Parts supply device

Abstract

This component supply device comprises: a correction part that corrects a leading portion of a cover tape so as to be directed from the forward end of a carrier tape to the downstream side, in association with a movement of the carrier tape which returns to the upstream side after the carrier tape is fed to the downstream side along a conveyance path in a state where the leading portion is located ahead; and a cover tape peeling part that captures and pulls in the leading portion which has been drawn out from the forward end of the carrier tape to the downstream side, to thereby peel off the cover tape from the upper surface of the carrier tape being fed to the downstream side.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a component supply device that exposes components that have been stored in a carrier tape while covered with a cover tape, transports the exposed components to a component removal position, and supplies them to a component mounting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a component supplying device that exposes components that have been stored in a carrier tape while covered with a cover tape, transports the exposed components to a component removal position, and supplies them to a component mounting device.Patent Document 1 listed below discloses one such component supplying device that has a configuration in which the leading end of the cover tape protrudes from the leading end of the carrier tape, and then blows air up and captures and retracts the protruding portion just before it passes the component removal position, thereby peeling the cover tape from the carrier tape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 070954 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the component supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the leading end (leading portion) of the cover tape protruding from the leading end of the carrier tape is bent relative to the carrier tape, there is a problem in that the leading portion of the cover tape may not be captured by the cover tape retraction portion.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a component supplying device that can reliably capture the leading end of a cover tape even if the leading end is bent.

[0006] The component supply device of the present invention peels off a cover tape having a leading portion protruding from a tip of a carrier tape from the carrier tape to expose components stored on the carrier tape while covered by the cover tape, and transports the exposed components to a component removal position to supply them to a component mounting device. The component supply device includes a transport path having a transport surface that supports the carrier tape from below, a carrier tape transport unit that transports the carrier tape along the transport path with the leading portion leading, and positions the components at the component removal position, and a carrier tape transport unit that is arranged upstream of the component removal position and that transports the carrier tape as it is sent downstream by the carrier tape transport unit and then returned upstream. , bent upward or downward The carrier tape conveying device is provided with a correction unit that corrects the leading portion so that it is directed downstream from the tip of the carrier tape, and a cover tape peeling unit that is positioned downstream of the correction unit and upstream of the component removal position, and that captures and pulls in the leading portion that extends downstream from the tip of the carrier tape, thereby peeling off the cover tape from the upper surface of the carrier tape that is sent downstream by the carrier tape conveying unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, even if the leading portion of the cover tape is bent, it can be reliably captured by the cover tape retraction portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component mounting device in which a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used; [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a tape feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a feeder base of a component mounting device; [Figure 3] 1(a) and 1(b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating a case where the leading portion of the cover tape of the carrier tape fed by the tape feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a part of the cover tape. [Figure 4] 1(a) and 1(b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating a case where the leading portion of the cover tape of the carrier tape fed by the tape feeder in the first embodiment of the present invention is part of the auxiliary tape. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a tape feeder provided in a component mounting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder (when a carrier tape is not being fed) according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder (when feeding a carrier tape) according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a main body of the tape feeder; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of the tape cover provided in the tape feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention, together with the correction portion and the cover tape retraction portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the upward bending of the leading portion of the cover tape is corrected by the correcting portion provided in the tape feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the downward bending of the leading portion of the cover tape is corrected by the correcting portion provided in the tape feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of the tape cover provided in the tape feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention, together with the correction portion and the cover tape retraction portion. [Figure 19]FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape retracting portion and an air ejection portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape retracting portion and an air ejection portion. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape retracting portion and an air ejection portion. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape retracting portion and an air ejection portion. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a tape feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a second embodiment of the present invention together with a correction portion. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a third embodiment of the present invention together with a correction portion. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape lead-in portion, a duct, and a suction portion. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape retracting portion and a guide member. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a part of a tape cover provided in a tape feeder according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, together with a cover tape lead-in portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a component mounting device 1 equipped with a tape feeder as a component supply device in a first embodiment of the present invention. The component mounting device 1 is an apparatus for mounting components BH on a board KB, and is equipped with a board transport unit 12 mounted on a base 11. The board transport unit 12 transports the board KB horizontally and positions it at a predetermined work position. For ease of explanation, the direction in which the board KB is transported by the board transport unit 12 is referred to as the X direction, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction, and the up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. In addition, within the Y direction, the direction toward the center of the base 11 is referred to as the "forward direction," and the direction facing the opposite direction is referred to as the "rearward direction."

[0010] A mounting head 13 is provided above the base 11. The mounting head 13 is moved horizontally by a head moving mechanism (not shown). The mounting head 13 has a plurality of component holding nozzles 14 extending downward.

[0011] 1, a carriage 15 is connected to the Y-direction end of base 11. Carriage 15 includes a feeder base 21 and a reel holding portion 22. A plurality of tape feeders 16 are mounted on feeder base 21 and lined up in the X-direction.

[0012] 2(a) and 2(b), the feeder base 21 has a block-shaped base 31 and a wall 32 extending upward from the front of the base 31. The top surface of the base 31 serves as a feeder support portion 33, and the rear surface of the base 31 serves as a feeder connection surface 34.

[0013] Mounting slots 35 into which tape feeders 16 are attached are provided in the base portion 31, lined up in the X direction. As shown in Figure 2(a), each mounting slot 35 is composed of a pair of feeder guides 41 provided in the feeder support portion 33 and lined up in the X direction, two upper and lower positioning holes 42 that are through-holes that penetrate the wall portion 32 in the thickness direction (Y direction), a mounting hole 44 provided in the feeder connection surface 34, an electric socket 45, and an air socket 46. In this way, in the first embodiment, the feeder base 21 has a plurality of mounting slots 35 arranged in the X direction.

[0014] The feeder guide 41 is composed of rail-like members arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (the X direction, which intersects the carrier tape transport direction in a horizontal plane) and extending in the front-to-rear direction (the Y direction). Two upper and lower positioning holes 42 are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The mounting hole 44, electrical socket 45, and air socket 46 are arranged side by side in the Z direction, with the mounting hole 44 located above the electrical socket 45. The air socket 46 is located between the mounting hole 44 and the electrical socket 45.

[0015] The reel holding unit 22 rotatably holds the reel RL around which the carrier tape CT is wound and which is transported by the tape feeder 16. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the carrier tape CT has a number of component storage pockets PK arranged in a row, and a number of feed holes KH arranged in a row at positions parallel to the row of the component storage pockets PK.

[0016] 3(a) and 3(b), each component storage pocket PK stores one component BH, and a cover tape TT is attached to the top surface of the carrier tape CT in a position that covers the component storage pocket PK. In other words, the component BH is stored in the carrier tape CT while covered by the cover tape TT.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) or 4(a) and 4(b), the cover tape TT has a leading portion SD that protrudes from the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT. The leading portion SD may be in the form where the leading end of the cover tape TT protrudes from the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), or in the form where a part of the auxiliary tape HJ attached to the cover tape TT protrudes from the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b).

[0018] In the case where the tip of the cover tape TT protrudes from the tip ST of the carrier tape CT, the leading portion SD consists of the part of the cover tape TT (length L) protruding from the tip ST of the carrier tape CT (Fig. 3(a)). In the case where the auxiliary tape HJ is used, the leading portion SD consists of the part of the auxiliary tape HJ (length L) protruding from the tip ST of the carrier tape CT (Fig. 4(b)).

[0019] 5(a), (b) and 6, tape feeder 16 has a main body 51 that is detachably mounted in mounting slot 35 of feeder base 21. Two positioning pins 52 that protrude forward are provided at the front end of main body 51.

[0020] 5(a), (b) and 6, downward extension portion 53 extending downward is formed at the rear of main body portion 51 of tape feeder 16. Fixed portion 54, connector 55 and air connection portion 56 are provided on the front side of downward extension portion 53 and protrude forward.

[0021] When the tape feeder 16 is to be mounted in the mounting slot 35, the engaged portion 51K (FIG. 6) provided on the lower part of the main body 51 is inserted between the feeder guides 41 that constitute the mounting slot 35 (FIG. 2(a) → FIG. 2(b)). As a result, the two positioning pins 52 are inserted into the two upper and lower positioning holes 42, and the fixed portion 54 fits into the mounting hole 44. In addition, the connector 55 is connected to the electric socket 45, and the air connection portion 56 is connected to the air socket 46.

[0022] When fixed portion 54 is fitted into mounting hole 44, fixed portion 54 is coupled to a fixing portion (not shown) provided inside base 31, and tape feeder 16 is fixed to base 31. When connector 55 is connected to electrical socket 45, tape feeder 16 is connected electrically and for signal transmission to base 31. When air connection portion 56 is connected to air socket 46, air can be supplied from base 11 to tape feeder 16 through base 31.

[0023] 6, a transport path 61 along which the carrier tape CT is transported is provided within the main body 51. The transport path 61 has a carrier tape inlet 61A at the rear end of the main body 51 and a carrier tape outlet 61B at the front end of the main body 51. The upper surface of the transport path 61 serves as a transport surface 61M (see FIG. 8) for supporting and transporting the lower surface of the carrier tape CT. That is, in the first embodiment, the transport path 61 has the transport surface 61M that supports the carrier tape CT from below.

[0024] 6, a carrier tape transport unit 62 that transports the carrier tape CT is provided in the upper front portion of the main body 51. The carrier tape transport unit 62 is made up of three sprockets (an introduction sprocket 62A, a positioning sprocket 62B, and a discharge sprocket 62C) lined up from the rear to the front, and a sprocket drive motor 62D.

[0025] In Figure 6, a plurality of feed pins 62P are provided on the outer periphery of each of the lead-in sprocket 62A, positioning sprocket 62B, and discharge sprocket 62C. These three sprockets are rotated in the same direction by a sprocket drive motor 62D via a gear mechanism (not shown). The direction in which the three sprockets are rotated is the direction in which the highest feed pin 62P of each sprocket moves forward. The operation of the sprocket drive motor 62D is controlled by a control unit 63 (Figure 6) provided within the main body 51.

[0026] The carrier tape CT is pulled out from the reel RL, and its leading end (the side on which the aforementioned leading portion SD is formed) is inserted into the transport path 61 from the carrier tape inlet 61A. The carrier tape CT inserted into the transport path 61 is transported forward (downstream) by the three sprockets (inlet sprocket 62A, positioning sprocket 62B, and discharge sprocket 62C) that are rotationally driven by the sprocket drive motor 62D, i.e., by the carrier tape transport unit 62. At this time, the carrier tape CT is delivered in the order of the inlet sprocket 62A, the positioning sprocket 62B, and the discharge sprocket 62C.

[0027] The carrier tape CT inserted through the carrier tape inlet 61A is transported downstream, i.e., toward the carrier tape outlet 61B, by the carrier tape transport unit 62. Before the carrier tape CT transported downstream passes through the component removal opening 16K provided at the upper front of the main body 51, the cover tape TT is peeled off, and the components BH that were covered with the cover tape TT and stored in the carrier tape CT are exposed when the carrier tape CT passes through the component removal opening 16K.

[0028] The component removal opening 16K is provided between the positioning sprocket 62B and the discharge sprocket 62C, and exposed components BH are intermittently positioned one after another at a component removal position 16T set inside the component removal opening 16K. This allows the mounting head 13 to suck and hold the component BH positioned at the component removal opening 16K (component removal position 16T) using the component holding nozzle 14, and remove (pick up) it from the tape feeder 16. In this way, the carrier tape transport unit 62 transports the carrier tape CT along the transport path 61 with the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT leading, and positions the component BH at the component removal position 16T.

[0029] 6, the air connection part 56 provided on the downward extension part 53 of the main body part 51 is connected to an air outlet part 65 provided on the upper front part of the main body part 51 through an air pipe 64 provided inside the downward extension part 53. An air outlet control valve 66 provided inside the downward extension part 53 is interposed in the air pipe 64.

[0030] When tape feeder 16 is attached to feeder base 21, air connection part 56 is connected to air socket 46 on the feeder base 21 side. With air connection part 56 connected to air socket 46, air supplied from the feeder base 21 side through air pipe 64 can be ejected from air ejection part 65 by controlling air ejection control valve 66 from control part 63.

[0031] 6, a tape cover 70 shown in FIG. 7 is provided on the upper front part of the main body 51. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tape cover 70 is provided so as to cover from above the portion of the transport path 61 that is located between the positioning sprocket 62B and the discharge sprocket 62C. In the first embodiment, the tape cover 70 is made of a single plate-like member and is detachable from the main body 51.

[0032] Figure 10 shows a state in which the tape cover 70 is attached to the main body 51. As can be seen from Figure 10, the main body 51 of the tape feeder 16 is provided with two carrier tape support portions 51S that extend along the YZ plane and face each other in the X direction. The upper edges of the carrier tape support portions 51S form the conveyance surface 61M.

[0033] 10, the tape cover 70 is provided on the upper front portion of the two carrier tape support portions 51S so as to cover part of the upper edges (i.e., the conveying surface 61M) of the two carrier tape support portions 51S from above. As described above, the conveying surface 61M is made up of the upper edges of the two carrier tape support portions 51S, and both ends of the carrier tape CT are supported from below by the upper edges of the two carrier tape support portions 51S. Therefore, not only a type of carrier tape CT that does not have a downwardly protruding portion (a so-called paper tape type) but also an embossed type that has an embossed portion that protrudes downward can be used.

[0034] 7 and 10, the tape cover 70 includes a first tape pressing portion 71 that forms the center portion thereof, a second tape pressing portion 72 that forms the portion upstream of the first tape pressing portion 71, and a third tape pressing portion 73 that forms the portion downstream of the first tape pressing portion 71. The first tape pressing portion 71 and the second tape pressing portion 72 are connected by a connecting portion 74. A cover tape passage 75 consisting of a gap between the first tape pressing portion 71 and the second tape pressing portion 72 is formed on the side of the connecting portion 74 (on the side in the width direction of the tape cover 70, i.e., the X direction). The third tape pressing portion 73 is formed with the component removal opening 16K described above (FIG. 7).

[0035] Thus, in embodiment 1, the tape cover 70 covers the upper surface of the carrier tape CT transported by the carrier tape transport section 62, and is configured to have a component removal opening 16K formed at the component removal position 16T and a cover tape passage 75 consisting of a gap formed at a position upstream from the component removal opening 16K.

[0036] 7, a protruding piece 71H that protrudes upstream is formed at the upstream end of the first tape pressing portion 71, and the edge of this protruding piece 71H (i.e., the upstream edge of the first tape pressing portion 71) serves as a stopper 76. As will be described later, the stopper 76 functions as part of a guide portion 140 (FIG. 8) that blocks the advancement of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT provided on the carrier tape CT transported by the carrier tape transport portion 62, and guides the leading portion SD from the cover tape passage 75 upward (toward the upper surface of the tape cover 70).

[0037] As described above, the second tape pressing portion 72 is connected to the upstream side of the first tape pressing portion 71 by the connecting portion 74. The downstream end of the second tape pressing portion 72 has a linear shape extending in the X direction, and is located upstream of the stopper 76, which is the upstream edge of the first tape pressing portion 71, facing the stopper 76 across a predetermined gap (cover tape passage 75).

[0038] 11, the downstream portion of second tape pressing portion 72 forms contact portion 77 that extends above and parallel to conveying surface 61M. The portion upstream of contact portion 77 forms inclined portion 78, the height from conveying surface 61M gradually increasing toward the upstream side. The lower surface of inclined portion 78 forms tapered surface 78M, the distance from conveying surface 61M narrowing from upstream to downstream.

[0039] 11, when the carrier tape CT is not inserted into the transport path 61, the lower surface of the second tape pressing portion 72 does not abut against the transport surface 61M, and a gap of size GP is formed between the lower surface of the second tape pressing portion 72 and the transport surface 61M. The size of this gap GP is larger than the thickness of the cover tape TT but smaller than the thickness of the carrier tape CT.

[0040] 7, both ends of the third tape pressing portion 73 in the width direction (X direction) are bent downward to form bent portions 79. Because the third tape pressing portion 73 has bent portions 79 formed at both ends in the width direction, it has high bending rigidity in the vertical direction and is less likely to bend, thereby enabling it to firmly press the carrier tape CT near the component removal opening 16K against the conveying surface 61M. On the other hand, the first tape pressing portion 71 connected to the upstream side of the third tape pressing portion 73 and the second tape pressing portion 72 connected further upstream via a connecting portion 74 do not have bent portions like the third tape pressing portion 73, and therefore can bend easily in the vertical direction.

[0041] 7 and 10, the tape cover 70 is provided with a sprocket avoidance hole 80 that extends in the Y direction. The sprocket avoidance hole 80 is provided to prevent interference between the tape cover 70 and the feed pin 62P of the positioning sprocket 62B.

[0042] 8 and 9, the tape cover 70 is urged (pressed) from above by three urging portions (a front pressing portion 81, a middle pressing portion 82, and a rear pressing portion 83) provided on the upper front portion of the main body portion 51. Here, the front pressing portion 81 functions to press the portion of the tape cover 70 downstream of the component removal opening 16K against the carrier tape CT on the conveying surface 61M. The middle pressing portion 82 functions to press the portion of the tape cover 70 between the component removal opening 16K and the cover tape passage 75 against the carrier tape CT on the conveying surface 61M. The rear pressing portion 83 functions to press the portion of the tape cover 70 upstream of the cover tape passage 75 against the carrier tape CT on the conveying surface 61M.

[0043] In this way, in the first embodiment, the three pressing portions (front pressing portion 81, middle pressing portion 82, and rear pressing portion 83) press the entire tape cover 70 toward the conveying surface 61M in a balanced manner, so that the carrier tape CT traveling on the conveying path 61 in the upper front region of the main body 51, including the component take-out position 16T, continues to move while being pressed against the conveying surface 61M with an appropriate pressing force. This allows the component BH to be accurately positioned at the component take-out position 16T, and ultimately prevents the mounting head 13 from picking up the component BH incorrectly.

[0044] 8 and 9, the front presser 81 includes a presser plate 81a serving as a first swing lever, a base 81b, and a first coil spring 81c. The presser plate 81a extends in the Y direction in the upper front part of the main body 51 (more specifically, in the area including the area above the discharge sprocket 62C and the vicinity of the carrier tape discharge opening 61B), and the base 81b provided at the downstream end is supported by the main body 51 by a support pin 81d extending in the X direction. The first coil spring 81c is provided between the base 81b and the main body 51, and biases the base 81b in a direction pushing it up relative to the main body 51.

[0045] 8 and 9, the upstream end of the pressure plate 81a abuts from above against the vicinity of the downstream end of the tape cover 70. As a result, the downstream portion of the tape cover 70 (third tape pressure portion 73) is biased (pressed) downward (toward the conveying surface 61M) by the first coil spring 81c via the pressure plate 81a.

[0046] As described above, in the first embodiment, the front pressing portion 81 includes a pressing plate 81a serving as a first swing lever that swings about a horizontal axis (support pin 81d) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the carrier tape CT, and a first coil spring 81c that biases one end of the pressing plate 81a toward the upper surface of the tape cover 70. When the carrier tape CT inserted into the conveying path 61 has not yet reached the bottom of the tape cover 70 (referred to as the "initial state"; FIG. 8), the third tape pressing portion 73 has its lower surface in contact with the conveying surface 61M.

[0047] 8 and 9, the middle pressing unit 82 includes a spring holding unit 82a, a torsion spring 82b, and a pressing roller 82c. The spring holding unit 82a is made of a shaft-shaped member extending in the X direction and supported at both ends by side covers 51P provided on the side surfaces (YZ planes) of the main body 51 so as to sandwich the conveying path 61. The side covers 51P constitute the main body 51.

[0048] 8, 9, and 12, the torsion spring 82b is held by the spring holding portion 82a by inserting its coil-shaped portion into the spring holding portion 82a (in the X direction), and of the upstream extension portion that extends upstream and the downstream extension portion that extends downstream, the upstream extension portion is engaged with a pin fixed to the side cover 51P. The pressure roller 82c extends in the X direction, and both ends thereof are supported by the two side covers 51P so as to be vertically movable. The pressure roller 82c is rotatable about an axis that extends along the X direction.

[0049] The pressure roller 82c is located in the middle of the tape cover 70 (the portion sandwiched between the component removal opening 16K and the cover tape passage 75) and is biased downward by the downstream extension of the torsion spring 82b. Therefore, the middle portion of the tape cover 70 (first tape pressure portion 71) is biased (pressed) downward (toward the conveying surface 61M) by the torsion spring 82b via the pressure roller 82c (pressing force F1 shown in FIG. 12).

[0050] As described above, in the first embodiment, the middle pressing portion 82 includes a pressing roller 82c as a roller pin that can rotate about a horizontal axis (X-axis) that intersects with the conveying direction of the carrier tape CT, and a torsion spring 82b as an elastic body that urges the pressing roller 82c toward the upper surface of the tape cover 70. In the initial state where the carrier tape CT inserted into the conveying path 61 has not yet reached the bottom of the tape cover 70, the lower surface of the second tape pressing portion 72 is in contact with the conveying surface 61M (FIG. 12).

[0051] 8 and 9, the rear presser lever 83 includes a rear presser lever 91 serving as a second swing lever and a second coil spring 92. The rear presser lever 91 extends in the Y direction from the upper front portion of the main body 51 (more specifically, the area above the lead-in sprocket 62A). As shown in FIG. 12, the rear presser lever 91 has an intermediate portion in the Y direction supported by a lever swing shaft 93 extending in the X direction, and has an upstream extension portion 91a extending upstream from the lever swing shaft 93 and a downstream extension portion 91b extending downstream.

[0052] 12, the tip of the downstream extension portion 91b bends downward, and the tip of this bent and extended portion, i.e., presser lever tip portion 91c, is located above the second tape presser portion 72. The second coil spring 92 biases the upstream extension portion 91a of the rear presser lever 91 upward, i.e., in a direction away from the conveying surface 61M. As a result, the lever tip portion 91c of the rear presser lever 91 is biased downward, i.e., in a direction toward the conveying surface 61M.

[0053] The rotation range of the rear presser lever 91 is restricted by a pin 94 fixed to the main body 51. Therefore, in the initial state where the carrier tape CT has not yet reached below the contact portion 77 of the second tape presser portion 72, the lever tip 91c is located at a distance smaller than the thickness of the carrier tape CT from the top surface of the upstream portion of the tape cover 70 (the second tape presser portion 72), and the lever tip 91c is not in contact with the second tape presser portion 72. When the carrier tape CT reaches below the contact portion 77 of the second tape presser portion 72 and the second tape presser portion 72 is lifted by the carrier tape CT, the second tape presser portion 72 comes into contact with the lever tip 91c. As a result, the second tape presser portion 72 is biased (pressed) downward (toward the carrier tape CT) by the second coil spring 92 via the rear presser lever 91 (see also FIG. 24).

[0054] As described above, in the first embodiment, the rear holding down portion 83 includes a rear holding down lever 91 as a second swing lever that swings about a horizontal axis (lever swing axis 93) perpendicular to the feed direction of the carrier tape CT, and a second coil spring 92 that biases one end of the rear holding down lever 91 toward the upper surface of the tape cover 70. The rear holding down portion 83, together with the middle holding down portion 82, is configured to hold down an upstream region (the first tape holding down portion 71 and the second tape holding down portion 72) that is located upstream of the third tape holding down portion 73, which is a downstream region in the tape cover 70 where the component removal opening 16K is formed.

[0055] 8, 9, and 12, a cover tape retraction portion 101 is provided at a position upstream of component removal position 16T. More specifically, it is provided above tape cover 70 within main body 51. Cover tape retraction portion 101 has the function of retracting upward cover tape TT peeled off from carrier tape CT.

[0056] 11 and 12, the cover tape retraction section 101 is composed of a drive roller 101a and a driven roller 101b that has a smaller diameter than the drive roller 101a and is located downstream of the drive roller 101a. The drive roller 101a and the driven roller 101b are in contact with each other, and when the drive roller 101a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 11, the driven roller 101b is rotated clockwise by the drive roller 101a. The drive roller 101a is driven by a transmission gear mechanism (not shown) that transmits the power of the sprocket drive motor 62D. Therefore, the drive roller 101a is driven at the same timing as the carrier tape transport section 62.

[0057] 8, 9, and 12, a cover tape discharge path 102 is provided at a position upstream of the cover tape retraction portion 101 within the main body portion 51. The cover tape TT retracted by the cover tape retraction portion 101 is discharged into the cover tape discharge path 102.

[0058] 8, 9 and 12, a correction unit 103 is provided at a position upstream of the tape cover 70 inside the main body 51 (see also FIG. 11). The correction unit 103 has a function of correcting the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT of the carrier tape CT inserted into the transport path 61 from the carrier tape inlet 61A when the leading portion SD is bent upward or downward.

[0059] 10 and 11, the correction unit 103 has a swinging member 111 and a recess 112. The correction unit 103 is disposed upstream of the component removal position 16T, and has the function of correcting the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT to a state in which it is directed downstream from the tip ST of the carrier tape CT as the carrier tape CT moves downstream and then back upstream by the carrier tape transport unit 62.

[0060] 11, the swinging member 111 has a base 111a supported on the lever swing shaft 93, which is the swing shaft of the rear presser lever 91, and an extension 111b that extends downstream from the base 111a and whose tip is curved downward. Due to its own weight, the swinging member 111 attempts to swing in a direction in which the tip of the extension 111b bows (clockwise in FIG. 11), but this swing is restricted by contact with a swing restricting member (not shown).

[0061] In a state in which the swinging of the swinging member 111 due to its own weight is restricted (the state shown in FIG. 11, referred to as the "swing restricted state"), the lower edge of the extension portion 111b (swinging member edge 111c) is located at a fixed distance (size gp) above the conveying surface 61M. The fixed distance gp is greater than the thickness of the cover tape TT but smaller than the sum of the thicknesses of the carrier tape CT and the cover tape TT. In the first embodiment, the swinging member edge 111c and the conveying surface 61M are separated by the distance gp, but if there is no risk of buckling of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, the swinging member edge 111c may be configured to abut against the conveying surface 61M.

[0062] When the carrier tape CT pushes up the swing member edge 111c from the swing restricted state shown in Fig. 11, the swing member 111 swings in the direction in which the swing member edge 111c is lifted (counterclockwise in Fig. 11), and the swing member edge 111c remains in contact with the upper surface of the carrier tape CT.

[0063] 10 and 11, recess 112 has a curved surface 112M formed by a portion of conveying surface 61M being recessed downward. As described above, conveying surface 61M is formed by the upper edges of two carrier tape support portions 51S positioned opposite each other in the X direction, and therefore recess 112 (curved surface 112M) is also formed on the upper edges of these two carrier tape support portions 51S (FIG. 10). Of the upstream and downstream edges of recess 112, recess edge 112E, which is the upstream edge, is located downstream of swing member edge 111c (FIG. 11).

[0064] Next, the supply operation of components BH by tape feeder 16 will be described. When tape feeder 16 transports carrier tape CT and supplies components BH to component removal position 16T, the operator first follows the procedure described above to position the leading portion SD protruding from the leading edge of carrier tape CT, and then manually inserts leading edge ST of carrier tape CT into carrier tape inlet 61A. Then, carrier tape CT is pushed downstream until the feed holes KH in the leading edge ST of carrier tape CT engage with the feed pins 62P of inlet sprocket 62A.

[0065] When the carrier tape CT is inserted through the carrier tape inlet 61A, the feed holes KH near the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT engage with the feed pins 62P of the introduction sprocket 62A, which is detected by a sensor (not shown). When the sensor detects that the feed holes KH of the carrier tape CT have engaged with the feed pins 62P of the introduction sprocket 62A, the control unit 63 activates the sprocket drive motor 62D to rotate the three sprockets (the introduction sprocket 62A, the positioning sprocket 62B, and the discharge sprocket 62C). Alternatively, an operator inserts the carrier tape CT through the carrier tape inlet 61A, causing the feed holes KH to engage with the feed pins 62P of the introduction sprocket 62A, and then operates the operation switch of the tape feeder 16 to activate the sprocket drive motor 62D to rotate the three sprockets. This starts the transport of the carrier tape CT by the carrier tape transport unit 62, and the carrier tape CT advances downstream on the transport surface 61M. At this time, the tape cover 70 is still in the initial state (FIG. 12).

[0066] As shown in Fig. 13, the leading edge ST of the carrier tape CT traveling downstream on the transport surface 61M passes below the swing member edge 111c waiting at a position spaced apart from the transport surface 61M, and then passes the recessed edge 112E. Then, when the leading edge ST of the carrier tape CT reaches a position P1 that is a predetermined distance D1 (Fig. 13) downstream from the position S1 of the recessed edge 112E, the control unit 63 temporarily stops the operation of the sprocket drive motor 62D (i.e., temporarily stops the travel of the carrier tape CT).

[0067] Here, the predetermined distance D1 is a distance that exceeds the length L of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT (D1>L). Therefore, if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is bent upward or downward from the carrier tape CT at the time when the rotation of the sprocket drive motor 62D stops (and therefore the advancement of the carrier tape CT stops), the leading portion tip SS (see also FIGS. 3(a) and 4(b)) of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT will be located downstream of both the swing member edge 111c and the recess edge 112E (FIG. 13). Note that if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is not bent upward or downward from the carrier tape CT, the leading portion tip SS of the cover tape TT will enter the space between the conveying surface 61M and the underside of the contact portion 77 of the second tape presser 72 (the space of the gap of the aforementioned size GP).

[0068] After temporarily stopping the advancement of the carrier tape CT as described above, the control unit 63 rotates the sprocket drive motor 62D in the reverse direction. This causes the carrier tape CT to advance upstream (i.e., retreat). If the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is bent upward as shown in Figure 13 when the carrier tape CT starts to retreat, the leading portion tip SS of the cover tape TT will abut against the extending portion 111b of the swinging member 111 or the swinging member edge 111c from the downstream side (Figures 14 and 15).

[0069] When the control unit 63 starts the backward movement of the carrier tape CT, when the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT reaches the position P2 that has retreated a predetermined distance D2 downstream from the position S2 of the swing member edge 111c, the operation of the sprocket drive motor 62D is stopped (FIG. 16). Here, by setting the predetermined distance D2 to be smaller than the length L of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT and larger than half of the length of the leading portion SD (0.5L < D2 < L), when the backward movement of the carrier tape CT is stopped, the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT is in a state of being located upstream of the swing member edge 111c. In this state, the upward bending state of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is eliminated, and it extends substantially straight toward the downstream side, that is, the upward bending of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is corrected (FIG. 16).

[0070] As described above, in the first embodiment, after the leading end ST of the carrier tape CT has advanced a predetermined distance D1 (to a downstream position farther than the length L of the leading portion SD from the recessed edge 112E) more downstream than the second correction edge (here, the recessed edge 112E), the carrier tape CT is moved (retracted) to an upstream position where its leading end ST is separated from the first correction edge (swing member edge 111c) by a predetermined distance D2 that is smaller than the length L of the leading portion SD and larger than half of the length L of the leading portion SD. A series of operations (hereinafter referred to as "switchback operation") is performed. By performing this switchback operation, even if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is in an upwardly bent state, this can be eliminated.

[0071] As described above, in the first embodiment, the correction unit 103 includes a swing member 111 disposed above the transport surface 61M and having a swing member edge 111c as a correction edge at the lower end. Further, the swing member edge 111c of the swing member 111 waits for the leading end of the carrier tape CT to advance from the upstream side at a position spaced upward from the transport surface 61M.

[0072] Furthermore, if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT of the carrier tape CT inserted into the carrier tape introduction port 61A is bent downward, i.e., bent downward toward the bottom of the carrier tape CT, the leading portion tip SS of the cover tape TT will catch on the upstream edge (recess edge 112E) of the recess 112 during the switchback operation (FIG. 17). Therefore, when the switchback operation is completed and the leading portion ST of the carrier tape CT is positioned upstream of the swing member edge 111c (FIG. 16), the downward bending of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is eliminated and the leading portion SD extends substantially straight toward the downstream side, i.e., the downward bending of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is corrected (FIG. 16).

[0073] In this manner, in the first embodiment, the recess 112 formed on the conveying surface and the recess edge 112E on the upstream side of the recess 112 form part of the correcting portion 103.

[0074] Once the upward or downward bending of the cover tape TT has been corrected by the switchback operation of the carrier tape CT (FIG. 16), the control unit 63 activates the sprocket drive motor 62D to rotate the three sprockets in the direction in which the carrier tape CT advances downstream. As a result, the leading edge ST of the carrier tape CT passes downstream over the swing member edge 111c, and the leading edge SS of the cover tape TT, now extending downstream, enters below the inclined portion 78 of the second tape pressing portion 72 of the tape cover 70 (FIG. 18). Then, the leading edge SS of the cover tape TT enters the space between the second tape pressing portion 72 and the conveying surface 61M (the space corresponding to the gap of size GP) (FIG. 19).

[0075] Here, if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, which has been straightened by the straightening unit 103 and is now extended downstream (or the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, which was not bent upward or downward from the time of initial insertion through the carrier tape inlet 61A and the carrier tape CT), is slightly bent upward before entering the space (the space of the gap of size GP) between the contact portion 77 of the second tape pressing unit 72 and the conveying surface 61M (see the leading portion indicated by the symbol "SD1" in FIG. 18), the leading portion tip SS will move downstream, following the tapered surface 78M of the second tape pressing unit 72. This prevents the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, which was once straightened by the swing member edge 111c and the recessed edge 112E, from bending upward again. In this way, the lower surface (tapered surface 78M) of the inclined portion 78 of the second tape pressing unit 72 serves as an upward bending prevention surface that prevents the cover tape TT from bending upward.

[0076] Furthermore, if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is slightly bent downward before entering the space between the second tape pressing portion 72 and the conveying surface 61M (see the leading portion designated by the symbol "SD2" in FIG. 18), the leading portion tip SS will follow the curved surface 112M of the recess 112 and proceed downstream. This prevents the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, which was once straightened by the swing member edge 111c and the recess edge 112E, from bending downward again. In this way, the surface (curved surface 112M) of the recess 112 serves as a downward bending prevention surface that prevents the cover tape TT from bending downward, which would be a state in which the cover tape TT is bent downward below the carrier tape CT.

[0077] The leading portion SD of the cover tape TT that has entered the space (gap space of size GP) between the contact portion 77 of the second tape pressing portion 72 and the conveying surface 61M comes into contact with a stopper 76 that is in contact with the conveying surface 61M and is blocked, preventing the leading portion SD from proceeding further downstream (FIG. 20). Then, as the carrier tape CT is conveyed further downstream, the leading portion tip SS of the cover tape TT passes upward through the cover tape passage 75 and protrudes above the second tape pressing portion 72 (i.e., above the tape cover 70) (FIG. 21).

[0078] In this way, the stopper 76 provided in the first tape pressing unit 71 has the function of preventing the leading end SS of the cover tape TT proceeding from the upstream side from entering between the first tape pressing unit 71 and the conveying surface 61M when the first tape pressing unit 71 is in contact with the conveying surface 61M. In the first embodiment, the first tape pressing unit 71 includes the stopper 76 located downstream of the second tape pressing unit 72 and arranged on the conveying surface 61M, and serves as a carrier tape pressing unit that holds down the carrier tape CT on the conveying surface 61M.

[0079] As described above, the control unit 63 controls the air ejection control valve 66 at the timing when the leading end SS of the cover tape TT reaches the cover tape passage 75 of the tape cover 70 (or just before that), causing the air ejection unit 65 to eject air 107 upward (FIG. 21). The air ejection unit 65 is located at a position where the ejected air 107 passes through the cover tape passage 75 from below.

[0080] When air 107 is ejected from the air ejection unit 65 at the timing when the leading end SS of the cover tape TT reaches the cover tape passage 75, the leading end SS of the cover tape TT is guided by the flow of air 107 ejected from the air ejection unit 65, passes upward through the cover tape passage 75, and protrudes above the tape cover 70. Then, as the carrier tape CT advances downstream, it moves upward and reaches between the drive roller 101a and driven roller 101b that constitute the cover tape retraction unit 101 (FIG. 22).

[0081] Thus, in the first embodiment, the air blowing part 65 serves as an auxiliary part that uses the flow of air (i.e., gas) to assist the movement of the leading part SD in the direction toward the cover tape retraction part 101. Also, in the first embodiment, the first tape pressing part 71 serving as the carrier tape pressing part including the stopper 76 and the air blowing part 65 serving as the auxiliary part form a guide part 140 that leads the leading part SD toward the cover tape retraction part 101.

[0082] The leading end SS of the cover tape TT that has reached the gap between the drive roller 101a and the driven roller 101b is captured by the cover tape retraction portion 101 (due to the opposing rotations of the drive roller 101a and the driven roller 101b) and pulled upward (FIG. 23).

[0083] As described above, once the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT passes upward through the cover tape passage 75, the leading edge ST of the carrier tape CT abuts against the tapered surface 78M of the second tape pressing portion 72 (FIG. 21). As the carrier tape CT, with its leading edge ST abutting against the tapered surface 78M, advances further downstream, the second tape pressing portion 72 is pushed up by the carrier tape CT (FIG. 21 → FIG. 22).

[0084] The second tape pressing portion 72, pushed up by the carrier tape CT, pulls the first tape pressing portion 71 upward via the connecting portion 74. As a result, a gap of distance G (FIG. 22) through which the carrier tape CT can advance is formed between the first tape pressing portion 71 and the conveying surface 61M, and the stopper 76, which is the upstream edge of the first tape pressing portion 71, also rises from the conveying surface 61M. Once a gap of distance G is formed between the first tape pressing portion 71 and the conveying surface 61M, the carrier tape CT advances downstream within that gap (FIG. 22 → FIG. 23).

[0085] In this way, the second tape pressing portion 72 is a contact displacement portion that is displaced by contact with the carrier tape CT, and the connecting portion 74 is a transmission portion that transmits the displacement of the second tape pressing portion 72 as a contact displacement portion to the first tape pressing portion 71, thereby displacing the stopper 76. The second tape pressing portion 72 as a contact displacement portion and the connecting portion 74 as a transmission portion form a height change portion 70T (FIG. 7) that lifts the stopper 76 above the conveying surface 61M.

[0086] As described above, when the second tape presser 72 is pushed up by the carrier tape CT, the inclined portion 78 of the second tape presser 72 abuts against the presser lever tip 91c of the rear presser 83 from below, pushing up the presser lever tip 91c. As a result, the second coil spring 92 of the rear presser 83 is compressed by the upstream extension 91a of the rear presser lever 91, and the reaction force urges the upstream extension 91a upward. As a result, the second tape presser 72 (inclined portion 78) is urged downward by the second coil spring 92 via the rear presser lever 91 (pressing force F2 shown in FIG. 24).

[0087] In this way, in embodiment 1, when the carrier tape CT is not in the transport path 61, the rear holding lever 91 is not in contact with the tape cover 70, and when it comes into contact with the tape cover 70 (more specifically, the second tape holding portion 72) displaced upward by the carrier tape CT, it holds it downward.

[0088] As the carrier tape CT advances downstream within the gap formed between the underside of the first tape pressing portion 71 and the conveying surface 61M, the cover tape TT, which passes through the cover tape passage 75 and extends upward, is further drawn upward (into the cover tape discharge path 102) by the cover tape retraction portion 101 (Figure 25).

[0089] As described above, in the first embodiment, the cover tape retraction portion 101 retracts the cover tape TT peeled off from the carrier tape CT.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the tape cover 70 and the cover tape retraction unit 101 constitute a cover tape peeling unit 120 (FIG. 8) (see also FIGS. 6 and 11). Here, the cover tape peeling unit 120 refers to a functional unit that is arranged downstream of the correction unit 103 and upstream of the component removal position 16T, and that captures and retracts the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT that extends downstream from the tip ST of the carrier tape CT, thereby peeling off the cover tape TT from the top surface of the carrier tape CT that is sent downstream by the carrier tape transport unit 62.

[0091] The carrier tape CT, from which the cover tape TT has been peeled off by the cover tape peeling unit 120, is transported downstream on the transport path 61 by the carrier tape transport unit 62, and the first component storage pocket PK on the carrier tape CT is positioned at the component take-out position 16T. This completes the process of positioning the carrier tape CT. The carrier tape transport unit 62 performs the operation (the process of positioning the carrier tape CT) without stopping, from position P2 until the first component storage pocket PK is positioned at the component take-out position 16T.

[0092] During the carrier tape CT positioning process, the cover tape TT is peeled off by the cover tape peeling unit 120. Thereafter, as the mounting head 13 of the component mounting device 1 sucks and picks up the components BH (pick-up operation), pitch feeding is performed by the carrier tape transport unit 62, and the component storage pockets PK are sequentially positioned at the component pick-up positions 16T (carrier tape positioning operation).

[0093] In this way, in embodiment 1, the tape feeder 16 as a component supply device is configured to peel off the cover tape TT having the leading portion SD protruding from the tip of the carrier tape CT from the carrier tape CT, exposing the component BH stored in the carrier tape CT while covered by the cover tape TT, and transport the exposed component BH to the component removal position 16T and supply it to the component mounting device 1.

[0094] When the component mounting device 1 having the tape feeders 16 configured as described above performs a component mounting operation to mount components BH on a board KB, the board KB is first loaded by the board transport unit 12 from outside the component mounting device 1 and positioned at a predetermined work position. Once the board KB is positioned at the work position, each tape feeder 16 supplies a component BH to the component removal opening 16K, and the mounting head 13 holds and removes the component BH from the component removal position 16T of the tape feeder 16 using the component holding nozzle 14. After removing the component BH from the component removal position 16T of the tape feeder 16, the mounting head 13 moves above the board KB and mounts the component BH at the target component mounting position on the board KB. Once all the components BH to be mounted on the board KB have been mounted, the board transport unit 12 transports the board KB out of the component mounting device 1. This completes the component mounting operation for one board KB.

[0095] As explained above, the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment transports the carrier tape CT along the transport path 61 with the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT in advance, and returns the carrier tape CT that has been sent downstream to the upstream position, thereby correcting the bent state of the leading portion SD by the correction unit 103. Therefore, even if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is bent, it can be reliably captured by the cover tape retraction unit 101.

[0096] Furthermore, the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment is provided with a guide section 140 that guides the leading portion SD toward the cover tape retraction section 101, and the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is blocked and guided by the stopper 76. This allows the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT to be reliably guided and captured toward the cover tape retraction section 101. After the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is captured by the cover tape retraction section 101, the stopper 76 is lifted upward by the height changing section 70T, so that the carrier tape CT can proceed on the conveying path 61 without being blocked by the stopper 76, and conveyance of the carrier tape CT is not impeded. The guide section 140 in the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment includes a carrier tape pressing section (first tape pressing section 71) that presses the carrier tape CT on the conveying surface 61M downstream of the contact displacement section (second tape pressing section 72).

[0097] Furthermore, in tape feeder 16 according to embodiment 1, tape cover 70, which has component removal opening 16K and cover tape passage 75, is held down by front holding portion 81 at a portion downstream of component removal opening 16K, by middle holding portion 82 at a portion sandwiched between component removal opening 16K and cover tape passage 75, and by rear holding portion 83 at a portion upstream of cover tape passage 75, so that the entire tape cover 70 is pressed against conveyance path 61 in an appropriate balance. This allows stable conveyance of carrier tape CT in an area including the vicinity of component removal position 16T, improving the pick-up accuracy of components BH.

[0098] (Embodiment 2) 26 shows a part of the tape feeder in embodiment 2. The tape feeder in embodiment 2 is the same as tape feeder 16 in embodiment 1, except that the straightening edge is only the straightening edge that faces the upper surface of the carrier tape CT (oscillating member edge 111c in embodiment 1).

[0099] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the correcting section 103 does not have a recess 112. This is a configuration that can be adopted when the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT of the carrier tape CT inserted from the carrier tape inlet 61A cannot be bent downward, that is, when the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is bent upward beforehand when the carrier tape CT is inserted from the carrier tape inlet 61A, that is, when the carrier tape CT is inserted into the carrier tape inlet 61A with the leading portion SD in an upward bent state. In the second embodiment as well, the correcting section 103 has a correcting edge, so that the same effect as that of the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0100] (Embodiment 3) 27 shows a part of the tape feeder according to embodiment 3. The tape feeder according to embodiment 3 is the same as tape feeder 16 according to embodiment 1, except that the straightening edge is only the edge of recess 112 formed on conveyance surface 61M.

[0101] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the correcting unit 103 does not have a swinging member 111. This is a configuration that can be adopted when it is impossible for the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT of the carrier tape CT inserted from the carrier tape inlet 61A to bend upward, that is, when the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is bent downward beforehand when the carrier tape CT is inserted from the carrier tape inlet 61A, that is, when the carrier tape CT is inserted into the carrier tape inlet 61A with the leading portion SD in a downward bent state. In the third embodiment as well, the correcting unit 103 has a correcting edge, and therefore the same effect as that of the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0102] (Fourth embodiment) 28 shows a part of a tape feeder in embodiment 4. The tape feeder in embodiment 4 is the same as tape feeder 16 in embodiment 1 except that it does not have air ejection unit 65 that appears in embodiment 1, and instead has duct 130 that covers cover tape discharge path 102 and suction unit 131 that sucks air 107 provided within duct 130. Guide unit 140 in embodiment 4 is configured to include first tape presser 71 and suction unit 131.

[0103] In the fourth embodiment, the air 107 in the duct 130 is sucked in by the suction unit 131 provided above the conveying surface 61M, so that the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is reliably drawn into the cover tape retraction portion 101 through the cover tape passage 75, without the need for the air ejection unit 65 of the first embodiment. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the suction unit 131, like the air ejection unit 65 described above, is an auxiliary unit that uses the flow of gas to assist the movement of the leading portion SD in the direction toward the cover tape retraction portion 101. Like the air ejection unit 65, the suction unit 131 also performs the function of guiding the leading portion tip SS of the cover tape TT toward the cover tape retraction portion 101, so that the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the tape feeder 16 of the first embodiment.

[0104] (Embodiment 5) 29 shows a part of a tape feeder in the fifth embodiment. The tape feeder in the fifth embodiment is the same as tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment except that it does not have the air ejection unit 65 that appeared in the first embodiment, and instead has a guide member 132 provided on the upper downstream side of cover tape passage 75. Also, stopper 76 has been modified in shape so that it does not block the advancement of leading portion SD of cover tape TT, but rather makes it easier to direct leading portion SD upward from cover tape passage 75. Guide portion 140 in the fifth embodiment is configured to include first tape presser 71 and guide member 132.

[0105] In the fifth embodiment, the leading portion SD that abuts against the stopper 76 changes its moving direction upward and passes through the cover tape passage 75 to protrude above the tape cover 70. The leading portion SD of the cover tape TT that has moved above the tape cover 70 is guided by the guide member 132 toward the cover tape retraction portion 101. This ensures that the cover tape retraction portion 101 can capture the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, thereby achieving the same effect as the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment.

[0106] (Sixth embodiment) 30 shows a part of a tape feeder in the sixth embodiment. The tape feeder in the sixth embodiment does not include an air ejection unit 65, and is the same as the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment except that the shape of the stopper 76 of the tape cover 70 (particularly the height from the conveying surface 61M) and the sizes and arrangements of the drive roller 101a and the driven roller 101b that make up the cover tape retraction unit 101 are different from those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the stopper 76 does not block the advancement of the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT, but has been modified to have a shape that makes it easier to direct the leading portion SD upward from the cover tape path 75. The guide unit 140 in the sixth embodiment is composed of only a first tape retainer 71.

[0107] In the sixth embodiment, the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT that protrudes above the tape cover 70 through the cover tape passage 75 can be guided to the cover tape retraction portion 101 without requiring the above-mentioned auxiliary portions (air ejection portion 65, suction portion 131, guide member 132, etc.). Therefore, in the sixth embodiment as well, the same effect as that of the tape feeder 16 in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0108] As described above, the component supply device (tape feeder 16) in the first to sixth embodiments transports the carrier tape CT along the transport path 61 with the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT in advance, and returns the carrier tape CT that has been sent downstream to the upstream position, thereby correcting the bent state of the leading portion SD by the correction unit 103. Therefore, even if the leading portion SD of the cover tape TT is bent, it can be reliably captured by the cover tape retraction unit 101.

[0109] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above and various modifications are possible. For example, as in the above-described first, second, and fourth to sixth embodiments, when the swing member 111 is in the swing-restricted state, the swing member edge 111c is spaced apart from the transport path 61 while waiting for the carrier tape CT to advance. Instead, the swing member edge 111c may be placed in contact with the transport surface 61M while waiting for the carrier tape CT to advance. In this case, the transport surface 61M may be configured to function as the swing-restricting member in the first embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] To provide a component supply device capable of reliably capturing a leading part of a cover tape at a retracting part even when the leading part of the cover tape is bent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Parts mounting device 16 Tape feeder (parts supply device) 51 Main body 61 Transport path 61M conveying surface 62 Carrier tape transport section 62A lead-in sprocket 62B positioning sprocket 62C discharge sprocket 65 Air outlet 70 Tape cover 71 First tape holder 72 Second tape holder 73 Third tape holder 74 Connecting part 75 Cover Tape Passage 76 Stopper 77 Contact area 78 Slope 78M tapered surface (to prevent upward bending) 81 Front holding part 81a Retaining plate 81c First coil spring 82 Middle clamp 82a Spring retainer 82b Torsion spring 82c Presser roller 83 Rear clamp 91 Rear pressure lever 92 Second coil spring 101 Cover tape retraction section 103 Orthodontics Department 111 Swinging member 111c Swinging member edge (straightening edge) 112 recess 112M curved surface (to prevent downward bending) 112E Recessed Edge (Straightening Edge) 120 Cover tape peeling part CT carrier tape ST tip TT Cover Tape SD Leadership Division SS leading part tip BH parts KB board

Claims

1. A component supply device that peels off a cover tape having a leading portion protruding from a tip of a carrier tape from the carrier tape to expose components that were stored in the carrier tape while covered with the cover tape, and transports the exposed components to a component removal position to supply them to a component mounting device, a conveying path having a conveying surface that supports the carrier tape from below; a carrier tape transport unit that transports the carrier tape along the transport path with the leading unit leading the carrier tape and positions the component at the component removal position; a correction unit that is disposed upstream of the component removal position and corrects the leading portion that has been bent upward or downward as the carrier tape is sent downstream by the carrier tape transport unit and then returned upstream, so that the leading portion is directed downstream from the tip of the carrier tape; a cover tape peeling unit that is disposed downstream of the correction unit and upstream of the component removal position, and that captures and pulls in the leading portion that extends downstream from the tip of the carrier tape, thereby peeling off the cover tape from the upper surface of the carrier tape that is fed downstream by the carrier tape transport unit; A parts supply device comprising:

2. The component supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the straightening portion includes a straightening edge facing the upper surface or the lower surface of the carrier tape.

3. 2. The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein the straightening portion includes a first straightening edge facing the upper surface of the carrier tape and a second straightening edge facing the lower surface of the carrier tape.

4. 4. The component supply device according to claim 3, wherein the straightening section includes a swinging member disposed above the conveying surface and having the first straightening edge at a lower end thereof.

5. The component supply device according to claim 4 , wherein the first correcting edge is on standby at a position spaced apart from the conveying surface.

6. The conveying device further includes an inclined portion disposed above the conveying surface and having a tapered surface whose distance from the conveying surface narrows from upstream to downstream, 4. The component supply device according to claim 3, wherein the tapered surface serves as an upward bending prevention surface that prevents the cover tape from bending upward.

7. the correction unit further includes a recess formed on the conveying surface, The component supply device according to claim 3 , wherein the second correcting edge is an upstream edge of the recess.

8. The component supply device according to claim 7 , wherein a surface of the recessed portion serves as a downward bending prevention surface that prevents downward bending of the cover tape.

9. The tip of the carrier tape is The straightening edge is conveyed downstream to a position that is a distance longer than the length of the leading portion, 3. The component supply device according to claim 2, wherein after the conveyance, the component supply device is moved to a position upstream of the straightening edge at a distance that is smaller than the length of the leading portion and greater than half the length of the leading portion.

Images