Carrier Tape Determination Device

Abstract

To determine the type of carrier tape and the head position of a cavity with a component in a compact configuration.SOLUTION: A carrier tape determination device includes a photoelectric sensor including a light projecting unit that irradiates the surface of a carrier tape having a feed hole provided at a first interval and a cavity provided at a second interval with light, and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light projecting unit, a feed unit that feeds the carrier tape to the photoelectric sensor in the longitudinal direction of the tape, a feed control unit that executes carrier tape feed by the feed unit in a predetermined pitch pattern, and a determination unit that determines the type of carrier tape and the head position of the cavity with the component on the basis of a relationship between the plurality of feed positions obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape in the predetermined pitch pattern and the light reception result at the light receiving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a carrier tape determination device.

Background Art

[0002] Parts such as electronic components mounted on a substrate by a component mounter are generally accommodated in a carrier tape wound around a disk-shaped reel. The carrier tape has feed holes and cavities. The feed holes are holes with which a rotatable sprocket of a feeder engages. The feed holes are provided at a first interval in the longitudinal direction of the carrier tape. The cavity is a hole in which a part is accommodated. The cavity is arranged apart from the feed holes in the width direction of the carrier tape and is provided at a second interval in the longitudinal direction of the carrier tape.

[0003] The carrier tape is fed out in the transport direction in a fixed quantity from the reel by the drive of the sprocket to supply the parts to the component supply position of the feeder. The parts supplied to the component supply position are adsorbed by an adsorption nozzle or the like and mounted on the substrate.

[0004] In addition, the carrier tape includes an embossed tape (hereinafter referred to as an emboss tape) in which a component accommodation portion having a cavity protrudes below a reference surface, and a non-embossed tape (hereinafter referred to as a paper tape) in which a component accommodation portion having a cavity does not protrude below the reference surface. Further, there are multiple types of carrier tapes other than the difference between the emboss tape and the paper tape. For example, there are those with a cavity interval of 4 mm or 2 mm according to the size of the accommodated parts, and those with a black or transparent base tape color. And a device for discriminating whether the carrier tape is an emboss tape or a paper tape is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] The device of Patent Document 1 described above has a first detection unit that detects the component storage unit of the embossed tape, and a second detection unit that detects the component storage unit of the paper tape. Each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit has a light projecting unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives light.

[0006] The first detection unit is arranged on the side of the carrier tape. The first detection unit irradiates light toward the side surface of the carrier tape to detect the component storage unit of the embossed tape and the space between two adjacent component storage units in the tape longitudinal direction. This device discriminates whether the carrier tape is an embossed tape or a paper tape using the first detection unit. Also, the pitch between two adjacent component storage units in the longitudinal direction of the embossed tape is calculated using the first detection unit.

[0007] Also, the second detection unit is arranged above and below the carrier tape. The second detection unit irradiates light toward the upper surface of the carrier tape to detect the component storage unit of the paper tape, the tape portion between two adjacent component storage units in the tape longitudinal direction, and the components in the component storage unit by the change in the amount of light. The above device calculates the pitch between two adjacent component storage units in the longitudinal direction of the paper tape using the second detection unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the above device, in order to determine the type of the carrier tape and the components in the component storage unit, two types of sensors, namely, the first detection unit arranged on the side of the carrier tape and the second detection unit arranged above and below the carrier tape, are used, so the configuration becomes bulky.

[0010] This specification aims to provide a carrier tape determination device capable of determining the type of carrier tape and the leading position of a component-containing cavity in a compact configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] This specification discloses a carrier tape determination device for determining the type of a carrier tape having feed holes provided at a first interval in the tape longitudinal direction and cavities provided at a second interval in the tape longitudinal direction, spaced apart in the tape width direction from the feed holes, and the leading position where a component is actually accommodated from the start end side of the carrier tape among the positions of the cavities, the device comprising: a light projecting unit that irradiates light onto the surface of the carrier tape; a light receiving unit that receives the light irradiated from the light projecting unit; a photoelectric sensor having the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit; a feeding unit that feeds the carrier tape in the tape longitudinal direction with respect to the photoelectric sensor; a feeding control unit that causes the feeding of the carrier tape by the feeding unit to be executed in a predetermined pitch pattern; and a determination unit that determines the type of the carrier tape and the leading position based on the relationship between a plurality of feeding positions obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape in the predetermined pitch pattern and the light receiving result at the light receiving unit.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the type of the carrier tape and the leading position of the component-containing cavity are determined based on the relationship between a plurality of feeding positions obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape in a predetermined pitch pattern by the feeding unit and the light receiving result at the light receiving unit of the photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is provided such that its light projecting unit irradiates light onto the surface of the carrier tape. Therefore, the type of the carrier tape and the leading position H can be determined in a compact configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a carrier tape determination device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [First Embodiment] The carrier tape determination device 1 is a device for determining the type of the carrier tape 10 and the like, as will be described in detail later. The carrier tape determination device 1 is incorporated in, for example, a reel loader, a splicing device, a tape feeder, etc. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the carrier tape determination device 1 is mounted on the reel loader 40.

[0016] 1. Configuration of Carrier Tape The carrier tape 10 is a tape that houses the components 2 to be mounted on a substrate. The components 2 are electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and resistors that make up an electronic circuit. The carrier tape 10 is formed in a long shape. The carrier tape 10 is wound around a disk-shaped reel 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier tape 10 has a base tape 11 and a top tape 12.

[0017] The base tape 11 is a tape on the main body side where the components 2 are housed. The base tape 11 has feed holes 13 and cavities 14. The feed holes 13 are holes into which the teeth of a sprocket, such as a tape feeder described later, engage. The feed holes 13 are provided for transporting the carrier tape 10 in the tape longitudinal direction. The feed holes 13 penetrate the base tape 11. The feed holes 13 are provided on one end side in the tape width direction of the base tape 11 (the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2). The feed holes 13 are arranged in a row at a first interval L1 in the tape longitudinal direction. The first interval L1 is predetermined as a standard to be 4 mm.

[0018] The cavities 14 are holes serving as accommodation spaces for the components 2. The cavities 14 are recessed in the base tape 11. The cavities 14 are arranged at a distance from the feed holes 13 in the tape width direction and are provided approximately at the center in the tape width direction of the base tape 11. The cavities 14 are arranged in a row at a second interval L2 in the tape longitudinal direction.

[0019] The base tape 11 is formed by a cavity forming portion 11a, a first protruding portion 11b, and a second protruding portion 11c. The cavity forming portion 11a is a component accommodating portion composed of a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion for forming the above-described cavity 14. The cavity forming portion 11a is formed at the center in the tape width direction of the base tape 11. A through hole 14a is provided at the center of the bottom wall portion of the cavity forming portion 11a. The through hole 14a is formed smaller than the size of the component 2, and while the light of the photoelectric sensor described later can pass through, it is blocked by the component 2 when viewed from above when the component 2 is accommodated in the cavity 14.

[0020] The first protruding portion 11b and the second protruding portion 11c are respectively portions protruding outward in the tape width direction from the cavity forming portion 11a. The first protruding portion 11b is formed at one end side in the tape width direction. Also, the second protruding portion 11c is formed at the other end side in the tape width direction, that is, on the side opposite to the first protruding portion 11b with the cavity forming portion 11a interposed therebetween. The above-described feed hole 13 is provided in the first protruding portion 11b at a first interval L1 in the tape longitudinal direction. The first protruding portion 11b and the second protruding portion 11c are respectively supported by a guide member that forms a tape conveyance path described later on their lower surfaces.

[0021] The top tape 12 is a tape that prevents the component 2 accommodated in the base tape 11 from popping out to the outside. The top tape 12 is arranged so as to block the cavity 14 that opens on the upper surface side of the base tape 11 from above. The top tape 12 is detachably adhered to the upper surface of the base tape 11. The top tape 12 is composed of a transparent polymer film or the like. Incidentally, the tape width of the top tape 12 may be smaller than the tape width of the base tape 11.

[0022] As the carrier tape 10, there are an embossed tape (hereinafter referred to as an emboss tape) in which the cavity forming portion 11a protrudes below the reference plane (specifically, the protruding portions 11b and 11c), and a non-embossed tape (hereinafter referred to as a paper tape) in which the cavity forming portion 11a does not protrude below the reference plane. The base tape 11 of the emboss tape is made of a resin material. Also, the base tape 11 of the paper tape is made of a paper material. The first protruding portion 11b and the second protruding portion 11c of the emboss tape each become flange portions that protrude outward in the tape width direction from the upper end portion of the cavity forming portion 11a.

[0023] In addition to the difference between the emboss tape and the paper tape, there are multiple types of the carrier tape 10. As described above, the first interval L1 of the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10 is predetermined as 4 mm as a standard. On the other hand, the second interval L2 of the cavity 14 varies according to the size of the housed component and the like. For example, as the carrier tape 10, there are those with a second interval L2 of 4 mm and those with a second interval L2 of 2 mm. Furthermore, as the carrier tape 10, there are those with a black base tape 11 and those with a transparent base tape 11.

[0024] The types of the carrier tape 10 include, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a transparent one in which the second interval L2 is the same as the first interval L1 (specifically, 4 mm) (hereinafter referred to as the first carrier tape 10A), a black one in which the second interval L2 is the same as the first interval L1 (specifically, 4 mm) (hereinafter referred to as the second carrier tape 10B), and one in which the second interval L2 is half of the first interval L1 (specifically, 2 mm) (hereinafter referred to as the third carrier tape 10C). Note that the third carrier tape 10C includes both a transparent one and a black one.

[0025] In the first carrier tape 10A and the second carrier tape 10B, the cavity 14 is present at the same longitudinal position of the tape as the longitudinal position of the tape at the intermediate position between two feed holes 13 adjacent to each other in the tape longitudinal direction. Also, in the third carrier tape 10C, the cavity 14 is present at the same longitudinal position of the tape as the longitudinal position of the tape at the intermediate position between two feed holes 13 adjacent to each other in the tape longitudinal direction and at the same longitudinal position of the tape as the longitudinal position of the feed hole 13 (specifically, its center) in the tape longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the longitudinal position of the tape at the above-mentioned intermediate position is referred to as the first longitudinal position PM, and the longitudinal position of the tape of the above-mentioned feed hole 13 is referred to as the second longitudinal position PH, respectively.

[0026] All cavities 14 of the first carrier tape 10A and the second carrier tape 10B are present at the first longitudinal position PM. In one first carrier tape 10A and the second carrier tape 10B, among the positions of all the cavities 14, the leading position H of the cavity 14 (hereinafter referred to as the cavity 14 with parts, shown in black in FIG. 3) in which the parts 2 are actually accommodated from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 is always the first longitudinal position PM. Also, the cavity 14 of the third carrier tape 10C is present at either the first longitudinal position PM or the second longitudinal position PH. In one third carrier tape 10C, the leading position H of the cavity 14 with parts is either the first longitudinal position PM or the second longitudinal position PH.

[0027] Hereinafter, among the third carrier tapes 10C, the one in which the leading position H is the first longitudinal position PM is referred to as the third carrier tape 10C-1, and the one in which the leading position H is the second longitudinal position PH is referred to as the third carrier tape 10C-2, respectively.

[0028] 2. Configuration of Tape Feeder The carrier tape 10 is conveyed by a tape feeder 30 while being wound around a reel 20. The tape feeder 30 is a device that supplies the component 2 accommodated in the carrier tape 10 to the component extraction position D by conveying the carrier tape 10 in the tape longitudinal direction. The tape feeder 30 is detachably attached to a slot of a component mounting machine (not shown) provided on a substrate production line. The component 2 supplied to the component extraction position D is held by a suction nozzle or the like attached to the mounting head of the component mounting machine, and then is moved onto the substrate and mounted on the substrate by releasing the holding.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tape feeder 30 has a feeder main body portion 31, a reel accommodating portion 32, a tape feeding mechanism portion 33, a top tape feeding-out mechanism portion 34, and a top tape feeding guide portion 35.

[0030] The feeder main body portion 31 is formed in a flat box shape. The feeder main body portion 31 has a tape conveyance path 31a that guides the carrier tape 10 between the reel accommodating portion 32 and the tape feeding mechanism portion 33. The reel accommodating portion 32 is disposed on the rear end side of the feeder main body portion 31 and accommodates the reel 20 around which the carrier tape 10 is wound. The carrier tape 10 is pulled out from the reel 20 in the reel accommodating portion 32 and guided by the tape conveyance path 31a.

[0031] The tape feeding mechanism portion 33 is a mechanism portion that pitch-feeds the carrier tape 10 pulled out from the reel 20 using a sprocket 33a, a motor 33b, and a tape guide 33c. The tape feeding mechanism portion 33 is disposed on the front end side of the feeder main body portion 31. Incidentally, the tape feeding mechanism portion 33 may also be disposed on the rear end side of the feeder main body portion 31.

[0032] The sprocket 33a is a disk-shaped member provided below the tape guide 33c and rotatably attached to the feeder main body 31. The sprocket 33a rotates to send the carrier tape 10 guided by the tape conveyance path 31a in the tape longitudinal direction by the rotation of the motor 33b. The sprocket 33a is rotatable to send the carrier tape 10 forward from the rear end side to the front end side of the feeder main body 31, and is also rotatable to send the carrier tape 10 in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction.

[0033] The sprocket 33a has external teeth protruding radially outward on its outer peripheral surface. These external teeth are provided at predetermined angles corresponding to the first interval L1 of the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10 over the entire outer periphery. The motor 33b rotates the sprocket 33a intermittently. When the sprocket 33a rotates intermittently, its external teeth engage with the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10 guided by the tape conveyance path 31a, so that the carrier tape 10 is conveyed by a predetermined pitch in the tape longitudinal direction as the sprocket 33a rotates.

[0034] The tape guide 33c is a member that covers the upper surface of the carrier tape 10 with which the external teeth of the sprocket 33a engage the feed holes 13 from above and holds and guides the carrier tape. The tape guide 33c is attached to the feeder main body 31. On the upper surface of the tape guide 33c, a window hole is provided to project the external teeth reaching near the upper end of the sprocket 33a onto the tape guide 33c and engage them with the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10, and an opening hole as a through hole provided at the component extraction position D is provided.

[0035] The tape guide 33c has a top tape peeling portion 33d provided at the upstream edge portion in the conveyance direction of the above-described opening. The top tape peeling portion 33d is a portion that serves as a fulcrum when pulling the top tape 12 from the base tape 11 toward the rear end side of the tape feeder 30 during the conveyance of the carrier tape 10. The top tape 12 is pulled toward the rear end side of the tape feeder 30 with the top tape peeling portion 33d as a fulcrum and peeled off from the base tape 11.

[0036] The tape guide 33c is supported by the feeder main body portion 31 so that its rear end portion can move upward. A lever 33e that can be operated by an operator projects from the rear end portion of the tape guide 33c. The rear end portion of the tape guide 33c is biased downward by a biasing member (not shown) interposed between the rear end portion of the tape guide 33c and the feeder main body portion 31. The tape guide 33c can hold the carrier tape 10 between it and the sprocket 33a when the lever 33e is not lifted, and can release the holding of the carrier tape 10 between it and the sprocket 33a when the lever 33e is lifted against the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0037] The top tape feeding mechanism portion 34 is a mechanism portion that feeds out the top tape 12 peeled off from the base tape 11 to the outside. The top tape feeding mechanism portion 34 is disposed at the central lower portion of the feeder main body portion 31. The top tape feeding mechanism portion 34 is constituted by gears, a motor, and the like.

[0038] The top tape feeding guide portion 35 is a portion that guides the top tape 12 peeled off from the base tape 11 to the top tape feeding mechanism portion 34. The top tape feeding guide portion 35 is provided between the top tape peeling portion 33d of the tape feeder 30 and the top tape feeding mechanism portion 34. The top tape feeding guide portion 35 is constituted by a pair of guide rollers and the like.

[0039] After the carrier tape 10 is pulled out from the reel 20, it is guided by the tape conveyance path 31a of the tape feeder 30 and held by the tape guide 33c. Then, the carrier tape 10 is conveyed forward by the rotation of the motor 33b while being held by the tape guide 33c. During the conveyance of the carrier tape 10, the top tape 12 is peeled off from the base tape 11. Then, the base tape 11 of the carrier tape 10 supplies the component 2 in the cavity 14 to the component take-out position D by the conveyance.

[0040] After the top tape 12 is peeled off from the base tape 11, it is routed through the top tape feed guide portion 35 from the tape guide 33c to the top tape feed-out mechanism portion 34. Then, the top tape 12 is discarded outside the feeder main body portion 31 (specifically, below it).

[0041] 3. Configuration and Operation of Reel Loader The reel loader 40 is a device that automatically loads the carrier tape 10 onto the tape feeder 30. Specifically, the reel loader 40 peels the top tape 12 from the base tape 11 of the carrier tape 10, supplies the base tape 11 to the component take-out position D of the tape feeder 30, and guides the top tape 12 outside the tape feeder 30. The reel loader 40 is used in a production factory where a component mounting machine that transfers and mounts the component 2 in the carrier tape 10 onto a substrate is installed.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the reel loader 40 includes a feeder holding table 41, a first tape conveyance device 42, a second tape conveyance device 43, a first opening device 44, a second opening device 45, a temporary tape arranging device 46, a peeling device 47, a gripping device 48, and a connecting device 49.

[0043] The feeder holding base 41 is a pedestal for holding the tape feeder 30, which is arranged at the central part of the base 3 as shown in Fig. 6. The feeder holding base 41 has a placement part 41a on which the bottom surface of the feeder main body part 31 of the tape feeder 30 is placed, and a contact part 41b against which the front end surface of the feeder main body part 31 abuts. The contact part 41b is provided with a communication jack capable of communicating with and supplying power to the tape feeder 30, a positioning part for positioning the tape feeder 30, and the like.

[0044] The first tape conveying device 42 and the second tape conveying device 43 are each devices for conveying the carrier tape 10 in the front-rear direction (hereinafter referred to as the X direction) of the tape feeder 30. As shown in Fig. 6, the first tape conveying device 42 and the second tape conveying device 43 are arranged diagonally opposite to each other with the tape feeder 30 interposed therebetween on the base 3. The first tape conveying device 42 and the second tape conveying device 43 can each advance and retreat in the direction (hereinafter referred to as the Y direction) of sandwiching the tape feeder 30 from both sides on the base 3.

[0045] The first tape conveying device 42 uses a guide 42a, a driving roller 42b, a motor 42c, etc. to convey the carrier tape 10 pulled out from the reel 20 in the X direction while guiding it. The motor 42c can rotate forward and backward as a driving source for driving the driving roller 42b. The driving roller 42b has external teeth that engage with the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10.

[0046] The first tape conveying device 42 is mounted and fixed on a support base 40b that is attached to the base 3 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the Y direction. The first tape conveying device 42 can be separated from and contact the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41 as the support base 40b advances and retreats in the Y direction.

[0047] The first tape conveyance device 42 also includes a photoelectric sensor 42d. The photoelectric sensor 42d is a detection unit for detecting that the carrier tape 10 has been inserted into the tape insertion port 40a of the reel loader 40. The photoelectric sensor 42d is disposed on the downstream side in the X direction from the tape insertion port 40a and on the upstream side in the X direction from the position where the external teeth of the drive roller 42b engage with the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10. The photoelectric sensor 42d is attached to the support base 40b.

[0048] The photoelectric sensor 42d has a light projecting unit 42d-1 and a light receiving unit 42d-2. The light projecting unit 42d-1 is disposed above the guide 42a. The light projecting unit 42d-1 irradiates light such as a laser beam onto the surface (specifically, the upper surface) of the carrier tape 10 on the guide 42a. The light of the light projecting unit 42d-1 is directed in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as the Z direction) perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction, and is irradiated onto the tape width direction position where the cavity 14 exists among the tape width direction positions of the upper surface of the carrier tape 10.

[0049] The light receiving unit 42d-2 is disposed below the guide 42a so as to face the light projecting unit 42d-1. The light receiving unit 42d-2 can receive the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 42d-1. The light receiving unit 42d-2 outputs a signal according to the light reception state of the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1. The output signal of the light receiving unit 42d-2 is used as a trigger signal for rotating the drive rollers 42b, 43b and the sprocket 33a, and is also used for determining the type of the carrier tape 10 as will be described in detail later.

[0050] The second tape conveyance device 43 uses a guide 43a, a drive roller 43b, a motor 43c, etc. to convey the carrier tape 10 being conveyed in the X direction by the first tape conveyance device 42 in the X direction while guiding it. The motor 43c can rotate forward as a drive source for driving the drive roller 43b. The drive roller 43b has external teeth that engage with the feed holes 13 of the carrier tape 10.

[0051] The second tape conveyance device 43 is placed and fixed on a support base 40c that is attached to the base 3 so as to be able to move forward and backward in the Y direction. The second tape conveyance device 43 can be separated from and contacted with the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41 when the support base 40c moves forward and backward in the Y direction along the rail 43e by means of an air cylinder 43d.

[0052] In a state where the tape feeder 30 is held by the feeder holding base 41 and the first and second tape conveyance devices 42 and 43 move forward in the Y direction approaching the tape feeder 30, the carrier tape 10 is guided through the gap between the upper and lower pair of guides 42a of the first tape conveyance device 42 and is also guided through the gap between the guide 43a of the second tape conveyance device 43 and the tape feed guide of the tape feeder 30.

[0053] The first release device 44 and the second release device 45 are each a device that releases and opens the holding of the carrier tape 10 by the tape guide 33c of the tape feeder 30 or the holding of the top tape 12 by the top tape feed mechanism unit 34. As shown in FIG. 6, the first release device 44 and the second release device 45 are each arranged on the base 3 on the second tape conveyance device 43 side with respect to the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41. The first release device 44 and the second release device 45 can each move forward and backward (i.e., in the Y direction) on the base 3 toward the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41.

[0054] The first release device 44 is placed and fixed on the above-mentioned support base 40c. Further, the first release device 44 can use a lift lever 44a and an air cylinder 44b, etc., to bring the lift lever 44a into contact with the lever 33e of the tape guide 33c and raise and lower the lever 33e. The second release device 45 is placed and fixed on a support base 40d that is attached to the base 3 so as to be able to move forward and backward in the Y direction. The second release device 45 can use a lift lever 45a and an air cylinder 45b, etc., to bring the lift lever 45a into contact with the top tape holding lever of the top tape feed mechanism unit 34 and move the lever in the X direction.

[0055] The temporary tape arranging device 46 is a device that arranges the top tape 12 peeled from the base tape 11 along the waste path, and arranges a temporary tape (not shown) along a path following the waste path. The temporary tape arranging device 46 is placed and fixed on a support base 40e that is attached to the base 3 so as to be able to move forward and backward in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the temporary tape arranging device 46 can move forward and backward (i.e., in the Y direction) on the base 3 toward the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41. After the temporary tape is pulled out from the temporary tape reel, it is connected to the top tape 12 peeled from the base tape 11, transferred to the tape feeder 30, and then wound back onto the temporary tape reel.

[0056] The peeling device 47 is a device that peels the top tape 12 from the base tape 11 of the carrier tape 10 loaded in the tape feeder 30 and held and guided by the tape guide 33c using the peeling claw 47a. As shown in FIG. 6, the peeling device 47 is arranged on the base 3 on the front side (i.e., the downstream side in the X direction) of the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41. The peeling device 47 is placed and fixed on a support base 40f that is slidably attached to the base 3 in the X direction. The peeling device 47 can move forward and backward (i.e., in the X direction) on the base 3 toward the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding base 41.

[0057] The peeling device 47 inserts the peeling claw 47a between the base tape 11 and the top tape 12 of the carrier tape 10 guided by the tape guide 33c to peel the top tape 12 from the base tape 11. The peeling device 47 can be raised and lowered by an air cylinder 47b between a height position where the peeling claw 47a can be inserted between the base tape 11 and the top tape 12 and a height position where the insertion is impossible.

[0058] The gripping device 48 is a device that grips the tip of the top tape 12 peeled from the base tape 11 by the peeling device 47 using a pair of gripping claws 48a or the like. As shown in FIG. 6, the gripping device 48 is disposed on the base 3 on the second tape conveying device 43 side with respect to the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding table 41. Each of the gripping devices 48 can move forward and backward on the base 3 toward the tape feeder 30 held by the feeder holding table 41 (i.e., in the Y direction).

[0059] The gripping device 48 is placed and fixed on a support base 40g slidably attached to the base 3 in the Y direction and slidably attached in the Z direction. The gripping device 48 is retracted in the Y direction and the Z direction before gripping the top tape 12, and advanced in the Y direction and the Z direction according to the gripping requirement. The pair of gripping claws 48a of the gripping device 48 are separated from each other until the above-mentioned forward movement is completed and the top tape 12 can be gripped, and come into contact with each other after that state. By this contact, the tip of the top tape 12 is gripped between the pair of gripping claws 48a.

[0060] The connecting device 49 is a device that connects the tip of the top tape 12 gripped by the gripping device 48 to the tip of the temporary tape arranged along a predetermined path as described above by the temporary tape arranging device 46 by heat adhesion or the like. The connecting device 49 is attached to the temporary tape arranging device 46 fixed to the support base 40e. After the top tape 12 and the temporary tape are connected by the connecting device 49, when the gripping of the top tape 12 by the gripping device 48 is released, the temporary tape is conveyed in the return direction in a state of being connected to the tip of the top tape 12, transferred from the temporary tape arranging device 46 to the tape feeder 30, and the top tape 12 is guided to the discard position.

[0061] In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 6, the above-described reel loader 40 has the first tape conveying device 42, the second tape conveying device 43, the first releasing device 44, the second releasing device 45, the temporary tape arranging device 46, the peeling device 47, and the gripping device 48 all separated from the feeder holding table 41. In this initial state, the operator sets the tape feeder 30 on the feeder holding table 41, attaches the reel 20 to the reel accommodating portion 32, and presses the feeder set completion button provided in the control device of the reel loader 40.

[0062] When the feeder set completion button is pressed, first, the first tape conveying device 42 and the second tape conveying device 43 each advance toward the tape feeder 30 in the Y direction, and in conjunction therewith, the first releasing device 44 advances toward the tape feeder 30 in the Y direction, and the lift lever 44a of the first releasing device 44 is inserted into the operating allowable side with respect to the lever 33e of the tape guide 33c of the tape feeder 30. In this state, when the lift lever 44a rises in the Z direction to lift the lever 33e, the rear end portion of the tape guide 33c rotates upward with the front end portion as a fulcrum, and it becomes possible to insert the carrier tape 10 into the gap between the tape guide 33c and the sprocket 33a.

[0063] In this state, the operator pulls out the carrier tape 10 from the reel 20 accommodated in the reel accommodating portion 32 and inserts the leading end portion of the carrier tape 10 into the tape insertion port 40a at the rear end portion of the guide 42a of the first tape conveying device 42. When this insertion is performed, the leading end portion of the carrier tape 10 is detected by the photoelectric sensor 42d.

[0064] When the tip of the carrier tape 10 is detected, the motor 42c of the first tape conveyance device 42, the motor 43c of the second tape conveyance device 43, and the motor 33b of the tape feeder 30 are driven, so that the carrier tape 10 is guided by the guides 42a, 43a and the tape conveyance path 31a and conveyed in the X direction to a position passing through the gap between the tape guide 33c and the sprocket 33a. When the carrier tape 10 is conveyed to the tape guide 33c, the motors 42c, 43c, 33b are stopped from driving, and the lift lever 44a of the first release device 44 is lowered. In this case, since the lever 33e is lowered, the carrier tape 10 is held between the tape guide 33c and the sprocket 33a.

[0065] Next, the peeling device 47 advances toward the tape feeder 30 side in the X direction, and the peeling claw 47a is set at a peeling position where the top tape 12 can be peeled from the base tape 11 with respect to the tape guide 33c. Thereafter, the gripping device 48 advances toward the tape feeder 30 side in the Y direction, and the gripping claw 48a is set at a gripping position where it can contact the upper surface of the peeling claw 47a and grip the top tape 12.

[0066] When the motor 33b is driven in the forward direction in this state, the sprocket 33a rotates in the forward direction, so that the carrier tape 10 in the tape guide 33c is conveyed to the downstream side in the X direction. When the carrier tape 10 is conveyed to the downstream side in the X direction, the tip of the peeling claw 47a is inserted between the base tape 11 and the top tape 12 that were joined to each other at the tip of the carrier tape 10, so that the top tape 12 is peeled from the base tape 11. After being peeled from the base tape 11, the top tape 12 is gripped by the gripping claw 48a and folded back.

[0067] Also, when the carrier tape 10 is held between the tape guide 33c and the sprocket 33a as described above and the setting of the gripping claws 48a on the upper surface of the peeling claw 47a is completed, the first tape conveying device 42 and the second tape conveying device 43 are each retracted in the Y direction away from the feeder holding table 41, and the second opening device 45 is advanced toward the tape feeder 30 side in the Y direction. In this case, the lift lever 45a of the second opening device 45 is inserted into the lever of the top tape feeding mechanism portion 34 of the tape feeder 30 on the operation allowable side. When the lift lever 45a is advanced in the X direction in this state, the insertion of the top tape 12 into the top tape feeding mechanism portion 34 becomes possible.

[0068] In this state, the temporary tape arranging device 46 is advanced toward the tape feeder 30 side in the Y direction. When such advancement is performed, the temporary tape held by the temporary tape arranging device 46 is positioned so as to overlap the top tape 12 peeled from the base tape 11. The connecting device 49 is advanced in the Y direction as the temporary tape arranging device 46 advances in the Y direction. Then, the top tape 12 and the temporary tape are sandwiched between the heating members of the connecting device 49 in a state where they overlap each other and are connected to each other.

[0069] After the above connection, the connecting device 49 is retracted, the gripping of the temporary tape is released, the gripping of the top tape 12 by the gripping claws 48a is released, and the temporary tape held by the temporary tape arranging device 46 is transferred to the tape feeder 30. Then, the second opening device 45 is retracted in the Y direction, and the leading end portion of the temporary tape is held by the top tape feeding mechanism portion 34 of the tape feeder 30. Then, the temporary tape arranging device 46 cuts the temporary tape with a tape cutting machine (not shown). After this cutting, the temporary tape arranging device 46 is retracted in the Y direction, and the sprocket 33a is rotated by the drive of the motor 33b, so that the component 2 accommodated in the base tape 11 protrudes and is positioned at the component taking-out position D.

[0070] As described above, the automatic loading of the carrier tape 10 onto the tape feeder 30 by the reel loader 40 is completed. In this reel loader 40, when the operator inserts the carrier tape 10 into the rear end of the tape feeder 30 set on the feeder holding table 41, the carrier tape 10 can be automatically loaded onto the tape feeder 30.

[0071] 4. Configuration of Carrier Tape Determination Device The carrier tape determination device 1 determines the type of the carrier tape 10 inserted into the tape insertion port 40a of the reel loader 40 and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 among the positions of the cavities 14 of the carrier tape 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the carrier tape determination device 1 includes a photoelectric sensor 50, a feeding unit 51, a feeding control unit 52, and a determination unit 53.

[0072] The photoelectric sensor 50 is a detection unit that generates signals for determining the type of the carrier tape 10 conveyed in the X direction on the guide 42a of the first tape conveyance device 42 and the leading position H. The photoelectric sensor 50 is the photoelectric sensor 42d of the first tape conveyance device 42. That is, the photoelectric sensor 50 has a light projecting unit 42d-1 that irradiates light onto the surface of the carrier tape 10 on the guide 42a and a light receiving unit 42d-2 that receives the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1.

[0073] The feeding unit 51 is a conveyance device that feeds the carrier tape 10 on the guide 42a in the X direction, which is the tape longitudinal direction. The feeding unit 51 is the drive roller 42b and the motor 42c of the first tape conveyance device 42.

[0074] The feeding control unit 52 is a part that controls the feeding operation of the carrier tape by the feeding unit 51. The feeding control unit 52 is mainly composed of a microcomputer. The feeding control unit 52 is electrically connected to the motor 42c as the feeding unit 51. The feeding control unit 52 causes the feeding of the carrier tape 10 to be executed in a predetermined pitch pattern by driving the drive roller 42b by the motor 42c. The predetermined pitch pattern will be described in detail later.

[0075] The feed control unit 52 is also electrically connected to the motors 33b and 43c and is electrically connected to the above-described photoelectric sensor 50. The light receiving unit 42d-2 of the photoelectric sensor 50 supplies a signal corresponding to the light reception result of the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 to the feed control unit 52. Based on the light reception result at the light receiving unit 42d-2, the feed control unit 52 determines whether or not the carrier tape 10 has been inserted into the tape insertion port 40a of the reel loader 40. When an affirmative determination is made, the motors 33b, 42c, and 43c are driven to convey the carrier tape 10.

[0076] The determination unit 53 is a part that determines the type of the carrier tape 10 and the above-described leading position H. The determination unit 53 is electrically connected to the above-described photoelectric sensor 50. The light receiving unit 42d-2 of the photoelectric sensor 50 supplies a signal corresponding to the light reception result of the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 to the determination unit 53. The determination unit 53 makes the above-described determination based on the relationship between a plurality of feed positions, which will be described later, obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape 10 in a predetermined pitch pattern by the feed unit 51 and the light reception result at the light receiving unit 42d-2.

[0077] 5. Operation of the Carrier Tape Determination Device In the carrier tape determination device 1, when the power is turned on with the carrier tape 10 not inserted into the tape insertion port 40a, the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 of the photoelectric sensor 50 is received by the light receiving unit 42d-2 without being blocked. In this case, the feed control unit 52 determines that the carrier tape 10 is not inserted into the tape insertion port 40a. On the other hand, after the power is turned on, when the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 is first blocked by the carrier tape 10 and is not received by the light receiving unit 42d-2, the feed control unit 52 determines that the carrier tape 10 has been inserted into the tape insertion port 40a.

[0078] When the tape feed control unit 52 determines that the carrier tape 10 has been inserted into the tape insertion port 40a, it then drives the motors 33b, 42c, and 43c to convey the carrier tape 10 from the upstream side in the X direction to the downstream side in the X direction (i.e., in the forward direction). In particular, the tape feed control unit 52 causes the driving of the motor 42c, i.e., the feeding of the carrier tape 10 by the feed unit 51, as a predetermined pitch pattern, in half-pitch increments, which is half of the interval L1 between the feed holes 13, in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 (step S100 in the routine shown in FIG. 8).

[0079] Incidentally, hereinafter, the forward feed side of the carrier tape 10 refers to the direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 along the tape longitudinal direction of the carrier tape 10 towards the reel center side wound around the reel 20. Also, the reverse return side of the carrier tape 10 refers to the direction opposite to the forward feed side, from the reel center side wound around the reel 20 of the carrier tape 10 along the tape longitudinal direction of the carrier tape 10 towards the start end S side.

[0080] The light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 of the photoelectric sensor 50 is irradiated onto the tape width direction position on the upper surface of the carrier tape 10 where the cavity 14 may exist. This irradiated light is blocked by the upper surface of the black carrier tape 10 and also by the component 2 in the cavity 14 with components, and thus is not received by the light receiving unit 42d-2. On the other hand, in other cases, it passes through the carrier tape 10 and is received by the light receiving unit 42d-2.

[0081] The light receiving results at the light receiving unit 42d-2 are supplied to the determination unit 53 in sequence in half-pitch increments from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. The determination unit 53 can determine whether each light receiving result is the light receiving result at the cavity 14 existing at the first longitudinal direction position PM or the light receiving result at the cavity 14 existing at the second longitudinal direction position PH. Also, the determination unit 53 can store the light receiving results in half-pitch increments in correspondence with the tape longitudinal direction positions.

[0082] Generally, a plurality of empty cavities (hereinafter referred to as empty cavities) 14 in which the components 2 are not accommodated are provided at both ends of the carrier tape 10. For this reason, in each carrier tape 10, the cavity 14 with components is generally not the first cavity 14 from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10, but the plurality of cavities 14.

[0083] Regardless of the type of the carrier tape 10 and the leading position H of the cavity 14 with components, once the light from the light projecting part 42d-1 is blocked by the cavity 14 at the first longitudinal position PM of the carrier tape 10, thereafter, the light from the light projecting part 42d-1 will surely be blocked by the cavity 14 at the first longitudinal position PM. Hereinafter, the position of the cavity 14 where the light from the light projecting part 42d-1 is first blocked from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 in the first longitudinal position PM and the light receiving result becomes the light blocking state is referred to as the reference position P0. The leading position H of the carrier tape 10 is this reference position P0, or the position (hereinafter referred to as the second position) P2 on the reverse direction return side by a pitch of half of the first interval L1 from this reference position P0.

[0084] At the above-mentioned second position P2, when the carrier tape 10 is the transparent first carrier tape 10A, the light from the light projecting part 42d-1 passes through the upper surface of the first carrier tape 10A, so the light receiving result becomes the transmission state. When the carrier tape 10 is the black second carrier tape 10B, the light from the light projecting part 42d-1 is blocked by the upper surface of the second carrier tape 10B, so the light receiving result becomes the light blocking state.

[0085] Also, at the second position P2, when the carrier tape 10 is the third carrier tape 10C-2 where the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is the second longitudinal direction position PH, the light from the light-projecting unit 42d-1 is blocked by the component 2 in the cavity 14 of the third carrier tape 10C-2, so the light-receiving result is in a light-blocked state. Further, when the carrier tape 10 is the third carrier tape 10C-1 where the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is the first longitudinal direction position PM, the light from the light-projecting unit 42d-1 passes through the through-hole 14a of the third carrier tape 10C-1, so the light-receiving result is in a transmission state.

[0086] Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light-receiving result during the feeding process from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. And in the state where the light-receiving result at the second position P2 is in a light-blocked state and the light-receiving result at the reference position P0 is in a light-blocked state (hereinafter referred to as the first light-receiving state; step S101), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 is either the second carrier tape 10B or the third carrier tape 10C-2 (step S102).

[0087] Also, at the feeding position (hereinafter referred to as the first position) P1, which is on the reverse return side by a pitch that is 1.5 times the first interval L1 from the reference position P0, when the carrier tape 10 is the black second carrier tape 10B, the light from the light-projecting unit 42d-1 is blocked by the upper surface of the second carrier tape 10B, so the light-receiving result is in a light-blocked state. On the other hand, when the carrier tape 10 is the above-mentioned third carrier tape 10C-2, the light from the light-projecting unit 42d-1 passes through the through-hole 14a of the third carrier tape 10C, so the light-receiving result is in a transmission state.

[0088] Therefore, when the determination in step S102 is made, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result at the first position P1. In the state where the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the first light reception state and is in the light-shielded state (hereinafter referred to as the second light reception state; step S103), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 is the second carrier tape 10B, and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 in the carrier tape 10 is the reference position P0 (step S104). In the state where the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the first light reception state and is in the transmissive state (hereinafter referred to as the third light reception state; step S105), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 is the third carrier tape 10C-2, and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 in the carrier tape 10 is the second position P2 (step S106).

[0089] Also, at the feed position (hereinafter referred to as the third position) P3, which is on the forward feed side by a pitch equal to half of the first interval L1 from the reference position P0, when the carrier tape 10 is the transparent first carrier tape 10A, the light from the light projection unit 42d-1 First carrier tape 10A passes through the upper surface thereof, so the light reception result is in the transmissive state. On the other hand, no matter which of the third carrier tapes 10C the carrier tape 10 is, the light from the light projection unit 42d-1 is blocked by the component 2 in the cavity 14 of the third carrier tape 10C, so the light reception result is in the light-shielded state.

[0090] Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result during the feeding process from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. In the state where the light reception result at the reference position P0 is in the light-shielded state and the light reception result at the third position P3 is in the transmissive state (hereinafter referred to as the fourth light reception state; step S107), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 is the first carrier tape 10A, and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 in the carrier tape 10 is the reference position P0 (step S108).

[0091] Further, in a state where the light reception result at the second position P2 is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the reference position P0 is in a light-shielding state, and the light reception result at the third position P3 is in a light-shielding state (hereinafter referred to as the fifth light reception state; step S109), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 is the third carrier tape 10C-1, and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 in the carrier tape 10 is the reference position P0 (step S110).

[0092] Thus, according to the carrier tape determination device 1, based on the relationship between the plurality of feeding positions P0, P1, P2, P3 obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape 10 forward by half a pitch, which is half of the interval L1 of the feed holes 13, by the feeding unit 51, and the light reception result at the light receiving unit 42d-2, the type of the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 can be determined.

[0093] Specifically, it is possible to determine which of the first carrier tape 10A in which the interval L2 of the cavity 14 is the same as the interval L1 of the feed holes 13, Transparent color the second carrier tape 10B in which the interval L2 of the cavity 14 is the same as the interval L1 of the feed holes 13, Black and the third carrier tape 10C in which the interval L2 of the cavity 14 is half of the interval L1 of the feed holes 13. Further, it is possible to determine whether the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 in the carrier tape 10 is the reference position P0 or the second position P2.

[0094] When the type of the carrier tape 10 and the leading position H of the cavity 14 with components are determined as described above, automatic loading of the carrier tape 10 is executed according to the determination result, and the determination result is used for feeding out the component 2, pitch feeding to the component taking-out position D, or collation of the carrier tape 10. Therefore, according to the type of the carrier tape 10 and the leading position H of the cavity 14 with components, it is possible to appropriately execute feeding out the component 2, pitch feeding to the component taking-out position D, or collation of the carrier tape 10.

[0095] In the carrier tape determination device 1, only the photoelectric sensor 50 having a light projecting portion 42d-1 that is disposed above the guide 42a for guiding the carrier tape 10 and irradiates the upper surface of the carrier tape 10 with light directed in the Z direction is used for determining the type and leading position H of the carrier tape 10. That is, it is not necessary to use a photoelectric sensor having a light projecting portion that is disposed on the side of the carrier tape 10 (particularly, the embossed tape) and irradiates the side surface of the cavity forming portion 11a with light directed in the Y direction.

[0096] Therefore, the type and leading position H of the carrier tape 10 can be determined with a compact configuration. In addition, since the photoelectric sensor 50 used for determining the type of the carrier tape 10 can be also used as a sensor for detecting the component 2, that is, the cavity 14 with components, the configuration of the carrier tape determination device 1 can be simplified.

[0097] Further, the photoelectric sensor 50 does not irradiate light from the side of the carrier tape 10. Therefore, when the embossed tape is the first or second carrier tape 10A, 10B having a width of 4 mm, in a structure in which the interval between two adjacent cavity forming portions 11a in the tape longitudinal direction is narrow or the upper portions of the side walls of those two cavity forming portions 11a (that is, the protruding portions 11b, 11c side) are connected, it is possible to avoid erroneously determining that there is a cavity forming portion 11a in the portion between those two cavity forming portions 11a. Therefore, the accuracy of determining the type of the embossed tape and the leading position H can be improved, and the working efficiency can be increased.

[0098] In addition, in a structure where the interval between the above two cavity forming portions 11a is narrow or the upper portions of the side walls of the two cavity forming portions 11a (that is, on the side of the protruding portions 11b and 11c) are connected, in order not to erroneously determine that a cavity forming portion 11a exists in the portion between the two cavity forming portions 11a, it is conceivable to set a threshold value for determining whether the light reception result sent from the light receiving portion is in a light shielding state or a transmission state to the transmission side. However, in this threshold value setting, the light from the light projecting portion passes through the cavity forming portion 11a of the transparent color embossing tape, and there is a risk of erroneously determining that the cavity forming portion 11a does not exist even though it exists.

[0099] On the other hand, in the carrier tape determination device 1, it is not necessary to set the above threshold value to the transmission side, so it is possible to prevent an erroneous determination that the cavity forming portion 11a does not exist even though it exists. Therefore, also in this respect, the accuracy of determining the type of the embossing tape and the leading position H can be improved, and the working efficiency can be increased.

[0100] Furthermore, when determining the type and leading position H of the carrier tape 10, the feeding of the carrier tape 10 by the feeding unit 51 may be performed step by step at a constant pitch (specifically, a half pitch which is half of the interval L1 between the feed holes 13) in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. For this reason, since it is not necessary to reverse the traveling direction during the feeding process of the carrier tape 10, it is possible to realize the feeding operation of the carrier tape 10 with simple control.

[0101] Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined pitch pattern of the feeding of the carrier tape 10 to be executed by the feeding control unit 52 is a half pitch which is half of the interval L1 between the feed holes 13 in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the predetermined pitch pattern of the feeding of the carrier tape 10 by the feeding control unit 52 may be any pattern as long as it includes at least the above-described reference position P0, first position P1, second position P2, and third position P3 as the feeding positions.

[0102] [Second Embodiment] The carrier tape determination device 1 of this embodiment is realized by causing it to execute the routine shown in FIG. 9 instead of the routine shown in FIG. 8.

[0103] Specifically, when the feeding control unit 52 determines that the carrier tape 10 has been inserted into the tape insertion port 40a, the driving of the motor 42c, that is, the feeding of the carrier tape 10 by the feeding unit 51, is first executed by one pitch equal to the interval L1 between the feed holes 13 in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 as a predetermined pitch pattern (step S200 in the routine shown in FIG. 9). In this case, the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 of the photoelectric sensor 50 is irradiated onto the cavity 14 at the first longitudinal position PM. Then, the determination unit 53 is supplied with the light reception results at the first longitudinal position PM in order by one pitch from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10.

[0104] Regardless of the type of the carrier tape 10 and the head position H of the cavity 14 with components, once the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 is blocked by the cavity 14 at the first longitudinal position PM of the carrier tape 10, that position becomes the reference position P0 where the light from the light projecting unit 42d-1 is first blocked and the light reception result becomes the light-blocked state from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 in the first longitudinal position PM (step S201). And at the above-described first position P1, second position P2, and third position P3, the light reception results change according to the type of the carrier tape 10 and the head position H of the cavity 14 with components as described above.

[0105] Therefore, after the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state, first, the feed control unit 52 sets the feed of the carrier tape 10 by the feed unit 51 to the reverse feed side by a pitch that is 1.5 times the interval L1 between the feed holes 13 from the above reference position P0, and executes a reverse feed operation to the first position P1 (step S202). Then, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result at the first position P1. As a result, in a state where the light reception result at the reference position P0 is in the light-shielded state and the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the light-shielded state (hereinafter referred to as the eleventh light reception state; step S203), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the second carrier tape 10B and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is the reference position P0 (step S204).

[0106] Next, when the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the transmission state (step S205), the feed control unit 52 sets the feed of the carrier tape 10 by the feed unit 51 to the reverse feed side by a half pitch that is half of the interval L1 between the feed holes 13 from the above reference position P0, and executes a forward feed operation to the second position P2 (step S206). Then, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result at the second position P2. As a result, in a state where the light reception result at the reference position P0 is in the light-shielded state, the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the transmission state, and the light reception result at the second position P2 is in the light-shielded state (hereinafter referred to as the twelfth light reception state; step S207), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the third carrier tape 10C-2 and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is the second position P2 (step S208).

[0107] Next, when the light reception result at the second position P2 is in the transmission state (step S209), the feed control unit 52 sets the feed of the carrier tape 10 by the feed unit 51 to the forward feed side by a half pitch, which is half of the interval L1 between the feed holes, from the reference position P0, and executes the forward feed operation to the third position P3 (step S210). Then, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result at the third position P3. As a result, in a state where the light reception result at the reference position P0 is in the light-shielding state, the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the transmission state, the light reception result at the second position P2 is in the transmission state, and the light reception result at the third position P3 is in the light-shielding state (hereinafter referred to as the thirteenth light reception state; step S211), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the third carrier tape 10C-1 and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is the reference position P0 (step S212).

[0108] Furthermore, in a state where the light reception result at the reference position P0 is in the light-shielding state, the light reception result at the first position P1 is in the transmission state, the light reception result at the second position P2 is in the transmission state, and the light reception result at the third position P3 is in the transmission state (hereinafter referred to as the fourteenth light reception state; step S213), the determination unit 53 determines that the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 is the first carrier tape 10A and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 in the carrier tape 10 is the reference position P0 (step S214).

[0109] Thus, according to the carrier tape determination device 1, the feed of the carrier tape 10 by the feed unit 51 is executed by one pitch, which is the same as the first interval L1 between the feed holes, in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape until the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielding state. Further, after the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielding state, the feed position of the carrier tape 10 is switched to the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3 in that order. Then, based on the relationship of the light reception results at each of the positions P0, P1, P2, P3, the type of the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 and the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 can be determined. Therefore, the same effects as in the case of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, until the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state and the reference position P0 is obtained, it is sufficient to perform tape feeding one pitch at a time from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 and only acquire the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM. That is, until the reference position P0 is obtained, it is not necessary to acquire the light reception result at the second longitudinal position PH.

[0111] Therefore, it is not necessary to acquire the light reception results for all the cavities 14 from the start end S of the carrier tape 10 to the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14, and the time until the type of the carrier tape 10 and the determination of the leading position H are completed can be shortened. In particular, the greater the number of empty cavities 14 and the longer the distance from the start end S of the carrier tape 10 to the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14, the more the effect can be exerted.

[0112] By the way, in the above embodiment, the predetermined pitch pattern of the feeding of the carrier tape 10 executed by the feeding control unit 52 is initially one pitch at a time in the same interval L1 between the feed holes 13 in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. After the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state, the feeding position switches to the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3 in that order. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. After the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state, it is sufficient that the feeding positions include the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3, and the feeding positions may switch in any order.

[0113] [Third Embodiment] The carrier tape determination device 1 of this embodiment is realized by executing the routine shown in FIG. 10 instead of the routine shown in FIG. 8.

[0114] Specifically, when the feed control unit 52 determines that the carrier tape 10 has been inserted into the tape insertion port 40a, it causes the motor 42c to drive, that is, the feed unit 51 to feed the carrier tape 10 step by step in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 at a half pitch which is half of the interval L1 between the feed holes as a predetermined pitch pattern (step S300 in the routine shown in FIG. 10).

[0115] In the black second carrier tape 10B, until the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state, the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM becomes the transmissive state and the light reception result at the second longitudinal position PH becomes the light-shielded state. That is, until the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state, the light reception results alternate between the transmissive state and the light-shielded state with each half-pitch feed of the carrier tape 10.

[0116] Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result during the feeding process from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. When the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM is in the transmissive state and the light reception result at the second longitudinal position PH is in the light-shielded state from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 (step S301), and then the state where the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielded state (hereinafter referred to as the twenty-first light reception state; step S302), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the second carrier tape 10B and the head position H is the reference position P0 (step S303).

[0117] In the third carrier tape 10C-2 where the head position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is at the second longitudinal position PH, until the light reception result at the second longitudinal position PH reaches the light-shielded state, both the light reception result at the second longitudinal position PH and the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM become the transmissive state. That is, until the light reception result at the second longitudinal position PH reaches the light-shielded state, the transmissive light reception results continue with each half-pitch feed of the carrier tape 10.

[0118] Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result during the feeding process from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. Then, when the light reception result in the first longitudinal direction position PM from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 is in a transmissive state and the light reception result in the second tape longitudinal direction PH is in a transmissive state (step S304), and then the light reception result in the second longitudinal direction position PH reaches a light-shielded state (hereinafter referred to as the twenty-second light reception state; step S305), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the third carrier tape 10C-2 and the leading position H is the second position P2 (step S306).

[0119] In the transparent first carrier tape 10A, after the light reception result in the first longitudinal direction position PM reaches a light-shielded state, the light reception result in the second longitudinal direction position PH becomes a transmissive state.

[0120] Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result during the feeding process from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. Then, when the light reception result in the first longitudinal direction position PM from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10 is light-shielded (step S307), and then the light reception result in the second tape longitudinal direction PH reaches a transmissive state (hereinafter referred to as the twenty-third light reception state; step S308), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the first carrier tape 10A and the leading position H is the reference position P0 (step S309).

[0121] Furthermore, in the third carrier tape 10C-1 where the leading position H of the component-containing cavity 14 is in the first longitudinal direction position PM, until the light reception result in the first longitudinal direction position PM reaches a light-shielded state, both the light reception result in the second longitudinal direction position PH and the light reception result in the first longitudinal direction position PM are in a transmissive state, and after the light reception result in the first longitudinal direction position PM reaches a light-shielded state, the light reception result in the next second longitudinal direction position PH becomes a light-shielded state.

[0122] Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the state of the light reception result during the feeding process from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. Then, until the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielding state, the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM is in the transmission state and the light reception result in the second tape longitudinal direction PH is in the transmission state (step S310). After the light reception result at the first longitudinal position PM reaches the light-shielding state (step S311), in the state where the light reception result at the next second longitudinal position PH is in the light-shielding state (hereinafter referred to as the twenty-fourth light reception state; step S312), it is determined that the carrier tape 10 is the third carrier tape 10C-1 and the leading position H is the reference position P0 (step S313).

[0123] Thus, according to the carrier tape determination device 1, based on the relationship between a plurality of feeding positions obtained during the process in which the carrier tape 10 is fed forward by half a pitch, which is half of the interval L1 of the feed holes 13, by the feeding unit 51, and the light reception result at the light receiving unit 42d-2 of the photoelectric sensor 50, the type of the carrier tape 10 inserted into the reel loader 40 and the leading position H of the component cavity 14 can be determined. Therefore, the same effects as in the case of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0124] Furthermore, in order to determine the type of the carrier tape 10 and the leading position H, the feeding of the carrier tape 10 by the feeding unit 51 may be performed by a fixed pitch (specifically, half a pitch, which is half of the interval L1 of the feed holes 13) in the forward direction from the start end S side of the carrier tape 10. For this reason, it is not necessary to reverse the traveling direction during the feeding process of the carrier tape 10 during the above determination, and thus it is possible to realize the feeding operation of the carrier tape 10 with simple control.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, three types of carrier tapes 10, i.e., a first carrier tape 10A, a second carrier tape 10B, and a third carrier tape 10C, are prepared, and two types of leading positions H of the component cavities 14 in the carrier tape 10, i.e., a first longitudinal position PM and a second longitudinal position PH, are prepared. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and it may be applied to cases where four or more types of carrier tapes 10 are prepared, or it may be applied to cases where three or more types of the above-described leading positions H are prepared.

[0126] Also, in the above-described first to third embodiments, in determining the type of the carrier tape 10 and the leading position H by the carrier tape determination device 1, the photoelectric sensor 50 is fixed to the reel loader 40, and the carrier tape 10 is conveyed in the tape longitudinal direction by the feeding unit 51 so that the carrier tape 10 is sent to the photoelectric sensor 50 in the tape longitudinal direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and conversely, with the carrier tape 10 fixed, the photoelectric sensor 50 may be conveyed in the tape longitudinal direction of the carrier tape 10 so that the carrier tape 10 is sent relative to the photoelectric sensor 50 in the tape longitudinal direction.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the carrier tape determination device 1 is incorporated into the reel loader 40. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the carrier tape determination device 1 may be incorporated into a splicing unit that automatically joins (splices) two carrier tapes 10 or into a tape feeder that conveys the carrier tape 10 to the component removal position D. According to this modified form, splicing of two carrier tapes 10 and supply of the component 2 to the component removal position D can be appropriately performed according to the type of the carrier tape 10 and the leading position H of the component cavity 14.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1: Carrier tape determination device, 2: Component, 10: Carrier tape, 10A: First carrier tape, 10B: Second carrier tape, 10C, 10C-1, 10C-2: Third carrier tape, 11: Base tape, 12: Top tape, 13: Feeding hole, 14: Cavity, 20: Reel, 30: Tape feeder, 40: Reel loader, 42d, 50: Photoelectric sensor, 42d-1: Light projecting part, 42d-2: Light receiving part, 51: Feeding part, 52: Feeding control part, 53: Determination part.

Claims

1. A type of carrier tape having feed holes provided at a first interval in the tape longitudinal direction and cavities provided at a second interval in the tape longitudinal direction, spaced apart from the feed holes in the tape width direction, and a carrier tape determination device for determining the leading position where components from the start end side of the carrier tape are actually accommodated among the positions of the cavities, wherein the carrier tape comprises a base tape provided with the feed holes and the cavities, and a top tape disposed on the upper surface side of the base tape so as to close the cavities from above and being transparent and light transmissible, and has the base tape has through holes provided in the bottom wall portion of the cavity forming portion that forms the cavity for each cavity and is formed smaller than the size of the component, the carrier tape determination device comprises a feed portion for feeding the carrier tape in the tape longitudinal direction, a light projecting portion for irradiating light so as to be able to pass through the through holes to the carrier tape fed in the tape longitudinal direction by the feed portion, and a light receiving portion disposed opposite to the light projecting portion with the carrier tape interposed therebetween and receiving the light irradiated from the light projecting portion, which is a photoelectric sensor, a feed control portion for causing the feed portion to feed the carrier tape in a predetermined pitch pattern, and a determination portion for determining the type of the carrier tape and the leading position based on the relationship between a plurality of feed positions obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape in the predetermined pitch pattern and the light receiving result at the light receiving portion, and is provided with the cavity is provided at least at the same position in the tape longitudinal direction as the middle position between two adjacent feed holes in the tape longitudinal direction, the types of the carrier tape include a first carrier tape in which the second interval is the same as the first interval and the base tape is a transparent color, a second carrier tape in which the second interval is the same as the first interval and the base tape is black, and a third carrier tape in which the second interval is half of the first interval, The feeding position is such that the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the intermediate position, and is a reference position where the light reception result first becomes a light-shielded state from the start end side of the carrier tape, a first position that is on the reverse return side, which is opposite to the forward feeding side, by a pitch that is 1.5 times the first interval from the reference position, a second position that is on the reverse return side by a pitch that is half of the first interval from the reference position, and a third position that is on the forward feeding side by a pitch that is half of the first interval from the reference position. The determination unit is a carrier tape determination device that determines the type and the head position of the carrier tape based on the relationship of the light reception results obtained at the reference position, the first position, the second position, and the third position. **Claim 2** The determination unit determines that the carrier tape is either the second carrier tape or the third carrier tape in a first light reception state where the light reception result at the second position is in a light-shielded state and the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state, according to the carrier tape determination device described in Claim 1. **Claim 3** In a second light reception state where it is the first light reception state and the light reception result at the first position is in a light-shielded state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the second carrier tape and the head position is the reference position. In a third light reception state where it is the first light reception state and the light reception result at the first position is in a transmissive state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the third carrier tape and the head position is the second position, according to the carrier tape determination device described in Claim 2. **Claim 4** In a fourth light reception state where the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state and the light reception result at the third position is in a transmissive state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the first carrier tape and the head position is the reference position, according to the carrier tape determination device described in any one of Claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5** In a fifth light reception state where the light reception result at the second position is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state, and the light reception result at the third position is in a light-shielded state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the third carrier tape and the head position is the reference position, according to the carrier tape determination device described in any one of Claims 1 to 4. **Claim 6** The feed control unit causes the feed by the feed unit to be executed step by step in a half pitch, which is half of the first interval, in the forward direction from the start end side of the carrier tape as the predetermined pitch pattern, in the carrier tape determination device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. In the eleventh light reception state where the light reception result at the first position is in a light-shielded state and the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the second carrier tape and the head position is the reference position, in the carrier tape determination device according to claim 1.

8. In the twelfth light reception state where the light reception result at the first position is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the second position is in a light-shielded state, and the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the third carrier tape and the head position is the second position, in the carrier tape determination device according to claim 7.

9. In the thirteenth light reception state where the light reception result at the first position is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the second position is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state, and the light reception result at the third position is in a light-shielded state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the third carrier tape and the head position is the reference position, in the carrier tape determination device according to claim 8.

10. In the fourteenth light reception state where the light reception result at the first position is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the second position is in a transmissive state, the light reception result at the reference position is in a light-shielded state, and the light reception result at the third position is in a transmissive state, the determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the first carrier tape and the head position is the reference position, in the carrier tape determination device according to claim 9.

11. The feed control unit causes the feed by the feed unit to be performed one pitch at a time in the same pitch as the first interval in the forward direction from the start end side of the carrier tape until the light reception result at the same position as the position where the position in the tape longitudinal direction is the intermediate position reaches the light-shielded state in the form of the predetermined pitch pattern, and after the light reception result at the same position as the position where the position in the tape longitudinal direction is the intermediate position reaches the light-shielded state, causes the feed position to be switched to the first position, the second position, and the third position in a predetermined order. The carrier tape determination device according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. A carrier tape determination device for determining the type of a carrier tape having feed holes provided at a first interval in the tape longitudinal direction and cavities provided at a second interval in the tape longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the feed holes in the tape width direction, and the leading position where components from the start end side of the carrier tape are actually accommodated among the positions of the cavities, The carrier tape is a base tape provided with the feed holes and the cavities, a top tape disposed on the upper surface side of the base tape so as to close the cavities from above and being transparent and light-transmittable, and has the base tape is provided with through holes formed smaller than the size of the components in the bottom wall portion of the cavity forming portion that forms the cavity for each cavity, The carrier tape determination device is a feed unit that feeds the carrier tape in the tape longitudinal direction, a light projecting unit that irradiates light so as to be able to pass through the through holes to the carrier tape fed in the tape longitudinal direction by the feed unit, and a light receiving unit that is disposed opposite to the light projecting unit with the carrier tape interposed therebetween and receives the light irradiated from the light projecting unit, a photoelectric sensor having a feed control unit that causes the feed of the carrier tape by the feed unit to be performed in a predetermined pitch pattern, a determination unit that determines the type and the leading position of the carrier tape based on the relationship between a plurality of feed positions obtained in the process of feeding the carrier tape in the predetermined pitch pattern and the light reception result at the light receiving unit, and includes the cavity is provided at least at the same position in the tape longitudinal direction as the intermediate position of two adjacent feed holes in the tape longitudinal direction, The type of the carrier tape includes a second carrier tape in which the second interval is the same as the first interval and the base tape is black. The feed control unit causes the feed unit to perform the feed step by step in a half pitch, which is half of the first interval, in the forward direction from the start end side of the carrier tape as the predetermined pitch pattern. In a twenty-first light reception state where the light reception result at the same position as the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the intermediate position remains in a transmissive state until the light reception result at the same position as the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the intermediate position reaches a light-shielded state and the light reception result at the same position as the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the feed hole is in a light-shielded state, the carrier tape is determined to be the second carrier tape, and the leading position is determined to be a reference position where the position in the tape longitudinal direction is the same as that of the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the intermediate position and the light reception result first reaches the light-shielded state from the start end side of the carrier tape. A carrier tape determination device.

13. The type of the carrier tape includes a third carrier tape in which the second interval is half of the first interval. The feed control unit causes the feed unit to perform the feed step by step in a half pitch, which is half of the first interval, in the forward direction from the start end side of the carrier tape as the predetermined pitch pattern. In a twenty-second light reception state where the light reception result at the same position as the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the feed hole remains in a transmissive state until the light reception result at the same position as the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the feed hole reaches a light-shielded state and the light reception result at the same position as the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the intermediate position is in a transmissive state, the carrier tape is determined to be the third carrier tape, and the leading position is determined to be a second position where the position in the tape longitudinal direction is the same as that of the position in the tape longitudinal direction of the feed hole and the light reception result first reaches the light-shielded state from the start end side of the carrier tape. The carrier tape determination device according to claim 1 or 12.

14. The type of the carrier tape includes a first carrier tape in which the second interval is the same as the first interval and the base tape is transparent. The feed control unit causes the feed unit to perform the feed step by step in a half pitch, which is half of the first interval, in the forward direction from the start end side of the carrier tape as the predetermined pitch pattern. The determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the first carrier tape and the leading position is the reference position where the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the intermediate position and where the light reception result first reaches the light-shielded state from the start end side of the carrier tape, when the light reception result at the position where the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the intermediate position reaches the light-shielded state and then the light reception result at the position on the forward feed side by the half pitch is in the transmissive state in the twenty-third light reception state. The carrier tape determination device according to any one of claims 1, 12, and 13.

15. The type of the carrier tape includes a third carrier tape in which the second interval is half of the first interval. The determination unit determines that the carrier tape is the third carrier tape and the leading position is the reference position when the light reception result at the position where the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the intermediate position is in the transmissive state until the light reception result at the position where the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the intermediate position reaches the light-shielded state, and the light reception result at the position where the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the feed hole is in the transmissive state, and after the light reception result at the position where the position in the longitudinal direction of the tape is the same as that of the intermediate position reaches the light-shielded state, the light reception result at the position on the forward feed side by the half pitch is in the light-shielded state in the twenty-fourth light reception state. The carrier tape determination device according to claim 14.

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