guide element 5

[0063] Next, refer to Figures 6-9The detailed structure and function of the belt guide 5 will be explained below. As shown in the figure, the belt guide 5 has a first channel 71 and a second channel 72. Specifically, an inwardly curved portion 58 is provided on the side plates (56, 57) of the belt guide 5. The inwardly curved portion 58 is formed by bending the upper part of the side plates (56, 57) inward in the direction of the channel width. The inwardly curved portion 58 is provided to improve the rigidity (mechanical strength) of the belt guide 5 or to stabilize the installation position or posture of the belt guide 5. The inwardly curved portion 58 is located below the belt fold-back member 45 and is parallel to the belt fold-back member 45.

[0064] A cutout 59 is provided midway along the feed direction of the inner bend 58 of a side plate 56. The cutout 59 preferably has a portion removed along the entire width of the inner bend 58. A first passage 71 is located above the inner bend 58 and between the inner bend 58 and the tape fold-back member 45. The first passage 71 serves as a movement path for the side edge 87 of the cover tape 81 after it has been peeled off, as it is conveyed in the feed direction.

[0065] On the other hand, the second passage 72 is located below the first passage 71 and below the inner bend 58. The second passage 72 becomes the movement passage for one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81 when it returns in the opposite direction. In addition, the cutout 59 allows the cover strip 81 returning in the opposite direction to pass from the lower side to the upper side and return in the opposite direction, and is included in the second passage 72. Furthermore, omitting the inner bend 58 to expand the movement passage of the cover strip 81 would reduce the rigidity or installation stability of the belt guide 5, and therefore is not allowed.

[0066] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the carrier belt 8 is conveyed in the feed direction, one side edge 87 of the cover belt 81 is conveyed from the upstream side through the first passage 71 to the downstream direction. At this time, due to the elasticity of the cover belt 81, the one side edge 87 is pressed towards the lower surface of the belt folding member 45 while being conveyed.

[0067] As described above, the cover tape 81, through the bend at the downstream end of the belt conveyor 24, is given a bending tendency in which one side edge 87 contacts or approaches the base tape 82. Due to this bending tendency, the movement path of one side edge 87 of the cover tape 81 changes from the first path 71 to the second path 72 when the carrier tape 8 returns in the opposite direction. However, upstream of the belt peeling mechanism 4, the peeled cover tape 81 returns in the same state as before peeling, in contact with the two adhesive portions (85, 86).

[0068] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, when the carrier belt 8 returns in the opposite direction, one side edge 87 of the cover belt 81 is pulled downward by the bending tendency, sliding from the first passage 71 through the inside of the inner bend 58 to the second passage 72. Then, one side edge 87 returns from the downstream side through the second passage 72 to the cut-out portion 59. In addition, one side edge 87 returns from the lower side to the upper side through the cut-out portion 59 in the upstream direction.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the actual passage width dimension of the first passage 71 through which one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81 passes is W1, which is equivalent to the width dimension of the folded portion including one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81. On the other hand, in Figure 9 In this passage, the actual passage width of the second passage 72 through which one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81 passes is W2, which is equivalent to the width of the folded portion including one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81. By providing a cutout 59 that becomes part of the second passage 72, the passage width W2 of the second passage 72 can enter the cutout 59. Thus, the passage width W2 of the second passage 72 can be set to be greater than or equal to the passage width W1 of the first passage 71.

[0070] In contrast, Figure 10 In the comparative example shown without the notch 59, one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81 cannot return upstream through the notch 59. Therefore, one side edge 87 returns upstream from the second passage 72 on the downstream side through the inner side of the inner bend 58. In the comparative example, the actual passage width W3 of the moving passage through which one side edge 87 of the cover strip 81 passes is constrained by the inner end of the inner bend 58, and is therefore narrower than the passage width W2. Therefore, the cover strip 81 is subjected to excessive stress compressed in the width direction, easily resulting in wrinkles or slackness. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, since the second passage 72 does not become narrow, the stress acting on the cover strip 81 from the belt guide 5 can be reduced when one side edge 87 returns in the opposite direction.

[0071] In the belt feeder 1 of the first embodiment, the second passage 72, including the slit portion 59, has a passage width dimension W2 greater than that of the first passage 71. Therefore, when the second passage 72 returns in the opposite direction from one side edge 87 after the cover tape 81 has been peeled off, the stress acting from the belt guide 5 can be reduced. As a result, damage such as wrinkles X and slackness of the cover tape 81 is suppressed. As a result, the reliability of component supply of the belt feeder 1 is improved, and it can contribute to the high production efficiency of the component mounting machine 93. For example, belt feed errors in the belt feeder 1 and component pick-up errors in the component mounting machine 93 are reduced, and the frequency of temporary production stoppages of the component mounting machine 93 is reduced.

[0072] 6. Belt feeder 1 of the second embodiment

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The belt feeder 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described. As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment, a chamfered portion 5A is provided on the first top plate 51 of the belt guide 5. The chamfered portion 5A is provided at the downstream end of the lower surface 5B of the first top plate 51, located slightly upstream of the belt peeling mechanism 4 in the feed direction. Therefore, the chamfered portion 5A faces the peeling blade 41 from the upstream side in the feed direction. In addition, the chamfered portion 5A extends in the width direction intersecting the feed direction.

[0074] Figure 12 The chamfered portion 5A shown is formed as an inclined plane that is approximately 45° inclined relative to the lower surface 5B and the downstream end face 5C of the first top plate 51. Not limited thereto, the chamfered portion 5A may also be formed by connecting multiple inclined planes with different inclination angles. Alternatively, the chamfered portion 5A may also be formed from a smooth curved surface, for example, a portion of a cylindrical surface.

[0075] Here, the space 5D between the first top plate 51 and the peeling blade 41 becomes the area through which the cover strip 81 can pass. The chamfered portion 5A and... Figure 13 Compared to the comparative example without the chamfer 5A, the space region 5D is enlarged. Furthermore, the chamfer 5A softens the downstream edge of the first top plate 51, preventing the returning cover strip 81 from getting stuck. In other words, the chamfer 5A facilitates the passage of the returning cover strip 81. Thus, as... Figure 12 As shown, the returning cover strip 81 smoothly returns from the upper side of the peeling knife 41 to the lower side of the first top plate 51. Then, as the carrier belt 8 is conveyed again in the feed direction, the cover strip 81 is smoothly conveyed.

[0076] In contrast, Figure 13 In the comparative example shown, unlike the second embodiment, the space on the downstream side of the first top plate 51 is narrower, and the downstream side of the first top plate 51 has a roughly right-angled edge. Therefore, the returning cover strip 81 tends to stagnate near the downstream end face 5C of the first top plate 51. As a result, the cover strip 81 is prone to developing a skewed slack Y. Then, as... Figure 14 As shown, when the carrier belt 8 is fed again in the feed direction, the likelihood of the peeling blade 41 piercing the slack Y of the cover belt 81 increases. Therefore, the cover belt 81 is prone to excessive stress from the peeling blade 41, leading to damage such as cracks. On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, the chamfered portion 5A can soften the edge while expanding the space region 5D, allowing the cover belt 81 returning in the opposite direction to pass smoothly. Therefore, the chamfered portion 5A can reduce the stress acting on the cover belt 81 from the belt guide 5. As a result, damage such as slack Y and cracks in the cover belt 81 is suppressed.

[0077] 7. Overall structure of the belt feeder 1A in the third embodiment

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 15 The overall structure of the belt feeder 1A according to the third embodiment will now be described. Figure 15 As shown by the arrow in the lower right of the diagram, the X-axis and Y-axis directions in the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction corresponding to the vertical direction, are defined for convenience. The X-axis direction is consistent with the direction of substrate transport in the component mounting machine equipped with the belt feeder 1A. The Y-axis direction is consistent with the predetermined feed direction of the conveyor belt 8. From Figure 15 The direction from left to right is the feeding direction, with the left side being the upstream side and the right side the downstream side. The overall structure of the belt feeder 1A in the third embodiment differs from that in the first and second embodiments. The belt feeder 1A consists of a feeder body 2A, a belt feeding mechanism 3A (partially omitted from the diagram), a belt stripping mechanism 4, a belt guide 5, and a feeder control unit 6.

[0079] The feeder body 2A is formed primarily of a side plate that is longer in the Y-axis direction. The width dimension of the feeder body 2A in the X-axis direction is determined based on the width dimensions of various carrier belts 8. That is, the belt feeder 1A exists in several varieties with different width dimensions. The feeder body 2A includes: a mounting / unmounting track 21, a reel holding section 236, and a belt conveying path 24. The mounting / unmounting track 21 is located on the downstream side of the bottom surface of the feeder body 2A and extends along the Y-axis direction. The mounting / unmounting track 21 is used for installation into a component mounting machine.

[0080] An upper positioning pin 221, a connector 222, and a lower positioning pin 223 are sequentially arranged from the upper side to the lower side of the downstream end face of the feeder body 2A. The upper positioning pin 221 and the lower positioning pin 223 engage with positioning holes provided on the main body side of the component mounting machine to position the tape feeder 1A. When the tape feeder 1A is positioned, the connector 222 automatically engages with the receiving-side connector provided on the component mounting machine. As a result, the tape feeder 1A is supplied with power, and the feeder control unit 6 is communicatively connected to the main body side of the component mounting machine.

[0081] A reel holding portion 236 is provided on the lower upstream side of the feeder body 2. The reel holding portion 236 holds the reel RL wound with the carrier belt 8 so that it can be replaced. The reel holding portion 236 is formed by at least one of a holding shaft 237 and an outer peripheral holding portion 238. The holding shaft 237 is arranged to extend along the X-axis direction and holds the center hole of the reel RL so that it can rotate. The outer peripheral holding portion 238 holds the outer periphery of the reel RL so that it can rotate.

[0082] The belt conveyor path 24 forms a moving path for conveying the carrier belt 8 in a predetermined feed direction. The belt conveyor path 24 may be formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape, for example, using a base plate, two side plates, and a top plate; alternatively, a portion of the cylindrical shape may be omitted. The belt conveyor path 24 begins near the insertion port 241 of the reel holder 23, extends obliquely upwards and downstream, extends approximately horizontally downstream from the middle, and ends at the upper part of the downstream end of the feeder body 2. The position near the end of the belt conveyor path 24 becomes the predetermined component supply position 242.

[0083] A stripping mechanism 4 is provided upstream of the component supply position 242 in the belt conveyor path 24. The belt conveyor path 24 guides the carrier belt 8 pulled from the reel RL to the stripping mechanism 4, and at least guides the base belt 82 from the stripping mechanism 4 to the component supply position 242. A belt guide 5 is disposed close to the stripping mechanism 4. The stripping mechanism 4 and the belt guide 5 have the same structure as in the first and second embodiments.

[0084] The feed mechanism 3A feeds the carrier belt 8 at regular intervals, sequentially supplying components 89 at the component supply position 242. The feed mechanism 3A consists of four sprockets, two sets of servo motors (not shown), and a gear mechanism. The first sprocket 31 is positioned slightly downstream of the component supply position 242 on the belt conveyor 24 and is rotatably supported on the feeder body 2. The second sprocket 32 ​​is positioned slightly upstream of the belt stripping mechanism 4 on the belt conveyor 24 and is rotatably supported on the feeder body 2. The teeth of both the first and second sprockets protrude from grooves formed in the bottom plate of the belt conveyor 24 and embed into the feed holes 84 of the carrier belt 8. The first and second sprockets 31 and 32 are synchronously driven by the front servo motors and gear mechanism and can switch between forward and reverse rotation.

[0085] The third sprocket 33 and the fourth sprocket 34 are positioned slightly downstream of the insertion port 241 on the lower side of the belt conveyor path 24, and are rotatably supported on the feeder body 2. The teeth of each of the third sprocket 33 and the fourth sprocket 34 protrude from grooves formed in the bottom plate of the belt conveyor path 24 and are inserted into the feed holes 84 of the carrier belt 8. The third sprocket 33 and the fourth sprocket 34 are synchronously driven by a rear servo motor and a gear mechanism, and can switch between forward and reverse rotation.

[0086] During normal operation, the four sprockets rotate synchronously in the forward direction, conveying the carrier belt 8 a certain distance in the feed direction each time. During the loading operation at the start of use of the carrier belt 8, the third sprocket 33 and the fourth sprocket 34 rotate forward first, followed by the forward rotation of the first sprocket 31 and the second sprocket 32. The loading operation refers to loading the front end of the carrier belt 8 to the component supply position 242, preparing it for operation. Furthermore, when operation is paused and unused carrier belt 8 is removed, the four sprockets rotate synchronously in the reverse direction, returning the carrier belt 8 in the opposite direction of the feed direction. Additionally, the number of sprockets can be three or less.

[0087] The feeder control unit 6 is located within the feeder body 2A, and its position is not limited. The feeder control unit 6 is a computer device that operates via software. The feeder control unit 6 controls the front servo motor and the rear servo motor. The feeder control unit 6 is communicatively connected to the control unit of the component mounting machine via connector 222 and receives commands. Additionally, the feeder control unit 6 is connected to a belt detection sensor 61. The belt detection sensor 61 is positioned on the inclined portion between the third sprocket 33 and the fourth sprocket 34 of the belt conveyor 24 to detect the presence or absence of conveyor belt 8. The feeder control unit 6 receives detection signals from the belt detection sensor 61 and reflects them in the control of conveying and returning the carrier belt 8. The number and position of the belt detection sensors 61 may also differ from those described above. Furthermore, the belt feeder 1A may not hold the reel RL on the feeder body 2, but instead feed the carrier belt 8 from the reel RL held in a separately provided reel holding device.

[0088] In the third embodiment, a cutout 59 is provided at the midpoint of the feed direction of the inner curved portion 58 of one side plate 56 of the guide member 5. Therefore, the third embodiment produces the same function and effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a chamfered portion 5A is provided on the first top plate 51 of the guide member 5. Therefore, the third embodiment produces the same function and effect as the second embodiment. In other words, by providing the cutout 59 and the chamfered portion 5A to the belt guide member 5 of the belt feeder 1A, the effect of suppressing damage to the cover belt 81 becomes reliable.

[0089] 8. Application and variations of the implementation methods

[0090] Furthermore, the structure of the first embodiment can also be understood as follows: the belt feeder 1 includes: a feeder body 2, having a belt feeding mechanism 3 and a belt peeling mechanism 4; and a belt guide 5, having a first passage 71, a second passage 72, an inner bend 58, and a cut 59, and is detachably mounted on the feeder body 2. Additionally, the structure of the second embodiment can also be understood as follows: the belt feeder 1 includes: a feeder body 2, having a belt feeding mechanism 3 and a belt peeling mechanism 4; and a belt guide 5, having a first top plate 51 and a chamfered portion 5A, and is detachably mounted on the feeder body 2.

[0091] Furthermore, the belt feeders (1, 1A) of the first to third embodiments function identically to both embossed carrier tape and paper carrier tape 8, producing the same effect. Moreover, the belt feeders (1, 1A) can also be automatic loading feeders. Automatic loading feeders, by loading the second carrier tape 8 into the standby position during the use of the first carrier tape 8, can automatically begin the use of the second carrier tape 8 after the use of the first carrier tape 8 is completed. In addition to the first to third embodiments, various applications and modifications are also possible.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0093] 1. 1A: Belt feeder 2. 2A: Feeder body 24: Belt conveyor path 242: Component supply position 3. 3A: Belt feeding mechanism 4: Belt peeling mechanism 41: Peeling knife 45: Belt folding-back component 455: Base plate 5: Belt guide 51: First top plate 56, 57: Side plates 58: Inner bend 59: Cutting part 5A: Chamfered part 5B: Lower surface 5D: Spatial area 6: Feeder control unit 71: First passage 72: Second passage 8: Carrier belt 81: Cover belt 82: Base belt 83: Chamber 85, 86: Adhesive part 87: One side edge 89: Component 93: Component mounting machine W1, W2, W3: Passage width dimension X: Wrinkle Y: Slackness due to skew

Claims

1. A belt feeder, comprising: A guide is used to guide a carrier belt in a predetermined feed direction. The carrier belt comprises a base belt and a cover belt. The base belt has a cavity for housing elements, and the cover belt is bonded to the base belt by two adhesive portions extending along the belt length direction to cover the cavity. The belt feeding mechanism is capable of conveying the carrier belt along the belt guide in the feeding direction and causing the carrier belt to return in the opposite direction; A stripping mechanism, when the carrier tape is conveyed in the feed direction, causes one side edge of the cover tape, along with one of the adhesive portions, to peel off from the base tape, thereby opening the chamber; and A first passage and a second passage, the first passage being disposed on the belt guide and conveying the peeled side edge of the cover belt in the feeding direction, the second passage being located below the first passage and having a passage width dimension greater than that of the first passage so that the peeled side edge of the cover belt returns in the opposite direction.

2. The belt feeder according to claim 1, wherein, The first passage is located on the upper side of the inward bend, which is formed by bending the upper part of the side plate constituting the guide inward in the width direction of the passage. The second passage is located on the underside of the inner bend.

3. The belt feeder according to claim 2, wherein, The second passage includes a cut portion located in the inner bend to allow the peeled side edge of the cover strip to pass from the underside to the upper side and return in the opposite direction.

4. The belt feeder according to claim 2, wherein, The tape peeling mechanism has a tape folding member that extends along the width of the passage and folds back the peeled side edge of the cover tape above the other side edge. The first passage is located between the inner bend and the fold-back component.

5. A belt feeder, comprising: A guide is used to guide a carrier belt in a predetermined feed direction. The carrier belt comprises a base belt and a cover belt. The base belt has a cavity for housing elements, and the cover belt is bonded to the base belt by two adhesive portions extending along the belt length direction to cover the cavity. The belt feeding mechanism is capable of conveying the carrier belt along the belt guide in the feeding direction and causing the carrier belt to return in the opposite direction; A stripping mechanism, when the carrier tape is conveyed in the feed direction, causes one side edge of the cover tape, together with one of the adhesive portions, to peel off from the base tape, thereby opening the chamber; and The chamfered portion is located upstream of the stripping mechanism in the feed direction and is provided at the end downstream of the lower surface of the top plate constituting the strip guide, and extends along the width direction intersecting the feed direction.

6. The belt feeder according to claim 5, wherein, The tape peeling mechanism has a peeling blade that enters one of the adhesive portions when the carrier tape is conveyed in the feed direction. The chamfered portion faces the peeling blade from the upstream side in the feed direction.

7. The belt feeder according to claim 6, wherein, Compared to a structure without the chamfered portion, the chamfered portion expands the space between the top plate and the peeling blade, allowing the cover strip to pass through.

8. The belt feeder according to claim 5, wherein, The top plate presses the carrier belt against the bottom plate located below the belt guide.

9. The belt feeder according to claim 3, wherein, The belt feeder includes: The feeder body includes the belt feeding mechanism and the belt stripping mechanism; and The guide has a first passage, a second passage, an inner bend, and a cutout, and is detachably mounted on the feeder body.

10. The belt feeder according to claim 5, wherein, The belt feeder includes: The feeder body includes the belt feeding mechanism and the belt stripping mechanism; and The guide member has the top plate and the chamfered portion, and is detachably mounted on the feeder body.

11. The belt feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, When the belt feeder is removed from the component mounting machine, the belt feeding mechanism causes the carrier belt, which has been fed out of the belt feeder, to return in the opposite direction and be stored inside the belt feeder.

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