Tape feeder and component loading equipment

Abstract

The objective is to provide a tape feeder and component loading device that can reduce the occurrence of component pickup errors caused by deformation of the component supply tape storage section. [Solution] The tape feeder includes a transport unit 26 that transports a parts supply tape BT containing parts BH in storage sections PK formed at a constant pitch along a transport path 23 and stops the parts BH at a stop position T, and a feeder control unit that controls the transport unit 26. The transport path 23 includes a horizontal guide section L1 that supports both ends of the parts supply tape BT from below and guides it horizontally, and an inclined guide section L2 that guides the parts supply tape BT that has passed through the horizontal guide section L1 diagonally downward and discharges it. The feeder control unit selects one of a first stop position T1 and a second stop position T2 set upstream of the downstream end KT of the horizontal guide section L1, and controls the transport unit 26 so that the parts BH stop at the selected stop position T.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tape feeder that conveys a component supply tape in which components are stored in storage portions formed at a constant pitch to supply the components, and a component mounting apparatus including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a component mounting apparatus that picks up components with a mounting head and mounts them on a substrate is known, and a tape feeder is often used as the component supply means. The tape feeder conveys a component supply tape in which components are stored in storage portions formed at a constant pitch, and supplies the components by stopping the components at a predetermined stop position (for example, Patent Document 1 below). The conveyance path of the component supply tape provided in the tape feeder includes a portion (horizontal guiding portion) that supports both end portions in the width direction of the component supply tape from below and guides them in the horizontal direction, and a portion (inclined guiding portion) that guides the component supply tape that has passed through that portion obliquely downward and discharges it. When the components are relatively large, the storage portion is formed by embossing and is a concave portion that is recessed downward. When the components are even larger, the width dimension of the component supply tape in the width direction becomes a wide type that is larger than that of the normal type.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as described above, in parts supply tapes where the storage area is a concave section formed by embossing, the lower surfaces of both ends (both ends that sandwich the storage area in the width direction) are supported by the transport path, but the bottom of the storage area is not supported by anything. Therefore, at the point where the transported parts supply tape changes direction from horizontal to diagonally downward, even if the bottom surface of the storage area is generally in a horizontal position, a part of the downstream side of the bottom surface may deform and tilt downward.

[0005] On the other hand, from a takt perspective, it is preferable for the mounting head to pick up parts as far downstream as possible. Therefore, the stopping position is usually set just before the parts supply tape changes direction from horizontal to diagonally downward. Consequently, if the storage compartment of a wide-type parts supply tape, which has a larger storage compartment, is stopped at a stopping position set based on a standard-type parts supply tape with a smaller storage compartment, local deformation may occur on the bottom surface of the storage compartment where it stops. This could cause the parts inside the storage compartment to tilt from their horizontal position, potentially leading to a pickup error by the mounting head.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a tape feeder and a component mounting device that can reduce the occurrence of component pickup errors caused by deformation of the component supply tape storage section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The tape feeder of this disclosure is a tape feeder comprising: a transport unit that transports a parts supply tape containing parts in storage sections formed at a constant pitch along a transport path and stops the parts at a stop position; and a control unit that controls the transport unit, wherein the transport path includes a horizontal guide unit that supports both ends of the parts supply tape in the width direction from below and guides it horizontally, and an inclined guide unit that guides the parts supply tape that has passed through the horizontal guide unit diagonally downward and discharges it, and the control unit selects one of a plurality of stop positions set upstream of the downstream end of the horizontal guide unit and controls the transport unit so that the parts stop at the selected stop position.

[0008] The component mounting apparatus of this disclosure comprises a tape feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a mounting head for picking up components supplied by the tape feeder and mounting them onto a substrate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of errors in picking up parts caused by deformation of the storage section of the parts supply tape. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a key part of a component mounting device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a part of a component supply tape used by a component mounting device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a component supply tape used by a component mounting device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] (a)(b) A perspective view of a tape feeder included in a component mounting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] (a)(b) A perspective view of a portion of the component supply tape transported by a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] (a)(b) Side cross-sectional view of a portion of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] A partial side sectional view of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] (a)(b) A partial side sectional view of a tape feeder in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the configuration of a work station in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the flow of component set-up executed by a work station in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] (a)(b)(c) A partial side sectional view of a tape feeder in a modification of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments in the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a component mounting apparatus 10 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The component mounting apparatus 10 is an apparatus that repeatedly performs an operation (component mounting operation) of carrying in and positioning a substrate KB sent from another apparatus on the upstream process side, mounting a component BH on the substrate KB, and carrying it out to another apparatus on the downstream process side. Here, for convenience of explanation, the conveyance direction of the substrate KB (the left-right direction as viewed from the operator OP) is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction in the horizontal plane (the front-back direction as viewed from the operator OP) is defined as the Y direction. The up-down direction is defined as the Z direction.

[0012] In FIG. 1, the component mounting apparatus 10 includes a base 11, a conveyance conveyor 12, a carriage 13, a plurality of tape feeders 14, a head moving mechanism 15, a mounting head 16, and a mounting apparatus control unit 17. The base 11 is installed on the floor surface FL, and the conveyance conveyor 12 is provided extending in the X direction on the base 11. The conveyance conveyor 12 performs the carrying in and out of the substrate KB.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the carriage 13 is connected to the Y-direction end of the base 11. A block-shaped feeder base 13B is provided on the upper part of the carriage 13. A reel holder 13H is provided at a position below the feeder base 13B.

[0014] The feeder base 13B has a plurality of slots (not shown) arranged at equal pitches along the X direction, and is configured such that a tape feeder 14 can be mounted in each slot. Therefore, the plurality of tape feeders 14 are each detachably mounted on the feeder base 13B of the carriage 13. As shown in FIG. 2, each tape feeder 14 pulls out a component supply tape BT in which components BH are stored in a concave storage portion PK formed at a constant pitch from a reel RL held by the reel holder 13H and conveys (pitch conveyance) it, and stops the components BH at a stop position T (FIG. 1) set at the end on the downstream side (the side away from the operator OP and on the side of the conveyance conveyor 12) to supply the components BH. Details of the configuration of the component supply tape BT and the tape feeder 14 will be described later.

[0015] The head movement mechanism 15 is provided on the base 11 and moves the mounting head 16 within a horizontal plane (XY plane). The head movement mechanism 15 is composed of, for example, an XY table mechanism.

[0016] The mounting head 16 includes a plurality of nozzles 16a extending in the Z direction. The mounting head 16 can generate a vacuum adsorption force at the lower end of each nozzle 16a, and thereby can adsorb and pick up the components BH supplied by each tape feeder 14.

[0017] The mounting device control unit 17 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned parts that constitute the component mounting device 10. Specifically, the mounting device control unit 17 controls the transport conveyor 12 to transport (load in and load out) the substrate KB, and controls each tape feeder 14 to perform component supply operations. In addition, the mounting device control unit 17 operates the head moving mechanism 15 and the mounting head 16 to pick up the components BH supplied by the tape feeder 14 from the tape feeder 14 and mount them on the substrate KB.

[0018] When the component mounting device 10 performs component mounting work, it operates the transport conveyor 12 to bring in the circuit board KB and position it at a predetermined work position. Once the circuit board KB is positioned at the work position, it causes the tape feeder 14 to supply components while the mounting head 16 moves back and forth between the tape feeder 14 and the circuit board KB to repeatedly perform mounting turns. In one mounting turn, the mounting head 16 moves above the tape feeder 14 to pick up the component BH supplied by the tape feeder 14 with the nozzle 16a, and then moves above the circuit board KB to mount the component BH at a predetermined location on the circuit board KB.

[0019] The mounting head 16 repeatedly performs mounting turns until all the components BH to be mounted on the circuit board KB are mounted. Once this is done, the transport conveyor 12 activates and the circuit board KB is unloaded. This completes the component mounting process for each circuit board KB.

[0020] Next, we will describe the tape feeder 14 and the component supply tape BT transported by the component loading device 10 described above. First, we will explain the configuration of the component supply tape BT.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the component supply tape BT has multiple storage compartments PK arranged in a row. Two planar sections HB are located on either side of these rows of storage compartments PK in the width direction (X direction) of the component supply tape BT, and each of these sections is provided with two rows of feed holes KH.

[0022] In this embodiment, the storage section PK, as shown in Figure 3 (Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V1-V1 in Figure 2), consists of a recessed portion formed by embossing and recessed downwards. Each storage section PK contains one component BH.

[0023] In Figure 2, the components BH stored in each storage compartment PK are sealed within the storage compartment PK by a cover tape TT attached to the upper surface of the component supply tape BT. By peeling off the cover tape TT from the component supply tape BT, the components BH inside the storage compartment PK can be exposed.

[0024] In Figures 4(a), (b) and 5, the tape feeder 14 has a main body 21 that extends in the Y direction as a whole, and an extension 21E extends downward from the upstream end of the main body 21. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), a pair of plate-shaped tape support sections 22 are provided inside the main body 21, facing each other in the width direction (X direction). The upper edges of each of the pair of tape support sections 22 support and guide each of the two planar sections HB of the component supply tape BT from below, thereby forming a transport path 23 for the component supply tape BT inside the main body 21.

[0025] In Figures 4(a), (b) and 5, a transport path inlet 24, which is the entrance to the transport path 23, is provided at the upstream end of the main body 21. On the other hand, a transport path outlet 25, which is the exit to the transport path 23, is provided at the downstream end of the main body 21.

[0026] In Figure 5, the main body 21 is provided with a transport unit 26 that transports the component supply tape BT along the transport path 23. The transport unit 26 pitch-transports the component supply tape BT, with its leading edge inserted from the transport path inlet 24, from upstream to downstream, and discharges it from the transport path outlet 25. During this time, each storage compartment PK of the component supply tape BT is positioned at the aforementioned stop position T with the cover tape TT peeled off, where the mounting head 16 picks up the component BH. Therefore, the component supply tape BT discharged from the transport path outlet 25 is an empty tape after the component BH in the storage compartment PK has been removed. The transport unit 26 also has a sensor (not shown) that detects the component supply tape BT passing through the transport path 23, and by detecting the leading edge of the component supply tape BT with the sensor, the component BH in the component supply tape BT can be accurately stopped at the stop position T.

[0027] In Figures 5 and 6 (Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area AR in Figure 5), the transport path 23 includes a horizontal guide section L1 and an inclined guide section L2. The horizontal guide section L1 supports both ends (two flat sections HB) in the width direction of the component supply tape BT from below and guides the component supply tape BT horizontally. The inclined guide section L2 is located downstream of the horizontal guide section L1 along the transport path 23 and guides the component supply tape BT that has passed through the horizontal guide section L1 diagonally downward and discharges it. That is, the component supply tape BT transported along the transport path 23 moves from being supported by the horizontal guide section L1 to being supported by the inclined guide section L2, and is then discharged to the outside of the main body 21 via the transport path exit 25.

[0028] The transport unit 26 is equipped with six sprockets located within the main body 21 and a motor 34 that drives these six sprockets (Figures 4(a), (b)). Here, "six sprockets" refers to two first sprockets 31 arranged opposite each other in the width direction, two second sprockets 32 arranged opposite each other in the width direction, and two third sprockets 33 arranged opposite each other in the width direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7 (Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the V2-V2 line in Figure 6), within the region corresponding to the horizontal guide section L1, the component supply tape BT is supported by the upper edges of a pair of tape support sections 22 at the lower surfaces of the two planar sections HB, and the feed pins PN (see Figure 6) on the outer circumference of two sprockets (here, two second sprockets 32) that are opposite in the width direction engage with the two feed holes KH that are opposite in the width direction from below. The six sprockets described above rotate synchronously while engaging the feed pins PN with the feed holes KH of the component supply tape BT on the transport path 23, thereby transporting the component supply tape BT along the transport path 23.

[0030] In this embodiment, two types of parts supply tapes BT are used. One type is a "standard type" with a typical width dimension (Figure 8(a)), and the other is a "wide type" with a relatively larger width dimension than the standard type (Figure 8(b)). Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the feeder base 13B of the trolley 13 is equipped with a tape feeder 14 that transports the standard type parts supply tape BT to supply parts (the tape feeder 14 with the designation "14A" in Figure 1) and a tape feeder 14 that transports the wide type parts supply tape BT to supply parts (the tape feeder 14 with the designation "14B" in Figure 1).

[0031] The two types of tape feeders 14 described above have different widthwise dimensions of the main body 21 depending on the width of the parts supply tape BT being transported. In addition, the spacing between the tape support sections 22, the spacing between the first sprockets 31, the spacing between the second sprockets 32, and the spacing between the third sprockets 33 also differ from one another. Specifically, the tape feeder 14 that transports a standard type parts supply tape BT has a larger widthwise dimension of the main body 21 and a larger spacing between opposing sprockets in the widthwise direction than the tape feeder 14 that transports a wide type parts supply tape BT.

[0032] Furthermore, the size of the storage compartment PK in the wide-type component supply tape BT is larger than the size of the storage compartment PK in the standard-type component supply tape BT. Consequently, the longitudinal dimension NE of the storage compartment PK in the wide-type component supply tape BT (Figure 8(b)) is larger than the longitudinal dimension NE of the storage compartment PK in the standard-type component supply tape BT (Figure 8(a)), and the size of the component BH stored in the storage compartment PK of the wide-type component supply tape BT is larger than the size of the component BH stored in the storage compartment PK of the standard-type component supply tape BT.

[0033] In Figures 4(a), (b) and 5, a tape cover 35 is attached to the upper downstream side of the main body 21. The tape cover 35 covers a portion of the upper part of the downstream end of the main body 21. The tape cover 35 has an opening 35H that opens above the stop position T. The stop position T is set within the area of ​​the horizontal guide L1 (Figure 6) and, in a plan view, is located within the opening 35H (Figures 4(a), (b)).

[0034] In Figure 5, a peeling section 36 is provided on the upstream side of the tape cover 35 at the top of the main body 21. The peeling section 36 peels the cover tape TT from the parts supply tape BT being transported along the transport path 23, exposing the parts BH in the storage section PK.

[0035] In Figures 4(a) and 5, an engaging portion 37 and a connector 38 are provided on the downstream surface of the extension portion 21E of the main body portion 21, protruding downstream. When the tape feeder 14 is mounted on the feeder base 13B, the engaging portion 37 engages with the engaged portion (not shown) on the feeder base 13B side, and the connector 38 connects to the connector on the feeder base 13B side (feeder base side connector; not shown). The tape feeder 14 is fixed to the feeder base 13B by the engaging portion 37 and the connection of the connector 38 to the feeder base side connector, enabling the tape feeder 14 and the mounted device control unit 17 to transmit information to each other.

[0036] In Figures 4(a), (b) and 5, an operating unit 39 is provided at the uppermost upstream end of the main body 21. The operating unit 39 is equipped with multiple operating switches 39B and a lamp 39L. The operator OP can adjust the operating status of the transport unit 26 by operating the operating switches 39B.

[0037] In Figure 5, a feeder control unit 41 is provided in the middle section of the main body 21 as a control unit that controls the operation of the tape feeder 14. The feeder control unit 41 controls the motor 34 to rotate the six sprockets (two first sprockets 31, two second sprockets 32, and two third sprockets 33), that is, it controls the transport unit 26. The operation state of the transport unit 26 is adjusted by operating the operation switch 39B through the feeder control unit 41.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 9(a) and (b), multiple stopping positions T for component BH are set in the region upstream of the downstream end KT of the horizontal guide L1. Specifically, a first stopping position T1 is set slightly upstream of the downstream end KT of the horizontal guide L1, and a second stopping position T2 is set upstream of the first stopping position.

[0039] In detail, the first stopping position T1 is set as the position where, when the storage unit PK for a standard type component supply tape BT is stopped, the entire bottom surface of the storage unit PK becomes horizontal (and therefore the components BH inside the storage unit PK are in a horizontal position). The second stopping position T2 is located upstream of the first stopping position T1 and is set as the position where, when the storage unit PK for a wide type component supply tape BT is stopped, the entire bottom surface inside the storage unit PK becomes horizontal (and therefore the components BH inside the storage unit PK are in a horizontal position).

[0040] In this embodiment, the stopping positions T of each of the multiple component BHs are set according to the size of the component BH stored in the storage unit PK, with the stopping positions T corresponding to larger component BHs being located further upstream.

[0041] In Figure 5, the feeder control unit 41 includes a storage unit 42. The storage unit 42 stores information (position information) of the two stopping positions T (first stopping position T1 and second stopping position T2). The feeder control unit 41 selects one of these two stopping positions T stored in the storage unit 42 and controls the transport unit 26 so that the part BH stops at the selected stopping position.

[0042] As mentioned above, the first stopping position T1 (Figure 9(a)) is the position where the entire bottom surface of the storage unit PK in the standard type component supply tape BT becomes horizontal (i.e., does not deform) when the storage unit PK is stopped at the first stopping position T1. Therefore, when the storage unit PK of the standard type component supply tape BT is stopped at the first stopping position T1, the component BH inside the storage unit PK is in a horizontal position (Figure 10). For this reason, when the mounting head 16 picks up the component BH from the storage unit PK of the standard type component supply tape BT that has been stopped at the first stopping position T1 by the nozzle 16a, no pickup errors occur.

[0043] As mentioned above, the second stopping position T2 (Figure 9(b)) is also a position where the entire bottom surface of the storage compartment PK becomes horizontal (undeformed) when the component BH in the wide-type component supply tape BT is stopped. Therefore, when the storage compartment PK of the wide-type component supply tape BT is stopped at the second stopping position T2, the component BH inside the storage compartment PK is in a horizontal position (Figure 11). For this reason, when the mounting head 16 picks up the component BH from the storage compartment PK of the wide-type component supply tape BT that has been stopped at the second stopping position T2 by the nozzle 16a, no pickup errors occur.

[0044] Here, assuming that a wide-type component supply tape BT is transported by the tape feeder 14, and that the wide-type component supply tape BT is stopped at the first stop position T1, as shown in Figure 12, the upstream side of the two planar sections HB is supported by the horizontal guide section L1, but the downstream side of the two planar sections HB is not supported by the horizontal guide section L1. As a result, the bottom surface of the storage section PK deforms to tilt downward due to the weight of the components BH stored in the storage section PK, and the components BH inside the storage section PK tilt in a head-down position and do not maintain a horizontal position (Figure 12).

[0045] If the component (component BH in the storage unit PK) stopped at the stopping position T is tilted from its horizontal position as described above, the mounting head 16 may make a pickup error when picking up the component BH from the storage unit PK with the nozzle 16a. However, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, the wide-type component supply tape BT is stopped at a second stopping position T2, which is set in an area upstream of the first stopping position T1, the same as the normal-type component supply tape BT. Therefore, pickup errors of component BH due to deformation of the storage unit PK do not occur.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the multiple tape feeders 14 mounted on the feeder base 13B of the component loading device 10 is configured such that a first stop position T1 is selected as the stop position T when the component supply tape BT being transported is of the normal type, and a second stop position T2 located upstream of the first stop position T1 is selected when the component supply tape BT being transported is of the wide type. This selection of the stop position T can be performed by an operator OP by operating an operation switch 39B from an operation unit 39 provided on each tape feeder 14.

[0047] In this operation, if operator OP actually stops the parts supply tape BT at the selected stop position T and discovers that the parts BH in the storage compartment PK at stop position T are tilted from a horizontal position, operator OP can adjust the stop position. This adjustment is performed by operator OP operating the operation switch 39B from the control unit 39 to activate the motor 34, causing the six sprockets (two first sprockets 31, two second sprockets 32, and two third sprockets 33) to rotate slightly.

[0048] For example, if the parts BH inside the storage compartment PK of the wide-type parts supply tape BT, which has been stopped at the second stop position T2, are tilted from a horizontal position (Figure 13(a)), the operator OP operates the operation switch 39B from the operation unit 39 to activate the motor 34, causing the six sprockets to rotate slightly counterclockwise as shown in the figure. This moves the parts supply tape BT slightly upstream, and the stop position T (second stop position T2) moves upstream (Figure 13(b)). The information of the adjusted stop position T (adjusted stop position T) is stored in the storage unit 42, and as long as the tape feeder 14 is not removed from the feeder base 13B, the storage compartment PK will continue to stop at the adjusted stop position T for that tape feeder 14.

[0049] Operator OP sets the stopping position T of the tape feeder 14 as described above (including subsequent adjustments), and then performs tape setting work for that tape feeder 14, including leading off of component BH (the work of positioning the leading component located at the beginning of the component supply tape BT at the stopping position T). This tape setting work is performed for all tape feeders 14 mounted on the feeder base 13B of the trolley 13 (this is called "component setup"). Once this component setup is complete, component loading work can be performed by the component loading device 10.

[0050] While the above-described component setup can be performed entirely manually by an operator (OP), it can also be automated using a separate work station 50, as shown in Figure 14, which is prepared separately from the component loading device 10. The following explains this process.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14, the work station 50 is equipped with a processing unit 51 inside, to which the operator OP can input operations, and an operation display unit 52 is connected to which information visible to the operator OP is displayed. A trolley 13 with tape feeders 14 mounted on a feeder base 13B can be connected to the work station 50. When the trolley 13 is connected to the work station 50, each of the multiple tape feeders 14 mounted on the feeder base 13B is electrically and signal-transmitted to the processing unit 51.

[0052] In Figure 14, the processing unit 51 is connected to the information management unit 54 via a communication network 53 such as an intranet. The information management unit 54 stores production data in the data storage unit 54D.

[0053] The production data is necessary for the component mounting device 10 to perform the task of mounting component BH onto the circuit board KB, and includes the mounting position of component BH on the circuit board KB and the component BH distribution data on the trolley 13. The distribution data is data that associates the set position of component BH on the feeder base 13B, that is, the number assigned to the slot of the feeder base 13B (slot number), with information for identifying component BH (component ID, reel ID, etc.), and is information that instructs which component BH should be mounted on the tape feeder 14 installed in the slot of the feeder base 13B.

[0054] In Figure 14, the processing unit 51 is connected to the reader 56 via cable 55. A code label CL is attached to the reel RL around which the component supply tape BT is wound. The code label CL records information about the component supply tape BT wound on the reel RL, specifically the type of component BH stored within it.

[0055] When the work station 50 configured above is to perform parts setup on multiple tape feeders 14 mounted on the trolley 13, the worker OP connects the trolley 13 to the work station 50 and then inputs a message from the operation display unit 52 to start parts setup. When the processing unit 51 detects that a predetermined input has been received from the operation display unit 52, it first acquires the data necessary for this parts setup (step ST1 in the flowchart of Figure 15). As mentioned above, this data is acquired by downloading production data from the data storage unit 54D of the information management unit 54.

[0056] After acquiring data in step ST1, the processing unit 51 instructs the operator OP to install the parts supply tape BT (step ST2). The tape feeder 14 targeted for the work instruction is selected preferentially from among those targeted for the installation of the parts supply tape BT, with the one having the smallest slot number. This work instruction is given by lighting (including flashing) a lamp 39L on the tape feeder 14 targeted for the installation of the parts supply tape BT, and by visually indicating the position of that tape feeder 14 (position on the feeder base 13B and slot number) on the operation display unit 52. After the operator OP confirms the position of the tape feeder 14 to which the parts supply tape BT will be installed (step ST3), they operate the operation switch 39B on the target tape feeder 14 (switch operation) (step ST4), and then use the reader 56 to scan the code label CL on the reel RL and read the information recorded on the code label CL (step ST5).

[0057] In step ST4, when operator OP performs the above switch operation, an operation signal is transmitted from the feeder control unit 41 of the tape feeder 14 that performed the switch operation to the processing unit 51, and the processing unit 51 receives the operation signal. When the processing unit 51 receives an operation signal, it performs input detection to check whether the input is from the tape feeder 14 to which the component supply tape BT is to be installed (step ST6). If the processing unit 51 determines as a result of this input inspection that the operation signal was not from the tape feeder 14 to which the component supply tape BT is to be installed, it instructs operator OP to redo the switch operation (step ST7). On the other hand, if the processing unit 51 determines that the operation signal was from the tape feeder 14 to which the component supply tape BT is to be installed, it performs component verification (step ST8).

[0058] Step ST8 involves verifying whether the information read from the code label CL in step ST5 corresponds to the part BH that should be mounted on the tape feeder 14. Specifically, this is done by determining whether the part ID or reel ID read in step ST5 matches the part BH or reel ID specified in the production data. After verifying the part in step ST8, the processing unit 51 determines whether the verification result is OK (step ST9).

[0059] If the verification result in step ST9 is not OK, the processing unit 51 instructs the operator OP to redo the switch operation from step ST7. If the verification result is OK, the processing unit 51 instructs the target tape feeder 14 to set transport parameters (step ST10). The transport parameters include information on the stopping position T of the component BH according to the type of component supply tape BT, as well as information on the feed pitch when transporting the component supply tape BT by pitch.

[0060] In step ST10, if the tape feeder 14 to which the component supply tape BT is to be attached is a standard type component supply tape BT, the processing unit 51 instructs the feeder control unit 41 of the tape feeder 14 to set a first stop position T1 as the stop position T. On the other hand, if the tape feeder 14 to which the component supply tape BT is to be attached is a wide type component supply tape BT, the processing unit 51 instructs the feeder control unit 41 of the tape feeder 14 to set a second stop position T2 as the stop position T.

[0061] After the processing unit 51 has set the transport parameters for the tape feeder 14 in step ST10, it permits the insertion (tape acceptance) of the component supply tape BT into the tape feeder 14 (step ST11). This is done by the processing unit 51 outputting a signal to the tape feeder 14 that permits the acceptance of the component supply tape BT into the tape feeder 14, and by instructing the operator OP through the operation display unit 52 to attach the component supply tape BT to the tape feeder 14.

[0062] When the operator OP receives an instruction from the processing unit 51 in step ST11 to attach the parts supply tape BT to the tape feeder 14, the operator OP inserts the leading end of the parts supply tape BT into the corresponding transport path inlet 24 of the tape feeder 14 (step ST12). Once the operator OP inserts the leading end of the parts supply tape BT into the transport path inlet 24 of the tape feeder 14, the feeder control unit 41 of the tape feeder 14 activates the transport unit 26, pulling the parts supply tape BT into the transport path 23 and transporting it along the transport path 23 (step ST13).

[0063] After the transport unit 26 starts transporting the component supply tape BT, the feeder control unit 41 performs the tape setting operation by stopping the component BH stored at the beginning of the component supply tape BT at the stop position T (first stop position T1 or second stop position T2) set in step ST10 (bringing out the beginning of component BH), and when the tape setting operation is completed, it sends a tape setting completion notification to the processing unit 51. After the processing unit 51 has permitted the tape feeder 14 to accept the tape in step ST11, if it receives a tape setting completion notification from the tape feeder 14 (step ST14), it determines whether the component setup is complete or not (step ST15).

[0064] The processing unit 51 makes the determination in step ST15 (determining whether or not the parts setup is complete) based on whether or not there are any tape feeders 14 among the multiple tape feeders 14 mounted on the feeder base 13B of the trolley 13 that have not yet completed the tape setting process. If, as a result, there are any tape feeders 14 that have not yet completed the tape setting process, the unit returns to step ST2 and performs the tape setting process for the next tape feeder 14. On the other hand, if there are no tape feeders 14 that have not yet completed the tape setting process (i.e., the tape setting process has been completed for all tape feeders 14), the unit determines that the parts setup is complete and notifies the operator OP of this fact via the operation display unit 52.

[0065] When operator OP receives notification via the operation display unit 52 that the component setup is complete, they determine whether it is necessary to adjust the stop position T for each tape feeder 14 by actually visually checking the orientation of the component BH stopped at the stop position T (step ST16). If it is determined that adjustment of the stop position T is necessary, the operator performs the adjustment work for the stop position T in the manner described above (step ST17).

[0066] As described above, the tape feeder 14 in this embodiment is configured to transport a parts supply tape BT containing parts BH in storage sections PK formed at a constant pitch along a transport path 23 and stop the parts BH at a stop position T, and to control the transport section 26 by a feeder control unit 41. The transport path 23 includes a horizontal guide section L1 that supports both ends (two planar sections HB) in the width direction of the parts supply tape BT from below and guides it horizontally, and an inclined guide section L2 that guides the parts supply tape BT that has passed through the horizontal guide section L1 diagonally downward and discharges it. The feeder control unit 41 selects one of a plurality of stop positions T set upstream of the downstream end KT of the horizontal guide section L1 and controls the transport section 26 so that the parts BH stop at the selected stop position T.

[0067] Therefore, according to the tape feeder 14 in this embodiment, regardless of the size of the component BH (more precisely, the size of the storage section PK), the component BH stopped at the stopping position T can be positioned horizontally. Thus, according to this embodiment, the occurrence of pickup errors of component BH caused by deformation of the storage section PK of the component supply tape BT can be reduced, and consequently, the productivity of the component mounting device 10 can be improved.

[0068] The embodiments of this disclosure are described above, and include the following technologies (tape feeders and component loading devices).

[0069] (Item 1) A tape feeder (tape feeder 14) comprising: a transport unit (transport unit 26) that transports a parts supply tape (parts supply tape BT) containing parts (parts BH) in storage units (storage unit PK) formed at a constant pitch along a transport path (transport path 23) and stops the parts at a stop position (stop position T); and a control unit (feeder control unit 41) that controls the transport unit, wherein the transport path includes a horizontal guide unit (horizontal guide unit L1) that supports both ends of the parts supply tape in the width direction from below and guides it horizontally, and an inclined guide unit (inclined guide unit L2) that guides the parts supply tape that has passed through the horizontal guide unit diagonally downward and discharges it, and the control unit selects one of a plurality of stop positions (stop position T) set upstream of the downstream end (downstream end KT) of the horizontal guide unit, and controls the transport unit so that the parts stop at the selected stop position.

[0070] As described above, the tape feeder in item 1 ensures that parts are stopped in a horizontal position regardless of their size. This reduces the chance of parts being picked up incorrectly due to deformation of the parts supply tape storage area, thereby improving the productivity of the parts mounting device.

[0071] (Item 2) The tape feeder described in item 1, wherein each of the multiple stop positions is set according to the size of the parts stored in the storage compartment, and the stop positions corresponding to larger parts are located further upstream. This specifically illustrates the relationship between the stop position of a part and the size of the part in item 1.

[0072] (Item 3) The tape feeder according to item 1, wherein the storage portion consists of a recessed portion formed by embossing and recessed downwards. When the storage portion is a recessed portion formed by embossing and recessed downwards, the storage portion is easily deformed, and the effects of this disclosure are significantly demonstrated.

[0073] (Item 4) A component mounting device (component mounting device 10) comprising a tape feeder described in any of items 1 to 3, and a mounting head (mounting head 16) that picks up components supplied by the tape feeder and mounts them on a substrate (substrate KB). The component mounting device of item 4 is equipped with the tape feeder of this disclosure, and therefore the same effects as those of item 1 can be obtained.

[0074] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described so far, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, two stop positions T were shown as multiple stop positions T set upstream of the downstream end KT of the horizontal guide section L1: a first stop position T1 and a second stop position T2 located upstream of the first stop position T1. However, the number of stop positions T set is not limited to two, but may be three or more. For example, as shown in the modified figures 16(a), (b), and (c), if a third stop position T3 (Figure 16(c)) is set in addition to the first stop position T1 (Figure 16(a)) and the second stop position T2 (Figure 16(b)), the feeder control unit 41 can select the third stop position T3 as the stop position T for a component BH that is larger in size than the component BH stored in the storage section PK of the wide-type component supply tape BT described above.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the feeder control unit 41 sets one of the first stop position T1 and the second stop position T2 as stop position T only after selecting one of the first stop position T1 and the second stop position T2. ​​However, it is also possible to set the first stop position T1, which corresponds to a normal type component supply tape BT, as the default setting, and to select the second stop position T2 when setting the second stop position T2, but not to make any particular selection when setting the first stop position T1. [Industrial applicability]

[0076] The present invention provides a tape feeder and component loading device that can reduce the occurrence of component pickup errors caused by deformation of the component supply tape storage section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10. Component mounting device 13B Feeder Base 14 Tape feeders 16 mounted heads 17. Onboard device control unit 21 Main body 22 Tape support section 23 Conveyor path 24 Conveyor path entrance 25 Conveyor path exit 26 Conveying section 31. First sprocket 32. Second sprocket 33 Third sprocket 39 Control section 41 Feeder Control Unit (Control Unit) 42 Storage section 51 Processing Unit 54 Information Management Department 54D Data Storage Unit 55 Cables 56 Leader L1 horizontal guide section L2 Incline guide section KT downstream end T Stop position T1 First stopping position T2 Second stopping position T3 Third stopping position BT component supply tape PK Storage Compartment HB flat part BH parts KB board

Claims

1. A tape feeder comprising: a transport unit that transports a parts supply tape containing parts in storage compartments formed at a constant pitch along a transport path and stops the parts at a stopping position; and a control unit that controls the transport unit, The transport path includes a horizontal guide section that supports both ends of the parts supply tape in the width direction from below and guides it horizontally, and an inclined guide section that guides the parts supply tape that has passed through the horizontal guide section diagonally downward and discharges it. The control unit selects one of a plurality of stop positions set upstream of the downstream end of the horizontal guide unit, and controls the transport unit so that the component stops at the selected stop position, in a tape feeder.

2. The tape feeder according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple stop positions is set according to the size of the components stored in the storage compartment, and the stop positions corresponding to larger components are located further upstream.

3. The tape feeder according to claim 1, wherein the storage section is formed by embossing and consists of a recessed portion that is lowered.

4. A tape feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A mounting head that picks up components supplied by the tape feeder and mounts them onto a circuit board, A component mounting device equipped with the following features.

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