Component feeding device, surface mounting device and method for feeding components

Abstract

Component feeding device (40) which transports a component feeding belt (60) which has components (E1) on it and which feeds the components (E1), wherein the component feeding device (40) comprises: a body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) comprising a component receiving position (S1) on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component feed belt (60) is transported for feeding the components (E1), wherein the components (E1) are fed at the component receiving position (S1); a belt section (55) which is included in the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) and along which the component feed belt (60) is transported; a first transport section (51) that transports the component feed belt (60) which is arranged at a first transport position (55C1, 355C1) located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt route (55); a second transport section (52) that transports the component feed belt (60) which is arranged at a second transport position (55B1, 355B1) in the direction of the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), wherein the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt section (55); a control section (80) configured to control the first transport section (51) and the second transport section (52); and an input section (89) which is configured to receive input from outside the component feed device (40), wherein the control section (80) comprises an unloading processing section (87A) configured to perform an unloading process and a transport processing section (87B) configured to perform a transport process, In the unloading process, a first component feed belt (60), which is located at least between the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1), is transported by the first transport section (51) to be away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) so that at least a part of the first component feed belt (60) is unloaded outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) while the components (E1) are held on it. In the transport process, a second component feeder (60), which is located at the second transport position (55B1, 355B1), is transported by the second transport section (52) in the direction of the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), and the second component feeder (60), which reaches the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), is transported by the first transport section (51) in the direction of the component receiving position (S1). the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is entered into the input section (89), and the unloading processing section (87A) executes the transport process following the unloading process, after the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process, when the predetermined instruction is entered into the input section (89), the conveyor belt (55) comprises a first conveyor belt (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A), a second conveyor belt (55B, 355B) and a common conveyor belt (55C, 355C), the first belt section (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction, the second belt section (55B, 355B) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction and away from the first belt section (55A, 355A) and includes the second transport position (55B1, 355B1), and the common belt section (55C, 355C) extends towards the downstream side of the transport direction after the first belt section (55A, 355A) and the second belt section (55B, 355B) meet, and the common belt section (55C, 355C) includes the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component pick-up position (S1), the component feeding device (40) also comprises: a third transport section (53), comprising a drive section (53A) that drives the component feed belt (60) at a third transport position on the first belt section (55A, 355A), wherein the drive section (53A) that drives the component feed belt (60) at the third transport position, such that the third transport section (53) transports the component feed belt (60) in the direction of the upstream side, as seen from the downstream side of the transport direction, wherein the control section (80) is designed to control the third transport section (53), and In the unloading process, the unloading processing section (87A) transports the first component feeder (60) from the downstream side towards the upstream side of the transport direction, the first component feeder (60) extending over at least the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), the component receiving position (S1) and the third transport position, the drive section (53A) drives the first component feeder (60) at the third transport position, and the third transport section (53) unloads the first component feeder (60), which is located away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), from the upstream side of the transport direction outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present technology described in this specification relates to a component feeding apparatus, a surface mount device comprising the component feeding apparatus, and a method for feeding components. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A component supply device comprising a conveyor that supplies a component supply belt having electronic components thereon to a component receiving position is known as an example of a component supply device that supplies electronic components to a surface mount device for mounting the electronic components on a circuit board. Each of the electronic components received at the component receiving position in the conveyor is mounted on the circuit board by a component mounting device included in the surface mount device.

[0003] In an assembly process of mounting electronic components on a printed circuit board, a model of the electronic components to be mounted on the printed circuit board may change when a model of the printed circuit boards is changed. In such a case, it is necessary to set up another component feed line containing electronic components different from those of the previous component feed line in the conveyor, and to feed the other component feed line to the component pickup position. When the model of the printed circuit boards is changed, an unloading process is required in the conveyor, so that the previous component feed line is unloaded outside the conveyor.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a conveyor that can perform an unloading operation for the component feed belt that is in process and set in the conveyor. In the conveyor, the component feed belt is transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction in which the electronic components are fed, and is unloaded and collected outside the conveyor. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application JP 2014-11 328 A [Tasks to be solved]

[0006] However, in the conveyor described in Patent Document 1, when the printed circuit board model is changed, another component feed belt containing electronic components different from those of the previous component feed belt is required to be fed to the component pick-up position with manual assistance from an operator after the unloading operation of the previous component feed belt is completed. Therefore, when the printed circuit board model is changed, the component replacement process of replacing the electronic components to be fed is labor-intensive and time-consuming.

[0007] JP 2014–11368 A describes a roller bearing that accommodates a plurality of rollers and can be mounted on a component supply carriage, as well as a supply carriage for electronic components on which the roller bearing can be mounted. Between four side plates, three coil housing sections are formed to rotatably support coils by rolling at positions of a horizontal part, a vertical part, and a central part. Thus, in a roller bearing, each three-row housing section between the side plates accommodates three rollers each, allowing a total of up to nine rollers to be accommodated.

[0008] WO 2014 / 002 912 A1 describes an electronic component placement device and a method for placing electronic components. A supply tape, which accommodates electronic components in pockets, is inserted into the insertion opening of the feeder. The insertion is detected by a tape insertion detection sensor. The pocket at the tip portion of the inserted supply tape is moved to an electronic component removal opening. Then, the electronic components housed in the pockets are sequentially moved to the removal opening, and the electronic components are removed and mounted on a substrate. The passage of the end portion of the supply tape through the tape insertion detection sensor is detected. After the passage is detected, it is detected whether an electronic component is present in the pocket, and it is determined whether the component has been used up.When it is determined that the component has been used up, the supply belt is subjected to rapid traverse and ejected from the feeder.

[0009] WO 2014 / 025120 A1 describes a carrier tape feeding device, a chip mounting system and a chip mounting method.The carrier tape feeding device comprises: a transfer unit for sequentially transferring a first carrier tape and a second carrier tape to a chip mounting device; a rotation unit that selectively engages a part of the first carrier tape with which a part of the second carrier tape comes into contact, and for transferring the second carrier tape to the transfer unit; a detection sensor unit for detecting the sequential presence of the first carrier tape or the second carrier tape fed to the transfer unit and the presence of the second carrier tape fed to the rotation unit; and a controller for determining the presence of the first carrier tape based on a signal detected by the detection sensor unit and controlling the transfer unit and / or rotation unit to be driven based on the presence of the first carrier tape.

[0010] JP 2015-65381 A describes a component mounting apparatus and method. A tape feeder includes a component mounting mechanism that performs pitch feeding of a carrier tape to supply a component to a receiving position. A carrier tape cutter for cutting the carrier tape is arranged between a reel holding part, which holds a reel on which a carrier tape is wound, and a tape feeder. A camera captures an image of a preceding tape, and a cut determination section determines whether the preceding tape should be cut based on a detection result of a component contained in a component pocket. Based on the detection result, the preceding tape is cut. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is defined by the independent claims, while preferred embodiments form the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0012] The technology disclosed in this document has been developed in view of the aforementioned circumstances, and it is an object to provide a component feeding device that shortens a time for a component replacement operation, a surface mount device including such a component feeding device, and a component feeding method that shortens a time for a component replacement operation. Means of solving the task

[0013] The technology described in this specification relates to a component feeding device that transports a component feeding belt having components thereon and that feeds the components. The component feeding device comprises a body portion including a component receiving position on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component feeding belt is transported for feeding the components, wherein the components are fed at the component receiving position, a belt path included in the body portion and along which the component feeding belt is transported, a first transport portion that transports the component feeding belt arranged at a first transport position located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt path, a second transport portion that transports the component feeding belt arranged at a second transport position,transported toward the first transport position, wherein the second transport position is located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt path, a control section configured to control the first transport section and the second transport section, and an input section configured to receive input from outside the component feeding device. The control section includes an unloading processing section configured to perform an unloading process and a transport processing section configured to perform a transport process. In the unloading process, a first component feeding belt located at least between the first transport position and the component receiving position is transported by the first transport section to be away from the first transport position,such that at least a part of the first component feed belt is unloaded outside the body portion while holding the components thereon. In the transport process, a second component feed belt located at the second transport position is transported toward the first transport position by the second transport portion, and the second component feed belt reaching the first transport position is transported toward the component receiving position by the first transport portion. The unloading processing portion executes the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is input to the input portion, and the transport processing portion executes the transport process following the unloading process after the unloading processing portion executes the unloading process when the predetermined instruction is input to the input portion.

[0014] According to the component supply device, in the unloading process, the first component supply belt, at least a part of which is unloaded outside the body portion, is removed from the first transport position. Therefore, the first component supply belt is gradually transported by falling due to its own weight or by using other transport mechanisms included in the body portions, so that the entire first component supply belt is unloaded outside the body portion. In the unloading process, the first component supply belt is unloaded while holding the electronic components thereon, and therefore, the first component supply belt is caught while holding and remaining the electrical components that are not supplied at the component pickup position.In the transport process, the second component feed belt located at the second transport position is transported from the second transport section to the component feed position.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the component feeding device, the unloading process and the transporting process are executed sequentially when the predetermined instruction is input to the input section. Therefore, for example, the second component feeding line holding components different from those on the first component feeding line is arranged at the second transport position, and the predetermined instruction is input to the input section, so that the replacement of the components fed from the body section is carried out easily and quickly.Consequently, compared with a previous embodiment in which the second component feed belt is required to be transported to the component receiving position with manual assistance of an operator after the first component feed belt is unloaded, the replacement of the component feed belt in the component replacement process is carried out easily and quickly, and the time for the component replacement process is shortened.

[0016] The component supply device may further include a mounting member on which a plurality of the body portions are mounted. The control section may include a storage section that stores specifying data for specifying the body portions among the plurality of body portions mounted in the mounting member that require execution of the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is input to the input section, and the unloading processing section may collectively execute the unloading process for the body portions specified based on the specifying data among the plurality of body portions mounted in the mounting member when the predetermined instruction is input to the input section.

[0017] According to such a configuration, the storage section stores the specifying data, and when the predetermined instruction is input, the unloading process is collectively executed for the body sections specified as requiring component replacement of the body sections based on the specifying data. Following the unloading process, the transport process is collectively executed for the body sections collectively subjected to the unloading process. Therefore, in the configuration including a plurality of body sections, the unloading process does not necessarily need to be executed multiple times for each of the body sections requiring the component replacement process. Therefore, the time for the component replacement process can be further shortened.

[0018] In the component feeding device, the belt path may include a first belt path, a second belt path, and a common belt path. The first belt path may be located on the upstream side of the transport direction, the second belt path may be located on the upstream side of the transport direction and away from the first belt path and may include the second transport position, and the common belt path may extend toward the downstream side of the transport direction after the first belt path and the second belt path meet each other, and the common belt path may include the first transport position and the component pickup position.

[0019] According to such a configuration, the second component feed belt can be pre-arranged at the second transport position on the second belt path while the components are being fed from the first component feed belt passing through the first belt path. Therefore, the transition from the unloading process to the transporting process can be carried out smoothly. In the unloading process, the first component feed belt is transported through the first belt path, so that the first component feed belt can be unloaded outside the body portion without contacting the second component feed belt. The unloading process can thus be carried out smoothly.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the component replacement operation is performed smoothly, and the time for the component replacement operation can be further shortened. The first belt section may be separated from the second section by a part of the body section, or may be separated by another element that is different from the body section and mounted in the body section.

[0021] The component feeding device may further comprise a third transport section comprising a driving section that drives the component feeding belt at a third transport position on the first belt path, wherein the driving section drives the component feeding belt at the third transport position, so that the third transport section transports the component feeding belt from the downstream side of the transport direction toward the upstream side. The control section may be configured to control the third transport section, and in the unloading process, the unloading processing section may transport the first component feeding belt from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction.The first component feed belt may extend over at least the first transport position, the component pick-up position, and the third transport position, and the driving section may drive the first component feed belt at the third transport position, and the third transport section may unload the first component feed belt, which is located away from the first transport position, to the outside of the body section from the upstream side of the transport direction.

[0022] According to such a configuration, the first component feed belt, which is not driven by the driving section, runs through the first belt path, and the components can be fed. In the unloading process performed by the first component feed belt during the component feeding operation, the driving section drives the first component feed belt, so that the first component feed belt, which is located away from the first transport position, can be unloaded by the third transport section outside the body section from the upstream side. Therefore, in the unloading process, the entire first component feed belt outside the body section can be unloaded without manual assistance from an operator, and the component replacement process can be automated.

[0023] In the component feeding device, the body portion may include a track element configured to be switched between a first state and a second state. In the first state, a track connecting the common belt track and the first belt track may be formed by the first track element at a meeting point of the first belt track and the second belt track by blocking a connecting portion between the second belt track and the common belt track, and in the second state, the track element may not block the connecting portion. The control portion may be configured to control the track element, and the unloading processing portion may be configured to switch the track element to the first state in the unloading process and to switch the track element to the second state after the unloading process is completed.

[0024] According to such a configuration, the track element is in the first state when the unloading process is performed. Even if the rear end portion of the first component supply belt is located on the common belt path, the rear end portion of the first component supply belt, which is transported toward the upstream side in the unloading process, is guided to the first belt path by the path formed by the track element. When the unloading process is completed, the track element is switched to the second state and does not block the connection point. Therefore, the second component supply belt, which has been previously arranged at the second transport position, can be smoothly transported toward the component receiving position after the unloading process is completed.

[0025] In the above configuration, even if the rear end portion of the first component supply line is located on the common line, the component replacement operation can be automated, and a time for the component replacement can be shortened.

[0026] In the component feeding device, the first belt may extend continuously from the common belt path and may be open downstream of the body portion. The first belt path may be inclined downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the transport direction such that the first component feeding belt, which is away from the first transport position and located on the common belt path, falls under its own weight. The unloading processing section may transport the first component feeding belt from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction in the unloading process.

[0027] According to such a configuration, in the unloading process, the first component supply belt is transported toward the upstream side such that the first component supply belt falls along the incline of the first belt path by its own weight, and the entire first component supply belt can be unloaded outside the body portion. Thus, the first component supply belt can be automatically unloaded outside the body portion in the unloading process without providing another mechanism such as the third transport section for transporting the component supply belt toward the upstream side on the first belt path. Consequently, the component replacement process can be automated with a simple configuration, and the time required for the component replacement process is shortened.

[0028] The component feeding device may further include a first detection section that detects whether the component feeding belt is located on the first belt path. The unloading processing section may transport the component feeding belt in the unloading process until the first detection section fails to detect at least the component feeding belt.

[0029] According to such a configuration, in order to transport the first component feed belt toward the upstream side in the unloading process, when the first detection section detects that the first component feed belt is not located on the first belt path in the unloading process, the first component feed belt is unloaded from the upstream side of the body portion outside the body portion, and the driving of the third transport section for transporting the first component feed belt on the first belt path in the unloading process is stopped. Thus, the mechanism is less likely to be driven unnecessarily.

[0030] In the component feeding device, in the unloading process, the unloading processing section may transport the first component feeding belt from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the transport direction by means of the first transport section.

[0031] According to such a configuration, the first component supply belt is previously cut on the upstream side while maintaining a length required for supplying the components. Accordingly, in the unloading process, the first component supply belt is transported toward the downstream side and unloaded outside the body section. Thus, the first component supply belt can be automatically unloaded outside the body section in the unloading process without installing the mechanism such as the third transport section on the first belt line. Consequently, the component replacement process can be automated with a simple configuration, and the time required for the component replacement process is shortened.

[0032] The component feeding device may further include a second detection section that detects whether the component feeding belt is located at a position on the common belt path and on the downstream side of the transport direction, rather than at the first transport position. The unloading processing section may transport the first component feeding belt until the second detection section fails to detect at least the first component feeding belt.

[0033] According to such a configuration, the second detection section for transporting the first component feed belt toward the downstream side in the unloading process detects that there is no first component feed belt at the position on the common belt path and on the downstream side from the component receiving position, and assumes that the first component feed belt is being unloaded outside the body section from the downstream side. Then, the driving of the mechanism, such as the first transport section for transporting the first component feed belt, on the common belt path in the unloading process is stopped. Therefore, the mechanism is less likely to be driven unnecessarily.

[0034] The component feeding device may further include a display section including a display screen and a monitoring timer on which a predetermined time is set in advance. In the unloading process, the unloading processing section may set the monitoring timer after the first transport section starts transporting the first component feed belt, and when the second detection section detects the first component feed belt, an error may be displayed on the display screen of the display section when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0035] In the configuration in which the first component feed belt is transported to the downstream side in the unloading process, the first component feed belt may continue to be transported in the unloading process even if an error such as the first component feed belt not being cut beforehand is caused.

[0036] In the above configuration, if it is detected that the first component feed belt is located downstream of the component pickup position even after the predetermined time set on the monitor timer has elapsed, any error may be caused, and an error is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, the first transport section is less likely to be driven unnecessarily.

[0037] Another technology described in this specification relates to a surface mounting apparatus comprising the component feeding device, a base frame, a component mounting device configured to mount the component fed from the component receiving position on a plate located at a component mounting position of the base frame, and a conveying device configured to convey the plate to the component mounting position.

[0038] Another technology described in this specification relates to a method of feeding a component using a component feeding device that transports the component feeding belt holding components thereon.The component feeding device comprises a body section comprising a component receiving position on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component feed belt is transported for feeding the components, wherein the components are fed at the component receiving position, a belt path which is included in the body section and along which the component feed belt is transported, a first transport section which transports the component feed belt at a first transport position located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt path, a second transport section which transports the component feed belt at a second transport position in the direction of the first transport position, wherein the second transport position is located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt path.The method includes an unloading process in which a first component feed belt extending at least between the first transport position and the component pick-up position is transported by the first transport section, and the first component feed belt is unloaded onto the belt path outside the body section while holding the components thereon, and a transport process in which a second component feed belt located at the second transport position is transported toward the first transport position by the second transport section, and the second component feed belt reaching the first transport position is transported toward the component pick-up position by the first transport section. The transport process is performed following the unloading process after the unloading process.

[0039] Accordingly, the method for feeding a component may further include a cutting process in which the first component feed belt is cut outside the body section and on the upstream side of the transport direction before the unloading process. In the unloading process, the first component feed belt may be transported by the first transport section from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the transport direction.

[0040] In the method for feeding a component, in the unloading process, after the first component feeding belt is transported by the first transport section from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction and is away from the first transport position, a part of the first component feeding belt extending from the downstream side of the transport direction to the outside of the body section is pulled such that the entire first component feeding belt located on the belt route is possibly unloaded outside the body section. Effects of the invention

[0041] According to the technology described above in this specification, a component feeding device for shortening a time for a component replacement operation, a surface mount device including such a component feeding device, and a component feeding method for shortening a time for a component replacement operation are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a surface mount device. Fig. 2 is a side view schematically showing a conveyor according to a first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a component feeding belt having a top belt that is cut. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the surface mount device. Fig. 5 is a side view showing a step (1) of an unloading method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a side view showing a step (2) of the unloading method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a side view showing a step (1) of a transportation method. Fig. Fig. 8 is a side view showing a step (2) of the transportation method. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a model change process Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of an unloading process according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a transportation process. Fig. 12 is a side view schematically showing a conveyor according to a second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a side view showing a step (1) of an unloading method according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a side view showing a step (2) of the unloading method according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of an unloading process according to the second embodiment. Fig. 16 is a side view schematically showing a conveyor according to a third embodiment. Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a surface mount device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 18 is a side view showing a step (1) of an unloading method according to the third embodiment. Fig. 19 is a side view showing a step (2) of the unloading method according to the third embodiment. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a flow of an unloading process according to the third embodiment. Fig. 21 is a side view schematically showing a conveyor according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 22 is a side view showing a step (1) of an unloading method according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 23 is a side view showing a step (2) of the unloading method according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing a flow of an unloading process according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 25 is a side view schematically showing a conveyor according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 26 is a side view showing a step (1) of an unloading method according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 27 is a side view showing a step (2) of the unloading method according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing a flow of an unloading process according to the fifth embodiment. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION<Erste Ausführungsform> (Overall structure of the surface mount device)

[0042] A first embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 1 to 9. In this embodiment, a surface mounting apparatus 1 and a conveyor feeding apparatus (an example of a component feeding apparatus) 40 included in the surface mounting apparatus 1 are shown in Fig. 1. The surface mounting apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a base frame 10, a transport conveyor (an example of a conveyor device) 20 that transports a printed circuit board (an example of a printed circuit board) P1, a component mounting device 30 that mounts an electronic component (an example of a component) E1 on the printed circuit board P1, and the conveyor feeding device 40 that feeds the electronic component E1 (see Fig. 4) to the component mounting device 30.

[0043] The base frame 10 has a rectangular shape and a flat upper surface in plan view. Locking pins (not shown) are arranged on the base frame 10 under the transport conveyor 20 to support the circuit board P1, on which the electronic component E1 is mounted, from a rear side. In the following description, a longitudinal direction of the base frame 10 (a left-right direction in Fig. 1) and a transport direction of the transport conveyor 20 of an X-axis direction, and a short side direction of the base frame 10 (a vertical direction in Fig. 1) corresponds to a Y-axis direction, and a thickness direction of the base frame 10 (a vertical direction in Fig. 2) corresponds to a Z-axis direction.

[0044] The transport conveyor 20 is arranged at a center of the base frame 10 with respect to the Y-axis direction and transports the printed circuit board P1 in the transport direction (the X-axis direction). The transport conveyor 20 includes a pair of conveyor belts 22 that are driven to rotate in the transport direction. The printed circuit board P1 is placed on the conveyor belts 22 and passes from one of the conveyor belts 22 to another. The printed circuit board P1 is fed from one side (a right side in Fig. 1) in the transport direction to a working position (an area defined by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 1) is conveyed on the base frame 10 along the conveyor belts 22. The printed circuit board P1 is stopped at the working position, and the electronic components E1 are mounted on it and removed from another side (a left side in Fig. 1) unloaded along the conveyor belts 22.

[0045] The component mounting apparatus 30 includes a pair of support frames 31, a head unit 32, and a head unit drive mechanism arranged above the base frame 10 and the conveyor feeder 40, which will be described later. The head unit drive mechanism is configured to drive the head unit 32. The support frames 31 are respectively arranged on both sides of the base frame 10 with respect to the X-axis direction and extend in the Y-axis direction. The support frames 31 include an X-axis servo mechanism and a Y-axis servo mechanism that configure the head unit drive mechanism. The head unit 32 is moved by the X-axis servo mechanism and the Y-axis servo mechanism in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction within a predefined movable range.

[0046] The Y-axis servo mechanism includes Y-axis guide rails 33Y, Y-axis ball screws 34Y, into which ball nuts (not shown) are screwed, and a Y-axis servo motor 35Y. A head support member 36 is mounted on the Y-axis guide rails 33Y and is fixed to the ball nuts. When the Y-axis servo motor 35Y is driven by electric power, the ball nuts can be moved forward and backward along the Y-axis ball screws 34Y, and the head support member 36, which is fixed to the ball nuts, and the head unit 32 are moved in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis guide rails 33Y.

[0047] The X-axis servo mechanism includes X-axis guide rails (not shown), an X-axis ball screw 34X into which a ball nut is screwed (not shown), and an X-axis servo motor 35X (see Fig. 5). A head unit 32 is mounted on the X-axis guide rails 33X so that it is movable along the axis of the X-axis guide rails 33X. When the X-axis servo motor 35X is driven by electric power, the ball nut can be moved forward and backward along the X-axis ball screw 34Y, and the head unit 32, which is fixed to the ball nut, is moved in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rail 33X.

[0048] The head unit 32 receives the electronic component E1 fed from the conveyor feeder 40 and positions the electronic component E1 on the circuit board P1. The head unit 32 includes mounting heads 37 arranged in a line, and the mounting heads 37 perform mounting of the electronic components E1. Each of the mounting heads 37 projects downward from the head unit 32 and includes a suction nozzle (not shown) at a distal end thereof, and the electronic component E1 is sucked by the suction nozzle with negative pressure. Each of the mounting heads 37 is rotatable about a shaft thereof by an R-axis servo motor 35R (see Fig. 5) and is moved vertically (can be raised and lowered) with respect to the head unit 32 by driving the Z-axis servo motor 35Z (see Fig. 5).

[0049] The head unit 32 comprises a plate inspection camera C1 (see Fig. 4). The board inspection camera C1 is moved integrally with the head unit 32 and takes an image of any part of the printed circuit board P1, which is stopped at the working position. Component inspection cameras C2 (see Fig. 1) are mounted on the base frame 10 next to the work position. Each of the component inspection cameras C2 takes images of the electronic components E1, which are then recorded by the assembly head 37. (Design of the conveyor feeding device)

[0050] Next, an embodiment of the conveyor feeding device 40 will be described. Two conveyor feeding devices 40 are arranged in the X-axis direction, respectively, at an upper side and a lower side with respect to the transport conveyor 20 (in Fig. 1), and more specifically, a total of four conveyor feeders 40 are arranged. The conveyor feeder 40 includes a conveyor mounting member (an example of a mounting member) 42, a drum support member (not shown), and a transport unit 70 arranged at a rear side of the conveyor 50. The conveyor feeder 40 pulls a component feed belt 60 from the drum support member.

[0051] In the following description, the conveyor 50 in the conveyor feeder 40 includes a front portion from which the electronic components E1 are fed (facing the transport conveyor 20, a left side portion in each of the side views) and a rear portion, which is an opposite portion from the front portion. A direction perpendicular to a front-to-rear direction (the Y-axis direction) and an up-and-down direction (the Z-axis direction) in the conveyor 50 is a width direction (the X-axis direction, a width direction of a body portion 50A, a width direction of a component feed belt) in the conveyor 50. Each of the conveyors 50 transports the component feed belt 60 from the rear portion toward the front portion thereof.The component feed belt 60 is transported in a transport direction from the rear portion thereof as an upstream side, and the transport direction matches the front-to-rear direction of the conveyor 50.

[0052] The conveyors 50 are arranged laterally on the conveyor mounting member 42. Each of the conveyors 50 feeds the component feed belt 60 having the electronic components E1 thereon toward a component pick-up position S1 located in the front portion of the conveyor 50. The drum support member is arranged on a rear side with respect to the conveyor mounting member 42. As shown in Fig. 2, drums R1, R2 around which the component feed belts 60 are wound are rotatably supported on the drum support member.

[0053] As in Fig. 2, the conveyor 50 includes the body portion 50A, a front-side transport portion (an example of a first transport portion) 51, a rear-side transport portion (an example of a second transport portion) 52, a discharge portion (an example of a third transport portion) 53, and further includes a belt path 55, an uncovered portion 56, a first sensor (an example of a second detection portion) 58A, a second sensor 58B, a third sensor (an example of a first detection portion) 58C, and a conveyor control portion 59 (see Fig. 4) arranged in the body section 50A. The body section 50A is a conveyor housing and extends in the front-rear direction (the Y-axis direction). The front-side transport section 51 is arranged in the front section of the body section 50A, and the rear-side transport section 52 is arranged in the rear section of the body section 50A. The unloading section 53 is arranged in the rear section of the body section 50A.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 3, the component supply belt 60 transported by each conveyor 50 is an elongated sheet extending in one direction and made of, for example, synthetic resin. The component supply belt 60 includes a carrier belt 62 and an upper belt 64 fixed to the carrier belt 62. The carrier belt 62 includes component storage sections 62A at a predetermined interval. The component storage sections 62A are recessed sections each opening upward. The electronic components E1 are arranged in the respective component storage sections 62A and are sealed with the upper belt 64 and stored therein. The carrier belt 62 has through holes 62B arranged at a predetermined interval along one side edge thereof.

[0055] The front-side transport section 51 of the conveyor 50 includes a front-side motor 51A, a front-side driven gear 51B, a first ring gear 51C disposed in a front end portion of the body portion 50A, and a second ring gear 51D disposed in the front end portion of the body portion 50A and on a rear side relative to the first ring gear 51C. The front-side motor 51A is driven and rotates in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The front-side driven gear 51B transmits power from the front-side motor 51A and rotates the first ring gear 51C and the second ring gear 51D in the same direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the component receiving position S1 in each of the conveyors 50 is located between the first sprocket 51C and the second sprocket and closer to the first sprocket 51C.

[0056] The first sprocket 51C and the second sprocket 51D each have teeth 51C1, 51D1 at an equal interval on each circumference thereof. The sprockets 51C, 51D are arranged such that a portion of each of the teeth 51C1, 51D1 is exposed upward. In the front-side transport section 51, when the front-side motor 51A is driven and rotated in a forward direction, the sprockets 51C, 51D having the exposed teeth 51C1, 51D1 mesh with the through holes 62B of the component feed belt 60 are moved into Fig. 2 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and the component feed belt 60 is transported forward.

[0057] The rear-side transport section 52 of the conveyor 50 includes a rear-side motor 52A, a rear-side driven gear 52B, and a third ring gear 52C disposed in a rear end portion of the body section 50A. The rear-side driven gear 52B transmits power from the rear-side motor 52A and rotates the third ring gear 52C.

[0058] The third sprocket 52C has teeth 52C1 at a regular interval on an outer periphery thereof, and the teeth are to engage with the through holes 62B of the component feed belt 60. The third sprocket 52C is arranged such that a part of the teeth 52C1 is exposed upward. In the rear-side transport section 52, when the rear-side motor 52A is driven and rotated, the third sprocket 52C, which has the exposed teeth 52C1 that engage with the through holes 62B of the component feed belt 60, is Fig. 2 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and the component feed belt 60 is transported toward the component pick-up position S1.

[0059] The unloading section 53 includes a drive motor (an example of a drive section) 53A that can be raised and lowered in an up-down direction, and a raising / lowering section 53B that rotatably supports the drive motor 53A and vertically raises or lowers the drive motor 53A. The drive motor 53A is lowered by the raising / lowering section 53B such that the component feed belt 60 is held between a guide roller 70A of the transport unit 70, which will be described later, and the drive motor 53A. The component feed belt 60 is therefore driven by the drive motor 53A. In the unloading section 53, the component feed belt 60, driven by the drive motor 53A, is transported rearward when the drive motor 53A is in Fig. 2 is driven and rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

[0060] The component feed belt 60 runs through the belt path 55. The belt path 55 extends through the body portion 50A in the front-to-rear direction from the rear end portion to the front end portion of the body portion 50A. The front portion of the belt path 55 is open upward and includes the component receiving position S1 and the uncovered portion 56, which will be described later. The component feed belt 60, pulled by the drum R1, R2, enters the belt path 55 from the rear portion of the body portion 50A of each conveyor 50 and exits the belt path 55 at the front end portion of the body portion 50A at the front of the body portion 50A.

[0061] The belt path 55 is branched into an upper side and a lower side at the rear end portion thereof, and the transport unit 70, which will be described later, is mounted in the rear end portion of the belt path 55. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 2, the belt path 55 branches into an upper path extending obliquely upward from the front to the rear and a lower path extending in the front-to-rear direction by the conveying unit 70. Of the two paths branched by the conveying unit 70, hereinafter, the upper path is a first belt path 55A, and the lower path is a second belt path 55B. The belt path 55 includes a common belt path 55C extending in the front-to-rear direction from a point where the first belt path 55A and the second belt path 55B meet toward the front end portion of the body portion 50A.

[0062] In the body portion 50A of each conveyor 50, the component feed belt 60 passing through the common belt path 55C is engaged with the second sprocket 51D at a first transport position 55C1 of the common belt path 55C. The component feed belt 60 passing through the second belt path 55B is engaged with the third sprocket 52C at a second transport position 55B1 on the second belt path 55B. The component feed belt 60 passing through the first belt path 55A is driven by the drive motor 53A at a discharge position (a third transport position) 55A1 on the first belt path 55A.

[0063] As in Fig. 2, the uncovered portion 56 is included in a portion on the common belt path 55C located between the first sprocket 51C and the second sprocket 51D and on a rear side with respect to the component pickup position S1. A cutting mechanism, not shown, is disposed in a portion of the uncovered portion 56 so as to oppose the common belt path 55C. Therefore, the upper belt 64 of the component supply belt 60 passing through the uncovered portion 56 is cut by the cutting mechanism, and the electronic components E1 stored in the component storage portion 62A are exposed.

[0064] In this embodiment, as in Fig. 3, after the upper tape 64 is cut by the cutting mechanism, the upper tape 64 is folded back in a direction relative to a width dimension of the carrier tape 62 and transported together with the carrier tape 62. Accordingly, the component supply tape 60 having the upper tape 64 being cut is transported to the component pickup position S1 with the electronic components E1 exposed (uncovered) outside. The mounting head 37 is moved to the component pickup position S1 at the same timing as the electronic component E1 is transported to the component pickup position S1, and the electronic component E1 is picked up by the component storage section 62A of the carrier tape 62.

[0065] The first sensor 58A is arranged between the first sprocket 51C and the second sprocket 51D on the common belt path 55C and on a rear side with respect to the uncovered portion 56, so as to be opposite to the common belt path 55C. The first sensor 58A detects the component feed belt 60 between the first sprocket 51C and the second sprocket 51D.

[0066] The second sensor 58B is arranged on the common belt section 55C so as to be opposite a meeting point at which the first belt section 55A meets the second belt section 55B and detects the common component feed belt 60 at the meeting point.

[0067] The third sensor 58C is arranged on the first belt path 55A at a front side portion with respect to the unloading position 55A1 so as to be opposite to the first belt path 55A and detect the component supply belt 60 at the front side position.

[0068] As in Fig. 2, the transport unit 70 is a unitary member having a substantially triangular shape in side view and is detachably mounted on the rear end portion of the body portion 50A of each conveyor 50. As described above, since the transport unit 70 is mounted in the rear end portion of the body portion 50A, the belt path 55 branches into the first belt path 55A and the second belt path 55B at the rear end portion thereof. The transport unit 70 includes a tension roller guide roller 70A that guides the transport of the component feed belt 60 along the first belt path 55A.

[0069] In this embodiment, the front-side motor 51A, the rear-side motor 52A, and the drive motor 53A are driven and rotated at the same speed. Therefore, a time required to transport the component feed belt 60 from one position to another on the belt path 55 is easily calculated. (Electrical design of the surface mount device)

[0070] Next, an electrical configuration of the surface mount device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The surface mount device 1 is controlled by a control section 80. The control section 80 includes a computational processing section 81 comprising a CPU. The computational processing section 81 is connected to a motor control section 82, a storage section 83, an image processing section 84, an external input / output section 85, a conveyor transfer section 86, an unloading processing section 87A, a transport processing section 87B, a display section 88, and an input section 89. The computational processing section 81 includes a delay timer 81A.

[0071] In the delay timer 81A included in the arithmetic processing section 81, predetermined time periods are set, and the predetermined time periods are, for example, as follows. One of the predetermined time periods is a time period required for a distal end of the component feed belt 60 to pass through the first transport position 55C1 after the distal end of the component feed belt 60, which is transported back to the rear side along the belt path 55, is removed from the position on the common belt path 55C where the first sensor 58A is arranged. Another of the predetermined time periods is a time period required for the distal end of the component feed belt 60 to pass through the unloading position 55A1 after the distal end of the component feed belt 60 is removed from the position on the first belt path 55A where the third sensor 58C is arranged.In the conveyor 50 of this embodiment, a distance between the first sensor 58A and the first transport position 55C1 and a distance between the third sensor 58C and the unloading position 55A1 are determined such that the two predetermined time periods are substantially equal to each other.

[0072] The motor control section 82 is configured to drive the X-axis servo motor 35X and the Y-axis servo motor 35Y of the head unit 32A according to an assembly program 83A, which will be described later. The motor control section 82 is further configured to drive the Z-axis servo motor 35Z and the R-axis servo motor 35R of each assembly head 37. The motor control section is further configured to drive the transport conveyor 20 according to the assembly program 83A.

[0073] The storage section 83 includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and stores the mounting program 83A and various data 83B. The mounting program 83A stored in the storage section 83 stores board information such as a model and production number of the circuit boards P1 on which objects are to be mounted, and component information such as the number and model of the electronic component E1 to be mounted on the circuit boards P1. Various data 83B stored in the storage section 83 includes data such as the number and model of the electronic components E1 provided in each of the conveyors 50 included in the conveyor feeder 40.

[0074] The various data 83B stored in the storage section 83 includes specifying data. Each time the model of the printed circuit boards P1 is changed during the mounting process of the electronic components E1 according to the mounting program 83A (hereinafter referred to as "model change"), one of the conveyors 50 required to change the model of the electronic components set therein (hereinafter referred to as component replacement) is specified (selected) according to the model of the printed circuit boards P1 after the model change based on the specified data.

[0075] Image signals output from the board inspection camera C1 and the component inspection cameras C2 are input to the image processing section 84. The image processing section 84 is configured to analyze the images of the components and boards based on the image signals from the cameras C1, C2.

[0076] The external input / output section 85 is a so-called interface and is configured to receive detection signals output from various sensors 85A arranged in the body of the surface-mount device 1. The external input / output section 85 is configured to control the performance of various actuators 85B arranged in the body of the surface-mount device 1 based on control signals output from the computation processing section 81.

[0077] The conveyor transmission section 86 is connected to the conveyor control section 59 of each of the conveyors 50 included in the conveyor feeding device 40 and controls the conveyors 50. The conveyor control section 59 is arranged in a lower portion of each conveyor 50 and is configured to control the driving of the front-side motor 51A, the rear-side motor 52A, and the drive motor 53A arranged in the conveyor 50. The conveyor control section 59 is connected to the first sensor 58A, the second sensor 58B, and the third sensor 58C arranged in the conveyor 50 and receives detection signal output from each of the sensors 58A, 58B, and 58C.

[0078] The unloading processing section 87A is configured to unload at least a part of the component supply belt 60 located in the body section 50A of the conveyor 50 to the outside of the body section 50A. The transport processing section 87B is configured to transport the component supply belt 60, which is set at the second transport position 55B1, toward the component pickup position S1.

[0079] The display section 88 includes a liquid crystal display device having a display screen and displaying states of the surface mount device 1. The display section 88 includes a model change lamp that notifies whether or not a model change, which will be described later, is being executed.

[0080] The input section 89 includes a keyboard and is configured to receive input from the outside using a manual operation. The input section 89 includes a model change button that accepts instruction input for executing the model change process (an example of a predetermined instruction), which will be described later. The display section 88 and the input section 89 are arranged outside the conveyor feeder 40 of the surface mount device 1.

[0081] The surface mount apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration alternately operates in a conveying state in which the printed circuit board P1 is conveyed by the conveying conveyor 20, and in a mounting state in which the electronic component E1 is mounted on the printed circuit board P1 conveyed to the working position of the base during automatic operation. Namely, a conveying operation and a mounting operation are alternately performed during automatic operation of the surface mount apparatus 1.

[0082] When the model change button of the input section 89 is pressed by an operator in the mounting state, the control section 80 is configured to collectively execute the unloading process and unload at least a part of the previous component feed belt 60 from the body section 50A of each of the conveyors 50 specified according to the above-mentioned specification data. In the conveyors 50 where the unloading process has been performed, the control section 80 is configured to, continuously from the unloading process, collectively execute the transport process and transport a subsequent component feed belt 60F holding electronic components E1 different from those on the previous component feed belt toward the component pickup position S1 for each of the conveyors 50. (Unloading and transport procedures)

[0083] The surface mounting device 1 and the conveyor feeding device 40 according to this embodiment have the configuration described above. Next, an unloading method of the unloading process in the conveyor feeding device 40 of the first embodiment and the transporting method of the transporting process will be described sequentially. As shown in Fig. 2, in the body portion 50A of the conveyor 50, the previous component feed belt (an example of a first component feed belt) 60P from which the electronic components E1 are picked up at the component pick-up position S1 extends through the first belt path 55A and reaches the common belt path 55C without being driven by the drive motor 53A.

[0084] Before the unloading process, an operator sets a distal end portion of the component feed belt (an example of a second component feed belt) 60F from the rear end portion of the conveyor 50 to the second transport position 55B1, while picking up the electronic components E1 from the previous component feed belt 60P. The component feed belt 60F holds electronic components E1 (electronic components E1 to be mounted on circuit boards P1 after the model of the circuit boards P1 changed) that are different from those of the previous component feed belt 60P. The distal end portion of the subsequent component feed belt 60F is previously engaged with the third sprocket 52C (as shown in Fig. 2 shown).

[0085] In the unloading process, the front-side motor 51A is driven and rotated in a reverse direction, the first gear ring 51C and the second gear ring 51D in Fig. 2 in a counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 5, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported rearward, and the front end portion 60P1 of the previous component feed belt 60P is released from the second sprocket 51D while holding the electronic components E1 thereon (an unloading process). Specifically, the front end portion 60P1 is removed from the first transport position 55C1. The previous component feed belt 60P, which is transported rearward from the rear portion of the body portion 50A, is wound around the drum R1.

[0086] Next, the drive motor 53A is lowered to drive the previous component feed belt 60P, and the drive motor 53A is driven and rotated. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 6, the previous component feed belt 60P is further transported rearward by the drive motor 53A. The front end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P is further transported rearward by the drive motor 53A, so that an entire previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded outside the conveyor 50. In this embodiment, the unloading process is performed according to the steps listed above.

[0087] Next, in the transport process, the rear-side motor 52A is driven and rotated in a forward direction so as to transport the following component feed belt 60F set at the second transport position 55B forward, as shown in Fig. 7 (a transport process). Accordingly, a front end portion 60F1 of the following component feed belt 60F, which is transported forward from the second transport position 55B1, reaches the first transport position 55C1 and is engaged with the second gear 51D. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the subsequent component feed belt 60F is transported by the second gear 51D toward the component pick-up position S1. The transport process is carried out according to the steps listed above.

[0088] When parts are exchanged multiple times in the conveyor 50, the following operations are performed after the transfer process. First, the transfer unit 70 is detached from the body portion 50A at the rear end portion thereof while the electronic components E1 are being fed from the subsequent component feed belt 60F, and a portion of the subsequent component feed belt 60F located on the second belt path 55B is lifted and placed on the transfer unit 70. After that, the transfer unit 70 is remounted in the body portion 50.

[0089] Accordingly, the subsequent component supply belt 60F passes through the first path 55A and reaches the common belt path 55C. While the electronic components E1 are being supplied from the subsequent component supply belt 60F, a leading end portion of a next component supply belt holding electronic components E1 different from those of the subsequent component supply belt 60F is engaged with the third sprocket 52C. Therefore, the unloading process and the transporting process are performed again. (Processing performed by the tax section)

[0090] Next, the model change process is described with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 9. The model change process is executed by the control section 80 and the conveyor control section 59 when the model change button is pressed through the input section 89 by an operator in the transport state. In the model change process, the control section 80 turns on the model change lamp on the display section 88 (S2).

[0091] Next, the control section 80 executes a conveyor width changing process in which a width dimension between the pair of conveyor belts 22 of the transport conveyor 20 is changed to match a width of a printed circuit board P1 after the model of the printed circuit board is changed (S4). Next, the control section 80 executes a nozzle changing process (S6). In the nozzle changing process, the suction nozzle of each mounting head 37 of the head unit 32 is replaced with a different one to match printed circuit boards P1 after the model of the printed circuit board is changed. Next, the control section 80 executes a locking pin changing process (S8) in which the locking pins are replaced with different ones to match securing the printed circuit boards P1 after the model of the printed circuit boards is changed.

[0092] Next, the control section 80 reads the specifying data from the storage section 83 and specifies at least one of the conveyors 50 that requires component replacement (S10).

[0093] Next, the control section 80 executes a component replacement process for the conveyors 50 specified in S10 (S12). In the component replacement process, the control section 80 executes the unloading process collectively for the conveyors 50 specified in S10, and subsequently executes the transporting process collectively for the conveyors 50. The unloading process and the transporting process executed by the control section 80 in the component replacement process will be described in detail later. When the component replacement process is completed, the process proceeds to S14.

[0094] In S14, the control section 80 determines whether all operations required for the model change process (a model change operation) have been completed. If it is determined in S14 that the model change operation has been completed (S14: YES), the process proceeds to S16. If the control section 80 determines in S14 that the model change operation has not been completed (S14: NO), the process returns to S4.

[0095] In S16, the control section 80 turns off the model change lamp, and the process proceeds to S18. In S18, the control section 80 determines whether each of the devices included in the surface-mount device 1 has a malfunction. If it is determined in S18 that there is no malfunction (S18: NO), the control section 80 terminates the model change process. If it is determined in S18 that there is a malfunction (S18: YES), the control section 80 displays an error on the display section 88 (S20) and terminates the model change process. (unloading process)

[0096] Next, the unloading process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 10. The unloading process is executed in S12 by the unloading processing section 87A of the control section 80 through the conveyor control section 59 and is carried out in the component replacement process. In the unloading process, the unloading processing section 87A detects whether the component supply belt 60 is located within the body section 50A of the conveyor 50 at the first sensor 58A, the second sensor 58B, or the third sensor 58C (S32).

[0097] If the unloading processing section 87A determines in S32 that all of the first sensor 58A, the second sensor 58B, and the third sensor 58C detect the component feed belt 60 (S32: YES), the process proceeds to S34. If the unloading processing section 87A does not detect the component feed belt 60 at least one of the first sensor 58A, the second sensor 58B, or the third sensor 58C in S32 (S32: NO), the unloading process is terminated.

[0098] The unloading processing section 87A drives and rotates the front-side motor 51A in a reverse direction, and proceeds to S36. Thus, the previous component feed belt 60P located at the first transport position 55C1 is transported rearward. The unloading processing section 87A determines in step S36 whether the component feed belt 60P is detected by the first sensor 58A.

[0099] If the component feed belt 60 is detected at the first sensor 58A in S36 (S36: YES), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process of S36. If the unloading processing section 87A does not detect the component feed belt 60 at the first sensor 58A (S36: NO), the process proceeds to S38.

[0100] The offload processing section 87A sets the delay timer 81A included in the calculation processing section 81 (the delay timer 81A starts counting) and proceeds to S40. The offload processing section 87A determines in S40 whether the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (whether a counter of the delay timer 81A is zero).

[0101] If it is determined in S40 that the time has elapsed in the delay timer 81A (S40: YES), the unloading processing section 87A assumes that the front end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P, which is currently being transported backward, passes the first transport position 55C1 (is disengaged from the second sprocket 51D) and proceeds to S42. If it is determined in S40 that the time in the delay timer 81A has not elapsed (S40: NO), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process of S40 until the time in the delay timer 81A elapses.

[0102] The unloading processing section 87A controls the raising / lowering section 53B to lower the drive motor 53A in S42. Next, the unloading processing section 87A drives and rotates the drive motor 53A (S44). Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P located at the first unloading position 55A1 is transported backward. Next, the unloading processing section 87A resets the delay timer 81A (S46) and proceeds to S48.

[0103] The unloading processing section 87A determines in S48 whether the third sensor 58C detects the component feed belt 60. If it is determined in S48 that the third sensor 58C detects the component feed belt 60 (S48: YES), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process of S48. If it is determined that the third sensor 58C does not detect the component feed belt 60 in S48 (S48: NO), the unloading processing section 87A proceeds to S50.

[0104] The offload processing section 87A resets the delay timer 81A included in the calculation processing section 81 in S50 and proceeds to S52. The offload processing section 87A determines in S52 whether the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed.

[0105] If it is determined in S52 that the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (S52: YES), the unloading processing section 87A assumes that the front end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P, which is currently being transported backward, is passing the unloading position 55A1 (is being released from the drive motor 53A) and proceeds to S54. If it is determined in S52 that the time in the delay timer 81A has not elapsed (S52: NO), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process of S52 until the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed.

[0106] The unloading processing section 87A controls the raising / lowering section 53B to lower the driving motor 53A in S54. Next, the unloading processing section 87A stops driving the driving motor 53A (S56) and stops driving the front-side motor 51A (S58). Next, the unloading processing section 87A resets the delay timer 81A (S60) and ends the unloading process.

[0107] Next, the transport process is described with reference to a flow chart shown in Fig. 11. The transport process is executed in the component replacement process. In the transport process, the transport processing section 87B drives and rotates the rear-side motor 52A (S72) and proceeds to S74. Accordingly, the subsequent component supply belt 60F located at the second transport position 55B1 is transported toward the first transport position 55C1.

[0108] The transport processing section 87B determines in S74 whether the second sensor 58B detects the component feed belt 60. If it detects the component feed belt 60 at the second sensor 58B (S74: YES), the transport processing section 87B assumes that the leading end portion of the subsequent component feed belt 60F has reached the common belt path 55C and proceeds to S76. If it detects in S74 that there is no component feed belt 60 at the second sensor 58B (S74: NO), the transport processing section 87B repeatedly executes the process of S74.

[0109] At S76, the transport processing section 87B drives and rotates the front-side motor 51A in a forward direction, and completes the transport process. Accordingly, the front-side end portion 60F1 of the subsequent component feed belt 60F, which reaches the first transport position 55C1, is transported to the component pick-up position S1, and the electronic components E1 are fed from the subsequent component feed belt 60F. (Effects of the first embodiment)

[0110] As described above, in the conveyor feeding device 40 according to this embodiment, the front-side motor 51A is driven and rotated so that the previous component feed belt, a part of which is unloaded outside the conveyor 50, is disengaged from the second sprocket 51D. In the unloading process, the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded while holding the electronic components E1 thereon, and therefore, the electronic components E1 remaining on the previous component feed belt 60P are not fed to the component pickup position S1. Therefore, the previous component feed belt 60P is caught while holding the electronic components E1 thereon.In the conveying process, the rear-side motor 52A is driven and rotated so that the subsequent component feed belt 60F, which is previously engaged with the third sprocket 52 arranged in the rear portion of the conveyor 50, is conveyed to the component feed position S1 located in the front portion of the conveyor 50.

[0111] The unloading process and the transporting process are executed sequentially when the model change button of the input section 89 is pressed by an operator during the process of feeding the electronic components E1 from the previous component feed belt 60P. In the component replacement process, when changing a model with the previous embodiment, it is necessary to transport the subsequent component feed belt 60F with manual assistance of an operator, or it is necessary to replace the entire body section 50A of the conveyor 50 after the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded. Compared with such previous embodiments, in the component replacement process of this embodiment, the replacement of the component feed belt 60 in the component replacement process is performed easily and quickly, and the time for the component replacement operation is shortened.

[0112] In this embodiment, the storage section 83 of the control section 80 stores the specifying data. When the model change button is pressed, the unloading process is executed collectively for the conveyor(s) 50 specified based on the specifying data, and following the unloading process, the transport process is executed collectively for the conveyor(s) 50 after the unloading process. Therefore, it is not necessary to execute the unloading process multiple times for each conveyor 50 that requires the component replacement process when changing the model. Therefore, the time for the component replacement process can be further shortened.

[0113] In this embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60P, which is not driven by the drive motor 53A, runs through the first belt path 55A, and the electronic components E1 can be fed at the component pickup position S1. The subsequent component feed belt 60F can be pre-positioned at the second transport position 55B on the second belt path 55B while the electronic components E1 are being fed from the previous component feed belt 60P. Therefore, the switching from the unloading process to the transporting process can be performed smoothly.

[0114] In the unloading process according to this embodiment, the drive motor 53A drives the previous component feed belt 60P, so that the previous component feed belt 60P, which is released from the second sprocket 51D, can be unloaded outside the conveyor 50 by the drive motor 53A from the rear portion of the conveyor 50. Therefore, in the unloading process, the entire previous component feed belt 60P can be unloaded outside the conveyor 50 without manual assistance from an operator, and the component replacement process can be automated.

[0115] In the unloading process according to this embodiment, after the drive motor 53A is driven, when the third sensor 58C detects that the previous component feed belt 60P is not located on the first belt path 55A and the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed, assuming that the front end portion 60P1 of the previous component feed belt 60P, which is being transported backward, passes the unloading position 55A1 (is separated from the drive motor 53A), the drive motor 53A is lifted, and the driving of the drive motor 53A is stopped. Thus, the drive motor 53A is less likely to be driven and rotated unnecessarily. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0116] A second embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 12 to 15. A conveyor feeding device according to the second embodiment includes a conveyor 150, a part of which has a configuration different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations of the conveyor feeding device and the configuration of the surface mounting device are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described. The transport process is common to the embodiments and will not be described.

[0117] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a body portion 150A of the conveyor 150 according to this embodiment includes a guide member (an example of a track member) 172, in addition to the configuration of the body portion 50A of the conveyor 50 of the first embodiment. The guide member 172 is disposed at a meeting point of the first belt track 55A and the second belt track 55B within the body portion 150A and has a substantially triangular shape in side view. The guide member 172 has an upper surface that is an inclined surface that slopes upward from the front toward the rear.

[0118] The guide member 172 is arranged at the meeting point such that it can be moved up and down. The conveyor control section 59 controls the guide member 172 to be moved up and down. The guide member 172 is moved up by the conveyor control section 59 to block a connection point of the second belt path 55B and the common belt path 55C and to connect the common belt path 55C and the first belt path 55A with the inclined surface. The inclined surface forms a path connecting the common belt path 55C and the first belt path 55A, and the guide member 172 is in a first state (shown in Fig. 12). The guide member 172 is moved downwards by the conveyor control section 59 and is in a second state (shown in Fig. 14), in which the connection point is not blocked by the guide element 172.

[0119] In this embodiment, the conveyor control section includes an upward-moving flag (not shown) that is used to determine whether or not the guide member 172 is moved upward during the unloading process. The upward-moving flag is on or off. The unloading process section 87A determines the state of the upward-moving flag. (unloading procedure)

[0120] Next, a discharge method in the discharge process performed in the conveyor feeding device according to the second embodiment will be described. The following configurations are common to each embodiment and will not be described. The previous component feed belt 60P passes through the first belt path 55A and reaches the common belt path 55C, and the front end portion of the subsequent component feed belt 60F is engaged with the third sprocket 52C while the electronic components E1 are fed from the previous component feed belt 60P. Moreover, the second embodiment is based on the assumption that a rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P is disposed on the common belt path 55C, and the guide member 172 is moved downward, as shown in Fig. 12 shown.

[0121] In the unloading process, the front-side motor 51A is driven and rotated in a reverse direction, and the guide member 172 is moved upward. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported rearward, and when the rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P reaches the guide member 172, the rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P is guided to the first belt path 55A by the inclined surface of the guide member 172. The rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P, which is guided to the first belt path 55A, is further transported rearward and passes the unloading position 55A1 on the first belt path 55A.

[0122] Next, the previous component feed belt 60P is driven by the drive motor 53A, and the drive motor 53A is driven and rotated. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 13, the previous component feed belt 60P is further transported rearward by the drive motor 53A, and the rear end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded outside the conveyor 150. The front end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P is further transported rearward by the drive motor 53A, and the entire previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded outside the conveyor 150, as shown in Fig. 14. In this embodiment, the unloading process is carried out according to the sequence of steps listed above.

[0123] In this embodiment, the guide element 172 is moved downwards (see Fig. 14) after the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded outside the conveyor 150, and the drive motor 53A is stopped. Accordingly, when the transport process subsequent to the unloading process is performed, the front end portion of the subsequent component feed belt 60F to be transported forward does not collide with the guide member 172, and the subsequent component feed belt 60F is transported toward the component pickup position S1. (unloading process)

[0124] Next, the unloading process executed by the unloading processing section 87A of the control section 80 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 15. In the unloading process, the unloading processing section 87A detects whether or not the component supply belt 60 is located in the body portion 150A of the conveyor 150 at the first sensor 58A (S131).

[0125] If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S131 that the component feed belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A (S131: YES), the process proceeds to S132. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S131 that the component feed belt 60 is not located at the first sensor 58A (S131: NO), the unloading process is terminated.

[0126] The unloading processing section 87A detects whether or not the component feed belt 60 is located at the second sensor 58B in S132. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S132 that the component feed belt 60 is located at the second sensor 58B (S132: YES), the processor proceeds to S34. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S132 that no component feed belt 60 is located at the second sensor 58B (S132: NO), it is assumed that the rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P is located on the common belt path 55C, and the upward movement flag is set to ON (S133), and the process proceeds to S34.

[0127] The unloading processing section 87A drives and rotates the front-side motor 51A in a reverse direction, similarly to the first embodiment, in S34, and the process proceeds to S135. The unloading processing section 87A determines in S135 whether the up-movement flag is turned on. If it is determined in S135 that the up-movement flag is turned on (S135: YES), the unloading processing section 87A moves the guide member 172 upward, and the process proceeds to S36. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P is guided by the guide member 172 to the first belt path 55A. If the unloading processing section 87A determines in step S135 that the up-movement flag is not turned on (S135: NO), the process proceeds to S36.

[0128] In S36, the offload processing section 87A executes the processes from S36 to S56 similarly to the first embodiment. After the offload processing section 87A completes the processes from S56, the process proceeds to S157.

[0129] In S157, the unloading processing section 87A determines whether the up-movement flag is ON. If it is determined in S157 that the up-movement flag is ON, the unloading processing section 87A moves the guide member 172 downward (S158) and sets the up-movement flag to OFF. The process then proceeds to S56. Accordingly, when the conveyance process is executed subsequent to the unloading process, the front end portion of the subsequent component feed belt 60F to be conveyed forward does not collide with the guide member 172. If the unloading processing section 87A determines in S157 that the up-movement flag is not ON (S157: NO), the process proceeds to S56.

[0130] In S56, the unloading processing section 87A executes the processes of S56 and S58 similarly to the first embodiment, and the unloading process is ended. (Effects of the second embodiment)

[0131] As described above, in the conveyor feeding device of this embodiment, the guide member 172 is moved upward (to the first state) when the unloading process is performed. Even if the rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feeding belt 60P is located on the common belt path 55C, the rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feeding belt 60P, which is transported rearward in the unloading process, is guided to the first belt path 55A by the path connecting the common belt path 55C and the first belt path 55A via the inclined surface of the guide member 172.

[0132] When the unloading process is completed, the guide member 172 is moved downward (to the second state) and does not block the connection point of the second belt path 55B and the common belt path 55C. Therefore, the subsequent component supply belt 60F, which is previously engaged with the third sprocket 52C, can be smoothly transported toward the component pickup position S1 in the transport process after the unloading process is completed. Accordingly, in this embodiment, even if the rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component supply belt 60P is located on the common belt path 55C, the component replacement process can be automated, and a time for the component replacement process can be shortened. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0133] A third embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 16 to 20. A conveyor feeding device according to the third embodiment includes a conveyor 250 having a configuration of the conveyor 50 of the first embodiment without the unloading section 53 and the third sensor 58C. Other configurations of the conveyor feeding device and the configuration of the surface mounting device are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described.

[0134] In this embodiment, a control section 280 includes a calculation processing section 281, and the calculation processing section 281 includes the delay timer 81A to which a certain time has been previously set. The certain time previously set to the delay timer 81A is a period of time required for the rear end portion of the component feed belt 60, which is transported forward on the belt path 55, to pass the position where it is to be engaged with the first sprocket 51C after moving away from the position of the common belt path 55C where the first sensor 58A is arranged.

[0135] In this embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the arithmetic processing section 281 of the control section 280 includes a watchdog timer 281B, which is set to a predetermined time. Although the unloading process is being executed for the previous component feed belt 60P, the sensors 58A, 58B in the body section 250A may detect the component feed belt 60. In such a case, a fault may be caused in the component feed belt 60, the control section 280, or the conveyor 250. The watchdog timer 281B is used to stop the unloading process when the predetermined time has elapsed. (unloading procedure)

[0136] A description will be given of an unloading method in the unloading process performed in the conveyor feeding device according to the third embodiment. The previously described configurations common to each of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will not be described. The third embodiment includes a cutting process in which the previous component feed belt 60P is previously cut at a rear side with respect to the conveyor 250, and a length of the previous component feed belt 60P required for feeding the electronic components E1 before the model is changed is maintained while the electronic components E1 are fed from the previous component feed belt 60P (see a dashed line at an upper side with respect to the drum R1 in Fig. 16).

[0137] In the unloading process of this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60F is forcibly unloaded forward. Namely, in the unloading process, the front-side motor 51A is driven and rotated in the forward direction, so that the first sprocket 51C and the second sprocket 51D are rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 16. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported forward and the cut rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P reaches the common belt path 55C, as shown in Fig. 18 shown.

[0138] When the previous component feed belt 60P is further transported forward as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 19, the cut rear end portion 60P2 of the previous component feed belt 60P is detached from the first sprocket 51C, and the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded outside the conveyor 250 from the front portion of the conveyor 250 due to its weight. In the unloading process of this embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported forward at a speed faster than the speed at which the component feed belt for feeding the electronic components E1 is transported. In this embodiment, the unloading process is carried out according to the above-mentioned sequence of steps.

[0139] In the unloading process of this embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60P being unloaded forward passes the uncovered portion 56 and is unloaded outside the conveyor 250. The previous component feed belt 60P to be unloaded in the unloading process may include the electronic components E1 thereon. The top belt 64 is cut at the uncovered portion 56, and the electronic components E1 arranged on the previous component feed belt 60 are exposed. However, the exposed electronic components E1 are not picked up at the component pick-up position S1. Therefore, in the unloading process of this embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded outside the conveyor 250 while the electronic components E1 are held thereon. (unloading process)

[0140] The unloading process executed by the unloading processing section 87A of the control section 280 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 20. In the unloading process, the unloading processing section 87A detects whether or not the component supply belt 60 is located in the body portion 250A of the conveyor 250 at the first sensor 58A (S232).

[0141] If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S232 that the component feed belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A (S232: YES), the process proceeds to S234. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S232 that the component feed belt 60 is not located at the first sensor 58A (S232: NO), the unloading process is terminated.

[0142] The unloading processing section 87A drives the front-side motor 51A and rotates it in the forward direction in S234, and the process proceeds to S236. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P located at the first transport position 55C1 is transported forward.

[0143] The unloading processing section 87A resets the watchdog timer 281B included in the calculation processing section 281 in S236 (the watchdog timer 281B starts counting), and the process proceeds to S238. The unloading processing section 87A determines in S238 whether the first sensor 58A detects the component feed line 60.

[0144] If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S238 that the component feed belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A (S238: YES), the process proceeds to S250. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S238 that the component feed belt 60 is not located at the first sensor 58A (S238: NO), the process proceeds to S242.

[0145] The unloading processing section 87A determines in S240 whether the predetermined period of time in the watchdog timer 281B has elapsed (whether a counter of the watchdog timer 281B is zero). If it is determined in S240 that the time in the watchdog timer 281B has elapsed (S240: YES), the unloading processing section 87A assumes that any error, for example, that the previous component feed belt 60P was not previously cut, may have been caused, and an error is displayed on the display section 78 (S244), and the process proceeds to S248. If the unloading processing section 87A determines in S249 that the time in the watchdog timer 281B has not elapsed (S249: NO), the process returns to S238.

[0146] The offload processing section 87A resets the delay timer 81A in S242 (the delay timer 81A starts counting) and proceeds to S40. The offload processing section 87A determines whether the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (whether a counter of the delay timer 81A is zero) in S246.

[0147] If it is determined in S246 that the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (S246: YES), the unloading processing section 87A assumes that the rear end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P, which is currently being transported forward, passes the position where it is to be engaged with the first sprocket 51C (disengaged from the first sprocket 51C) and proceeds to S248. If it is determined in S246 that the time in the delay timer 81A has not elapsed (S246: NO), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process of S246 until the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed.

[0148] The unloading processing section 87A stops driving the front-side motor 51A. Next, the unloading processing section 87A resets the delay timer 81A (S250). Next, the unloading processing section 87A resets the monitoring timer 281A (S252), and the unloading process is terminated. (Effects of the third embodiment)

[0149] As described above, in the conveyor feeding device according to this embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60P is previously cut at a rear side with respect to the conveyor 250 while maintaining a length of the previous component feed belt 60P required for feeding the electronic components E1. Therefore, in the unloading process, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported forward to be unloaded outside the conveyor 250. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P can be automatically unloaded outside the conveyor 250 in the unloading process without installing the unloading section 53 at the rear side with respect to the conveyor 260 and at the first belt path 55A described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.Consequently, the component replacement process can be automated with a simple configuration, and the time required for the component replacement process is shortened.

[0150] In the unloading process of this embodiment, the first sensor 58A detects that there is no component feed belt 60P at the position on the common belt path 55C further forward than the component pickup position S1, and it is assumed that the previous component feed belt 60P being transported forward is unloaded outside the conveyor 250 from the front side with respect to the conveyor 250 according to the elapsed time of the delay timer 81A. Then, the rotation of the front-side motor 51A is stopped. Therefore, the front-side motor 51A is less likely to be driven and rotated unnecessarily.

[0151] The previous component feed belt 60P may be transported further forward of the conveyor 250 in the unloading process, even if an error is caused, such as the component feed belt 60P not being cut beforehand. This embodiment includes the watchdog timer 281B, and if the first sensor 58A detects the component feed belt 60P even after the predetermined time set on the watchdog timer 281B has elapsed, any error may be caused, and an error is displayed on the display screen of the display section. Therefore, the front-side motor 51 is less likely to be driven and rotated unnecessarily. <Vierte Ausführungsform>

[0152] A fourth embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 21 to 24. A conveyor feeding device according to the fourth embodiment includes a conveyor 350 having a configuration different from that of the first embodiment in a rear portion of the conveyor 350. The configuration of the front portion of the conveyor 350, other configurations in the conveyor feeding device, and the configuration of the surface mounting device are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described.

[0153] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, in a body portion 350A of the conveyor 350 according to this embodiment, the first belt path 355A extends continuously from the common belt path 355C and is inclined downward from the front toward the rear. The first belt path 355A is opened downward in the body portion 350A. The first belt path 355A is inclined such that the component supply belt 60 falls downward by its own weight after the component supply belt 60 is conveyed rearward and a distal end portion of the component supply belt 60 is disengaged from the second sprocket 51D. A distance between the second sprocket 51D and the inclination is short, so that the component supply belt 60 disengaged from the second sprocket 51D falls easily.

[0154] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, the second sensor 58B is disposed in the body portion 350A facing the slope of the first belt path 355A. In this embodiment, the third sensor is not provided in the body portion 350A. The third sprocket 352C of the rear-side transport portion 352 is disposed in the body portion 350A such that a part of the teeth of the third sprocket 352C is exposed (uncovered) on a lower side thereof.

[0155] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, in the rear end portion of the body portion 350A, a rear-side motor 352A, a rear-side driven gear 352B, and a third sprocket 352C included in a rear-side transporting portion 352 are arranged in an opposite order from that of the conveyor 50 of the first embodiment. A transporting unit 370 is mounted in the rear end portion of the body portion 350 and has a gap from the incline of the first belt path 355A. The transporting unit 370 has a horizontal upper surface opposite the exposed (uncovered) teeth of the third sprocket 352C and has a gap through which the component feed belt 60 can be transported. The gap is a second passage 355B. (unloading procedure)

[0156] Next, a discharge method in the discharge process in the conveyor feeding device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The assumption common to each of the first and second embodiments will not be described in this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 21, the drum R1 around which the previous component feed belt 60P is wound is arranged below the opened portion of the first belt path 355A. Therefore, the previous component feed belt 60P can reach the common belt path 355C through the first belt path 355A.

[0157] In the unloading process, the front-side motor 52A is driven and rotated in a reverse direction in the state shown in Fig. 21. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported backward, as shown in Fig. 22. When the distal end portion 60P1 of the previous component feed belt 60P is released from the second sprocket 51D at the first transport position 355C1, the previous component feed belt 60P falls by its weight along the slope of the first belt path 355A. Then, the previous component feed belt 60P is unloaded from the open portion of the first belt path 355A toward a lower side of the conveyor 350. In this embodiment, the unloading process is performed according to the above-mentioned sequence of steps.

[0158] In this embodiment, when the conveying process is performed subsequent to the unloading process, a front end portion 60F1 of the following component supply belt 60F being conveyed forward passes the open portion of the first belt path 355A on an upper side thereof and reaches the slope of the first belt passage 355A. The following component supply belt 60F is further conveyed forward and moves upward along the slope of the first belt path 355A and reaches the first conveying position 355C1. (unloading process)

[0159] Next, an unloading process executed by the unloading processing section 87A of the control section 80 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 24. In the unloading process, the unloading processing section 87A first detects whether the component supply belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B in the body portion 350A of the conveyor 350 (S322).

[0160] If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S332 that the component feed belt 60 is located at both the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B (S332: YES), the process proceeds to S334. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S332 that no component feed belt 60 is located at at least one of the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B (S332: NO), the unloading process is terminated.

[0161] The unloading processing section 87A drives and rotates the front-side motor 51A in a reverse direction, and proceeds to step S336. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P located at the first transport position 55C1 is transported rearward. The unloading processing section 87A determines whether the component feed belt 60P is detected by the first sensor 58A in step S336.

[0162] When the unloading processing section 87A detects that the component supply belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A in S336 (S336: YES), the process of S336 is repeatedly executed.

[0163] When the unloading processing section 87A detects in S336 that there is no component feed belt 60 at the first sensor 58A (S336: NO), it is assumed that the distal end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P is disengaged from the second sprocket 51D, and the previous component feed belt 60P is falling along the slope of the first belt path 355A. Then, the unloading processing section 87A stops driving the front-side motor 51A, and the unloading process is terminated. (Effects of the fourth embodiment)

[0164] As described above, in the conveyor feeding device according to this embodiment, the previous component feeding belt 60P is transported backward in the unloading process so that the previous component feeding belt 60P falls along the slope of the first belt path 355A, and the entire previous component feeding belt 60P can be unloaded outside the conveyor 350. Thus, the previous component feeding belt 60P can be automatically unloaded outside the conveyor 350 in the unloading process without providing another mechanism such as the unloading section 53 for transporting the previous component feeding belt 60P backward on the first belt path 355A. Consequently, the component replacement process can be automated with a simple configuration, and the time required for the component replacement process is shortened. <Fünfte Ausführungsform>

[0165] A fifth embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 25 to 28. A conveyor feeding device according to the fifth embodiment includes a conveyor 450 having a configuration of the conveyor 50 of the first embodiment, except for the unloading section 53 and the third sensor 58C, as shown in Fig. 25. Other configurations of the conveyor feeding device and the configuration of the surface mounting device are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described. (unloading procedure)

[0166] Next, a discharge method in the discharge process of the conveyor feeder according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The assumption common to each of the first and second embodiments will not be described in this embodiment.

[0167] In the unloading process, the front-side motor 51A is driven and rotated in a reverse direction. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P is transported rearward. In this embodiment, the previous component feed belt 60P, which is transported rearward from the rear end portion of the body portion 50A, is not wound around the drum R1. Therefore, when the previous component feed belt 60P is transported rearward and the distal end portion 60P1 of the previous component feed belt 60P is released from the second sprocket 51D, a part of the previous component feed belt 60P is loosened rearward on the rear side with respect to the body portion 450A of the conveyor 450, as shown in Fig. 26 (a two-dot chain line on the rear side of the conveyor 450 in Fig. 26 shows a position of the previous component feed belt 60P before it is loosened to the rear. Next, as shown in Fig. 27, the rearwardly loosened portion of the previous component feed belt 60P is held by an operator M1 on a rear side of the conveyor 450 and pulled backward (a two-dotted line in Fig. 27 shows a position of the previous component feed belt 60P before it is pulled backward. Accordingly, the entire previous component feed belt 60P can be unloaded by the operator M1 outside the conveyor 450. In this embodiment, the unloading process is carried out according to the sequence of steps listed above. (unloading process)

[0168] Next, the unloading process executed by the unloading processing section 87A of the control section 80 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig.28. In the unloading process, the unloading processing section 87A first detects whether the component supply belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B in the body portion 450A of the conveyor 450 (S432).

[0169] If the unloading processing section 87A detects that the component feed belt 60 is located at both the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B (S432: YES), the process proceeds to S434. If the unloading processing section 87A detects that no component feed belt 60 is located at at least one of the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B (S432: NO), the unloading process is terminated.

[0170] The unloading processing section 87A drives and rotates the front-side motor 51A in a reverse direction, and proceeds to step S436. Accordingly, the previous component feed belt 60P located at the first transport position 55C1 is transported rearward. The unloading processing section 87A detects whether the component feed belt 60P is located at the first sensor 58A in step S436.

[0171] If the unloading processing section 87A detects in step S436 that the component feed belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A (S436: YES), the process of S436 is repeatedly executed. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S436 that the component feed belt 60 is not located at the first sensor 58A (S436: NO), the delay timer 81A is set (the delay timer 81A starts counting) and proceeds to S440. The unloading processing section 87A determines in S440 whether the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (whether a counter of the delay timer 81A is zero).

[0172] If it is determined in S440 that the time has elapsed in the delay timer 81A (S440: YES), the unloading processing section 87A assumes that the front end portion of the previous component feed belt 60P, which is currently being transported backward, passes the first transport position 55C1 (is released from the second sprocket 51D) and a part of the previous component feed belt 60P is slackened backward on the rear side of the body portion 450A of the conveyor 450, and proceeds to S442. If it is determined in S440 that the time in the delay timer 81A has not elapsed (S40: NO), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process S440 until the time in the delay timer 81A elapses.

[0173] The unloading processing section 87A stops driving the front-side motor 51A in S442. Next, the unloading processing section 87A resets the delay timer (S444) and proceeds to S446. The unloading processing section detects whether the component feed belt 60 is located at the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B in S446 (S446).

[0174] If the unloading processing section 87A detects that the component feed belt 60 is not present at either the first sensor 58A or the second sensor 58B (S446: YES), it is assumed that the component feed belt 60 is being pulled or is being pulled backward by an operator M1, and processing proceeds to S448. If the unloading processing section 87A detects in S446 that the component feed belt 60 is present at least at one of the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B (S446: NO), the process of S446 is repeatedly executed.

[0175] The offload processing section 87A resets the delay timer 81A in S448 (the delay timer 81A starts counting) and proceeds to S450. The offload processing section 87A determines in S450 whether the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (whether a counter of the delay timer 81A is zero).

[0176] If it is determined in S450 that the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed (S450: YES), the unloading processing section 87A assumes that the component supply belt 60 extending outside the body section 450A from the rear side of the body section 450A is pulled backward by an operator M1 and unloaded outside the conveyor 450. Then, the delay timer is reset (S452), and the unloading process is ended. If it is determined in S450 that the time in the delay timer 81A has not elapsed (S450: NO), the unloading processing section 87A repeatedly executes the process S450 until the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed.

[0177] According to the determination by the unloading processing section 87A that the time in the delay timer 81A has elapsed in S450, the transport processing section 87B determines that the unloading process is completed or the previous component supply belt 60P is pulled by the operator M1. Then, the transport processing section 87B executes the transport process described in the first embodiment subsequent to the unloading process. Accordingly, the subsequent component supply belt 60F holding the electronic components E1 after the model change is transported to the component pickup position S1. (Effects of the fifth embodiment)

[0178] As described above, in the conveyor feeding device according to this embodiment, since the previous component feeding belt 60P is pulled by the operator M1 in the unloading process, the unloading process can be completed without requiring control by the control section 80 to unload the entire previous component feeding belt 60P from the conveyor 450. Therefore, the control by the control section 80 is simplified, and the configuration of the conveyor feeding device is simplified.

[0179] In this embodiment, after the unloading process is performed, a part of the previous component feed belt 60P is loosened rearward on the rear side of the body portion 450A of the conveyor 450, so that the operator M1 can easily find a specific conveyor 450 from among the conveyors 450 of the conveyor feed devices on which the unloading process has been performed. Therefore, the previous component feed belts 60P are sequentially and quickly pulled from the respective specific conveyors 450. Even with such a configuration that part of the unloading process of the previous component feed belt 60P is performed with manual assistance of the operator, the replacement of the component feed belt 60 in the component replacement process is performed easily and quickly, and the time required for component replacement is shortened compared to prior art configurations. <Sechste Ausführungsform>

[0180] A sixth embodiment will be described. In a conveyor feeding device according to the sixth embodiment, the control section executes only the unloading process when the model change button of the input section is pressed. Other configurations of the conveyor feeding device and the configuration of the surface mounting device are the same as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the model change button is pressed by an operator, the control section only executes the unloading process collectively for the conveyors among the conveyors specified by the specifying data, and the transport process is not executed. (Effects of the sixth embodiment)

[0181] In the conveyor supply device of this embodiment, the control section only executes the unloading process collectively for the conveyors from the conveyors specified by the specifying data. In the prior art, the unloading process is required to be executed individually for each of the specified conveyors from the conveyors. Compared with such a prior art configuration, even with the above configuration, the time required for the component replacement process is shortened. <Andere Ausführungsformen>

[0182] The present invention is not limited to the aspects explained in the above description with reference to the drawings. The following aspects, for example, may be included within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) In each of the above embodiments, each conveyor includes two sprockets in the front portion of the body portion thereof. However, each conveyor may include one sprocket in the front portion of the body portion. In such a configuration, preferably, the uncovered portion is provided at a front side relative to the front sprocket, and the component receiving position is provided at a front side relative to the uncovered portion. (2) In each of the above embodiments, the belt path including the first belt path, the second belt path, and the common belt path is provided in the body portion of each conveyor. However, only one belt path extending in the front-to-rear direction may be provided in the body portion, and the distal end portion of the subsequent component feed belt may be previously arranged on the same path as the previous component feed belt. (3) In each of the above embodiments, the model change button of the input section is arranged outside the conveyor component supply device. However, the model change button may be included in the conveyor component supply device or in each conveyor. (4) In each of the above embodiments, the model change process is executed when the model change button is pressed by an operator. However, an instruction (a specific instruction) for executing the model change process may be automatically input to the input section from the control section based on the assembly program. (5) In each of the above embodiments, a conveyor is specified from the specifying data corresponding to the model change of the printed circuit boards according to the assembly program. However, the method for specifying the conveyor by the specifying data may not be limited to this. For example, after the model change, the printed circuit boards are input by an operator via the input section, and the conveyor that requires replacement may be specified according to the inputted printed circuit boards. (6) In the sixth embodiment, when the model change button is pressed by an operator, the unloading process may be executed for all the conveyors mounted in the mounting member. In such a configuration, the input section may include, in addition to the model change button for executing the unloading process for the conveyor specified by the specifying data, an operator button for executing the unloading process collectively for all the component feed belts arranged in all the conveyors. (7) In each of the above embodiments, the control section is included as part of the configuration of the surface mount device. However, a position of the control section in the surface mount device is not limited. For example, the control section may be included as part of the configuration of the conveyor feeding device. (8) In each of the above embodiments, the first belt path is separated from the second belt path by the transport unit, which is a separate element from the body portion. However, the first belt path may be separated from the second path by a part of the body portion.

[0183] The embodiments according to the present technology are described in detail. However, the description provides only examples and does not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes modifications and variations of the specific examples described above. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 surface mount device 10 Base frame 20 transport conveyors 30 Component assembly device 32 head unit 40 Conveyor feeding device (component feeding device) 42 Conveyor mounting element (mounting element) 50, 150, 250, 350, 450 conveyors 50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A body section 51 Front transport section (first transport section) 51A Front engine 51C First sprocket 51D Second sprocket 52, 352 Rear transport section (second transport section) 52A, 352A Rear engine 52C, 352C Third gear 53 Unloading section (third transport section) 53A Driver Motor (an example of a driving section) 53B Raising / lowering position 55 belt section 55A, 355A First belt section 55B, 355B Second belt section 55B1, 355B1 Second transport position 55C, 355C Common belt section 55C1, 355C1 First transport position 56 Uncovered section 58A First sensor (second detection section) 58B Second sensor 58C Third sensor (first detection section) 59 Sponsor tax section 60 component feed belt 60P Previous component feed belt (first component feed belt) 60F Subsequent component feed belt (second component feed belt) 70 transport units 80, 280 tax section 81A Delay timer 87A Unloading processing section 87B Transport processing section 172 Guide element (track element) 281B Watchdog Timer E1 Electronic component (component) M1 operator P1 circuit board R1, R2 drum S1 Component receiving position

Claims

[1] A component feeding device (40) which transports a component feeding belt (60) having components (E1) thereon and which feeds the components (E1), the component feeding device (40) comprising: a body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) comprising a component receiving position (S1) on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component supply belt (60) is transported for supplying the components (E1), the components (E1) being supplied at the component receiving position (S1); a belt path (55) which is included in the body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) and along which the component feed belt (60) is transported; a first transport section (51) which transports the component feed belt (60) arranged at a first transport position (55C1, 355C1) located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt path (55); a second transport section (52) which transports the component feed belt (60) arranged at a second transport position (55B1, 355B1) in the direction of the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) being located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt path (55); a control section (80) configured to control the first transport section (51) and the second transport section (52); and an input section (89) configured to receive input from outside the component feeding device (40), wherein the control section (80) comprises an unloading processing section (87A) configured to perform an unloading process and a transport processing section (87B) configured to perform a transport process, in the unloading process, a first component feed belt (60) located at least between the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1) is transported by the first transport section (51) to be away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), so that at least a part of the first component feed belt (60) is unloaded outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) while the components (E1) are held thereon, in the transport process, a second component feed belt (60) arranged at the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is transported by the second transport section (52) toward the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), and the second component feed belt (60) reaching the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) is transported by the first transport section (51) toward the component receiving position (S1), the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is input into the input section (89), and the unloading processing section (87A) executes the transport process subsequent to the unloading process after the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process when the predetermined instruction is input to the input section (89), the belt section (55) comprises a first belt section (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A), a second belt section (55B, 355B) and a common belt section (55C, 355C), the first belt section (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction, the second belt section (55B, 355B) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction and away from the first belt section (55A, 355A) and includes the second transport position (55B1, 355B1), and the common belt section (55C, 355C) extends towards the downstream side of the transport direction after the first belt section (55A, 355A) and the second belt section (55B, 355B) meet, and the common belt section (55C, 355C) includes the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1), the component feeding device (40) further comprises: a third transport section (53) comprising a driving section (53A) which drives the component feed belt (60) at a third transport position on the first belt path (55A, 355A), wherein the driving section (53A) which drives the component feed belt (60) at the third transport position, so that the third transport section (53) transports the component feed belt (60) in the direction of the upstream side, viewed from the downstream side of the transport direction, wherein the control section (80) is designed to control the third transport section (53), and the unloading processing section (87A) transports the first component feed belt (60) from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction in the unloading process, the first component feed belt (60) extending over at least the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), the component receiving position (S1), and the third transport position, the driving section (53A) drives the first component feed belt (60) at the third transport position, and the third transport section (53) unloads the first component feed belt (60), which is remote from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), from the upstream side of the transport direction to the outside of the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A). [2] A component feeding device (40) according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting member (42) on which a plurality of said body portions (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) are mounted, wherein the control section (80) comprises a storage section (83) which stores specifying data for specifying the body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) from the plurality of body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) mounted in the mounting member (42) which require execution of the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is input into the input section (89), and the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process collectively for the body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) of the plurality of body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) mounted in the mounting member (42) specified based on the specifying data when the predetermined instruction is input to the input section (89). [3] Component feeding device (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) comprises a track element (172) configured to be switched between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, a track connecting the common band section (55C, 355C) and the first band section (55A, 355A) is formed by the first track element (172) at a meeting point of the first band section (55A, 355A) and the second band section (55B, 355B) by blocking a connecting section between the second band section (55B, 355B) and the common band section (55C, 355C), and in the second state, the track element (172) does not block the connecting section, the control section (80) is designed to control the track element (172), and the unloading processing section (87A) is configured to switch the track element (172) to the first state in the unloading process and to switch the track element (172) to the second state after the unloading process is completed. [4] A component feeding device (40) which transports a component feeding belt (60) having components (E1) thereon and which feeds the components (E1), the component feeding device (40) comprising: a body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) comprising a component receiving position (S1) on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component supply belt (60) is transported for supplying the components (E1), the components (E1) being supplied at the component receiving position (S1); a belt path (55) which is included in the body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) and along which the component feed belt (60) is transported; a first transport section (51) which transports the component feed belt (60) arranged at a first transport position (55C1, 355C1) located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt path (55); a second transport section (52) which transports the component feed belt (60) arranged at a second transport position (55B1, 355B1) in the direction of the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) being located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt path (55); a control section (80) configured to control the first transport section (51) and the second transport section (52); and an input section (89) configured to receive input from outside the component feeding device (40), wherein the control section (80) comprises an unloading processing section (87A) configured to perform an unloading process and a transport processing section (87B) configured to perform a transport process, in the unloading process, a first component feed belt (60) located at least between the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1) is transported by the first transport section (51) to be away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), so that at least a part of the first component feed belt (60) is unloaded outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) while the components (E1) are held thereon, in the transport process, a second component feed belt (60) arranged at the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is transported by the second transport section (52) toward the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), and the second component feed belt (60) reaching the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) is transported by the first transport section (51) toward the component receiving position (S1), the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is input into the input section (89), and the unloading processing section (87A) executes the transport process subsequent to the unloading process after the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process when the predetermined instruction is input to the input section (89), the belt section (55) comprises a first belt section (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A), a second belt section (55B, 355B) and a common belt section (55C, 355C), the first belt section (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction, the second belt section (55B, 355B) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction and away from the first belt section (55A, 355A) and includes the second transport position (55B1, 355B1), and the common belt section (55C, 355C) extends towards the downstream side of the transport direction after the first belt section (55A, 355A) and the second belt section (55B, 355B) meet, and the common belt section (55C, 355C) includes the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1), the first belt section (55A, 355A) extends continuously from the common belt section (55C, 355C) and is open downward from the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A), the first belt section (55A, 355A) is inclined downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the transport direction such that the first component feed belt (60) which is away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and is located on the common belt section (55C, 355C) falls due to its own weight, and the unloading processing section (87A) transports the first component feed belt (60) from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction in the unloading process. [5] A component feeding device (40) according to claim 4, further comprising a mounting member (42) on which a plurality of said body portions (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) are mounted, wherein the control section (80) comprises a storage section (83) which stores specifying data for specifying the body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) from the plurality of body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) mounted in the mounting member (42) which require execution of the unloading process when a predetermined instruction is input into the input section (89), and the unloading processing section (87A) executes the unloading process collectively for the body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) of the plurality of body sections (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) mounted in the mounting member (42) specified based on the specifying data when the predetermined instruction is input to the input section (89). [6] The component feeding device (40) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, further comprising a first detection section that detects whether the component feeding belt (60) is located on the first belt path (55A, 355A), wherein the unloading processing section (87A) transports the component feeding belt (60) in the unloading process until the first detection section does not detect at least the component feeding belt (60). [7] Surface mounting device (1) comprising: the component feeding device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a base frame (10); a component mounting device (30) configured to mount the component (E1) supplied from the component receiving position (S1) on a plate located at a component mounting position of the base frame (10); and a conveying device configured to convey the plate to the component mounting position. [8] A method for feeding a component (E1) using a component feeding device (40) that transports a component feeding belt (60) holding components (E1) thereon, wherein the component feeding device (40) comprises a body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) comprising a component receiving position (S1) on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component feeding belt (60) is transported for feeding the components (E1), wherein the components (E1) are fed at the component receiving position (S1), a belt path (55) which is included in the body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) and along which the component feeding belt (60) is transported, a first transport portion (51) which transports the component feeding belt (60) at a first transport position (55C1, 355C1) located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt path (55), a second transport portion (52, 352), which transports the component feed belt (60) at a second transport position (55B1, 355B1) in the direction of the first transport position (55C1, 355C1),wherein the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt section (55), wherein the belt path (55) comprises a first belt path (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A), a second belt path (55B, 355B) and a common belt path (55C, 355C), wherein the first belt path (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction, the second belt path (55B, 355B) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction and away from the first belt path (55A, 355A) and comprises the second transport position (55B1, 355B1), and the common belt path (55C, 355C) extends towards the downstream side of the transport direction after the first belt path (55A, 355A) and the second belt path (55B, 355B) meet each other, and the common belt path (55C, 355C) comprises the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1), wherein the component feeding device (40) further comprises a third transport section (53) comprising a driving section (53A) which drives the component feeding belt (60) at a third transport position on the first belt path (55A, 355A), wherein the driving section (53A) which drives the component feeding belt (60) at the third transport position, so that the third transport section (53) transports the component feeding belt (60) in the direction of the upstream side, seen from the downstream side of the transport direction, the method comprising: an unloading process in which a first component feed belt (60) located at least between the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component pick-up position (S1) is transported by the first transport section (51), and the first component feed belt (60) is unloaded on the belt path (55) outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) while holding the components (E1) thereon, and a transport process in which a second component feed belt (60) located at the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is transported by the second transport section toward the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), and the second component feed belt (60) reaching the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) is transported by the first transport section (51) toward the component receiving position (S1), wherein the transport process is carried out following the unloading process after the unloading process, in the unloading process, the first component feed belt (60) is transported from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction, wherein the first component feed belt (60) extends over at least the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), the component receiving position (S1) and the third transport position, the driving section (53A) drives the first component feed belt (60) at the third transport position, and the third transport section (53) unloads the first component feed belt (60), which is remote from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), from the upstream side of the transport direction to the outside of the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A). [9] A method for feeding a component (E1) using a component feeding device (40) that transports a component feeding belt (60) holding components (E1) thereon, wherein the component feeding device (40) comprises a body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) comprising a component receiving position (S1) on a downstream side of a transport direction in which the component feeding belt (60) is transported for feeding the components (E1), wherein the components (E1) are fed at the component receiving position (S1), a belt path (55) which is included in the body portion (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) and along which the component feeding belt (60) is transported, a first transport portion (51) which transports the component feeding belt (60) at a first transport position (55C1, 355C1) located on a downstream side of the transport direction on the belt path (55), a second transport portion (52, 352), which transports the component feed belt (60) at a second transport position (55B1, 355B1) in the direction of the first transport position (55C1, 355C1),wherein the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is located on an upstream side of the transport direction on the belt section (55), wherein the belt path (55) comprises a first belt path (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A), a second belt path (55B, 355B) and a common belt path (55C, 355C), wherein the first belt path (55A, 355A, 355A, 355A) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction, the second belt path (55B, 355B) is located on the upstream side of the transport direction and away from the first belt path (55A, 355A) and comprises the second transport position (55B1, 355B1), and the common belt path (55C, 355C) extends towards the downstream side of the transport direction after the first belt path (55A, 355A) and the second belt path (55B, 355B) meet each other, and the common belt path (55C, 355C) comprises the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component receiving position (S1), wherein the first belt section (55A, 355A) extends continuously from the common belt section (55C, 355C) and is open downward from the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A), the first belt section (55A, 355A) is inclined downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the transport direction such that the first component feed belt (60), which is away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and is located on the common belt section (55C, 355C), falls under its own weight, the method comprising: an unloading process in which a first component feed belt (60) located at least between the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) and the component pick-up position (S1) is transported by the first transport section (51), and the first component feed belt (60) is unloaded on the belt path (55) outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) while holding the components (E1) thereon, and a transport process in which a second component feed belt (60) located at the second transport position (55B1, 355B1) is transported by the second transport section toward the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), and the second component feed belt (60) reaching the first transport position (55C1, 355C1) is transported by the first transport section (51) toward the component receiving position (S1), wherein the transport process is carried out following the unloading process after the unloading process, and in the unloading process, the first component feed belt (60) is transported from the downstream side towards the upstream side of the transport direction. [10] The method for feeding a component according to claim 8 or 9, wherein in the unloading process, after the first component feed belt (60) has been transported by the first transport section (51) from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the transport direction and is away from the first transport position (55C1, 355C1), a part of the first component feed belt (60) extending from the downstream side of the transport direction to the outside of the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A) is pulled such that the entire first component feed belt (60) located on the belt path (55) is unloaded outside the body section (50A, 150A, 250A, 350A, 450A).

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