Tape cutting system and tape application method

Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a method for applying adhesive tape to a desired part of an object. [Solution] The tape holding unit 3 includes a plurality of first suction units 31, each having a first ventilation hole on its lower surface and arranged in a comb-like pattern, and holds the adhesive tape by sucking it onto the lower surface of each of the plurality of first suction units 31. The tape cutting unit cuts the adhesive tape held by the tape holding unit 3 to make a tape piece 90. The tape receiving unit 6 includes a plurality of second suction units 61, each having a second ventilation hole on its lower surface and arranged in a comb-like pattern, and receives the tape piece 90 from the tape holding unit 3. The moving mechanism moves the tape receiving unit 6 relative to the tape holding unit 3 so that the comb-like plurality of second suction units 61 interlock with the comb-like plurality of first suction units 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a tape cutting system and a tape pasting method. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a tape cutting system for cutting an adhesive tape and a tape pasting method using the tape cutting system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tape pasting method. In this method, an adhesive tape is continuously guided to both side surfaces of a prismatic member sequentially and intermittently transferred along a transfer path, and the adhesive tape is cut and pasted in accordance with the front end and the rear end of the prismatic member.

[0003] In this method, the front end of the transferred prismatic member is detected by a detection means and temporarily stopped. While it is stopped, the tape tips of a pair of adhesive tape reels rotatably supported on both sides of the transfer path are respectively attracted by suction transfer means and guided to both side surfaces of the front end portion of the prismatic member and crimped. Next, the suction transfer means releases the suction and returns to the original position. On the other hand, while the prismatic member with the adhesive tape is further transferred, the adhesive tape is sequentially crimped toward the rear end of the prismatic member by pressing means arranged on both sides thereof along the transfer path. Then, at a stage before the pasting of the adhesive tape to the prismatic member is completed, the rear end of the prismatic member is detected again at a predetermined position and temporarily stopped, and the adhesive tape is cut by a cutting means that aligns the rear end of the prismatic member and the rear end of the adhesive tape. During that time, the new tape tip of the cut adhesive tape reel is adsorbed by the suction transfer means, and on the other hand, the prismatic member is further transferred to complete the pasting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the tape application method described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to apply adhesive tape to parts of the prismatic member other than the sides.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to propose a tape cutting system that can be used to apply adhesive tape to a desired part of an object, and a method for applying tape using this tape cutting system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A tape cutting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a tape holding unit, a tape cutting unit, a tape receiving unit, another tape cutting unit, a tape receiving unit, and a moving mechanism. The tape holding unit includes a plurality of first suction units. Each of the plurality of first suction units has a first ventilation hole on its lower surface. The plurality of first suction units are arranged in a comb-like pattern. The tape holding unit holds the adhesive tape by sucking the adhesive tape onto the lower surface of each of the plurality of first suction units. The tape cutting unit cuts the adhesive tape held by the tape holding unit to make a tape piece. The tape receiving unit includes a plurality of second suction units. Each of the plurality of second suction units has a second ventilation hole on its lower surface. The plurality of second suction units are arranged in a comb-like pattern. The tape receiving unit receives the tape piece from the tape holding unit. The moving mechanism moves the tape receiving unit relative to the tape holding unit such that the comb-like plurality of second suction units interlock with the comb-like plurality of first suction units.

[0008] A tape application method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a tape application method for applying a piece of tape to an object using the tape cutting system. The tape application method includes a first suction step, a tape cutting step, a relative movement step, a second suction step, a first vacuum breaking step, and a second vacuum breaking step. The first suction step includes holding the adhesive tape in the tape holding portion by sucking air from a plurality of first ventilation holes in the plurality of first suction portions, with the lower surfaces of each of the plurality of first suction portions of the tape holding portion in contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape. The tape cutting step includes cutting the adhesive tape held in the tape holding portion into a piece of tape using the tape cutting portion. The relative movement step includes moving the tape receiving portion relative to the tape holding portion such that the plurality of comb-shaped second suction portions interlock with the plurality of comb-shaped first suction portions. The second suction step includes holding the tape piece in the tape receiving portion by sucking air from the plurality of second vents in the plurality of second suction portions while the plurality of second suction portions are engaged with the plurality of first suction portions. The first vacuum breaking step includes stopping the suction from the plurality of first vents after the second suction step. The second vacuum breaking step includes stopping the suction from the plurality of second vents by moving the tape receiving portion over the area to be attached to the object after the first vacuum breaking step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, a tape cutting system that can be used to apply adhesive tape to a desired part of an object, and a method for applying tape using this tape cutting system can be proposed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tape-cutting system of one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front right. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a perspective view from the left front of the same tape-cutting system as above, with the tape-cutting section omitted. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the key parts around the tape holding section of the tape cutting system, as seen from the front and slightly above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the first suction head, which is part of the tape holding section in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the key parts around the tape receiving section of the tape cutting system described above, seen from the front and slightly above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the second suction head, which is part of the tape receiving section in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of transferring tape pieces from the tape holding unit to the tape receiving unit in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of transferring tape pieces from the tape holding unit to the tape receiving unit in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of transferring tape pieces from the tape holding unit to the tape receiving unit in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of transferring tape pieces from the tape holding unit to the tape receiving unit in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of transferring tape pieces from the tape holding unit to the tape receiving unit in the tape cutting system described above. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of applying tape pieces by the distribution and application unit in the same tape cutting system. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of applying tape pieces using the distribution and application unit in the same tape cutting system. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a tape pasting method using the above tape cutting system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] The tape cutting system and the tape pasting method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Each of the drawings described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the respective components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Embodiment (1.1) Tape cutting system FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tape cutting system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, a three-axis (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system will be defined as shown in FIG. 1 for the tape cutting system 100 and described. Also, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the direction along the X-axis is defined as the front-rear direction, the positive direction of the X-axis is "front", and the opposite is "rear". Also, the direction along the Y-axis is defined as the left-right direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is "right", and the opposite is "left". Also, the direction along the Z-axis is defined as the up-down direction, the positive direction of the Z-axis is "up", and the opposite is "down". However, the definitions of the axes and directions in the present disclosure only indicate the relative positional relationship between the members of the tape cutting system 100 and do not limit the orientation during the use of the tape cutting system 100 or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape cutting system 100 includes a tape reel 1, a tape extraction chuck 2, a tape holding portion 3, a tape cutting portion 4, a moving mechanism 5, a tape receiving portion 6, and a sorting and pasting portion 7. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the tape cutting portion 4 is omitted.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an adhesive tape 9 is wound around a tape reel 1. The adhesive tape 9 is a single-sided tape having an adhesive surface 91 and a non-adhesive surface 92. The adhesive tape 9 is wound around the tape reel 1 such that the adhesive surface 91 faces inward. The end of the adhesive tape 9 is drawn downward from the tape reel 1. The end of the adhesive tape 9 drawn downward from the tape reel 1 goes around a guide roller 11 and is held by, for example, a tape holding chuck 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the tape extraction chuck 2 has a pair of clamping portions 21. Note that FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main part (around the tape holding portion 3) of the tape cutting system 100 as viewed obliquely from above and in front.

[0017] The tape extraction chuck 2 is configured to extract the adhesive tape 9 from the tape reel 1. The tape extraction chuck 2 is configured to extract the adhesive tape 9 from the tape reel 1 such that the non-adhesive surface 92 of the adhesive tape 9 faces upward.

[0018] Specifically, the tape extraction chuck 2 is movable in the left-right direction within a predetermined movable range. For example, at the right end position of the movable range, the tape extraction chuck 2 sandwiches the end of the adhesive tape 9 on the left side of the tape holding chuck 12 between the pair of clamping portions 21. Then, with the end of the adhesive tape 9 sandwiched, the tape extraction chuck 2 moves leftward to the left end position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) of the movable range. Thereby, the tape extraction chuck 2 can extract the adhesive tape 9 from the tape reel 1. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the adhesive tape 9 is shown in a state of being extracted by the tape extraction chuck 2.

[0019] The tape holding portion 3 is configured to hold the adhesive tape 9 drawn from the tape reel 1.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tape holding portion 3 includes a plurality (here, 12) of first suction portions 31.

[0021] The first suction section 31 is a rectangular block. Multiple first suction sections 31 are arranged in a comb-like pattern. In this disclosure, "multiple members are arranged in a comb-like pattern" means that multiple members are arranged in one direction with spacing between each of one or two members. Here, the multiple first suction sections 31 are arranged in the left-right direction with spacing between each first suction section 31.

[0022] The multiple (12 in this case) first suction units 31 are divided into two or more sets (5 in this case), with at least two first suction units 31 forming one set. Here, each of the two or more sets contains two or three first suction units 31. At least two first suction units 31 in one set are connected to each other by a rectangular block-shaped connecting part 32. At least two first suction units 31 and the connecting part 32 constitute a first suction head 30 that is U-shaped or E-shaped when viewed from above. In this way, the tape holding unit 3 has two or more first suction heads 30. Note that it is not essential that the tape holding unit 3 has two or more first suction heads 30; all (12) first suction units 31 may be connected to a single connecting part 32 to constitute a single first suction head 30.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the first suction section 31 has a first ventilation hole 319 on its lower surface 311. In this case, the first suction section 31 has multiple (5 or 10) first ventilation holes 319 on its lower surface 311, but the number of first ventilation holes 319 is not particularly limited.

[0024] The first vent hole 319 is connected to an L-shaped pipe 33 (see Figure 3) which is connected to the rear end of the coupling part 32, via a through-hole that penetrates the interior of the first suction part 31 and the coupling part 32. By connecting, for example, a vacuum pump to the pipe 33, air can be drawn in through the first vent hole 319.

[0025] For example, as shown in Figure 3, with the lower surfaces 311 of multiple first suction parts 31 in contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 9, air is drawn in by a vacuum pump from each of the pipes 33 of two or more first suction heads 30, causing the adhesive tape 9 to be attracted to the lower surfaces 311 of the multiple first suction parts 31. In other words, the tape holding part 3 can hold the adhesive tape 9 by attracting it to the lower surfaces 311 of each of the multiple first suction parts 31.

[0026] As described above, the tape dispensing chuck 2 pulls out the adhesive tape 9 from the tape reel 1 so that the non-adhesive surface 92 of the adhesive tape 9 faces upward. Therefore, the tape holding unit 3 holds the adhesive tape 9 with the lower surfaces 311 of the multiple first suction parts 31 facing the non-adhesive surface 92 (upper surface). This makes it difficult for the adhesive surface 91 of the adhesive tape 9 to stick to the tape holding unit 3, and facilitates the transfer of the tape piece 90 from the tape holding unit 3 to the tape receiving unit 6 (described later).

[0027] The tape cutting section 4 cuts the adhesive tape 9, which is being held by the tape holding section 3, to create a tape piece 90.

[0028] The tape cutting unit 4 cuts the adhesive tape 9 into one or more tape pieces 90. Here, the tape cutting unit 4 cuts the portion of the adhesive tape 9 held by the tape holding unit 3 into the same number of tape pieces 90 as the number of first suction heads 30 (5 pieces).

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the tape cutting unit 4 cuts the portion of the adhesive tape 9 held by the tape holding unit 3 between adjacent first suction heads 30 (along the cutting line 99 shown in Figure 3). The tape cutting unit 4 also cuts the adhesive tape 9 between the rightmost first suction head 30 and the tape holding chuck 12. It is preferable that the tape holding chuck 12 holds the adhesive tape 9 before the portion between the rightmost first suction head 30 and the tape holding chuck 12 is cut. This prevents the end of the adhesive tape 9 from falling after it has been cut by the tape cutting unit 4.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the tape cutting unit 4 includes a laser irradiation unit 41. The laser irradiation unit 41 is equipped with, for example, a CO2 laser. The laser irradiation unit 41 cuts the adhesive tape 9 by irradiating it with laser light L1 (see Figure 3) from above. As shown in Figure 3, the laser irradiation unit 41 cuts the adhesive tape 9 into two or more tape pieces 90 by irradiating the adhesive tape 9 with laser light L1 at the planned cutting location (cutting line 99) on the adhesive tape 9.

[0031] Because the tape cutting unit 4 includes the laser irradiation unit 41, the cycle time can be shortened compared to, for example, cutting the adhesive tape 9 using a cutting blade. In particular, by using the laser beam L1, the adhesive tape 9 can be cut simultaneously at multiple locations, further shortening of the cycle time can be achieved.

[0032] Furthermore, when cutting the adhesive tape 9 using a cutting blade, the adhesive from the tape 9 may adhere to the cutting blade, requiring periodic maintenance such as removing the adhesive or replacing the cutting blade. In contrast, by using the laser irradiation unit 41, the frequency of maintenance of the tape cutting unit 4 can be reduced.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the upper surface 312 of at least one first suction section 31 (the third first suction section 31 from the right) has an inclined surface 313 at its edge (right end). In this way, the edge of the upper surface 312 of the first suction section 31 is cut, making it difficult for the laser beam L1 to hit the upper surface 312 of the first suction section 31.

[0034] The tape pieces 90 cut by the tape cutting unit 4 are held by the tape holding unit 3. Here, one corresponding tape piece 90 is held in each of the two or more first suction heads 30.

[0035] Each first suction head 30 has at least two first suction parts 31 (each tape piece 90 is attracted to the lower surface 311 of at least two first suction parts 31), so that each first suction head 30 can stably hold the tape piece 90.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the moving mechanism 5 includes a first moving mechanism 51. The first moving mechanism 51 is configured to move the tape holding section 3.

[0037] The first moving mechanism 51 includes a support rotating section 510. The support rotating section 510 includes a support plate 511 and a lifting and lowering rotating section 512.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the support plate 511 supports the tape holding unit 3. The support plate 511 is plate-shaped. Two or more (five in this case) first suction heads 30 of the tape holding unit 3 are fixed to the first edge (front edge) of the support plate 511.

[0039] The lifting and rotating unit 512 moves (lifts and lowers) the support plate 511 in the vertical direction. The lifting and rotating unit 512 also rotates the support plate 511. The lifting and rotating unit 512 rotates the support plate 511 around a rotation axis that is aligned in the vertical direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, two or more (five in this case) first suction heads 30 are also fixed to the second edge (rear edge) of the support plate 511. By arranging two or more sets of first suction heads 30 on both the first and second edges of the support plate 511 in this way, the cutting of the adhesive tape 9 and the transfer of the tape piece 90 to the tape receiving section 6 (described later) can be performed in parallel. This reduces the cycle time.

[0041] The tape receiving unit 6 is configured to receive the tape piece 90 held by the tape holding unit 3 from the tape holding unit 3.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the tape receiving section 6 includes multiple (in this case, 16) second suction sections 61. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the main part of the tape cutting system 100 (around the tape receiving section 6) from the front and slightly above.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the second suction portion 61 is a rectangular block. Multiple second suction portions 61 are arranged in a comb-like pattern. Multiple second suction portions 61 are arranged in a left-right direction with a gap between each set of one or two second suction portions 61. Multiple comb-like second suction portions 61 are spaced apart so that they can interlock with multiple comb-like first suction portions 31. In this disclosure, "multiple comb-like first suction portions 31 and multiple comb-like second suction portions 61 interlock" means that multiple first suction portions 31 and multiple second suction portions 61 are arranged in one direction so that sets of one or two first suction portions 31 and sets of one or two second suction portions 61 are arranged alternately. Here, multiple first suction units 31 and multiple second suction units 61 are arranged in one direction, with pairs of one first suction unit 31 and one or two second suction units 61 alternating.

[0044] The multiple (16 in this case) second suction units 61 are divided into two or more sets (five in this case), with at least two second suction units 61 forming one set. Here, each of the two or more sets contains three or four second suction units 61. At least two second suction units 61 in one set are connected to each other by block-shaped connecting parts 62. The second suction head 60 is composed of at least two second suction units 61 and connecting parts 62. Thus, the tape receiving unit 6 has two or more (five in this case) second suction heads 60. Here, the number of second suction heads 60 (five) is the same as the number of first suction heads 30 (five). The two or more second suction heads 60 correspond one-to-one with the two or more first suction heads 30.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the second suction section 61 has a second ventilation hole 619 on its lower surface 611. In this case, the second suction section 61 has multiple (5 or 10) second ventilation holes 619 on its lower surface 611, but the number of second ventilation holes 619 is not particularly limited.

[0046] The second vent hole 619 is connected to a vent rod 63 (see Figure 1) via a through-hole that penetrates the interior of the second suction section 61 and the coupling section 62. The vent rod 63 is formed to be long in the vertical direction. The lower end of the vent rod 63 is connected to the rear end of the coupling section 62. By connecting, for example, a vacuum pump to the vent rod 63, air can be drawn in from the second vent hole 619. Two or more vent rods 63 are provided in a one-to-one ratio to correspond to two or more second suction heads 60.

[0047] The moving mechanism 5 further comprises a second moving mechanism 52. The second moving mechanism 52 is configured to move the tape receiving unit 6.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second moving mechanism 52 includes a lifting mechanism 521 and a horizontal moving mechanism 522.

[0049] The lifting mechanism 521 moves the tape receiving section 6 in the vertical direction. The lifting mechanism 521 moves two or more second suction heads 60 of the tape receiving section 6 in the vertical direction by, for example, moving two or more ventilation rods 63 back and forth in the vertical direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the horizontal movement mechanism 522 comprises a first rail mechanism 523 and a second rail mechanism 524. The first rail mechanism 523 moves the tape receiving section 6 in the front-to-back direction. The second rail mechanism 524 moves the tape receiving section 6 in the left-to-right direction.

[0051] In this way, the tape receiving unit 6 can move forward, backward, left, right, up, and down by the second moving mechanism 52.

[0052] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, the method for transferring the tape piece 90 from the tape holding unit 3 to the tape receiving unit 6 will be explained. Note that in Figures 7 to 11, the number and shape of the first suction units 31 and the number and shape of the second suction units 61 differ from those of the embodiment, but this is solely for illustrative purposes.

[0053] First, as shown in Figure 7, the moving mechanism 5 positions the tape holding unit 3 and the tape receiving unit 6 facing each other in the front-to-back direction, with the tape pieces 90 being held on the lower surfaces 311 of the multiple first suction units 31 of the tape holding unit 3. Here, the moving mechanism 5 positions the tape holding unit 3 and the tape receiving unit 6 facing each other in the front-to-back direction by rotating the support plate 511 180° using the lifting and lowering rotation unit 512 of the support rotating unit 510, starting from a state where the adhesive tape 9 held by the tape holding unit 3 has been cut into five tape pieces 90 by the tape cutting unit 4 (see Figure 3). The tape holding unit 3 and the tape receiving unit 6 face each other in the front-to-back direction such that one or two second suction units 61 are positioned between two adjacent first suction units 31. Furthermore, the tape holding unit 3 and the tape receiving unit 6 are positioned such that the multiple first suction units 31 are located below the multiple second suction units 61.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape holding section 3 and the tape receiving section 6 relative to each other so that they move closer together. Here, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape receiving section 6 forward using the first rail mechanism 523 of the horizontal moving mechanism 522, thereby bringing the tape receiving section 6 closer to the tape holding section 3. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the comb-shaped first suction sections 31 and the comb-shaped second suction sections 61 interlock. That is, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape receiving section 6 relative to the tape holding section 3 so that the comb-shaped second suction sections 61 interlock with the comb-shaped first suction sections 31.

[0055] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape holding unit 3 and the tape receiving unit 6 relative to each other so that the lower surfaces 311 of the multiple first suction units 31 and the lower surfaces 611 of the multiple second suction units 61 are at the same height. Here, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape receiving unit 6 downward using the lifting mechanism 521. As a result, the lower surfaces 611 of the multiple second suction units 61 come into contact with the upper surface (non-adhesive surface 92) of the tape piece 90 held by the tape holding unit 3.

[0056] Next, air is drawn in through the second ventilation holes 619 of the multiple second suction units 61 to hold the tape piece 90 in the tape receiving unit 6. As a result, the tape piece 90 is held in both the tape holding unit 3 and the tape receiving unit 6.

[0057] Next, suction from the first ventilation holes 319 of the multiple first suction units 31 is stopped. As a result, the tape piece 90 is held only by the tape receiving unit 6.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape receiving section 6 downward relative to the tape holding section 3. Here, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape receiving section 6 downward using the lifting mechanism 521.

[0059] In this embodiment, the multiple second suction sections 61 have a shape that allows them to descend by passing between the multiple first suction sections 31. This facilitates the transfer of tape pieces 90 from the tape holding section 3 to the tape receiving section 6.

[0060] Finally, as shown in Figure 11, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape holding section 3 and the tape receiving section 6 relative to each other so that they move away from each other. Here, the moving mechanism 5 moves the tape receiving section 6 away from the tape holding section 3 by moving the tape receiving section 6 backward using the first rail mechanism 523 of the horizontal moving mechanism 522.

[0061] In this way, the tape piece 90 can be transferred from the tape holding unit 3 to the tape receiving unit 6.

[0062] The sorting and attaching unit 7 is configured to attach the tape pieces 90 held by the tape receiving unit 6 to the object 8 (see Figure 13). The sorting and attaching unit 7 is configured to attach two or more tape pieces 90, each individually held by two or more second suction heads 60 in the tape receiving unit 6, to the object 8 individually (i.e., sorted).

[0063] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 12, and 13, the distribution and application unit 7 is equipped with two or more (five in this case) movable bodies 71. Note that in Figures 12 and 13, the shapes of the moving mechanism 5, tape receiving unit 6, and movable bodies 71 are shown in a simplified manner.

[0064] Two or more mobile bodies 71 correspond one-to-one with two or more second suction heads 60. In other words, the multiple second suction units 61 are divided into two or more sets, each containing at least two second suction units 61, and two or more mobile bodies 71 correspond one-to-one with two or more sets containing at least two second suction units 61.

[0065] Each moving body 71 moves forward, backward, left, and right together with the corresponding second suction head 60 by the horizontal movement mechanism 522. Here, two or more moving bodies 71 move together in the forward and backward direction by the first rail mechanism 523 of the horizontal movement mechanism 522. On the other hand, two or more moving bodies 71 can move individually in the left and right directions by the second rail mechanism 524 of the horizontal movement mechanism 522.

[0066] Furthermore, two or more movable bodies 71 correspond one-to-one with two or more ventilation rods 63. Each ventilation rod 63 is held on a movable body 71 so as to be rotatable around its axis. Each ventilation rod 63 is also movable up and down relative to its corresponding movable body 71. As the ventilation rods 63 move up and down relative to the movable body 71, the second suction heads 60 connected to the lower ends of the ventilation rods 63 move up and down. In other words, each of the two or more movable bodies 71 is configured to move up and down at least two second suction parts 61 included in the corresponding set of two or more sets. In this way, by the two or more movable bodies 71 individually moving the two or more second suction heads 60, it becomes possible to individually attach the two or more tape pieces 90 cut by the tape cutting part 4 to the application area 81 of the object 8.

[0067] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the method of attaching tape pieces 90 to the object 8 using the distribution and attachment unit 7 will be explained. The object 8 is not particularly limited, but here it is a long, flat board 80 in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 13.

[0068] First, as shown in Figure 12, the tape receiving unit 6 holds the tape pieces 90 received from the tape holding unit 3 by suction to the lower surfaces 611 of the multiple second suction units 61. Here, two or more tape pieces 90 are individually held by two or more second suction heads 60 of the tape receiving unit 6 (the tape is pre-cut by the tape cutting unit 4 before being transferred from the tape holding unit 3 to the tape receiving unit 6).

[0069] Next, using an appropriate transport means (which may be manual), the board 80, which is the object 8, is placed below the tape receiving section 6. Then, the first rail mechanism 523 of the moving mechanism 5 moves two or more movable bodies 71 together in the front-rear direction so that the tape receiving section 6 is positioned above the board 80. In addition, the second rail mechanism 524 of the moving mechanism 5 moves two or more movable bodies 71 individually in the left-right direction so that they are positioned above the areas 81 on the board 8 where two or more tape pieces 90 are to be attached.

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 13, the lifting mechanism 521 of the moving mechanism 5 lowers two or more second suction heads 60 to individually attach the tape pieces 90. That is, the tape receiving unit 6 is moved over the attachment target area 81 of the object 8, and suction from the multiple second ventilation holes 619 is stopped. As a result, the tape pieces 90 are individually attached to the attachment target area 81 on the upper surface of the board 80, which is the object 8.

[0071] Here, the lower surface 611 of the second suction part 61 that holds the tape piece 90 in the second suction head 60 is planar (see Figure 6). That is, the lower surface 611 of the second suction part 61 includes a planar pressing surface that presses and adheres the tape piece 90 to the object 8. This allows the tape piece 90 to be firmly pressed and adhered to the object 8.

[0072] (1.2) Tape application method The tape application method for attaching a tape piece 90 to an object 8 using the tape cutting system 100 of this embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 14, a first suction step ST1, a tape cutting step ST2, a relative movement step ST3, a second suction step ST4, a first vacuum breaking step ST5, and a second vacuum breaking step ST6.

[0073] The first suction step ST1 includes holding the adhesive tape 9 in the tape holding unit 3 by drawing air in through multiple first ventilation holes 319 in the multiple first suction parts 31, while the lower surfaces 311 of each of the multiple first suction parts 31 of the tape holding unit 3 are in contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 9 (see Figures 1 to 3). Here, the upper surface of the adhesive tape 9 is the non-adhesive surface 92.

[0074] The tape cutting step ST2 includes cutting the adhesive tape 9 held by the tape holding unit 3 into tape pieces 90 using the tape cutting unit 4 (see Figure 3). Here, the tape cutting unit 4 includes a laser irradiation unit 41, and the adhesive tape 9 is cut into tape pieces 90 by irradiating it with laser light L1 from above using the laser irradiation unit 41.

[0075] The relative movement step ST3 includes moving the tape receiving section 6 relative to the tape holding section 3 so that the comb-shaped second suction sections 61 interlock with the comb-shaped first suction sections 31 (see Figures 7 to 9).

[0076] The second suction step ST4 includes holding the tape piece 90 in the tape receiving section 6 by sucking air from the multiple second ventilation holes 619 in the multiple second suction sections 61 while the multiple second suction sections 61 are engaged with the multiple first suction sections 31.

[0077] The first vacuum breaking step ST5 includes stopping the suction from the plurality of first vents 319 after the second suction step ST4.

[0078] The second vacuum breaking step ST6 includes moving the tape receiving unit 6 over the application area 81 of the object 8 after the first vacuum breaking step ST5, thereby stopping the suction from the multiple second vents 619 (see Figure 13). The second vacuum breaking step ST6 causes the tape piece 90 to be applied to the application area 81 of the object 8.

[0079] Thus, the tape cutting system 100 of this embodiment can be used to attach adhesive tape 9 (tape piece 90) to a desired part (part 81 to be attached) of an object 8.

[0080] (2) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. These embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following lists some modifications of the embodiments. The embodiments described above and the modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0081] In one modified example, the number of second suction heads 60 is not limited to 5; it may be 1, 2 to 4, or 6 or more.

[0082] In one modified example, the tape holding portion 3 may hold the adhesive tape 9 with the lower surface 311 of the first suction portion 31 facing the adhesive surface 91 of the adhesive tape 9. For example, the adhesive tape 9 may be a double-sided tape with adhesive surfaces 91 on both sides.

[0083] (3) Appearance As can be seen from the above embodiments and modifications, the following embodiments are disclosed herein.

[0084] The tape cutting system (100) of the first embodiment comprises a tape holding section (3), a tape cutting section (4), a tape receiving section (6), a tape cutting section (4), a tape receiving section (6), and a moving mechanism (5). The tape holding section (3) includes a plurality of first suction sections (31). Each of the plurality of first suction sections (31) has a first ventilation hole (319) on its lower surface (311). The plurality of first suction sections (31) are arranged in a comb-like pattern. The tape holding section (3) holds the adhesive tape (9) by sucking the adhesive tape (9) to the lower surface (311) of each of the plurality of first suction sections (31). The tape cutting section (4) cuts the adhesive tape (9) that is held by the tape holding section (3) to make a tape piece (90). The tape receiving section (6) includes a plurality of second suction sections (61). Each of the multiple second suction parts (61) has a second ventilation hole (619) on its lower surface (611). The multiple second suction parts (61) are arranged in a comb-like pattern. The tape receiving part (6) receives the tape piece (90) from the tape holding part (3). The moving mechanism (5) moves the tape receiving part (6) relative to the tape holding part (3) so that the comb-like multiple second suction parts (61) interlock with the comb-like multiple first suction parts (31).

[0085] This embodiment of the tape cutting system (100) can be used to apply adhesive tape (9) to a desired part of an object (8).

[0086] In the second embodiment of the tape cutting system (100), in the first embodiment, the tape cutting unit (4) includes a laser irradiation unit (41). The laser irradiation unit (41) cuts the adhesive tape (9) by irradiating the adhesive tape (9) with laser light (L1) from above.

[0087] This configuration allows for a reduction in cycle time.

[0088] In the third embodiment of the tape cutting system (100), in the second embodiment, the upper surface (312) of at least one of the plurality of first suction parts (31) has an inclined surface (313) at its edge.

[0089] According to this embodiment, the laser light (L1) from the laser irradiation unit (41) is less likely to hit the upper surface (312) of the first suction unit (31).

[0090] In the fourth embodiment of the tape-cutting system (100), in any one of the first to third embodiments, the plurality of second suction units (61) have a shape that allows them to descend through the plurality of first suction units (31).

[0091] According to this embodiment, the transfer of tape pieces (90) from the tape holding unit (3) to the tape receiving unit (6) becomes easier.

[0092] The fifth embodiment of the tape cutting system (100) further comprises a sorting and application unit (7) in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. The sorting and application unit (7) includes two or more movable bodies (71). The tape cutting unit (4) is configured to cut the adhesive tape (9) into two or more tape pieces (90). The plurality of second suction units (61) are divided into two or more sets, each containing at least two second suction units (61). The two or more movable bodies (71) each correspond one-to-one with two or more sets, each containing at least two second suction units (61). Each of the two or more movable bodies (71) is configured to move at least two second suction units (61) included in the corresponding set in the vertical direction.

[0093] According to this embodiment, two or more pieces of tape (90) cut by the tape cutting section (4) can be individually attached to the attachment positions (81) of the object (8).

[0094] In the sixth embodiment of the tape cutting system (100), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the adhesive tape (9) has an adhesive surface (91) and a non-adhesive surface (92). The tape holding unit (3) holds the adhesive tape (9) with the lower surfaces (311) of the plurality of first suction units (31) facing the non-adhesive surface (92).

[0095] According to this embodiment, the transfer of tape pieces (90) from the tape holding unit (3) to the tape receiving unit (6) becomes easier.

[0096] The seventh embodiment of the tape application method is a tape application method that uses a tape cutting system (100) of any one of the first to sixth embodiments to apply a tape piece (90) to an object. The tape application method includes a first suction step (ST1), a tape cutting step (ST2), a relative movement step (ST3), a second suction step (ST4), a first vacuum breaking step (ST5), and a second vacuum breaking step (ST6). The first suction step (ST1) includes holding the adhesive tape (9) in the tape holding part (3) by sucking air from a plurality of first ventilation holes (319) in the plurality of first suction parts (31) while the lower surfaces (311) of each of the plurality of first suction parts (31) of the tape holding part (3) are in contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape (9). The tape cutting step (ST2) includes cutting the adhesive tape (9) held by the tape holding part (3) into a tape piece (90) using the tape cutting part (4). The relative movement step (ST3) includes moving the tape receiving part (6) relative to the tape holding part (3) so that the comb-shaped second suction parts (61) interlock with the comb-shaped first suction parts (31). The second suction step (ST4) includes holding the tape piece (90) in the tape receiving part (6) by sucking air from the multiple second vents (619) in the multiple second suction parts (61) while the multiple second suction parts (61) are interlocked with the multiple first suction parts (31). The first vacuum breaking step (ST5) includes stopping the suction from the multiple first vents (319) after the second suction step (ST4). The second vacuum breaking step (ST6) includes, after the first vacuum breaking step (ST5), moving the tape receiving unit (6) over the application area (81) of the object (8) to stop suction from the plurality of second vents (619).

[0097] According to this embodiment, an adhesive tape (9) can be attached to a desired part of the object (8) using a tape cutting system (100). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 100 Tape Cutting System 3 Tape holding section 31 1st suction part 311 Bottom surface 312 Top surface 313 Slope 319 First ventilation hole 4. Tape cutting section 41 Laser irradiation area 5 Moving mechanism 6 Tape receiving section 61 2nd suction part 611 Bottom surface 619 Second ventilation hole 7. Distribution and attachment section 71 Mobile Unit 8. Object 81. Application site 9 Adhesive tape 90 pieces of tape 91 Adhesive surface 92 Non-adhesive surface L1 laser light ST1 First suction step ST2 Tape Cutting Step ST3 Relative movement step ST4 Second suction step ST5 First Vacuum Breaking Step ST6 Second Vacuum Breaking Step

Claims

1. Each of the first suction parts has a first ventilation hole on its lower surface and is arranged in a comb-like pattern, and the tape holding part holds the adhesive tape by sucking the adhesive tape to the lower surface of each of the multiple first suction parts, A tape cutting unit cuts the adhesive tape, which is held in place by the tape holding unit, into pieces of tape, Each of the second suction parts has a second ventilation hole on its lower surface and is arranged in a comb-like pattern, and includes a tape receiving part that receives the tape piece from the tape holding part, The device includes a moving mechanism that moves the tape receiving portion relative to the tape holding portion so that the comb-shaped plurality of second suction portions interlock with the comb-shaped plurality of first suction portions. Tape-cutting system.

2. The tape cutting section includes a laser irradiation section that cuts the adhesive tape by irradiating it with laser light from above. The tape cutting system according to claim 1.

3. The upper surface of at least one of the plurality of first suction portions has an inclined surface at its edge. The tape cutting system according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of second suction portions have a shape that allows them to descend by passing between the plurality of first suction portions. The tape cutting system according to claim 1.

5. The distribution and attachment section further includes two or more movable bodies, The tape cutting section is configured to cut the adhesive tape into two or more pieces of tape. The plurality of second suction units are divided into two or more sets, each containing at least two second suction units. Each of the two or more moving bodies corresponds one-to-one with the two or more sets, each of which includes at least two second suction parts. Each of the two or more moving bodies is configured to move in the vertical direction at least two of the two or more sets of second suction parts that are included in a corresponding set. The tape cutting system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned adhesive tape has an adhesive surface and a non-adhesive surface. The tape holding portion holds the adhesive tape with the lower surfaces of the plurality of first suction portions facing the non-adhesive surface. The tape cutting system according to claim 1.

7. A method for applying tape to an object using the tape cutting system described in claim 1, wherein the tape piece is applied to the object, A first suction step involves holding the adhesive tape in the tape holding portion by drawing air from the plurality of first ventilation holes in the plurality of first suction portions while the lower surfaces of each of the plurality of first suction portions of the tape holding portion are in contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape, The tape cutting step involves cutting the adhesive tape held by the tape holding portion using the tape cutting portion to form a tape piece, A relative movement step of moving the tape receiving portion relative to the tape holding portion so that the comb-shaped plurality of second suction portions interlock with the comb-shaped plurality of first suction portions, A second suction step involves holding the tape piece in the tape receiving section by drawing air from the multiple second ventilation holes in the multiple second suction sections while the multiple second suction sections are engaged with the multiple first suction sections. After the second suction step, a first vacuum breaking step is performed to stop suction from the plurality of first vents, The process includes a second vacuum breaking step, in which, after the first vacuum breaking step, the tape receiving unit is moved over the area of ​​the object to be attached, thereby stopping the suction from the plurality of second vents. How to apply tape.

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