Cover tape, manufacturing method thereof, and packing material

Abstract

To provide a cover tape which can grasp an optimum sealed state from the appearance after taping and predict a peeling strength, thereby shortening the adjusting time of a taping machine and preventing the increase of the risk of the breakage of the cover tape; to provide a manufacturing method thereof; and to provide a packaging material.SOLUTION: There is provided a cover tape 10 which is heat-sealed to a carrier tape to cover / protect a small-sized electronic component in a storage pocket. The cover tape comprises a base material layer 11 having a size capable of facing the center portion of the carrier tape, a cushioning intermediate layer 12 laminated on the back face of the base material layer 11, a sealant layer 13 laminated on the intermediate layer 12 and heat-sealed to the carrier tape, a plurality of irreversible temperature-sensitive color changing ink layers 14 which are laminated on the surface of the base material layer 11 and whose color changes at a prescribed temperature, and an antistatic layer 15 laminated on the base material layer 11 and the plurality of ink layers 14. The cover tape is formed in a band shape of a multilayer structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover tape for a carrier tape used for storing, transporting, and shipping components, a method for manufacturing the same, and a packaging material. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when multiple small electronic components such as ICs are individually stored, conveyed, transported, or the like, carrier tape, which is a packaging material, has been widely used from the viewpoints of efficiently handling electronic components that are difficult to handle, storing as many electronic components as possible, or preventing damage to the electronic components (see Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, and 4).

[0003] Although not shown, this type of carrier tape comprises a long, strip-shaped resin sheet, a number of storage pockets arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the center of the resin sheet for storing electronic components, and a number of feed holes perforated at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sides of the resin sheet, and a light-transmitting cover tape that covers and protects the multiple electronic components is removably attached to the surface of the resin sheet.

[0004] Although not shown, the cover tape is formed in a transparent band shape and comprises a base layer of a size capable of facing the center of the resin sheet of the carrier tape, a sealant layer laminated on the back surface of the base layer and heat-sealed to the front surface of the resin sheet, and an antistatic layer laminated on the front surface of the base layer, and functions as a lid material to prevent the electronic components stored in each storage pocket from falling out or becoming contaminated.

[0005] In the above configuration, when storing multiple small electronic components on a carrier tape and then attaching a cover tape, the carrier tape and cover tape are wound in multiple layers around multiple supply reels, and these multiple supply reels are then set in the taping machine to start taping.

[0006] Then, the carrier tape is unwound from the upstream supply reel to the working area, electronic components are sequentially stored in the multiple storage pockets, the sealant layer of the cover tape unwound from another supply reel is pressed against the surface of the resin sheet by a heater block set at a high temperature to be heat sealed, and then the cover tape is wound up in multiple layers on an empty take-up reel located downstream. The temperature during heat sealing of the cover tape is set to, for example, 130°C or higher, preferably 160°C to 210°C, depending on the material of the sealant layer.

[0007] Next, when a plurality of small electronic components are to be removed from the carrier tape wound around the take-up reel and mounted, the take-up reel around which the carrier tape is wound is set in the mounting machine and started. The carrier tape is then unwound from the upstream take-up reel into the working area, and the cover tape is gradually pulled upward by a peeling mechanism to sequentially open multiple storage pockets. The electronic components are picked up from the open storage pockets by vacuum suction, and then wound in multiple layers onto an empty reel located downstream. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-103603 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2023-092899 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2023-076620 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2023-034342 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In light of recent technological advances, there is a demand for faster taping and mounting technologies. However, while trying to achieve higher speeds can be expected to improve processing capacity, new problems arise, such as the time required to adjust the taping machine and an increased risk of the cover tape breaking.

[0010] To explain this problem in detail, when trying to speed up taping technology, it is necessary to heat seal in a short time, which makes it difficult to judge and adjust the temperature acting on the cover tape. In addition, in order to grasp the optimal sealing state of the cover tape, it is necessary to measure the peel strength of the cover tape, which results in the problem that it takes a long time to adjust the temperature and pressure of the taping machine.

[0011] Next, when trying to speed up the mounting technology, the cover tape is peeled off from the carrier tape at high speed, but when the cover tape is peeled off at high speed, the peel strength increases, which causes a problem of increasing the risk of the cover tape breaking. Furthermore, as the peeling speed of the cover tape increases, the difficulty of taping adjustment increases, so even a slight temperature change increases the risk of the cover tape breaking.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a cover tape, a manufacturing method thereof, and packaging materials that can shorten the adjustment time of a taping machine and prevent an increased risk of the cover tape breaking by grasping the optimal sealing condition from the appearance after taping and predicting the peel strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cover and protection device for small items in a storage pocket, which is heat sealed to a carrier tape, and It is characterized by having an irreversible thermosensitive color-changing ink layer whose color changes at a specified temperature.

[0014] The cover tape is preferably in the form of a strip including a base layer large enough to face at least the center of the carrier tape, an adhesive layer facing the base layer and heat-sealed to the carrier tape, and an ink layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less laminated on the base layer. The cover tape may also include a cushioning intermediate layer laminated to the base layer, an adhesive layer laminated to the intermediate layer, and an antistatic layer laminated to at least the ink layer of the base layer and ink layer and positioned on the opposite side of the adhesive layer.

[0015] The cover tape may also include a cushioning intermediate layer laminated to at least the ink layer of the base layer and ink layer, an adhesive layer laminated to this intermediate layer, and an antistatic layer laminated to the base layer and positioned on the opposite side of the adhesive layer. The predetermined temperature of the ink layer is preferably 191° C. or higher and 201° C. or lower.

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for producing a cover tape that is heat-sealed to a carrier tape to cover and protect small items in a storage pocket, comprising the steps of: The product is characterized in that a base layer and a cushioning intermediate layer are laminated by bonding multiple resin films together, an irreversible thermosensitive color-changing ink is applied to the base layer and dried and cured to form an ink layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm, which changes color at a specified temperature, and a sealant material is applied to the intermediate layer and dried and cured to form an adhesive layer that is heat sealed. An antistatic layer can be formed on the ink layer by applying an antistatic agent and drying and curing it.

[0017] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a storage device including a carrier tape capable of individually storing and storing a plurality of small items, and a cover tape that is heat-sealed to the carrier tape, The carrier tape comprises a long strip-shaped sheet, a plurality of storage pockets arranged at a predetermined interval in at least a central longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped sheet for storing small items, and a plurality of feed holes perforated at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of at least one of both side portions of the strip-shaped sheet, The cover tape is characterized in that it is strip-shaped and comprises a base layer large enough to face at least the center of the strip-shaped sheet of the carrier tape, an adhesive layer facing the base layer and heat-sealed to the strip-shaped sheet of the carrier tape, and an irreversible thermochromic ink layer laminated on the base layer and changing color at a predetermined temperature.

[0018] Here, the term "small item" in the claims includes at least small electrical components, small electronic components, small mechanical components, small precision components, etc. The temperature-sensitive color-changing ink layer is preferably a temperature-indicating paint layer that is transparent below a certain temperature and changes color to a chromatic or achromatic color above the certain temperature. The adhesive layer may directly face the base layer, but is preferably indirectly facing the base layer via another layer. The "strip-shaped sheet" may be a resin sheet or a paper sheet. The up-down, front-rear, left-right directions of the cover tape according to the present invention are based on the drawings, and can be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0019] The cover tape is preferably heat-sealed at a temperature of 190°C or less, and has a peel strength of 0.2N or more and less than 1.0N when peeled from the carrier tape, as measured in accordance with JIS C0806. The cover tape is preferably transparent or translucent as a whole and has optical transparency. In addition, although the subject of the present invention is a cover tape, if the configuration of another application is the same as the configuration of the present invention and can be diverted to the cover tape, and the effect of the present invention is achieved, the configuration of the other application falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0020] According to the present invention, the color of the ink layer of the cover tape changes at a predetermined temperature, so that the temperature acting on the cover tape can be visually grasped in a short time. For example, if the predetermined set temperature at which the color of the ink layer changes is set to 191°C or higher, approximately 200°C, taking into account the sealing temperature dependency of the cover tape, it is possible to predict that the cover tape will break with a high probability when the peel strength of the cover tape is 1.0N or higher. Based on this prediction, if the peel strength of the cover tape is set to less than approximately 1.0N, the risk of the cover tape breaking can be suppressed from increasing even if the cover tape is peeled off from the carrier tape at high speed. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, since the cover tape has an irreversible thermochromic ink layer, it is possible to grasp the optimum sealing state of the cover tape from the appearance after taping and to predict the peel strength, which has the effect of shortening the adjustment time of the taping machine and preventing an increase in the risk of the cover tape breaking.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 2, the base layer of the cover tape can be used as a core material, improving the strength of the cover tape. Also, the ink layer can be laminated thinly on the base layer to reduce the thickness of the cover tape.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 3, a buffer intermediate layer is interposed between the base layer and adhesive layer of the cover tape, so that the cushioning property and impact resistance of the cover tape can be improved. Also, an antistatic layer is laminated on at least the ink layer of the cover tape, so that damage to small items caused by peeling charge when the cover tape is peeled off from the carrier tape can be suppressed, and dust and the like can be prevented from adhering to the cover tape due to charging.

[0024] According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, since the ink layer is laminated on the back side of the base layer, rather than on the front side of the base layer, it is possible to diversify the configuration.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 5, the base layer is coated with an irreversible thermochromic ink and then dried and cured, making it possible to form a thin ink layer. Similarly, the intermediate layer is coated with a sealant material and then dried and cured, making it possible to form a thin adhesive layer.

[0026] According to the invention described in claim 6, the cover tape of the packaging material has an irreversible, thermosensitive color-changing ink layer, so that it is possible to grasp the appropriate heat-sealing state of the cover tape from the color of the cover tape after taping and to predict the peel strength of the cover tape. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the adjustment time of the taping machine that sets the packaging material and prevent an increase in the risk of the cover tape breaking. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are explanatory views showing an embodiment of a cover tape and a packaging material according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a partial plan view and FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a cover tape and a packaging material according to the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a second embodiment of the cover tape and packaging material according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a third embodiment of the cover tape and packaging material according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The cover tape 10 in this embodiment is a top tape that is heat-sealed to the carrier tape 1 to cover and protect the electronic components 5 in the storage pocket 4, as shown in Figures 1(a), (b) and 2. The cover tape 10 is formed in a band-like multilayer structure that includes a base layer 11 large enough to face the center of the carrier tape 1, an intermediate layer 12 laminated on the base layer 11, a sealant layer 13 laminated on the intermediate layer 12 and heat-sealed to the carrier tape 1, an irreversible thermochromic ink layer 14 laminated in multiple layers on the base layer 11, and an antistatic layer 15 laminated on the base layer 11 and the multiple ink layers 14, thereby contributing to the achievement of Goal 9 of the SDGs adopted at the United Nations Summit.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the carrier tape 1 comprises a band-shaped resin sheet 2, a plurality of storage pockets 4 arranged in the longitudinal direction of a central portion 3 of the resin sheet 2 for storing small electronic components 5, and a plurality of feed holes 6 drilled in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the resin sheet 2, and a light-transmitting cover tape 10 that covers and protects the plurality of electronic components 5 is peelably heat-sealed (thermocompression bonded) to the surface of the resin sheet 2.

[0030] The resin sheet 2 of the carrier tape 1 is formed into a long strip shape with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm by extrusion molding or the like using a molding material containing a predetermined resin. The predetermined resin of the resin sheet 2 is not particularly limited to polyethylene (PE) resin, polystyrene (PS) resin, polycarbonate (PC) resin, ABS resin, MBS resin, etc., but from the viewpoint of preventing the carrier tape 1 from curling or warping, it is preferable that the resin sheet 2 mainly contains a hydrocarbon-based resin. Examples of the hydrocarbon-based resin include a transparent polystyrene resin with excellent versatility, a conductive polystyrene resin capable of preventing static electricity troubles, and a polyethylene resin.

[0031] The resin sheet 2 may be made of one type of resin, but may be made of multiple types of resin as necessary. For example, when it is desired to make the resin sheet 2 multifunctional, the resin sheet 2 may be formed into a laminated structure in which the first layer is a thin polyethylene resin, the second layer is a thick polystyrene resin, and the third layer is a thin polyethylene resin. Alternatively, the resin sheet 2 may be formed into a laminated structure in which the first layer is a polystyrene resin, the second layer is a polyethylene resin, and the third layer is a polystyrene resin, or into a three-layer structure in which the first layer is a thin ABS resin, the second layer is a thick polystyrene resin, and the third layer is a thin ABS resin.

[0032] A plurality of storage pockets 4 are formed and arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the central portion 3 of the resin sheet 2, and each storage pocket 4 is formed by heat pressing into a flat rectangular recess, and small electronic components 5, such as ICs, LEDs, connectors, capacitors, diodes, resistive elements, relays, etc. are stored in these storage pockets 4. When the electronic components 5 are stored in such storage pockets 4, a cover tape 10 is gradually heat sealed to the surface of the resin sheet 2 so that the electronic components 5 can be visually confirmed.

[0033] A plurality of feed holes 6 are drilled at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the resin sheet 2, and each feed hole 6 is formed in a circular shape in plan view. The feed holes 6 function as sprocket holes for feeding the cover tape 10.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 2, the base layer 11 of the cover tape 10 is formed in the shape of a transparent strip with a size and length that allows it to face the center of the carrier tape 1 except for both side portions, from a molding material containing a predetermined resin, and functions as a base layer of the cover tape 10. The predetermined resin of this base layer 11 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include biaxially stretched films of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polyamide (PA) resin, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) resin, etc. Among these, inexpensive polyethylene terephthalate resin, which has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is preferable.

[0035] From the viewpoint of balancing mechanical strength, barrier properties, handleability, and the like, the thickness of the base layer 11 is preferably 12 μm to 32 μm, more preferably 14 μm to 26 μm, and even more preferably 15 μm to 20 μm.

[0036] 2, the intermediate layer 12 is laminated and bonded to the back surface of the base layer 11 with an acrylic adhesive or the like, and is interposed between the base layer 11 and the sealant layer 13 to provide a cushioning function. The intermediate layer 12 is formed in the shape of a transparent band from a thermoplastic resin having excellent cushioning properties and impact resistance, such as a transparent polyethylene (PE) resin or polyamide (PA) resin. The back surface of the intermediate layer 12 facing the sealant layer 13 is selectively subjected to a modification treatment such as a corona discharge treatment to improve adhesion to the sealant layer 13.

[0037] From the viewpoint of improving the adhesion between the carrier tape 1 and the cover tape 10 and the cushioning function, the thickness of the intermediate layer 12 is preferably 10 μm or more and 40 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or more and 37 μm or less, and even more preferably 25 μm or more and 35 μm or less.

[0038] 2, the sealant layer 13 is laminated in the form of a transparent band by applying a sealant material to the back surface of the intermediate layer 12, drying and curing, and then contacting and heat-sealing the surface of the resin sheet 2 of the carrier tape 1. Examples of the sealant material include one or more types selected from acrylic resins, styrene resins, olefin resins, urethane resins, and ester resins, and copolymers thereof. Among these, it is preferable to contain at least one type of acrylic resins, styrene resins, and ester resins.

[0039] The thickness of the sealant layer 13 is, for example, 0.5 μm to 10 μm, preferably 1 μm to 8 μm, more preferably 2 μm to 6 μm. This is because, if the thickness of the sealant layer 13 is less than 0.5 μm, the sealing property is reduced and a uniform thin film cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if the thickness of the sealant layer 13 exceeds 10 μm, the transparency of the cover tape 10 may be reduced, and the tack force may be deteriorated (increased) due to an increase in stress in the single layer of the sealant layer 13.

[0040] 1(a) and 2, the multiple ink layers 14 are formed into linear thin films by applying irreversible thermochromic inks near both sides of the surface of the base layer 11, drying and curing them, and functioning to help grasp the optimal heat seal state and predict peel strength by changing color at a predetermined temperature. The irreversible thermochromic ink is, for example, an ink prepared from a first thermosensitive ink composition that is transparent below a predetermined temperature and a second thermosensitive ink composition that is a chromatic color such as a clear red above the predetermined temperature, and does not return to its original transparency once it has changed color to a chromatic color.

[0041] Considering the seal temperature dependency of a typical cover tape 10 and past experience, the predetermined temperature at which the color changes is preferably 191° C., 192° C., 193° C., 194° C., 195° C., 196° C., 197° C., 198° C., 199° C., 200° C., or 201° C. More preferably, it is 195° C., 196° C., 197° C., 198° C., 199° C., or 200° C., and more preferably, it is 198° C., 199° C., or 200° C.

[0042] This is because the cover tape 10 is prone to tearing when the peel strength is 1.0 N or more when measured in accordance with JIS C0806, but the temperature at which the cover tape 10 is heat sealed is 191° C. or more. Therefore, if the predetermined set temperature at which the color of each ink layer 14 changes is set to 191° C. or more, particularly around 200° C., it becomes possible to predict with high accuracy that the cover tape will tear when the peel strength of the cover tape 10 is 1.0 N or more.

[0043] Examples of such irreversible temperature-sensitive color-changing ink products include Thermopaint(R) (product name, manufactured by NOF Corp.), Metamocolor(registered trademark) (product name, manufactured by Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.), and Thermal Color (product name, manufactured by Recording Materials Research Institute Co., Ltd.).

[0044] From the viewpoint of making the cover tape 10 thinner, the thickness of each ink layer 14 is optimally 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less, preferably 2.5 μm or more and 9 μm or less, more preferably 3 μm or more and 8 μm or less, and even more preferably 4 μm or more and 7 μm or less.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the antistatic layer 15 is formed as a thin film located on the opposite side of the sealant layer 13 by applying an antistatic agent to the surface of the base layer 11 and the multiple ink layers 14, and then drying and curing the antistatic agent. The antistatic layer 15 functions to prevent damage to the electronic components 5 due to peeling charge when the cover tape 10 is peeled off from the carrier tape 1, and to prevent dust from adhering to the cover tape 10 due to static electricity. Examples of the antistatic agent include conductive polymers such as polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, polyphenylenevinylene, and polyvinylcarbazole. Cationic polymer surfactants can also be used.

[0046] The thickness of the antistatic layer 15 is, for example, from 0.02 μm to 20 μm, preferably from 10 μm to 18 μm, and more preferably from 15 μm to 17 μm. This is because if a thickness of from 0.02 μm to 20 μm can be ensured, the cover tape 10 can be provided with sufficient antistatic properties.

[0047] Such a cover tape 10 is formed in a band shape with a five-layer structure, and has a thickness measured with a microgauge of 23 μm to 112 μm, preferably 43 μm to 98 μm, and more preferably 58 μm to 76 μm. In order to facilitate visual recognition of the electronic components 5, when the ink layer 14 of this cover tape 10 is transparent, the total light transmittance measured in accordance with JIS K7361-1 is 80% or more, preferably 80% to 92%, and more preferably 84% to 91%, and the haze value measured in accordance with JIS K7136 is 10% or more, preferably 10% to 70%, and more preferably 15% to 65%.

[0048] In the above-mentioned configuration, when manufacturing the cover tape 10, a resin film for the base material layer 11 and a resin film for the intermediate layer 12 are prepared, and these are laminated and bonded with a thinly printed adhesive, and the base material layer 11 and the cushioning intermediate layer 12 are laminated and integrated. After the base material layer 11 and the intermediate layer 12 are laminated in this manner, a thin pattern of irreversible thermochromic ink is printed on the exposed surface of the base material layer 11 and dried and cured to form an ink layer 14 whose color changes at a predetermined temperature. At this time, it is optimal to form the ink layer 14 as a thin film that changes color from colorless and transparent to red when the temperature exceeds 200°C.

[0049] Next, an antistatic agent is printed thinly on the base layer 11 and the ink layer 14, and then dried and cured to form a thin antistatic layer 15. A sealant material is printed thinly on the exposed surface of the intermediate layer 12, and then dried and cured to form a thin sealant layer 13 to be heat-sealed. Thereafter, the laminated and bonded base layer 11 and intermediate layer 12 are slit to a predetermined length and size, and the cover tape 10 can be manufactured.

[0050] Next, when adjusting the taping machine to heat-seal the cover tape 10 to the carrier tape 1, the cover tape 10 is wound around the supply reel, the supply reel is set in the taping machine, and the taping test is started. Then, the cover tape 10 is unwound from the upstream supply reel to the working area, heat-sealed by pressing with the heater block, and then wound up on an empty take-up reel located downstream. At this time, the temperature of the heater block during heat sealing is preferably set to 190° C. or less, taking into consideration the seal temperature dependency and the set temperature of the ink layer 14.

[0051] Next, the cover tape 10 wound around the take-up reel is inspected to confirm the color of the cover tape 10. If the color of the cover tape 10 has turned red, the temperature acting on the cover tape 10 is high and inappropriate, and the set temperature of the heater block of the taping machine is readjusted. On the other hand, if the color of the cover tape 10 has not turned red, the temperature acting on the cover tape 10 is appropriate, and adjustment of the taping machine can be completed.

[0052] After completing the adjustment of the taping machine, the carrier tape 1 and the cover tape 10 are wound in multiple layers around a plurality of supply reels, and the plurality of supply reels are then set in the taping machine to start taping.

[0053] The carrier tape 1 is then unwound from an upstream supply reel into the working area, and electronic components 5 are sequentially stored in multiple storage pockets 4, and the sealant layer 13 of the cover tape 10 unwound from another supply reel is pressed against the surface of the resin sheet 2 and heat sealed with a heater block set to an appropriate temperature, and then the carrier tape 1 is wound in multiple layers onto an empty take-up reel located downstream.

[0054] Next, when a plurality of small electronic components 5 are to be taken out from the carrier tape 1 wound around the take-up reel and mounted, the take-up reel around which the carrier tape 1 is wound is set in a mounting machine and started.

[0055] Then, the carrier tape 1 is unwound from the upstream take-up reel to the working area, the cover tape 10 is peeled upward at high speed by the peeling mechanism to open the multiple storage pockets 4 in sequence, the electronic components 5 are picked up from the opened storage pockets 4 by vacuum suction, and then wound in multiple layers on an empty reel located downstream. At this time, the peel strength of the peeling mechanism is set to less than 1.0 N, preferably 0.2 N or more and less than 1.0 N, when measured in accordance with JIS C0806, taking into consideration the prevention of damage to the cover tape 10 and practicality. This setting can effectively eliminate the risk of the cover tape 10 breaking.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the color of the ink layers 14 of the cover tape 10 changes at a predetermined temperature, so that it is extremely easy to determine and adjust the optimal temperature to be applied to the cover tape 10, and the taping technology can be speeded up and the processing capacity can be improved. In addition, if the predetermined set temperature at which the color of each ink layer 14 changes is set to about 200°C, for example, it is possible to accurately predict that the cover tape will break with a high probability when the peel strength of the cover tape 10 is 1.0 N or more, so that the temperature and pressure of the taping machine can be adjusted in a short time. Therefore, the taping technology can be speeded up and the processing capacity can be improved.

[0057] Furthermore, if the peel strength of the cover tape 10 is set to less than 1.0 N based on highly accurate prediction, there is no increased risk of the cover tape breaking even if the cover tape 10 is peeled off at high speed from the carrier tape 1. Furthermore, since the pair of ink layers 14 are laminated near both sides of the surface rather than on the entire surface of the base material layer 11, even if each ink layer 14 turns red, the transparency near the center of the cover tape 10 facing the storage pocket 4 can be maintained, and visual recognition of the electronic components 5 is not hindered.

[0058] 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of feed holes 6 are perforated only in a portion of the resin sheet 2 forming the carrier tape 1 in the longitudinal direction, and the cover tape 10 is formed in a transparent band shape having a size and length that allows it to face from the center to the other side of the carrier tape 1. The other parts are the same as in the above embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be expected, and it is clear that the cover tape 10 with the ink layer 14 can be used even when the width of the carrier tape 1 is narrow.

[0059] 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the cover tape 10 is formed in a band shape with a five-layer structure including a plurality of ink layers 14 laminated near both sides of the back surface of the base layer 11, a cushioning intermediate layer 12 laminated on the base layer 11 and the plurality of ink layers 14, a sealant layer 13 laminated on the intermediate layer 12, and an antistatic layer 15 laminated on the surface of the base layer 11 and positioned on the opposite side of the sealant layer 13. The other parts are similar to the above embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] In the above configuration, when manufacturing the cover tape 10, first a resin film for the base material layer 11 is prepared, and a thin pattern of irreversible thermochromic ink is printed on the surface of this resin film and then dried and cured to form an ink layer 14 whose color changes at a predetermined temperature, and a thin layer of antistatic agent is printed on the back surface of the resin film and then dried and cured to form a thin antistatic layer 15.

[0061] Next, a resin film for the intermediate layer 12 is prepared, and this resin film is laminated and bonded to the resin film for the base layer 11 and the ink layer 14 with an adhesive, and the antistatic layer 15, the base layer 11, the ink layer 14, and the cushioning intermediate layer 12 are laminated and integrated. After that, a sealant material is thinly printed on the exposed surface of the intermediate layer 12 and dried and cured to form a thin film of the sealant layer 13 to be heat sealed, and the cover tape 10 can be manufactured by slitting the film to a predetermined length and size.

[0062] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be expected, and since multiple ink layers 14 are laminated on the back surface of the base layer 11 rather than on the front surface of the base layer 11, it is clear that the configuration can be diversified.

[0063] The cover tape 10 may be of a conductive type, an antistatic type, a general type, etc., but it is not particularly limited. Each ink layer 14 may be a continuous straight line, a dotted line, or a translucent line. The ink layer 14 may be interposed between the base layer 11 and the sealant layer 13. The irreversible thermochromic ink may be transparent below a certain temperature, and may be a chromatic color such as blue, yellow, or green above a certain temperature. The manufacturing method of the above embodiment is not limited to the order described. For example, after forming the sealant layer 13 on the exposed surface of the intermediate layer 12, the ink layer 14 with a thickness of 0.5 μm or more may be formed on the exposed surface of the base layer 11. Furthermore, all of the technologies described in this specification are subject to rights acquisition by amendment or divisional application, etc. EXAMPLES

[0064] EXAMPLES Hereinafter, examples of the cover tape and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention will be described together with comparative examples. Example 1 First, to manufacture the cover tape, a 16 μm-thick polyethylene terephthalate resin film for the base layer and a 30 μm-thick polyethylene resin film for the intermediate layer were prepared, and these were laminated and bonded together with a thinly printed acrylic adhesive, and the base layer and the cushioning intermediate layer were laminated and integrated.

[0065] After laminating the base layer and intermediate layer in this way, a thin pattern of irreversible thermochromic ink was printed on the exposed surface of the base layer and dried and cured to form a 5 μm thick ink layer that changes color from colorless transparent to red when the temperature exceeds 200° C. Thermopaint® (product name: manufactured by NOF Corp.) was used as the irreversible thermochromic ink.

[0066] Next, an antistatic agent was printed thinly on the ink layer and dried and cured to form a thin antistatic layer with a thickness of 16 μm, and a sealant material was printed thinly on the exposed surface of the intermediate layer and dried and cured to form a thin sealant layer for heat sealing with a thickness of 5 μm, and then the laminated base layer and intermediate layer were slit to the specified length and size to produce the cover tape.

[0067] Next, in order to heat seal the produced cover tape to the carrier tape, the carrier tape and the cover tape were each wound in multiple layers around a plurality of supply reels, and these multiple supply reels were set in a taping machine to start taping.

[0068] Then, the carrier tape was unwound from the upstream supply reel to the working area, and the sealant layer of the cover tape unwound from the other supply reel was pressed against the surface of the resin sheet by a high-temperature heater block to be heat-sealed, and then the carrier tape was wound in multiple layers onto an empty take-up reel located downstream. The multiple storage pockets of the carrier tape were set so that no electronic components were stored. The temperature during heat sealing by the heater block was set to 185°C. When the cover tape wound onto the take-up reel was inspected, the cover tape remained colorless and transparent and had not turned red.

[0069] Next, in order to peel off the cover tape from the carrier tape wound around the take-up reel, the take-up reel around which a blank carrier tape containing no electronic components was wound was set in the mounting machine and started.

[0070] The carrier tape was then unwound from the upstream take-up reel into the working area, and the cover tape was peeled upward at high speed by the peeling mechanism to open multiple storage pockets one after another, and then wound up in multiple layers onto an empty reel located downstream. At this time, the peel strength of the peeling mechanism was set to 0.92 N when measured in accordance with JIS C0806. The peeled cover tape was inspected, but it remained colorless and transparent, and no tears or damage were confirmed.

[0071] Example 2 The procedure was basically the same as in Example 1, except that the temperature during heat sealing by the heater block was changed to 189° C. When the cover tape wound onto the take-up reel was inspected, it remained colorless and transparent and had not turned red.

[0072] Next, in order to peel off the cover tape from the carrier tape wound around the take-up reel, the take-up reel around which a blank carrier tape containing no electronic components was wound was set in the mounting machine and started. The carrier tape was then unwound from the upstream take-up reel into the working area, and the cover tape was peeled upward at high speed by the peeling mechanism to open multiple storage pockets one after another, and then wound up in multiple layers onto an empty reel located downstream. At this time, the peel strength of the peeling mechanism was set to 0.97N when measured in accordance with JIS C0806. The peeled cover tape was inspected, but it remained colorless and transparent, and no tears or damage were confirmed.

[0073] Comparative Example The method was basically the same as in Example 1, but the temperature during heat sealing by the heater block was changed to 210° C., which is higher than 200° C. When the cover tape wound on the take-up reel was inspected, it had changed color from colorless and transparent to red.

[0074] Next, in order to peel off the cover tape from the carrier tape wound around the take-up reel, the take-up reel around which a blank carrier tape containing no electronic components was wound was set in the mounting machine and started. The carrier tape was then unwound from the upstream take-up reel into the working area, and the cover tape was peeled upward at high speed by the peeling mechanism to open multiple storage pockets one after another, and then wound up in multiple layers on an empty reel located downstream. At this time, the peel strength of the peeling mechanism was changed to 1.1 N, which exceeds 1.0 N, when measured in accordance with JIS C0806. When the peeled cover tape was inspected, it was still discolored red and had tears and damage. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The cover tape and the manufacturing method thereof, as well as the packaging material according to the present invention, are used in fields in which carrier tapes are used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Carrier tape 2 Resin sheet (strip-shaped sheet) 3 Central part 4 Storage Pockets 5. Electronic Components (Small Items) 6 Sprocket holes 10 Cover Tape 11 Base material layer 12 Middle Class 13 Sealant layer (adhesive layer) 14 Ink Layer 15 Antistatic layer

Claims

1. A cover tape that is heat sealed to a carrier tape to cover and protect small items in a storage pocket, A cover tape having an irreversible thermosensitive color-changing ink layer whose color changes at a predetermined temperature.

2. The cover tape according to claim 1, which is in the form of a strip and includes a base layer large enough to face at least the center of the carrier tape, an adhesive layer facing the base layer and heat-sealed to the carrier tape, and an ink layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less laminated on the base layer.

3. 3. The cover tape according to claim 2, comprising a cushioning intermediate layer laminated to the base layer, an adhesive layer laminated to the intermediate layer, and an antistatic layer laminated to at least the ink layer of the base layer and the ink layer and positioned on the opposite side of the adhesive layer.

4. 3. The cover tape according to claim 2, comprising a cushioning intermediate layer laminated to at least the ink layer of the substrate layer and the ink layer, an adhesive layer laminated to this intermediate layer, and an antistatic layer laminated to the substrate layer and positioned on the opposite side of the adhesive layer.

5. A method for manufacturing a cover tape that is heat sealed to a carrier tape to cover and protect small items in a storage pocket, comprising the steps of: A method for manufacturing a cover tape, comprising: bonding together multiple resin films to form a laminate of a base layer and a cushioning intermediate layer; applying an irreversible thermosensitive color-changing ink to the base layer and drying and curing it to form an ink layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm and whose color changes at a predetermined temperature; and applying a sealant material to the intermediate layer and drying and curing it to form an adhesive layer that is heat-sealed.

6. A packaging material including a carrier tape capable of individually storing and storing a plurality of small items and a cover tape that is heat-sealed to the carrier tape, The carrier tape comprises a long strip-shaped sheet, a plurality of storage pockets arranged at a predetermined interval in at least a central longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped sheet for storing small items, and a plurality of feed holes perforated at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of at least one of both side portions of the strip-shaped sheet, The cover tape is a packaging material characterized in that it is in the form of a strip having a base layer large enough to face at least the center of the strip sheet of the carrier tape, an adhesive layer facing the base layer and heat-sealed to the strip sheet of the carrier tape, and an irreversible thermochromic ink layer laminated on the base layer and changing color at a predetermined temperature.

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