Used tape processing device and component mounting machine

Abstract

A used tape processing device comprises: a cutter having a blade member that opens and closes, that cuts used tape, this being the used part of a carrier tape used in a component mounter from which components have been taken out; a chute that is arranged under the cutter, that guides the fall of the cut used tape; and an air blowing part that allows the blowing of air to inside the chute when the cutter is in the closed state and regulates the blowing of the air when the cutter is in the open state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a used tape processing device that cuts off and processes a used portion of a carrier tape, and a component mounting machine that is equipped with this used tape processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate-related operations on substrates on which circuit patterns are formed has become widespread. Furthermore, it has become common to arrange a plurality of substrate-related operation machines for performing substrate-related operations in a line to form a substrate-related operation line. A representative example of a substrate-related operation machine is a component mounting machine for performing component mounting operations. Many component mounting machines use a tape feeder that unwinds and feeds a carrier tape containing a plurality of components from a reel. Methods for disposing of the used portion of the carrier tape from which the components have been removed (used tape) include a method of rewinding it onto another reel, a method of storing it in an empty space, and a method of cutting and storing it. Examples of configurations of devices for cutting and storing used tape are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The scrap accumulation eliminating processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cutting means composed of a fixed blade and a movable blade movable by a cylinder, a chute section that guides the falling of the cut scraps (used tape), a dust box that collects the scraps that have fallen from the chute section, and a means for releasing exhaust pressure from the cylinder that is generated when the movable blade is moved toward the chute section. According to this, it is said that the exhaust air can cause the scraps to fall into the dust box without accumulating in the chute section.

[0004] Furthermore, the following is disclosed in the component supply tape recovery device of Patent Document 2 (see paragraph 0072). That is, after being cut, the tapes (used tapes) are blown away by air ejected from the air nozzle as they fall, and fall into a recovery box. Air may be ejected from the air nozzle continuously or intermittently. However, when air is ejected intermittently, it is preferable for more efficient transport of the tapes to synchronize the operation timing of the cutter with the timing of the air ejection so that the falling tape scraps are blown away before they reach the bottom of the duct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-135648 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-327898 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, in the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, air was sometimes blown out when the cutter (cutting means) was open. In such cases, air leaked out from the gaps in the cutter, so it could not be said that the blowing of air was efficient in dropping the used tape. In addition, there was a risk that the cut used tape and cutting chips would fly out of the gaps in the cutter in unexpected directions, or that the used tape would get caught in the gaps in the cutter and impede the cutting operation.

[0007] In addition, ionizers have been installed as a measure to prevent used tapes from sticking due to static electricity, but they are expensive and require regular maintenance, making them not a user-friendly measure.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present specification is to provide a used tape processing device and a component mounting machine that can drop the cut used tape efficiently and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This specification discloses a used tape processing device comprising: a cutter having a blade that opens and closes, and that cuts a used tape which is a used portion of a carrier tape from which components have been removed for use in a component mounting machine; a chute that is positioned below the cutter and guides the fall of the cut used tape; and an air blowing section that allows air to be blown into the chute when the cutter is closed and restricts the blowing of the air when the cutter is open.

[0010] This specification also discloses a component mounting machine that includes the above-mentioned used tape processing device, a component supplying device that supplies the components using the carrier tape, a component transfer device that picks up the components from the carrier tape and mounts them on a board, and a board transport device that transports the board. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the disclosed used tape processing device and component mounting machine, air is blown into the chute only when the cutter is closed. Therefore, the blown air does not leak out from the gaps in the cutter and flows steadily toward the used tape, allowing the used tape to fall efficiently. In addition, there is no risk of the used tape flying in an unexpected direction through the gaps in the cutter or getting caught in the gaps, allowing the used tape to fall reliably. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a component mounting machine including a used tape processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a side view of the used tape processing device, with the side surface on the front side of the chute omitted. [Diagram 3] A perspective view of the used tape processing device, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 4] 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view illustrating an air drive mechanism that drives a movable blade of the used tape processing device. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an air supply system that supplies positive and negative air pressure to a component mounting machine, and an air supply system inside a used tape processing apparatus. [Figure 6] 11 is an operational flow diagram for explaining the operation of the used tape processing apparatus together with the operation of the component mounting machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 1. Overall configuration of component placement machine 1 First, the overall configuration of a component mounting machine 1 equipped with a used tape processing device 5 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The component mounting machine 1 performs a mounting operation to mount components on a board K. In Fig. 1, two boards K are hatched for ease of viewing. The direction from the left side to the right side of the paper in Fig. 1 is the X-axis direction (left-right direction) along which the board K is transported, and the direction from the lower side (front side) to the upper side (rear side) of the paper is the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction). In addition to the used tape processing device 5, the component mounting machine 1 is configured by assembling a board transport device 2, a component supply device 3, a component transfer device 4, and a control device (not shown) on a base 10.

[0014] The board transport device 2 is composed of a pair of guide rails 21, a pair of conveyor belts (not shown), and a clamping mechanism. The pair of guide rails 21 extend in the X-axis direction across the upper surface of the base 10 slightly toward the rear, and are attached to the base 10 in parallel to each other. The pair of conveyor belts rotate along the guide rails 21 with two boards K placed on them, and carry the two boards K into two work positions on the base 10. The clamping mechanism pushes up the carried-in boards K and clamps and positions them between the guide rails 21. After the component mounting operation by the component transfer device 4 is completed, the clamping mechanism releases the boards K, and the conveyor belts carry the boards K out of the machine.

[0015] The component supplying device 3 is disposed at the front of the base 10. The component supplying device 3 is composed of a plurality of tape feeders 31 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The plurality of tape feeders 31 are divided into a first feeder group 35 consisting of the right half of the tape feeders in FIG. 1, and a second feeder group 36 consisting of the left half of the tape feeders. The plurality of tape feeders 31 are allowed to be mixed and used in a variety of types with different width dimensions in the left-right direction and internal structures.

[0016] Each tape feeder 31 feeds out a carrier tape containing a plurality of components toward a supply position 32 toward the rear. The carrier tape supplies the components so that they can be picked up at the supply position 32. The portion of the carrier tape from which the components have been removed becomes a used tape. The used tape is sent further rearward from the supply position 32, and then sent downward along a guide (not shown) until it reaches the used tape processing device 5.

[0017] In this embodiment, the carrier tape passes through the supply position 32 with one side edge of the cover tape peeled off from the base tape, and the cover tape and the base tape are not separated. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured such that both side edges of the cover tape are peeled off and separated from the base tape, and the cover tape and the base tape reach the used tape processing device 5 separately. Furthermore, a configuration may be used in which the used cover tape is wound on a separate reel, and only the used base tape reaches the used tape processing device 5.

[0018] The component transfer device 4 has a first transfer mechanism 4A and a second transfer mechanism 4B formed in a roughly mirror-symmetrical structure (dual head type). The first transfer mechanism 4A arranged on the discharge side (right side) of the board K mounts components supplied from the first feeder group 35 onto the board K at the work execution position on the right side. The second transfer mechanism 4B arranged on the load side (left side) of the board K mounts components supplied from the second feeder group 36 onto the board K at the work execution position on the left side. Hereinafter, the first transfer mechanism 4A will be used as a representative and will be described in detail with reference numbers.

[0019] The first transfer mechanism 4A is composed of a Y-axis rail 40, a Y-axis moving body 41, an X-axis moving body 42, a mounting head 43, a rotary tool 44, a suction nozzle 45, a board recognition camera 46, and a component recognition camera 49. The Y-axis rail 40 extends in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction) above the board transport device 2 and the component supply device 3. The Y-axis moving body 41 is formed of a member that is long in the X-axis direction, and is mounted on the lower side of the Y-axis rail 40. The Y-axis moving body 41 is driven by a Y-direction driving mechanism (not shown) to move in the Y-axis direction. The X-axis moving body 42 is mounted on the Y-axis moving body 41, and is driven by an X-direction driving mechanism (not shown) to move in the X-axis direction. A linear motor mechanism or a ball screw feed mechanism can be used as the Y-direction driving mechanism and the X-direction driving mechanism.

[0020] The mounting head 43 is provided in front of the X-axis moving body 42 and moves in two horizontal directions together with the X-axis moving body 42. A rotary tool 44 is provided below the mounting head 43 so as to be rotatable. The rotary tool 44 is driven by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) to rotate about a vertical central axis. The rotary tool 44 has a plurality of suction nozzles 45 (12 in the example of FIG. 1) at equal distances from the vertical central axis. The suction nozzles 45 are one form of component mounting tool that mounts components at predetermined mounting positions on the board K. The suction nozzles 45 are driven by a lift drive mechanism (not shown) to move up and down, and are driven by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) to rotate about the vertical axis. When the rotary tool 44 rotates, the suction nozzles 45 revolve around the vertical central axis of the rotary tool 44. Negative or positive air is selectively supplied to the suction nozzles 45 to perform component suction and mounting operations.

[0021] The board recognition camera 46 is provided on the X-axis mover 42 alongside the mounting head 43. The board recognition camera 46 is disposed with its optical axis facing downward, and captures an image of the position reference mark provided on the board K from above. The acquired image data is processed, and the work execution position on the board K is accurately determined. An example of the board recognition camera 46 is a digital imaging device having an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

[0022] The component recognition camera 49 is provided on the base 10 on the front side of the board transport device 2. The component recognition camera 49 is arranged so that its optical axis faces upward. The component recognition camera 49 captures and recognizes the component held by the suction nozzle 45 from below while the mounting head 43 is moving from the component supply device 3 to the board K. This determines whether the type of component is correct or not, and also detects the position and orientation of the component relative to the suction nozzle 45 and reflects it in the mounting work. An example of the component recognition camera 49 is a digital imaging device having an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS.

[0023] The first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B can operate independently of each other. This allows the first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B to perform three types of operation, which will be described below. In the first operation, the two boards K positioned at the left and right operation positions are of the same type, and the first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B perform the same component mounting operation. In this case, the board transport device 2 loads and unloads two boards K at a time.

[0024] In the second operation mode, the first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B share the mounting work for one substrate K. For example, the second transfer mechanism 4B mounts small components on the substrate K first, and the first transfer mechanism 4A mounts large components on the substrate K on which the small components have been mounted. In this case, the substrate transport device 2 carries the substrates K in and out one by one. The second operation mode prevents components that have already been mounted from interfering with subsequent mounting work. If the second transfer mechanism 4B mounts a large component first, this large component is likely to interfere with subsequent mounting work for the small components.

[0025] In the third working mode, the two boards K to be positioned are different types, and the first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B perform different component mounting operations. In this case, the board transport device 2 loads and unloads a set of two boards K of different types together. The third working mode is applied, for example, when one product is constructed by combining one board K of the first type and one board K of the second type. In this case, the production numbers of the first and second types of boards K can always be the same.

[0026] The component transfer device 4 can repeat a suction mounting cycle multiple times for the positioned board K. In a suction mounting cycle, first, the mounting head 43 moves above the component supply device 3, and each suction nozzle 45 performs an operation of suctioning a component. Next, the mounting head 43 moves above the component recognition camera 49, and the component recognition camera 49 captures an image. Next, the mounting head 43 moves above the board K, and each suction nozzle 45 performs an operation of mounting a component on the board K. Then, the mounting head 43 moves again toward the component supply device 3. The suction mounting cycle is a general term for the series of operations described above.

[0027] The used tape processing device 5 is disposed below and behind the component supplying device 3. The used tape processing device 5 has approximately the same width dimension (dimension in the X-axis direction) as the component supplying device 3, and is provided commonly for all tape feeders 31. In other words, the used tape processing device 5 cuts and processes the used tape fed from all tape feeders 31. The detailed configuration of the used tape processing device 5 will be described later.

[0028] The control device is mounted on the base 10, and its installation position is not particularly limited. The control device is configured by a computer device having a CPU and operating with software. The control device may be configured by distributing multiple CPUs within the machine and connecting them for communication. The control device controls the board transport device 2, component supply device 3, component transfer device 4, and used tape processing device 5 based on mounting work data created for each type of board K, and proceeds with the mounting work of the components. The mounting work data is data that describes the detailed procedure and implementation method of the mounting work.

[0029] 2. Configuration of Used Tape Processing Device 5 Next, a detailed configuration of the used tape processing device 5 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. The used tape processing device 5 is composed of a cutter 6, a chute 71, a dust box 7A, an air blowing unit 8, and an air drive mechanism 9. The air drive mechanism 9 is omitted in Fig. 2, and the dust box 7A is omitted in Figs. 3 and 4. The used tape processing device 5 cuts the used tape TA fed from the tape feeder 31 with the cutter 6, and drops the cut used tape TP from the chute 71 into the dust box 7A.

[0030] The cutter 6 is disposed below and behind the component supplying device 3. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the cutter 6 has a movable blade 61 and a fixed blade 62 as blade members that open and close. The fixed blade 62 is a single member extending in the left-right direction, while the movable blade 61 is divided into two in the left-right direction. As will be described later, a drive mechanism is provided for each of the two movable blades 61. Therefore, two sets of cutters 6 are essentially provided. Needless to say, two fixed blades 62 may be provided corresponding to the two movable blades 61.

[0031] The movable blade 61 is disposed forward of the fixed blade 62, and is driven by the air drive mechanism 9 to move in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 4, when the movable blade 61 moves forward, a gap is formed between the movable blade 61 and the fixed blade 62 through which the used tape TA before being cut can move down. As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable blade 61 moves backward, the upper blade surface of the movable blade 61 slides against the lower blade surface of the fixed blade 62. This causes the cutter 6 to shear the used tape TA. Note that as long as the cutter 6 is of a type that can be opened and closed, it may be configured so that two blade members move together, or a cutting method other than shearing may be adopted.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the two sets of cutters 6 are arranged side by side. The width dimension in the left-right direction of the movable blade 61 is approximately the same as the width dimension of the first feeder group 35 and the second feeder group 36. The cutter 6 on the right side shown in FIG. 3 cuts the used tape TP generated in the first feeder group 35, and the cutter 6 on the left side cuts the used tape TP generated in the second feeder group 36. In FIG. 3, the cutter 6 on the right side is in a closed state, and the cutter 6 on the left side is in an open state. In this way, the two sets of cutters 6 can be opened and closed separately. As shown in the left cutter 6, the movable blade 61 is divided into three in the width direction due to manufacturing constraints, but it may be an integrated part.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the chute 71 is disposed below the cutter 6. The chute 71 guides the cut used tape TP to fall. The chute 71 is long in the left-right direction and short in the front-rear direction, and is formed into a square tube shape with a horizontal cross section in the shape of a rectangular frame that opens at the top and bottom. The left-right length of the chute 71 is set so as to include two sets of cutters 6. The chute 71 comprises a front surface 72, two side surfaces 73, and a rear surface 74. The front surface 72 is provided below the movable blade 61 and is slightly inclined from the vertical direction. The two side surfaces 73 are provided standing up in the vertical direction, spaced apart so as to sandwich the two sets of cutters 6 therebetween.

[0034] The rear surface 74 is composed of a rear upper surface 741 that stands upright in the vertical direction, and a rear inclined surface 742 that is bent backward from the lower end of the rear upper surface 741. A gap 743 is formed between the upper part of the rear upper surface 741 and the fixed blade 62. As described later, this gap 743 is the starting point from which air is blown out. The rear inclined surface 742 is also used to support other members disposed above it. By providing the rear inclined surface 742, the opening area of ​​the opening 78 at the bottom of the chute 71 can be increased. In addition, an antistatic material can be attached to the inner surface of the chute 71 to prevent the used tape TP from sticking to it due to static electricity.

[0035] An air guide 75 is provided at an intermediate height of the rear upper surface 741, protruding obliquely downward and forward toward the inside of the chute 71. The air guide 75 adjusts the flow of air (described in detail later). The air guide 75 also prevents the cut used tape TP from falling obliquely backward and adhering to the rear upper surface 741.

[0036] Furthermore, a tape guide 63 is disposed inside the chute 71. The tape guide 63 is attached to the underside of the movable blade 61 and extends downward in parallel to the front surface 72 of the chute 71. The tape guide 63 moves in the front-to-rear direction together with the movable blade 61. The tape guide 63 guides the cut used tape TP so that it falls downward, while preventing the cut used tape TP from falling diagonally forward and adhering to the front surface 72.

[0037] A front guide 76 is disposed above the movable blade 61 at the upper front part of the chute 71. A rear guide 77 is disposed above the fixed blade 62 at the upper rear part of the chute 71. The front guide 76 and the rear guide 77 are slender rectangular bar-shaped members extending in the left-right direction, and are bridged across the two side surfaces 73 (see FIG. 3). A gap is formed between the front guide 76 and the rear guide 77 to guide the used tape TA before it is cut to the cutter 6 below.

[0038] 2, the dust box 7A is provided below the chute 71 so as to be attachable and detachable. The dust box 7A stores the used tape TP that drops from the chute 71. The dust box 7A is formed in a box shape with an opening 7B facing the opening 78 of the chute 71. The presence of the rear inclined surface 742 of the chute 71 described above increases the internal volume of the opening 78, the opening 7B, and the dust box 7A, making it possible to store a larger amount of used tape TP.

[0039] At least one of the chute 71 and the dust box 7A has an auxiliary member 79. In this embodiment, the auxiliary members 79 are provided in a pair on the left and right sides at the bottom of the chute 71. The auxiliary member 79 is formed in a brush shape with a large number of brush bristles 792 planted on the underside of a flat brush main body 791. The brush main body 791 is fixed to the bottom of the side surface 73 of the chute 71. The large number of brush bristles 792 extend downward elastically and contact the opening 7B of the dust box 7A.

[0040] The auxiliary member 79 eliminates or narrows the gap between the chute 71 and the dust box 7A. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 79 can also cushion the shock of a collision with the chute 71 that may occur when an operator installs the dust box 7A. The auxiliary member 79 may be provided on all four sides of the lower part of the chute 71. The shape of the auxiliary member 79 may be different from that described above. For example, the auxiliary member 79 may be a sheet member that hangs down from the opening 78 of the chute 71 to eliminate the gap between the dust box 7A and the chute 71.

[0041] Next, the air supply system that supplies positive and negative pressure air to the component mounting machine 1 and the air supply system inside the used tape processing device 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 illustrates the range of the air supply system corresponding to one set of cutters 6. As shown in the figure, a positive pressure air source 8A and a negative pressure air source 8B are provided outside the component mounting machine 1. For example, a set of the positive pressure air source 8A and the negative pressure air source 8B is provided in a factory where many devices are in operation. The positive pressure air source 8A and the negative pressure air source 8B are connected to a plurality of devices including the component mounting machine 1 by using a manifold (branch piping) and are shared.

[0042] The positive pressure air flow path 8C inside the component mounting machine 1 is connected to a positive pressure air source 8A via a manifold. Furthermore, the negative pressure air flow path 8D inside the machine is connected to a negative pressure air source 8B via another manifold. Each of the multiple devices including the component mounting machine 1 may have its own positive pressure air source 8A and negative pressure air source 8B. Nevertheless, by using a common positive pressure air source 8A and negative pressure air source 8B for multiple devices, the cost of each device can be reduced, and overall facility costs can be reduced.

[0043] The positive pressure air flow path 8C branches and communicates with the component transfer device 4 and the used tape processing device 5. Furthermore, the positive pressure air flow path 8C branches inside the used tape processing device 5 and communicates with the air blowing unit 8 and the air drive mechanism 9. On the other hand, the negative pressure air flow path 8D communicates with the component transfer device 4. The component transfer device 4 selectively supplies negative and positive pressure air to the suction nozzle 45 of the mounting head 43 using two on-off valves (8E, 8F) to perform the suction and mounting operations of the components. Note that the positive and negative pressure air can be supplied to places other than the suction nozzle 45 for use. For example, the replaceable mounting head 43 can be attached by suction using negative pressure air.

[0044] The air blowing section 8 is configured to include a pair of left and right nozzle forming members 81 and an air valve 82. The pair of left and right nozzle forming members 81 are provided corresponding to each of the two sets of cutters 6. The air blowing section 8 is permitted to blow air into the inside of the chute 71 when (all) the two sets of cutters 6 are closed, and restricts the blowing of air when at least one of the two sets of cutters 6 is open. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the nozzle forming member 81 is disposed above the rear upper surface 741 of the chute 71. The nozzle forming member 81 is formed to be elongated in the left and right direction, with its length in the left and right direction being approximately equal to that of the movable blade 61.

[0045] An air duct 811 extending in the left-right direction is provided at approximately the middle height inside the nozzle forming material 81. Furthermore, a plurality of air nozzles 812 branching downward from the air duct 811 at a predetermined pitch intervals are provided inside the nozzle forming material 81. The air nozzles 812 open into the gap 743 (described above) formed between the rear upper surface 741 and the fixed blade 62. The pitch interval of the air nozzles 812 is set to be approximately the same as or smaller than the arrangement pitch of the tape feeders 31. The air duct 811 communicates with the outlet side 821 of the air valve 82 by using a communication passage 813.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the outlet side 821 of the air valve 82 is connected in a T-shape to two communication passages 813 which communicate with the air ducts 811 of the pair of nozzle forming members 81. The inlet side 822 of the air valve 82 is connected to the positive pressure air source 8A via the positive pressure air flow path 8C. A resin tube, a metal pipe, or the like can be used as the communication passage 813 and the positive pressure air flow path 8C. The air valve 82 is an opening / closing valve which opens and closes the communication state between the air nozzle 812 and the positive pressure air source 8A. The air valve 82 is normally kept in a closed state, and is opened when air is blown out from the air nozzle 812. The opening and closing operation of the air valve 82 is controlled by a control device.

[0047] The nozzle forming member 81 may be an integrated part whose length in the left-right direction is approximately twice that of the movable blade 61. Nevertheless, a configuration is adopted in which the nozzle forming member 81 is divided into two parts, left and right, and air is supplied synchronously from separate communication passages 813. This makes it possible to smooth the air flow and suppress the time lag in the flow, compared to a one-piece part.

[0048] The air drive mechanism 9 drives the movable blade 61 using positive air pressure, in other words, drives the opening and closing operations of the two sets of cutters 6. The air drive mechanism 9 is disposed below the component supply device 3 and in front of the chute 71. As shown in Fig. 3, the air drive mechanism 9 is composed of a common base material 91 and two sets of identical drive mechanisms provided on the common base material 91. The two sets of drive mechanisms can drive the movable blades 61 independently and separately.

[0049] The common base material 91 is formed by providing mounting seats and mounting holes for mounting various components on a large flat plate material. Two sets of drive mechanisms are arranged side by side on the left and right sides of the common base material 91. Each drive mechanism is composed of a cylinder 92, a piston 93, a support plate 94, and a flow path member through which air flows.

[0050] The cylinder 92 is fixed in a mounting hole provided in the common base material 91. As shown in FIG. 4, the cylinder 92 is formed in a horizontal cylindrical shape with a bottom that is closed at the front and open at the rear. The piston 93 is provided in the cylinder 92 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The piston 93 has a disk-shaped large diameter portion 931 that slides against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 92, and a small diameter shaft portion 932 that protrudes from the center of the large diameter portion 931 toward the rear of the cylinder 92. A front chamber 921 is defined in the cylinder 92 forward of the large diameter portion 931. A rear chamber 922 is defined around the small diameter shaft portion 932 rearward of the large diameter portion 931 in the cylinder 92.

[0051] 5, the front chamber 921 is connected to the positive pressure air flow path 8C via a supply path 951 and a supply valve 961. The front chamber 921 is also connected to a release valve 971 capable of releasing air to the outside. On the other hand, the rear chamber 922 is connected to the positive pressure air flow path 8C via a supply path 952 and a supply valve 962. The rear chamber 922 is also connected to a release valve 972 capable of releasing air to the outside. The supply valves (961, 962) and the release valves (971, 972) are open / close valves controlled by a control device.

[0052] The support plate 94 is fixed to the upper side of the rear end of the small diameter shaft portion 932 of the piston 93 by using a set screw 941. As shown in FIG. 3, the support plate 94 has guide portions 942 on the lower surface at two locations equidistant from the set screw 941. Meanwhile, guide rails 911 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the upper surface at two locations equidistant from the cylinder 92 on the upper surface of the common base material 91. The left and right guide portions 942 are engaged with the left and right guide rails 911, respectively, and are guided in the front-rear direction to be movable. Thus, the support plate 94 moves in the front-rear direction together with the piston 93. The movable blade 61 is fixed to the rear of the upper surface of the support plate 94.

[0053] In the normal state of the air drive mechanism 9, as shown in Fig. 4, the internal volume of the front chamber 921 is at a minimum. Also, the supply valves (961, 962) and the release valves (971, 972) are closed. At this time, the piston 93, the support plate 94, and the movable blade 61 are driven forward, and the cutter 6 is in an open state. In other words, the cutter 6 normally maintains an open state and waits for the used tape TA to descend before being cut.

[0054] Here, when the supply valve 961 and the release valve 972 are opened, positive pressure air flows into the front chamber 921, and air in the rear chamber 922 is released to the atmosphere. This causes the piston 93 and the movable blade 61 to move backward, and the cutter 6 performs a closing operation, as shown by the arrow M1 in FIG. 4. Thereafter, the supply valve 961 and the release valve 972 are closed, and the supply valve 962 and the release valve 971 are opened. Then, air is released from the front chamber 921 to the atmosphere, and positive pressure air flows into the rear chamber 922. This causes the cutter 6 to open and return to the normal open state.

[0055] Note that, as the drive mechanism for the cutter 6, a mechanism other than the air drive mechanism 9, for example a motor, can be used. Nevertheless, the air drive mechanism 9, the air blowing unit 8, and the component transfer device 4 share the positive pressure air source 8A, so that the cost of the device can be reduced.

[0056] 3. Operation and Function of the Component Mounting Machine 1 and Used Tape Processing Device 5 Next, the operation of the component mounting machine 1 and the operation of the used tape processing device 5 will be described together with their functions with reference to Fig. 6. The operation flow shown in Fig. 6 is mainly controlled by the control device. When the operation flow starts, the cutter 6 is in the normal open state. Furthermore, the lower end of the used tape TA before cutting is at the same height as or higher than the cutter 6.

[0057] In step S1 of Fig. 6, the board transport device 2 carries the board K into the operation position. In the next step S2, the component transfer device 4 starts the first suction mounting cycle. In the next steps S3 to S5, the first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B operate independently and separately while avoiding interference between them. Furthermore, the two sets of cutters 6 operate separately depending on the progress of the mounting operation of the first transfer mechanism 4A and the second transfer mechanism 4B. Hereinafter, the operation of the first transfer mechanism 4A and the corresponding cutter 6 will be mainly explained.

[0058] In step S3, the multiple suction nozzles 45 of the first transfer mechanism 4A suck up components from the carrier tape of the tape feeder 31 (suction operation). The tape feeder 31 advances the carrier tape every time a component is sucked up. As a result, the used tape TA before cutting descends toward the cutter 6, and then passes through the cutter 6 and descends. When all the suction nozzles 45 of the first transfer mechanism 4A have sucked up components, the execution of the operation flow proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the cutter 6 is driven by the air drive mechanism 9 to perform a closing operation (cutting operation) from the open state, and then performs an opening operation to return to the open state again.

[0059] At this time, for the carrier tape on which components were adsorbed in step S3, the used tape TA that has descended below the cutter 6 is cut off. On the other hand, for the carrier tape on which no components were adsorbed in step S3, the used tape TA has not descended and is not cut off. In most cases, the cut used tape TP naturally falls from the chute 71 into the dust box 7A. However, due to the influence of static electricity, etc., some of the used tape TP may adhere to the inner surface of the chute 71 or the tape guide 63, and may even accumulate. In the next step S5, the multiple suction nozzles 45 of the first transfer mechanism 4A mount the components on the board K (mounting operation).

[0060] The operation of the air driving mechanism 9 in step S4 is completed within a period until the suction nozzle 45 starts the suction operation of the next suction mounting cycle. Even if the positive pressure value of the air in the positive pressure air flow path 8C drops slightly due to the operation of the air driving mechanism 9, the amount of drop is small and the duration is limited. Therefore, the drop in the positive pressure value does not affect the mounting operation of the suction nozzle 45 in step S5. In addition, the effect of the drop in the positive pressure value can be avoided by operating the air driving mechanism 9 during the time period when the mounting head 43 moves from the component supply device 3 to the board K or during the time period when the mounting head 43 returns from the board K to the component supply device 3.

[0061] When all the suction nozzles 45 of the first transfer loading mechanism 4A have placed components on the board K, the execution of the operation flow proceeds to step S6. In step S6, it is determined whether or not it is the last suction mounting cycle. The number of suction mounting cycles allocated to the first transfer loading mechanism 4A and the second transfer loading mechanism 4B may differ. If there is an unexecuted suction mounting cycle in at least one of the first transfer loading mechanism 4A and the second transfer loading mechanism 4B, the execution of the operation flow returns to step S3.

[0062] Then, steps S3 to S5 are repeated to perform a plurality of suction and mounting cycles. At this time, the cutter 6 cuts the used tape TP every time in step S4. Therefore, a plurality of used tapes TP are cut by the multiple cutting operations, and it often happens that at least a portion of the cut tapes adheres to or accumulates inside the chute 71. When all suction and mounting cycles have been performed, the execution of the operation flow proceeds from step S6 to step S7.

[0063] In step S7, the substrate transport device 2 transports the substrate K, for which the mounting operation has been completed, from the operation position to outside the machine. The following steps S8 and S9 can be performed in parallel with step S7. In step S8, the two sets of cutters 6 perform a closing operation from an open state. This closing operation is not an operation for cutting the used tape TA, but an operation for closing the cutters 6 to prevent air from leaking out.

[0064] In the next step S9, the air blowing unit 8 is permitted to blow air into the inside of the chute 71 because the two sets of cutters 6 (all of them) are in the closed state. To explain in detail with reference to FIG. 2, the air valve 82 is opened from the closed state. As a result, the positive pressure air passes from the positive pressure air flow path 8C through the air valve 82, the communication passage 813, and the air duct 811, and reaches the air nozzle 812. Furthermore, the positive pressure air is blown out from the air nozzle 812 downward toward the gap 743 (see arrow F1). The blown out air spreads while heading downward from the gap 743, and the flow direction is further adjusted by the air guide 75.

[0065] That is, the air flows in a diffused direction and heads toward the entire area inside the chute 71 (see arrow F2). In particular, most of the air flows diagonally downward and forward, and is blown toward the tape guide 63 and the front surface 72 of the chute 71. This allows the air to blow away and drop the used tape TP adhering to the tape guide 63 and the front surface 72. The air flow also spreads to the side surface 73 and rear surface 74 of the chute, causing the used tape TP adhering to these surfaces to also drop.

[0066] Moreover, because the cutter 6 is in a closed state, air is efficiently consumed to drop the used tape TP without leaking from the gaps in the cutter 6. As a result, even if the used tape TP generated by multiple cutting operations (step S4) of the cutter 6 adheres to or accumulates inside the chute 71, the air blowing section 8 can efficiently drop the used tape TP into the dust box 7A by blowing air once. Also, cutting chips generated during the cutting operation can be dropped into the dust box 7A as well, preventing accumulation.

[0067] Furthermore, the air blowing unit 8 blows air intermittently during one air blowing operation. For example, the air blowing unit 8 repeats a 0.5 second blowing operation followed by a 0.5 second pause three times. This causes the air to be blown onto the used tape TP and scraps intermittently, resulting in a more pronounced dropping effect. Note that intermittent air blowing is not essential, and the action of dropping the used tape TP can be achieved even when the air blowing unit 8 performs a blowing operation for a predetermined duration.

[0068] After step S9 is executed, the cutter 6 performs an opening operation and returns to the open state. Also, execution of the operation flow returns to step S1. This completes the mounting operation for one substrate K, and the operation flow for the next substrate K is repeated.

[0069] In order to make the air flow more effective, it is preferable to optimize the size, number, and position of air nozzles 812 and the shape of gaps 743. Furthermore, the size and inclination direction of air guide 75 can be changed as appropriate depending on the internal shape of chute 71. In addition, air guide 75 can be curved or multiple air guides can be provided.

[0070] Moreover, the air blowing unit 8 consumes more positive air pressure than the air drive mechanism 9. For this reason, the positive pressure value of the air in the positive pressure air flow path 8C temporarily drops. Nevertheless, air is blown out during the rest period when the suction nozzle 45 of the mounting head 43 does not perform the component suction operation or mounting operation. Therefore, when the suction nozzle 45 performs the mounting operation, the positive pressure value of the air in the positive pressure air flow path 8C has already returned to the normal level, and does not affect the mounting operation. Note that in a configuration in which the pressure drop of the positive pressure air during the blowing operation of the air blowing unit 8 is slight and the suction nozzle 45 is hardly affected, it is possible to adopt a mode in which the air blowing unit 8 blows out air when the cutter 6 closes to cut the used tape TA. For example, such a mode is possible in a configuration in which the manifold or the positive pressure air flow path 8C has a sufficiently large flow path cross-sectional area.

[0071] The above-mentioned pause time period can be the time period when the board transport device 2 transports the board K, as well as the inspection time period and the thermal correction time period. During the inspection time period, the worker opens the protective cover (not shown) and visually inspects the inside of the component mounting device 1. At this time, the component transfer device 4 pauses because a safety device is activated by opening the protective cover. Also, during the thermal correction time period, the X-axis movable body 42 moves to perform thermal correction, which automatically calibrates the error in the internal coordinate system of the component transfer device 4 caused by heat generation during operation. While the thermal correction is being performed, the suction nozzle 45 does not perform the suction operation or mounting operation.

[0072] In the used tape processing device 5 of the embodiment, air is blown into the chute 71 only during the time period when the cutter 6 is closed. Therefore, the blown air does not leak out from the gaps in the cutter 6 and flows steadily toward the used tape TP, allowing the used tape TP to fall efficiently. In addition, there is no risk of the used tape TP scattering in an unexpected direction through the gaps in the cutter 6 or getting caught in the gaps, allowing the used tape TP to fall reliably.

[0073] 4. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiments In addition, a used tape processing device 5 having a pair of cutters 6 can be used in correspondence with a single-head type component transfer device. Also, two used tape processing devices 5 can be provided in correspondence with a configuration in which component supply devices 3 are provided before and after a component mounting machine 1. Furthermore, a used tape transport mechanism can be provided in place of the dust box 7A. The used tape transport mechanism is, for example, configured with a transport conveyor that crosses the multiple component mounting machines 1 in the X-axis direction, and a collection box provided at the tip of the transport conveyor. According to this configuration, the used tape transport mechanism can transport used tapes TP generated by the multiple component mounting machines 1 and accumulate them in the collection box. The embodiment can be applied and modified in various other ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1: Component mounting machine 2: Board transport device 3: Component supply device 31: Tape feeder 35: First feeder group 36: Second feeder group 4: Component transfer device 43: Mounting head 45: Suction nozzle 4A: First transfer mechanism 4B: Second transfer mechanism 5: Used tape processing device 6: Cutter 61: Movable blade 62: Fixed blade 63: Tape guide 71: Chute 75: Air guide 79: Auxiliary member 7A: Dust box 8: Air blowing section 81: Nozzle forming material 811: Air duct 812: Air nozzle 82: Air valve 8A: Positive air pressure source 8B: Negative air pressure source 9: Air drive mechanism 92: Cylinder 93: Piston 94: Support plate K: Board TA: Used tape (before cutting) TP: Used tape (after cutting)

Claims

1. a cutter having a blade that opens and closes, for cutting a used tape that is a used portion of a carrier tape used in a component mounting machine after components have been removed; a chute having upper and lower openings and disposed below the cutter for guiding the falling of the cut used tape; an air blowing section that allows air to be blown into the inside of the chute when the cutter is closed to cover the opening on the upper side of the chute and restricts the blowing of the air when the cutter is open; A used tape processing device comprising:

2. 2. The used tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air blowing section has an air nozzle that opens into the inside of the chute, and an air valve that opens and closes a communication state between the air nozzle and a positive pressure air source.

3. The used tape processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the air blowing section is allowed to intermittently blow out the air when the cutter is in a closed state. system.

4. 4. The used tape processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide for adjusting at least one of a direction in which the air is blown out inside the chute and a direction in which the used tape falls.

5. the used tape processing device includes a dust box that is removably attached below the chute and that receives the used tape; At least one of the chute and the dust box has an auxiliary member that eliminates or narrows a gap between the chute and the dust box, or cushions the shock of a collision with the chute that may occur when the dust box is installed.

5. The used tape processing device according to claim 1.

6. A used tape processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a component supplying device that supplies the components using the carrier tape; a component transfer device that picks up the components from the carrier tape and mounts them on a board; a substrate transport device for transporting the substrate; A component mounting machine comprising:

7. the component supply device includes a plurality of tape feeders each of which supplies the components by using the carrier tape; the used tape processing device is provided in common to the plurality of tape feeders, 7. The component mounting machine according to claim 6.

8. the component supply device includes a plurality of feeder groups each including a plurality of the tape feeders; the component transfer device has mounting heads for picking up the components from each of the plurality of feeder groups, the number of which is equal to the number of the feeder groups; The cutters are provided in the same number as the feeders so as to be capable of being opened and closed separately, The chute is provided as one piece, One or more air blowing units are provided, and the blowing of the air is permitted when all the cutters are closed.

8. The component mounting machine according to claim 7.

9. the component transfer device has a mounting head that performs a picking operation and a mounting operation of the component, the cutter cuts the used tape every time during a period from the end of the current picking operation of the mounting head to the start of the next picking operation, During a rest period in which the mounting head does not perform the sampling operation and the mounting operation, the cutter is closed and the air blowing portion is allowed to blow out the air. The component mounting machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. 10. The component mounting machine according to claim 9, wherein the pause time period includes a time period during which the board transport device transports the board.

11. The mounting head and the air blowing section to which the positive pressure air is supplied are connected to a common positive pressure air source. The component mounting machine according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The component mounting machine according to claim 11 , wherein the blades are driven by a common positive pressure air source.

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