Tape cassette supply device, component mounting system, and tape cassette supply method

Abstract

A tape cassette supply device (1H) according to the present disclosure includes a floating mechanism (73) between a reference base (71) and a supply device body portion (72), and also includes a supply-device-side connection section (111) which is connected to a height direction alignment guide (11V) provided in a component mounting device, and performs positioning in a height direction of the supply device body portion (72). The floating mechanism (73) is provided with: at least one pair of link sections, which couples the reference base (71) and the supply device body portion (72) together, and is operated in accordance with a change in a distance between the reference base (71) and the supply device body portion (72); and a coupling section which couples the pair of link sections together to make these link sections move in coordination with each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tape cassette supplying device that supplies a tape cassette storing a roll of carrier tape to a component mounting device, a component mounting system including the component mounting device and the tape cassette supplying device, and a tape cassette supplying method. [Background technology]

[0002] Component mounting devices that mount components on a substrate have been known, and tape feeders that use carrier tape are often used as component supply units that supply components to the component mounting devices. The carrier tape is a tape member that stores components, and is transported and stored in a state where it is wound around a core of a reel that serves as a tape holder. When in use, the carrier tape is pulled out from the reel and supplied to the tape feeder.

[0003] It has also been proposed to transport, store, and use the carrier tape in the form of a roll, in which the carrier tape is wound into a disk shape without a core, without using a tape holder such as the reel (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the roll is stored in a case-like storage device with a partial opening, and the storage device containing the roll can be set in a tape feeder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 202737 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a component mounting device that uses a carrier tape stored in a roll in a storage device (hereinafter referred to as a tape cassette) as described above, it is preferable that the tape cassette be automatically supplied to the component mounting device. To achieve this, a tape cassette supplying device equipped with a mechanism for supplying the tape cassette to the component mounting device must be connected to the component mounting device. However, such a cassette supplying device inevitably becomes heavy, and therefore must be configured to travel on the floor. In this case, the tape cassette supplying device must travel on the floor to approach the component mounting device, and then climb onto the component mounting device to be connected to the component mounting device. However, in this case, the component mounting device exerts a pushing force on the tape cassette supplying device, which may cause the entire tape cassette supplying device to tilt and become unstable.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tape cassette supplying device, a component mounting system, and a tape cassette supplying method that can maintain a stable posture even when a pushing-up force is applied when connected to a component mounting device.

[0007] The tape cassette supply device of the present disclosure is a tape cassette supply device that supplies a tape cassette containing a carrier tape to a component mounting device, and includes: a reference base; a supply device main body portion arranged above the reference base; a floating mechanism that is provided between the reference base and the supply device main body portion and that holds the supply device main body portion so that the supply device main body portion can move up and down relative to the reference base; and a supply device side connection portion that is provided on the supply device main body portion and that positions the supply device main body portion in the height direction when connected to the component mounting device, and the floating mechanism is a spring member that elastically supports the supply device main body; at least one pair of link sections that connect the reference base and the supply device main body and that operate in accordance with a change in the distance between the reference base and the supply device main body; and a connecting section that connects the pair of link sections and links the operations of the link sections together; The pair of link portions and the connecting portion constitute a parallel link that maintains the supply device main body in a horizontal position. .

[0008] The component mounting system of the present disclosure is a component mounting system including a component mounting device and a tape cassette supplying device that supplies a tape cassette containing a carrier tape to the component mounting device, wherein the tape cassette supplying device includes a reference base, a supplying device main body portion arranged above the reference base, a floating mechanism that is provided between the reference base and the supplying device main body portion and that holds the supplying device main body portion so that it can move up and down relative to the reference base, and a supplying device side connecting portion that is provided on the supplying device main body portion and that positions the supplying device main body portion in the height direction when connected to the component mounting device, and the floating mechanism a spring member that elastically supports the supply device main body; at least one pair of link sections that connect the reference base and the supply device main body and that operate in accordance with a change in the distance between the reference base and the supply device main body; and a connecting section that connects the pair of link sections and links the operations of the link sections together; The pair of link portions and the connecting portion constitute a parallel link that maintains the supply device main body in a horizontal position. .

[0009] The tape cassette supply method of the present disclosure is as follows: 8 ~ 10 The method for supplying a tape cassette using a component mounting device system described in any one of the above includes a positioning step of positioning the supply device main body in the height direction relative to the component mounting device by connecting the supply device side connection portion to the component mounting device, and a transfer step of removing the tape cassette from the supply device main body positioned in the positioning step and transferring it to the component mounting device.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the tape cassette supply device can be kept in a stable position even if a push-up force is applied when the tape cassette supply device is connected to a component mounting device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a component mounting device included in a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a component supply unit of a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tape cassette provided in a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, together with a roll of carrier tape stored therein. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a carrier tape unwound from a roll used in a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing components of a component supply unit of a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a frame included in a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component mounting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of a shutter provided in a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the tape cassette according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the tape cassette according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17D is a cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17E] FIG. 17E is a cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17F] FIG. 17F is a cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17G] FIG. 17G is a cross-sectional view of a tape cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a side view of a tape cassette showing how a roll of carrier tape is inserted into and removed from a storage cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a side view of the tape cassette showing how a roll of carrier tape is inserted into and removed from the storage cassette according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C is a side view of the tape cassette showing how a roll of carrier tape is inserted into and removed from the storage cassette according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a front view of a plurality of types of tape cassettes having different width dimensions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a front view of a plurality of types of tape cassettes having different width dimensions according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C is a front view of a plurality of types of tape cassettes having different width dimensions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an example of a tape cassette having the largest width dimension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a side view of a tape cassette supplying device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a tape cassette supplying device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a front view of a tape cassette supplying device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective side view of a tape cassette supplying device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A is a side view showing a floating mechanism included in a tape cassette supplying device of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B is a side view showing a floating mechanism included in the tape cassette supplying device of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a side view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a side view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29A] FIG. 29A is a side view illustrating a state in which a tape cassette supplying device included in a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a component mounting device. [Figure 29B] FIG. 29B is a side view illustrating a state in which the tape cassette supplying device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the component mounting device. [Figure 29C] FIG. 29C is a side view illustrating a state in which the tape cassette supplying device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the component mounting device. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a side view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a plan view of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of a chuck device included in a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33A] FIG. 33A is a plan view showing a gripping pin of a chuck device included in a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33B] FIG. 33B is a plan view showing a gripping pin of a chuck device included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a gripping pin of a chuck device included in a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35A] FIG. 35A is a perspective view showing a gripped block provided on a tape cassette handled by a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a gripping pin that grips the gripped block. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a perspective view showing a gripped block provided on a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and a gripping pin that grips the gripped block. [Figure 36A] FIG. 36A is a perspective view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36B] FIG. 36B is a perspective view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36C] FIG. 36C is a perspective view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36D] FIG. 36D is a perspective view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37A] FIG. 37A is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37B]FIG. 37B is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38A] FIG. 38A is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39A] FIG. 39A is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40A] FIG. 40A is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40B] FIG. 40B is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41A] FIG. 41A is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41B] FIG. 41B is a plan view of a portion of a tape cassette handled by the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a tape feeding unit included in a tape cassette supplying device of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 43A] FIG. 43A is a front view of a tape feeding section included in a tape cassette supplying device of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 43B] FIG. 43B is a front view of the tape feeding section included in the tape cassette supplying device of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 46A] FIG. 46A is a perspective view showing a procedure for supporting the leading end of the carrier tape pulled out from the tape cassette by the tape feeding unit included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 46B] FIG. 46B is a perspective view showing a procedure for supporting the leading end of the carrier tape pulled out from the tape cassette by the tape feeding unit included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 46C] FIG. 46C is a perspective view showing a procedure for supporting the leading end of the carrier tape pulled out from the tape cassette by the tape feeding unit included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 46D] FIG. 46D is a perspective view showing a procedure for supporting the leading end of the carrier tape pulled out from the tape cassette by the tape feeding unit included in the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 47A] FIG. 47A is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 47B] FIG. 47B is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 53]FIG. 53 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 55A] FIG. 55A is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 55B] FIG. 55B is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 58A] FIG. 58A is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 58B] FIG. 58B is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 59A] FIG. 59A is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 59B] FIG. 59B is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 61A] FIG. 61A is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 61B] FIG. 61B is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 63] FIG. 63 is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 64A]FIG. 64A is a side view of a portion of a component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 64B] FIG. 64B is a side view of a portion of the component mounting system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a component mounting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of a component mounting device 1T provided in the component mounting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The component mounting system 1 repeatedly performs a series of component mounting operations, mounting components BH on a board KB carried in from another device in an upstream process, and carrying the board out to another device in a downstream process, and is provided with the component mounting device 1T and a tape cassette supply device 1H.

[0013] In FIG. 2, component mounting device 1T is configured with mounting device main body 1A and component supply unit 1B. Mounting device main body 1A is equipped with base 11, board transport unit 12, mounting head 13, and head movement mechanism 14. Board transport unit 12 is composed of a conveyor mechanism, and transports board KB received from an upstream process device horizontally and positions it at a predetermined working position. In this embodiment, the transport direction of board KB in component mounting device 1T is defined as the X direction (horizontal direction), and the up-down direction is defined as the Z direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction (front-to-back direction).

[0014] 2, the mounting head 13 has multiple nozzles 13N extending downward, and the lower end of each nozzle 13N can generate a vacuum suction force that picks up a component BH. The head movement mechanism 14 is, for example, an XY table, and moves the mounting head 13 within the XY plane.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of a component supply unit 1B of a component mounting device 1T according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tape cassette 22 provided in the component mounting device 1 together with a roll RT of carrier tape CT stored therein. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the component supply unit 1B includes a carriage 21, a tape cassette 22, and a tape feeder 23. The tape cassette 22 is configured to store a roll RT of carrier tape CT (hereinafter simply referred to as roll RT) in which the carrier tape CT is wound in a disc shape without a core (see also FIG. 4). In other words, the tape cassette 22 handles a roll RT that is not wound on a reel.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of region AR in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, carrier tape CT is composed of base tape BT and top tape TT. The base tape BT has a number of pockets PK that open upward and are arranged in a row at equal intervals along the length of the base tape BT. Each pocket PK stores a component BH. The top tape TT is attached to the top surface of the base tape BT and seals the component BH in the pocket PK. A number of feed holes SH are arranged in a row at equal intervals in a position parallel to the row of pockets PK on the base tape BT.

[0017] 2 and 3, the base 11 is provided with a pair of carriage guide portions 11G that extend rearward and are arranged opposite each other in the X direction, and a pair of carriage holders 11H that also extend rearward and are arranged opposite each other in the X direction. The pair of carriage guide portions 11G are members that guide both left and right sides of the lower part of the carriage 21 when the carriage 21 is held. The pair of carriage holders 11H are members that lift and hold both left and right sides of the carriage 21 that is guided by the carriage guide portions 11G and comes close to the base 11.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a side view showing the components of component supply unit 1B of the component mounting device. In Fig. 6, feeder base 31 is provided on the top of carriage 21. A feeder mounting slot 31S for mounting tape feeder 23 is provided on the top surface of feeder base 31 and extends in the Y direction.

[0019] Tape feeder 23 functions as a component supply unit that supplies components BH to mounting device main body 1A. Tape feeder 23 can be attached to feeder base 31 by sliding slide protrusion 23T (FIG. 6) provided on the underside into feeder attachment slot 31S of feeder base 31.

[0020] A plurality of feeder mounting slots 31S are provided in the feeder base 31, aligned in the X direction. Therefore, a plurality of tape feeders 23 can be mounted in the feeder base 31 aligned in the X direction.

[0021] 2, 3 and 6, the carriage 21 is provided with a cassette mounting section 33 formed in a generally flat plate shape at the rear (left side in each of these figures) of a carriage base 32 that is movable on a floor FL. As shown in Fig. 6, a pair of lower brackets 34 that extend upward are provided opposite each other in the X direction at the middle portion in the front-to-rear direction on the carriage base 32. The pair of lower brackets 34 support both ends of a lower support bar 35 that extends in the X direction.

[0022] 6, a pair of upper brackets 36 extending downward are provided facing each other in the X direction below the feeder base 31. Both ends of an upper support bar 37 extending in the X direction are supported by the pair of upper brackets 36. The upper support bar 37 extends parallel to the lower support bar 35 at a position above the lower support bar 35 (FIG. 6).

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tape cassette 22. In Figures 4 and 7, the tape cassette 22 has a case-shaped storage section 41 and a shutter 42 serving as a regulating section provided within the storage section 41. The roll RT is stored in a vertical position within the storage section 41 of the tape cassette 22. Here, the "vertical position" refers to a position in which the central axis CJ (see Figure 4) of the disk-shaped roll RT is approximately horizontal.

[0024] In this embodiment, tape cassette 22 is used in two ways. In the first way, tape cassette 22 is used as a receiving portion for roll RT of carrier tape CT (current tape) currently being transported by tape feeder 23, and is mounted across carriage base 32 and cassette mounting portion 33. Such a tape cassette 22 used as a receiving portion for roll RT of current tape will be referred to as "receiving cassette 22A" hereinafter (FIGS. 3 and 6).

[0025] In a second use mode, tape cassette 22 is used as a storage device for storing a roll RT of carrier tape CT (refill tape) to be used when the current tape runs out, and is attached to carriage base 32. A tape cassette 22 used as a storage device for such a roll RT of refill tape will be referred to as a "storage cassette 22B" hereinafter (FIGS. 3 and 6). In this way, receiving cassette 22A and storage cassette 22B are tape cassettes 22 having the same structure.

[0026] The tape feeder 23 pulls out the carrier tape CT from the roll RT in the receiving cassette 22A and supplies the components BH to the mounting head 13. Following this carrier tape CT, the tape feeder 23 pulls out the carrier tape CT from the roll RT in the storage cassette 22B and supplies the components BH to the mounting head 13.

[0027] In this embodiment, the tape feeder 23 is a so-called autoload feeder that detects the insertion of the leading edge of the carrier tape CT from a tape inlet 23G (FIG. 3) provided at the rear end and feeds the carrier tape CT forward to supply components BH to a predetermined component supply port 23K. At this time, the tape feeder 23 feeds the carrier tape CT while drawing it out as the current tape from the roll RT in the receiving cassette 22A.

[0028] Before the current tape runs out of components, the leading end of a carrier tape CT (refill tape) pulled out from the roll RT in the storage cassette 22B can be inserted into the tape entrance 23G of the tape feeder 23. The tape feeder 23 starts feeding the filler tape when it detects that the tail end of the current tape has passed a predetermined position within the tape feeder 23. This allows multiple carrier tapes CT to be fed continuously without interruption, and components BH are supplied to the component mounting device 1T without running out of components.

[0029] When component mounting device 1T performs a component mounting operation, first, board conveying unit 12 operates to carry in board KB from outside and position it at a predetermined work position. After board KB has been positioned at the work position by board conveying unit 12, tape feeder 23 repeatedly performs a mounting turn by supplying components BH to component supply port 23K and moving mounting head 13 with head moving mechanism 14.

[0030] In one mounting turn, the mounting head 13 moves to a position above the tape feeder 23 and picks up (picks up) components BH with the nozzle 13N, then moves to a position above the board KB and performs a series of operations to mount the components BH onto the board KB. By repeatedly performing mounting turns, once all the components BH to be mounted on the board KB have been mounted, the board transport unit 12 operates and transports the board KB to a downstream process device. This completes the component mounting operation for one board KB.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the tape cassette 22 used as the receiving cassette 22A or the storage cassette 22B for the roll RT of the carrier tape CT and the procedure for mounting it on the carriage 21 will be described.

[0032] Figure 8 is a side view of the tape cassette 22. Figure 9 is a front view of the tape cassette 22. In Figures 7, 8, and 9, the tape cassette 22 has a storage section 41 and a shutter 42 as a regulating section provided in the storage section 41. The storage section 41 has a U-shaped frame 43 and a pair of plate members (side plates 44) attached to both sides of the frame 43 in the width direction. The space surrounded by the U-shaped frame 43 and the pair of side plates 44 forms a storage space 41S for storing the roll RT. The opening of the U-shaped frame 43 faces forward. Therefore, a front opening 41K as an opening is formed in front of the storage section 41.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage unit 41 has a U-shaped frame 43 that surrounds the storage space 41S, and a pair of side plates 44 (plate members) that are fixed to the frame 43 and cover the sides of the storage space 41S. The storage unit 41 is configured to have a front opening 41K in front of it, facing the outer circumferential surface of the roll body RT.

[0034] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the tape cassette 22. Figure 11 is a side view of the frame 43 included in the tape cassette 22. In Figures 7, 9, and 10, the frame 43 is made up of two frame members 43Z lined up in the width direction. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the upper side of the frame 43 with its opening facing horizontally is an upper frame 43a, and the lower side is a lower frame 43b. An arc-shaped guide portion 43c is provided between the upper frame 43a and the lower frame 43b.

[0035] 7, 9, and 11, when the frame 43 is sandwiched between the pair of side plates 44, the upper frame portion 43a of the frame 43 is positioned facing the upper edge of the side plate 44, and the lower frame portion 43b of the frame 43 is positioned facing the lower edge of the side plate 44. As shown in Fig. 11, a shutter guide portion 43g that protrudes toward the center of the arc of the frame 43 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide portion 43c. A guide surface 43F that slopes upward toward the front is provided on the lower surface of the front end of the upper frame portion 43a.

[0036] 7 and 11, the upper frame portion 43a is provided with, in this order from the front end, an engagement groove 43M, a gripped block 45 as a gripped portion, and a lower support bar engagement portion 43P. The engagement groove 43M faces the upper surface of the upper frame portion 43a and is open to the front. The gripped block 45 is made of a block-shaped member and is provided extending in the Y direction (a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the tape cassette 22 and in the in-plane direction of the roll RT stored in the tape cassette 22).

[0037] 7 and 11, the frame lower portion 43b is provided with three pin insertion portions 43S aligned in the Y direction. An upper support bar engagement portion 43Q is provided in the region between the two front pin insertion portions 43S and the rear pin insertion portion 43S of the three pin insertion portions 43S.

[0038] 6, three storage cassette holding pins 33P are arranged in a row in the Y direction on the top surface of the cassette mounting section 33. These three storage cassette holding pins 33P constitute one cassette holding pin row 33L. A plurality of cassette holding pin rows 33L are arranged in a row in the X direction on the top surface of the cassette mounting section 33.

[0039] 6, one receiving cassette holding pin 33Q is provided in front of each cassette holding pin row 33L and coaxially with that cassette holding pin row 33L. That is, on the upper surface of the cassette mounting section 33, multiple pin rows are provided lined up in the X direction, each pin row including three storage cassette holding pins 33P (cassette holding pin row 33L) and one receiving cassette holding pin 33Q.

[0040] 12 and 13 are side cross-sectional views of a portion of the component mounting device 1T. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the receiving cassette 22A is mounted on the carriage 21 with the top and bottom of the storage cassette 22B reversed, i.e., upside down. When the receiving cassette 22A is mounted on the carriage 21, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower support bar engaging portion 43P engages with the lower support bar 35, the upper support bar engaging portion 43Q engages with the upper support bar 37, and the engaging groove 43M engages with the receiving cassette holding pin 33Q. In this manner, in this embodiment, one receiving cassette holding pin 33Q, the lower support bar 35, and the upper support bar 37 constitute a receiving cassette mounting portion 38 (receiving portion mounting portion) into which the receiving cassette 22A is mounted.

[0041] 11 and 12, the tape cassette 22 has a sub-mounting portion 43R made up of an upper support bar engaging portion 43Q of the frame upper portion 43a and the frame lower portion 43b. By mounting the sub-mounting portion 43R to the receiving cassette mounting portion 38, the tape cassette 22 is mounted to the component mounting device 1T as a receiving cassette 22A. In this way, the tape cassette 22 is mounted in the receiving cassette mounting portion 38 in an upside-down position.

[0042] 13, the storage cassette 22B is mounted on the carriage 21 (cassette mounting portion 33 of the component supply unit 1B) by inserting three storage cassette holding pins 33P constituting one cassette holding pin row 33L into three pin insertion portions 43S provided on the frame lower portion 43b. The storage cassette 22B mounted on the carriage 21 is held in a vertical position with the front opening 41K facing forward.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage section 41 of the storage cassette 22B has a pin insertion section 43S that is an engaged section that can engage with the cassette holding pin row 33L (three storage cassette holding pins 33P) provided in the component supply section 1B. The storage cassette 22B is configured to be positioned and held by a storage cassette mounting section 39 that is made up of the cassette holding pin row 33L (three storage cassette holding pins 33P). That is, in this embodiment, the three storage cassette holding pins 33P (cassette holding pin row 33L) lined up in a row in the Y direction are the storage cassette mounting section 39 (storage device mounting section) to which the storage cassette 22B is mounted.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the tape cassette 22 also has a main mounting portion 43U (mounting portion) formed by the frame lower portion 43b (FIGS. 11 and 13). By mounting the main mounting portion 43U to the storage cassette mounting portion 39, the tape cassette 22 is configured to be mounted to the component mounting device 1T as the storage cassette 22B. As a result, the storage cassette 22B held in the storage cassette mounting portion 39 is sandwiched between a pair of side plates 44 of the receiving cassette 22A located in front of it, thereby preventing it from moving in the X direction (the direction in which it falls sideways).

[0045] 12 and 13, the receiving cassette 22A is mounted in the receiving cassette mounting section 38 with the front opening 41K of the receiving cassette 22A facing the storage cassette mounting section 39. Furthermore, the storage cassette 22B is mounted in the storage cassette mounting section 39 with the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B facing the receiving cassette 22A mounted in the receiving cassette mounting section 38. In this manner, the receiving cassettes 22A and 22B are mounted on the carriage 21 with the front opening 41K of the receiving cassette 22A and the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B facing each other. This makes it possible to move the roll RT stored in the storage cassette 22B to the receiving cassette 22A.

[0046] Furthermore, in the receiving cassette mounting section 38, the receiving cassette 22A is mounted at a lower position than the storage cassette 22B mounted in the storage cassette mounting section 39. This allows the roll RT to move smoothly from the storage cassette 22B to the receiving cassette 22A, and also prevents the roll RT stored in the receiving cassette 22A from moving to the storage cassette 22B.

[0047] Furthermore, the receiving cassette mounting section 38 mounts the receiving cassette 22A in an inclined position that becomes lower as it moves away from the storage cassette mounting section 39. This allows the roll RT to move smoothly from the storage cassette 22B to the receiving cassette 22A, and also prevents the roll RT stored in the receiving cassette 22A from moving to the storage cassette 22B.

[0048] 14 and 15 are side cross-sectional views of the tape cassette 22. FIG. 16 is a side view of the shutter 42 provided in the tape cassette 22. In FIGS. 7, 14, and 15, the shutter 42 is provided in the storage space 41S of the storage section 41. As also shown in FIG. 16, the shutter 42 has a J-shape overall, and includes an arc-shaped slider section 51 and a shutter tip section 52 that extends linearly from one end of the slider section 51. An operating lever 53 that extends outward (away from the center) of the arc-shaped slider section 51 is connected to the slider section 51, and is positioned so as to protrude toward the rear of the storage section 41.

[0049] 7, 8, and 9, a tape holding portion 54 is provided at the tip of the shutter 42 (the end of the shutter tip 52). The tape holding portion 54 is a plate-like portion that extends in the direction of extension of the shutter tip 52, and two tape locking projections 55 that protrude and extend from the tip of the tape holding portion 54 as feed hole engagement portions. These two tape locking projections 55 are provided side by side in parallel in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the storage section 41.

[0050] The outer peripheral surface of the arc-shaped slider portion 51 of the shutter 42 is guided by the aforementioned arc-shaped shutter guide portion 43g provided on the frame 43. When the operating lever 53 is operated, the shutter 42 is guided by the shutter guide portion 43g and slides within the inner region of the frame 43 in a rotational direction about an axis parallel to the X direction.

[0051] The shutter 42 assumes a closed position (first position) in which the shutter tip 52 extends in the up-down direction (Z direction) at the front of the storage space 41S to close the front opening 41K of the storage section 41 (FIG. 14). The shutter 42 also assumes an open position (second position) in which the shutter tip 52 extends in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) at the bottom of the storage space 41S to open the front opening 41K of the storage section 41 (FIG. 15). When the shutter 42 is in the closed position, the roll RT in the storage space 41S cannot pass through the front opening 41K and move out of the storage section 41. However, when the shutter 42 is in the open position, the roll RT in the storage space 41S can pass through the front opening 41K and move out of the storage section 41.

[0052] 11, 14, and 15, an opening-side stopper surface 43T is formed at the front end of the frame lower portion 43b. An abutment surface 52T, which is the end face of the shutter tip portion 52, is formed at the boundary between the slider portion 51 of the shutter 42 and the shutter tip portion 52 (FIG. 14). When the operating lever 53 is moved from the lower position to the upper position, the shutter 42 rotates clockwise in FIG. 14 (FIG. 14 → FIG. 15), and is positioned in the closed position when the abutment surface 52T abuts against the opening-side stopper surface 43T (FIG. 15).

[0053] 17A to 17F are cross-sections of various parts of the tape cassette 22 when the shutter 42 is in the closed position (cross-sections AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, and FF shown in FIG. 14), and FIG. 17G is a cross-section of part of the tape cassette 22 when the shutter 42 is in the open position (cross-section GG shown in FIG. 15).

[0054] 11 and 15, a closing-side stopper surface 43K is formed at the upper end (rear end) of the frame lower portion 43b. When the operating lever 53 is moved from the upper position to the lower position, the shutter 42 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 15 (FIG. 15 → FIG. 14), and is positioned at the closed position when the operating lever 53 abuts against the closing-side stopper surface 43K (FIG. 14). Thus, in this embodiment, the operating lever 53 is an operating part that operates to displace the shutter 42 between the closed position (first position) and the open position (second position).

[0055] 18A to 18C are side views of the tape cassette 22 showing how a roll RT of carrier tape is inserted into and removed from the storage cassette 22B. To store the roll RT in the tape cassette 22, with the shutter 42 in the open position, the roll RT is inserted through the front opening 41K of the storage section 41 (arrow M1 in FIG. 18A), and the operating lever 53 is moved downward (arrow N1 in FIG. 18B). This moves the shutter 42 from the open position to the closed position, closing the front opening 41K of the storage section 41, and the roll RT is stored in the tape cassette 22 (FIG. 18B).

[0056] On the other hand, when removing the roll RT stored in the tape cassette 22, the operating lever 53 is moved upward (arrow N2 shown in FIG. 18C), which moves the shutter 42 from the closed position to the open position, opening the front opening 41K of the storage section 41, making it possible to remove the roll RT from the storage section 41 (arrow M2 shown in FIG. 18C).

[0057] As described above, in the present embodiment, the tape cassette 22 serving as a storage device includes a storage section 41 having a storage space 41S for storing the roll RT and a front opening 41K at the front through which the roll RT can be inserted and removed. The tape cassette 22 also includes a shutter 42 serving as a restricting section that is displaceable between a first position (closed position) that blocks at least a portion of the front opening 41K to restrict the roll RT stored in the storage space 41S from moving through the front opening 41K to the outside of the storage section 41, and a second position (open position) that allows the roll RT stored in the storage space to move through the front opening 41K to the outside of the storage section 41. The shutter 42 also includes a shutter tip 52 that is located at the front opening 41K when the shutter 42 is displaced to the closed position, and a slider section 51 that slides while being guided by a shutter guide section 43g provided on the frame 43.

[0058] Incidentally, multiple types of tape cassettes 22 with different width dimensions are required to accommodate different width dimensions of the roll RT. As described above, the frame 43 is composed of two frame members 43Z (FIGS. 7 and 9). Therefore, by making one of the frame members 43Z have a thickness corresponding to the width dimension of the roll RT and making the other frame member 43Z common to all width dimensions of the roll RT, it is possible to standardize the components and reduce the manufacturing costs of multiple types of tape cassettes 22. FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show examples of multiple types of tape cassettes 22 with different width dimensions. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an example of a tape cassette 22 with the largest width dimension.

[0059] 19A shows a configuration in which one of the two frame members 43Z is removed and a single frame member 43Z is used in common, which can accommodate a case in which the width dimension of the roll RT (i.e., the carrier tape CT) is smaller than the case described above. FIG. 19B shows a configuration in which the width dimension of the roll RT is larger than the case described above by increasing the width dimension of one of the two frame members 43Z.

[0060] In Figure 19C, two frame members 43Z are connected by a rod-shaped spacer SP, and can accommodate a roll RT having an even larger width dimension than the case of Figure 19B (see also Figure 20). The two frame members 43Z connected by the spacer SP are used in common. In Figures 19B and 19C, a gripped block 45 is provided on each of the two frame members 43Z.

[0061] This is because, when gripped blocks 45 are gripped to lift the tape cassette 22, if gripped blocks 45 are provided on only one of the two frame members 43Z, the tape cassette 22 will tilt from the vertical position due to the position of its overall center of gravity, making it difficult to mount it on the cart 21. Also, if one gripped block 45 is gripped to forcibly bring the tape cassette 22 into the vertical position, an excessive bending moment may act on the gripped block 45, which may damage the gripped block 45.

[0062] As described above, the tape cassette 22 in this embodiment supplies the roll RT of carrier tape CT containing components BH to the component mounting device 1T and includes a storage section 41 and a shutter 42. The storage section 41 includes a storage space 41S for storing the roll RT and a front opening 41K at the front through which the roll RT can be inserted and removed. The shutter 42 is displaceable between a closed position (first position) that blocks at least a portion of the front opening 41K to prevent the roll RT from passing through the front opening 41K and moving out of the storage section 41, and an open position (second position) that allows the roll RT to pass through the front opening 41K and move out of the storage section 41. The storage section 41 is configured to supply the roll RT to the component mounting device 1T when the storage section 41 is loaded with the front opening 41K facing the component mounting device 1T and the shutter 42 is in the open position.

[0063] Next, a procedure for attaching the tape cassette 22 to the component supply unit 1B of the component mounting device 1T will be described. When attaching the tape cassette 22 to the component supply unit 1B, first, the receiving cassette 22A is attached to the receiving cassette attachment portion 38 of the cart 21, which is the receiving portion attachment portion.

[0064] When loading the receiving cassette 22A into the receiving cassette loading section 38, first, the shutter 42 is positioned in the open position (second position) using the operating lever 53, and then the tape cassette 22 is turned upside down. Then, the lower support bar engaging portion 43P provided on the frame upper portion 43a is engaged with the lower support bar 35, the upper support bar engaging portion 43Q provided on the frame lower portion 43b is engaged with the upper support bar 37, and the engaging groove 43M provided on the frame upper portion 43a is engaged with the receiving cassette holding pin 33Q (FIG. 12 → FIG. 13).

[0065] When the receiving cassette 22A is attached to the carriage 21, the tape cassette 22 is tilted slightly forward. The guide surface 43F provided on the frame upper portion 43a is in a substantially horizontal position (FIG. 13). The shutter 42 of the receiving cassette 22A attached to the carriage 21 is in the open position (second position).

[0066] After the receiving cassette 22A is mounted in the receiving cassette mounting portion 38 of the carriage 21 as described above, the storage cassette 22B storing the roll RT is mounted in the storage cassette mounting portion 39 of the carriage 21. The shutter 42 of the storage cassette 22B is positioned in the closed position until immediately before the storage cassette 22B is mounted in the storage cassette mounting portion 39, and the leading end of the carrier tape CT pulled out from the roll RT is held by the tape holding portion 54 of the shutter 42 positioned in the closed position ( FIG. 13 ).

[0067] Here, the leading edge of the carrier tape CT is held by the tape holding portion 54 by two tape locking projections 55 provided on the tape holding portion 54 being locked from below by two of a plurality of feed holes SH provided at the leading edge of the carrier tape CT pulled out from the roll RT (FIGS. 7 and 13). In this state, the leading edge of the carrier tape CT is in a substantially horizontal position.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the tape holding portion 54 provided at the tip end of the shutter 42 (shutter tip end 52) has two tape locking projections 55 as sprocket hole engaging portions that can engage with the sprocket holes SH of the carrier tape CT. The tape holding portion 54 holds the carrier tape CT pulled out from the roll RT using these tape locking projections 55. At this time, the leading end of the carrier tape CT is in a horizontal position. In other words, when the shutter 42 is positioned (displaced) to the closed position (first position), the tape holding portion 54 holds the carrier tape CT horizontally.

[0069] The tape cassette supply device 1H automatically performs the task of loading the storage cassette 22B into the cassette loading section 33. Here, the tape cassette supply device 1H will be described.

[0070] 21, 22, and 23 are a side view, a plan view, and a front view, respectively, of a tape cassette supplying device 1H. FIG. 24 is a perspective side view of the tape cassette supplying device 1H. The tape cassette supplying device 1H is a device that supplies a tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) that stores a roll RT of carrier tape CT to the component supplying unit 1B of the component mounting device 1T. The tape cassette supplying device 1H includes a cassette supplying unit 61, an alignment unit 62, a cassette transfer unit 63, and a tape feeding unit 64.

[0071] First, the cassette supply unit 61 will be described. In FIGS. 21, 23, and 24, the cassette supply unit 61 includes a reference base 71, a supply device main body 72, a floating mechanism 73, a cassette stock unit 74, a shutter operation unit 75, and a control unit 76. The reference base 71 has a plurality of wheels 71S on its lower surface and can travel on the floor FL. The supply device main body 72 is disposed above the reference base 71. The supply device main body 72 includes a lifting base 72a (bottom plate) and a top plate 72b and has a housing shape that is open in the front.

[0072] In FIGS. 21, 23, and 24, the floating mechanism 73 is provided between the reference base 71 and the supply device main body 72 (specifically, the lifting base 72a). The floating mechanism 73 is a mechanism that holds the supply device main body 72 so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the reference base 71.

[0073] FIGS. 25A and 25B are side views showing the floating mechanism 73 included in the tape cassette supply device 1H of the component mounting system 1 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 25A and 25B, the floating mechanism 73 includes four lifting guides 81, spring members 82, and a plurality of link mechanisms 83. The four lifting guides 81 are arranged in the front, rear, left, and right between the reference base 71 and the lifting base 72a, and the four spring members 82 are arranged corresponding to (penetrating) each of these four lifting guides 81.

[0074] Thus, in the present embodiment, the supply device main body 72 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the reference base 71 and is elastically supported by the spring members 82 included in the floating mechanism 73. Note that FIG. 25B shows a case where the height HT of the lifting base 72a with respect to the reference base 71 is higher than that in FIG. 25A (the height HT = H1 in FIG. 25A and the height HT = H2 in FIG. 25B, where H1 < H2).

[0075] The link mechanism 83 provided in the floating mechanism 73 comprises a pair of link parts 101 spaced apart in the Y direction (the direction in which the supply device main body 72 moves relative to the component mounting device 1T) and a connecting part 102 connecting the pair of link parts 101, forming a parallel link. In this embodiment, two link mechanisms 83 are provided side by side in the X direction, as shown in FIG.

[0076] 25A and 25B, the link portion 101 connects the reference base 71 and the supply device main body portion 72 (the underside of the lifting base 72a), and is made up of two link elements 101E of the same length arranged one above the other with one end connected to the other by a pin. The lower end of the lower link element 101E is connected to the upper surface of the reference base 71 by a pin. The upper end of the upper link element 101E is connected to the underside of the lifting base 72a by a pin. The upper end of the lower link element 101E and the lower end of the upper link element 101E are connected to each other by a pin. The connecting portion 102 is made up of a rod-shaped member extending in the Y direction, and both front and rear ends are pivotally connected to the middle parts (the parts connected by the pins) of the two link portions 101.

[0077] Each of the two link sections 101 operates in response to a change in the distance between the reference base 71 and the supply device main body section 72 (lifting base 72a). The connecting section 102 connects the pair of link sections 101 together to link the movements of the link sections 101. Because the link mechanism 83 is a parallel link, as long as the reference base 71 is in a horizontal position, the lifting base 72a will also maintain its horizontal position even if an upward or downward force acts on a part of the lifting base 72a.

[0078] 21, 23, and 24, the cassette stock unit 74 is made up of a member with a horizontal upper surface and is provided inside the supply device main body 72. A plurality of storage cassettes 22B are placed and stocked on the upper surface of the cassette stock unit 74 in a vertical position with the front opening 41K facing forward. A plurality of storage cassettes 22B can be placed on the cassette stock unit 74 in a state where they are lined up in the X direction (the width direction of the storage cassettes 22B).

[0079] 22, 23 and 24, the shutter operating unit 75 is provided inside the supply device main body 72. The shutter operating unit 75 includes a pair of left and right operating unit bases 91, an operating bar 92 and an operating bar drive unit 93.

[0080] The left and right operation unit bases 91 are provided in a front region of the cassette stock unit 74, positioned outward from the left and right ends of the cassette stock unit 74. The left and right operation unit bases 91 are each made of a plate-like member extending in the YZ plane, and an operation bar guide 91G extending in the Z direction is provided on each of the opposing surfaces (inner surfaces). The left and right operation bar guides 91G are provided with bar holders 91B that are movable in the Z direction.

[0081] The operation bar 92 is made up of a rod-shaped member extending in the X direction, and both ends are held by left and right bar holders 91B. The operation bar drive units 93 are made up of, for example, rodless cylinders, and are attached to the left and right operation unit bases 91. When the left and right operation bar drive units 93 synchronously raise and lower their respective bar holders 91B, the operation bar 92 moves in the Z direction while maintaining a horizontal position.

[0082] 21, 22, 23, and 24, the control unit 76 is provided inside the supply device main body 72. In addition to the operation bar drive unit 93, the control unit 76 controls the operation of the other drive units (chuck device moving mechanism 122, opening / closing operation unit 131K (see FIG. 32), sprocket drive motor 141 (see FIG. 42), and arm drive cylinder 143 (see FIG. 42)) included in the tape cassette supply device 1H.

[0083] Next, the alignment unit 62 will be described. In Figures 21, 22 and 24, the alignment unit 62 has left and right supply device side connection parts 111. Each of the left and right supply device side connection parts 111 is made up of an alignment arm 112, a horizontal alignment roller 113, and a height alignment roller 114.

[0084] The alignment arm 112 is provided to extend forward from the supply device main body 72 of the cassette supply unit 61. Two horizontal alignment rollers 113 are provided in the front-rear direction at the front end of the alignment arm 112. The horizontal alignment rollers 113 are rotatable around an axis (Z axis) parallel to the Z direction.

[0085] One height alignment roller 114 is provided at the front end of the alignment arm 112. The height alignment roller 114 is located above the two horizontal alignment rollers 113 (FIGS. 21 and 24), and is rotatable around an axis parallel to the X direction (X axis).

[0086] Fig. 26 is a side view of the component mounting system 1. Fig. 27 is a plan view of the component mounting system 1. Fig. 28 is a side view of the component mounting system 1. In Figs. 26 and 27, the base 11 of the mounting device main body 1A is provided with a pair of left and right height alignment guides 11V extending rearward from the rear of the base 11, and a pair of left and right horizontal alignment guides 11W also extending rearward from the rear of the base 11. The height alignment guides 11V are located above the horizontal alignment guides 11W.

[0087] 26, a slope 11S that slopes upward from the rear to the front is provided on the upper surface of the height direction alignment guide 11V. A recess 11K that is recessed downward is formed at the front end of the slope 11S.

[0088] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the tape cassette supplying device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T from behind the component mounting device 1T. When connecting the tape cassette supplying device 1H to the component mounting device 1T, the tape cassette supplying device 1H is caused to travel on the floor FL by a traveling robot RB as a mobile body, and is brought closer (in the Y direction) to the mounting device main body 1A with the dolly 21 connected thereto (Figure 28). At this time, the tape cassette supplying device 1H is positioned so that its axis in the Y direction is parallel to the axis of the base 11 in the Y direction. Therefore, the tape cassette supplying device 1H approaches the mounting device main body 1A in an attitude in which the dolly 21 connected to the base 11 is housed between the left and right alignment arms 112.

[0089] Here, the traveling robot RB functions as a moving body that moves the tape cassette supply device 1H to the front of the component supply unit 1B that needs to replenish the carrier tape CT. For example, an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) that is self-propelled by wireless control is used as this traveling robot RB.

[0090] 29A to 29C are side views showing the state in which the tape cassette supplying device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T. FIGS. 30 and 31 are side views and a plan view, respectively, of the component mounting system 1, showing the state in which the tape cassette supplying device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T. As the tape cassette supplying device 1H approaches the mounting device main body 1A, the left and right horizontal alignment rollers 113 of the tape cassette supplying device 1H come into contact with the inner surfaces of the left and right horizontal alignment guides 11W of the base 11 and roll. As a result, the tape cassette supplying device 1H advances toward the back of the mounting device main body 1A while being positioned in the horizontal direction (X direction) relative to the mounting device main body 1A.

[0091] Furthermore, as the tape cassette supply device 1H approaches the base 11 of the loader main body 1A, the left and right height alignment rollers 114 come into contact with the upper surfaces (inclined portions 11S) of the left and right height direction alignment guides 11V of the base 11 and roll, climbing up the inclined portions 11S (FIG. 29A → FIG. 29B). During this time, the supply device main body 72 is raised relative to the floor FL (i.e., relative to the reference base 71) (FIG. 29B).

[0092] The left and right height alignment rollers 114 climb the inclined surfaces 11S of the left and right height alignment guides 11V, and then drop into the left and right recesses 11K when they reach the front ends of the inclined surfaces 11S (FIG. 29B → FIG. 29C). As a result, the supply device main body 72 (lifting base 72a) of the tape cassette supply device 1H is positioned in the height direction relative to the base 11 of the component mounting device 1T (FIGS. 30 and 31), and the traveling robot RB stops traveling.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, the supply device side connection portion 111 provided in the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the height direction alignment guide 11V and the horizontal direction alignment guide 11W provided in the component mounting device 1T, and is configured to position the supply device main body 72 in the height direction when connected. Therefore, the height direction and lateral position of the tape cassette supply device 1H can be easily adjusted for the component mounting device 1T that is installed after being leveled horizontally and whose height from the floor FL is not constant.

[0094] Furthermore, when positioning the supply device main body 72 in the height direction, the left and right height alignment rollers 114 provided on the supply device side connection part 111 are connected to the height alignment guide 11V and are interposed between the supply device main body 72 and the height alignment guide 11V (i.e., between the supply device main body 72 and the component mounting device 1T). The left and right height alignment rollers 114 act as height adjustment parts that adjust the height of the supply device main body 72 relative to the mounting device 1A by receiving an upward force from the height alignment guide 11V. The height of the supply device main body 72 relative to the component mounting device 1T can be changed by changing the outer diameter of the left and right height alignment rollers 114.

[0095] Meanwhile, the height alignment guide 11V and horizontal alignment guide 11W provided on the component mounting device 1T are mounting device-side connectors to which the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected. The height alignment guide 11V is a mounting device-side height connector to which the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected so as to be positioned in the height direction relative to the mounting device main body 1A. The horizontal alignment guide 11W is a mounting device-side horizontal connector to which the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected so as to be positioned in the horizontal direction relative to the mounting device main body 1A.

[0096] Here, a pair of height alignment guides 11V are arranged in the width direction (X direction) of the mounting device main body 1A, and a pair of height alignment rollers 114 are arranged in the width direction (X direction) of the tape cassette supply device 1H corresponding to the pair of height alignment guides 11V. The pair of height alignment guides 11V are provided in positions that sandwich the component supply unit 1B held by the cart holding unit 11H in the width direction (X direction). Therefore, when the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the mounting device main body 1A, it assumes a position such that the pair of supply device-side connecting units 111 embrace the cart 21 connected to the mounting device main body 1A from the sides (FIG. 31).

[0097] When the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the mounting device main body 1A as described above, the supply device-side connection portion 111 receives an upward force from the height alignment guide 11V while the height alignment roller 114 is climbing the sloped portion 11S of the height alignment guide 11V and after the height alignment roller 114 is fitted into the recess 11K. This causes the front of the supply device main body 72 to be pushed up relative to the rear. However, because the floating mechanism 73 is interposed between the supply device main body 72 (elevation base 72a) and the reference base 71, the elevating base 72a, which is the bottom plate of the supply device main body 72, maintains a horizontal position, as described above. This prevents the entire tape cassette supply device from tilting and becoming unstable.

[0098] In this embodiment, as described above, the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the base 11 of the mounting device main body 1A, not to the dolly 21. If the tape cassette supply device 1H were supported by the dolly 21, a heavy object would be placed on the dolly 21, causing the front side of the dolly 21 (the side facing the operator) to lower. This would change the attitude of the dolly 21, causing a change in the position (vertical position) of the tape feeder 23, which could result in a pickup error when the mounting head 13 takes out a component BH from the tape feeder 23. However, in this embodiment, the tape cassette supply device 1H is not connected to the dolly 21, so there is no such risk, and the pickup accuracy of the component BH by the mounting head 13 is not reduced.

[0099] Furthermore, if the design of dolly 21 were modified so that it could support tape cassette supply device 1H (more specifically, the design would be modified to provide height alignment guides 11V and horizontal alignment guides 11W for supporting horizontal alignment roller 113 and height alignment roller 114 on the tape cassette supply device 1H side), the weight of dolly 21 would increase, making it difficult to handle. However, in this embodiment, such a problem is unlikely to occur.

[0100] Next, a description will be given of the cassette transfer unit 63. In Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24, the cassette transfer unit 63 is a mechanism that removes the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) from the cassette stock unit 74 and transfers it to the component supply unit 1B.

[0101] The cassette transfer unit 63 includes a chuck device 121 as a gripping unit, and a chuck device moving mechanism 122 as gripping unit moving means for moving the chuck device 121. The chuck device moving mechanism 122 is made up of an X-axis table 123, two X guides 124, a Y-axis table 125, and a chuck lifting / lowering cylinder 126 as chuck lifting / lowering means.

[0102] X-axis table 123 is provided at the rear of the upper surface of top plate 72b of supply device main body 72, extending in the X direction. Two X guides 124 are provided at the front and rear of the upper surface of top plate 72b, respectively, extending in the X direction. Y-axis table 125 is provided at the upper surface of top plate 72b, extending in the Y direction. Y-axis table 125 is driven by X-axis table 123 and moves in the X direction by being guided by the two X guides 124.

[0103] The lower end of the lift rod 126R, which is a piston rod, faces downward in the chuck lift cylinder 126. The chuck lift cylinder 126 is driven by the Y-axis table 125 to move in the Y direction, and the X-axis table 123 drives the Y-axis table 125 in the X direction to move the chuck lift cylinder 126 in the X direction.

[0104] 21, 22, 23, and 24, the chuck device 121 is provided at the lower end of the lift rod 126R. Therefore, the chuck device 121 moves integrally with the chuck lift cylinder 126 in the X and Y directions. When the chuck lift cylinder 126 moves the lift rod 126R forward and backward, the chuck device 121 moves up and down relative to the supply device main body 72. The operations of the X-axis table 123, the Y-axis table 125, and the chuck lift cylinder 126 are controlled by the control unit 76 described above.

[0105] Fig. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the chuck device 121 provided in the component mounting system 1. Fig. 33A and Fig. 33B are plan views showing gripping pins 133 of the chuck device 121. In Fig. 32, the chuck device 121 includes a chuck base 131, two front and rear block support shafts 132J arranged in the Y direction, two front and rear open / close blocks 132 attached to the two block support shafts 132J respectively and arranged in the Y direction, and a plurality of gripping pins 133 (pin members) attached to each open / close block 132.

[0106] 32, the chuck base 131 is attached to the lower end of the lift rod 126R. Two block support shafts 132J extend downward from the chuck base 131. Two opening / closing blocks 132 are attached to the lower ends of the two block support shafts 132J, respectively.

[0107] 32, an opening / closing operation unit 131K is provided in the chuck base 131. The opening / closing operation unit 131K is operated under the control of the control unit 76. As a result, the two block support shafts 132J move in a separating direction in which they move apart from each other in the Y direction, and in a approaching direction in which they move closer to each other in the Y direction. When the opening / closing operation unit 131K moves the two block support shafts 132J, the two opening / closing blocks 132 move (open and close) between an open position (FIG. 33A) where the distance between them is greatest, and a closed position (FIG. 33B) where the distance between them is smallest.

[0108] The gripping pins 133 extend downward from each of the two opening / closing blocks 132. A flange 133D having a larger outer diameter than the gripping pin 133 is formed at the lower end of each gripping pin 133 (FIGS. 32, 33A, and 33B).

[0109] In this embodiment, two opening / closing blocks 132 are provided with multiple pairs (four pairs) of gripping pins 133. The two gripping pins 133 of each pair are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The four pairs of gripping pins 133 are arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0110] When the two opening / closing blocks 132 are opened and closed by the opening / closing operation unit 131K, the two gripping pins 133 of each of the four sets move apart (FIG. 33B → FIG. 33A) or move closer to each other (FIG. 33A → FIG. 33B). As will be described later, the chuck device 121 grips the gripped block 45 attached to the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) by bringing the two gripping pins 133 closer to each other as the two opening / closing blocks 132 close to each other.

[0111] As described above, in this embodiment, the chuck device 121, which is the gripping section, is configured to include a pair (two) of open / close blocks 132 as open / close members that are moved in a separating direction in which they move away from each other and in a proximate direction in which they move toward each other, and a gripping pin 133 that extends from each of the pair of open / close blocks 132. Then, by moving the pair of open / close blocks 132 in the proximate direction to shorten the distance between the pair of gripping pins 133, the gripped block 45 provided on the tape cassette 22 is gripped.

[0112] 34 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the gripping pins 133 of the chuck device 121. As shown in FIG. 34, the four pairs of gripping pins 133 include two gripping pins (first gripping pins 133a) spaced apart by L1 when the opening / closing block 132 is in the closed position, two gripping pins 133 (second gripping pins 133b) spaced apart by L2 (>L1) larger than L1, two gripping pins 133 (third gripping pins 133c) spaced apart by L3 (>L2) larger than L2, and two gripping pins 133 (fourth gripping pins 133d) spaced apart by L4 (>L3) larger than L3. As described above, in this embodiment, a pair of opening / closing blocks 132 includes multiple pairs of gripping pins 133, and the distances between the gripping pins 133 in each pair are different from each other.

[0113] 35A and 35B are perspective views showing a gripped block 45 provided on a tape cassette 22 handled by the component mounting system 1 and a gripping pin 133 that grips the gripped block 45. As shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the gripped block 45 provided on each tape cassette 22 has two parts: a block base 45K and a block main body 45H. The block base 45K is a part that is directly attached to the frame upper part 43a. The block main body 45H is connected to the upper part of the block base 45K and has a shape that protrudes outward beyond both ends of the block base 45K in the Y direction.

[0114] A pair of recesses 45M (front and rear recesses 45M) are provided at both ends of the block main body 45H in the front-rear direction. These front and rear recesses 45M are recessed in the direction facing each other (Y direction). The inner diameter of each of the two recesses 45M is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the gripping pin 133 provided in the chuck device 121.

[0115] 36A to 36D are perspective views of a portion of a tape cassette 22 handled by the component mounting system 1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D, four types of graspable blocks 45 (first graspable block 45a, second graspable block 45b, third graspable block 45c, and fourth graspable block 45d) are used. These four types of graspable blocks 45 differ from one another in the Y-direction length of the block main body portion 45H (i.e., the distance between two recessed portions 45M), and are used depending on the width dimension of the tape cassette 22.

[0116] The four types of graspable blocks 45 provided on the two open / close blocks 132 correspond to the four pairs of two gripping pins 133 (first gripping pin 133a, second gripping pin 133b, third gripping pin 133c, and fourth gripping pin 133d). Specifically, the distance between the two recessed portions 45M of the first graspable block 45a is L1 (FIG. 36A). The distance between the two recessed portions 45M of the second graspable block 45b is L2 (FIG. 36B). The distance between the two recessed portions 45M of the third graspable block 45c is L3 (FIG. 36C). The distance between the two recessed portions 45M of the fourth graspable block 45d is L4 (FIG. 36D).

[0117] When the tape cassette supplying device 1H grips the gripped block 45 of the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) with the chuck device 121, the opening / closing operation unit 131K is first actuated to position the opening / closing block 132 in the open position. Then, the two gripping pins 133 corresponding to the gripped block 45 to be gripped are positioned outside the gripped block 45 in the Y direction (FIG. 35A). At this time, the opening / closing block 132 is positioned at a height such that the flanges 133D of the two gripping pins 133 are positioned below the bottom surface of the block main body 45H.

[0118] After positioning the two gripping pins 133 outside the gripped block 45 in the Y direction, the tape cassette supplying device 1H activates the opening / closing operating unit 131K to position the opening / closing block 132 in the closed position (FIG. 35A → FIG. 35B). As a result, the two gripping pins 133 fit into the two recesses 45M of the gripped block 45, respectively, and the chuck device 121 grips the gripped block 45 (FIG. 35B). When the chuck device 121 grips the gripped block 45, the flanges 133D of the two gripping pins 133 are positioned below the block main body 45H.

[0119] In this way, the chuck device 121 moves the two gripping pins 133 in the Y direction (the in-plane direction of the roll body RT stored in the tape cassette 22) to grip the gripped block 45. Therefore, the gripped block 45 of the target tape cassette 22 can be gripped without interfering with other adjacent tape cassettes 22.

[0120] 37A to 40B are plan views of a portion of a tape cassette 22 handled by the component mounting system 1. As described above, the distance between the two gripping pins 133 of each pair (the distance when the two opening / closing blocks 132 are in the closed position) matches the distance between the two recesses 45M of the corresponding gripped block 45. Therefore, the first gripped block 45a can be gripped only by the first gripping pin 133a (FIG. 37A → FIG. 37B). The second gripped block 45b (FIG. 36B) can be gripped only by the second gripping pin 133b (FIG. 38A → FIG. 38B). Furthermore, the third gripped block 45c (FIG. 36C) can be gripped only by the third gripping pin 133c (FIG. 39A → FIG. 39B). The fourth gripped block 45d (FIG. 36D) can be gripped only by the fourth gripping pin 133d (FIG. 40A→FIG. 40B).

[0121] As described above, the tape cassette 22 has one or two graspable blocks 45, one of which is always the first graspable block 45a. Therefore, if the width dimension of the tape cassette 22 is large, the two graspable blocks 45 included in the tape cassette 22 will be a combination of the first graspable block 45a and the second graspable block 45b (FIG. 36B), a combination of the first graspable block 45a and the third graspable block 45c (FIG. 36C), or a combination of the first graspable block 45a and the fourth graspable block 45d (FIG. 36D). In particular, the larger the width dimension of the tape cassette 22, the larger the number of graspable blocks 45 added that have a longer length in the Y direction (the distance between the front and rear recesses 45M).

[0122] Here, when a second gripped block 45b is added in addition to the first gripped block 45a (FIG. 36B), as shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the distance between the first gripped block 45a and the second gripped block 45b in the X direction (width direction of the tape cassette 22) is set to be equal to the distance between the row of first gripping pins 133a and the row of second gripping pins 133b in the chuck device 121 in the X direction. Also, when a third gripped block 45c is added in addition to the first gripped block 45a (FIG. 36C), as shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the distance between the first gripped block 45a and the third gripped block 45c is set to be equal to the distance between the row of first gripping pins 133a and the row of third gripping pins 133c. Furthermore, when a fourth graspable block 45d is added in addition to the first graspable block 45a (Figure 36D), as shown in Figures 40A and 40B, the distance between the first graspable block 45a and the fourth graspable block 45d is set to be equal to the distance between the row of first graspable pins 133a and the row of fourth graspable pins 133d.

[0123] When the tape cassette supplying device 1H grips a tape cassette 22 that has only a first gripped block 45a, the first gripped block 45a is gripped by the first gripping pin 133a (FIG. 37A → FIG. 37B).When the tape cassette supplying device 1H grips a tape cassette 22 that has a second gripped block 45b in addition to the first gripped block 45a, the first gripping pin 133a grips the first gripped block 45a and, at the same time, the second gripped block 45b is gripped by the second gripping pin 133b (FIG. 38A → FIG. 38B).

[0124] Furthermore, when the tape cassette supplying device 1H grips a tape cassette 22 that has a third gripped block 45c in addition to the first gripped block 45a, the first gripping pin 133a grips the first gripped block 45a and simultaneously grips the third gripped block 45c with the third gripping pin 133c (Fig. 39A → Fig. 39B).When the tape cassette supplying device 1H grips a tape cassette 22 that has a fourth gripped block 45d in addition to the first gripped block 45a, the first gripping pin 133a grips the first gripped block 45a and simultaneously grips the fourth gripped block 45d with the fourth gripping pin 133d (Fig. 40A → Fig. 40B).

[0125] As described above, in this embodiment, the chuck device 121 uses two or more sets of two gripping pins 133 to grip two or more gripped blocks 45 provided at both ends in the width direction of the storage cassette 22B.

[0126] In this embodiment, the four sets of gripping pins 133 provided on the chuck device 121 each have a different spacing in the Y direction, so that when attempting to chuck one of the multiple tape cassettes 22 stocked in the cassette stock section 74 using the chuck device 121, it is possible to prevent the chuck device 121 from accidentally gripping an adjacent tape cassette 22 as well.

[0127] 41A and 41B are plan views of a portion of a tape cassette 22 handled by the component mounting system 1. Fig. 41A shows a situation in which a tape cassette 22 having only a first gripped block 45a and a tape cassette 22 having a first gripped block 45a and a fourth gripped block 45d are lined up. In this case, by gripping the first gripped block 45a with the two gripping pins 133 (first gripping pin 133a) having the smallest spacing L1 (Fig. 41A → Fig. 41B), it is possible to grip only the desired tape cassette 22.

[0128] Next, we will explain the tape feeding unit 64. In Figures 21, 23, and 24, the tape feeding unit 64 is attached to the lower end of a feeding unit base 125B that extends downward from the front end of the Y-axis table 125. When the X-axis table 123 drives the Y-axis table 125 in the X direction, the tape feeding unit 64 moves in the X direction integrally with the feeding unit base 125B.

[0129] Figure 42 is a perspective view of the tape feed unit 64 provided in the tape cassette supply device 1H of the component mounting system 1. Figures 43A and 43B are front views of the tape feed unit 64. In Figures 42, 43A, and 43B, the tape feed unit 64 includes a feed mechanism 64A and a tape support mechanism 64B. The feed mechanism 64A has a sprocket drive motor 141 and a sprocket 142.

[0130] 42, 43A, and 43B, sprocket drive motor 141 is mounted on feed unit base 125B with drive shaft 141J facing in the X direction. Sprocket 142 is attached to drive shaft 141J. Sprocket 142 has multiple engagement pins 142P on its outer periphery. Operation of sprocket drive motor 141 is controlled by control unit 76. When sprocket drive motor 141 drives and rotates drive shaft 141J, sprocket 142 rotates in the YZ plane.

[0131] 42, 43A, and 43B, the tape support mechanism 64B includes an arm drive cylinder 143 (arm drive unit) and a support arm 144. The arm drive cylinder 143 is arranged so that an arm drive rod 143R, which is a piston rod, moves forward and backward within the XZ plane. The upper end of the arm drive rod 143R faces diagonally upward. The forward and backward movement of the arm drive rod 143R by the arm drive cylinder 143 is controlled by the control unit 76.

[0132] 43A and 43B, the support arm 144 is attached to the arm drive rod 143R. The tip of the support arm 144 faces diagonally upward, and its axis extends parallel to the axis of the arm drive rod 143R. Therefore, when the arm drive cylinder 143 moves the arm drive rod 143R forward or backward, the support arm 144 moves forward or backward integrally with the arm drive rod 143R.

[0133] When the arm drive cylinder 143 moves the arm drive rod 143R backward at its full stroke (FIG. 43A), the tip (upper end) of the support arm 144 is located at a position that is off to the lower side (below the sprocket drive motor 141) from directly below the sprocket 142. On the other hand, when the arm drive cylinder 143 moves the arm drive rod 143R forward at its full stroke (FIG. 43B), the tip of the support arm 144 is located at a position directly below the sprocket 142.

[0134] Next, with reference to Figures 28 to 29C, we will explain the procedure (tape cassette supplying method) for supplying (transferring) the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) to the component supply unit 1B provided in the component mounting device 1T by the tape cassette supplying device 1H configured as described above.

[0135] When the tape cassette supplying device 1H transfers the storage cassette 22B to the cassette mounting portion 33 of the component supplying unit 1B, first the traveling robot RB travels on the floor FL and couples with the rear portion of the reference base 71 provided on the tape cassette supplying device 1H (FIG. 28). After coupling with the reference base 71 of the tape cassette supplying device 1H, the traveling robot RB travels on the floor FL while pressing the tape cassette supplying device 1H from behind. Then, the tape cassette supplying device 1H is brought closer to the loading device main body 1A to which the dolly 21 is coupled (FIG. 28 → FIG. 29A → FIG. 29B).

[0136] The traveling robot RB connects the tape cassette supply device 1H to the mounting device main body 1A in the manner described above. As a result, the supply device side connection part 111 provided on the tape cassette supply device 1H connects to the height direction alignment guide 11V and the horizontal direction alignment guide 11W provided on the mounting device main body 1A.

[0137] In this way, in a method for connecting the tape cassette supply device 1H to the loading device main body 1A (an inter-device connection method that is part of the tape cassette supply method), the tape cassette supply device 1H is moved and brought closer to the loading device main body 1A. As a result, the inter-device connection method includes a step (connection step) of connecting the tape cassette supply device 1H to the left and right height direction alignment guides 11V.

[0138] In the inter-device connection method of this embodiment, the tape cassette supply device 1H, which is a heavy object, is not connected to the component supply unit 1B (carriage 21) of the component mounting device 1T, but is connected to the mounting device main body 1A. Therefore, as described above, the weight of the tape cassette supply device 1H does not act on the cart 21, causing a change in the attitude of the cart 21 (i.e., the attitude of the tape feeder 23), and it is possible to prevent the mounting head 13 from failing to pick up the component BH.

[0139] When the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the loader main body 1A as described above, the left and right height alignment rollers 114 of the tape cassette supply device 1H are fitted into the left and right recesses 11K provided in the left and right height direction alignment guides 11V of the loader main body 1A, thereby positioning the supply device main body 72 in the height direction relative to the loader main body 1A (FIG. 29C).

[0140] As such, the tape cassette supply method in this embodiment includes a step (positioning step) of positioning the supply device main body 72 in the height direction (Z direction) relative to the component mounting device 1T by connecting the supply device side connection portion 111 to the component mounting device 1T.

[0141] In the positioning step, the supply device main body 72 receives an upward pressing force from the mounting device main body 1A in a direction that pushes up the front part. However, the supply device main body 72 (lifting base 72a) is provided with a floating mechanism 73 between it and the reference base 71, and the lifting base 72a, which is the bottom plate of the supply device main body 72, is prevented from tilting from the horizontal position (relative to the reference base 71 in the horizontal position), so that a stable position can be maintained.

[0142] 27, a power supply connector 11C serving as a power supply means is provided on the base 11 of the component mounting device 1T, and a power receiving connector 151 serving as a power receiving means is provided on the tape cassette supply device 1H. When the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T, the power receiving connector 151 and the power supply connector 11C fit together, and the tape cassette supply device 1H and the component mounting device 1T are electrically connected (FIG. 27 → FIG. 31). This enables the tape cassette supply device 1H to receive power supplied from the component mounting device 1T.

[0143] Once the supply device main body 72 is connected to and positioned relative to the loading device main body 1A as described above, the tape cassette supply device 1H activates the chuck device moving mechanism 122 to position the chuck device 121 above the storage cassette 22B to be transferred. Then, the chuck device 121 grips the gripped block 45 provided on the upper part (frame upper part 43a) of the storage section 41 of the storage cassette 22B to be transferred. In detail, as described above, the opening / closing block 132 is operated to close from the open position toward the closed position, thereby gripping the gripped block 45 with the two gripping pins 133 (FIG. 35A → FIG. 35B).

[0144] As described above, the tape cassette supplying method according to the present embodiment includes a step (a gripping step) of gripping the tape cassette (storage cassette 22B) with the chuck device 121, which is a gripping section.

[0145] In this gripping step, as described above, for a tape cassette 22 that has only the first gripped block 45a, the tape cassette 22 is gripped by only two gripping pins 133 (first gripping pin 133a). Also, for a tape cassette 22 that has other gripping blocks 45 (second gripped block 45b, third gripped block 45c, or fourth gripped block 45d) in addition to the first gripping block 45a, the two gripped blocks 45 are gripped by not only the first gripping pin 133a but also any of the gripping pins 133: the second gripping pin 133b, the third gripping pin 133c, and the fourth gripping pin 133d (FIGS. 38A to 40B).

[0146] 44 and 45 are side views of a portion of the component mounting system 1. After the tape cassette supplying device 1H has gripped one or two gripped blocks 45 provided in the tape cassette 22 with the chuck device 121, the tape cassette supplying device 1H operates the Y-axis table 125 of the cassette transfer section 63 (chuck device moving mechanism 122) to move the chuck lifting cylinder 126 forward (arrow E1 shown in FIG. 45). The chuck lifting cylinder 126 is then operated to lower the chuck device 121 and position it at the tape feed position. Here, the "tape feed position" refers to the position (FIG. 45) where the leading end of the carrier tape CT, which has been pulled out of the storage cassette 22B and is engaged with the two tape engaging projections 55, faces the tape inlet 23G of the tape feeder 23 in a substantially horizontal direction (here, the Y direction).

[0147] 46A to 46D are perspective views showing a procedure for supporting the leading end of the carrier tape CT pulled out from the tape cassette 22 by the tape feeding unit 64. When positioning the storage cassette 22B at the tape feeding position, the cassette transfer unit 63 of the tape cassette supplying device 1H first positions the leading end of the carrier tape CT pulled out from the storage cassette 22B directly below the sprocket 142 (FIGS. 43A and 46A). Then, the chuck lifting / lowering cylinder 126 is actuated to slightly lift the chuck device 121 (arrow F1 shown in FIG. 46B). As the chuck device 121 lifts, the lowest engagement pin 142P (lowest engagement pin 142D) of the sprocket 142 engages with one feed hole SH (the feed hole SH located between the two fitted tape engaging protrusions 55) in the leading end of the carrier tape CT.

[0148] Thus, in this embodiment, the sprocket 142 functions as a tape engagement portion that engages with a feed hole SH at the leading end of the carrier tape CT when the carrier tape CT is pulled out from the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B). When the lowest end engagement pin 142D of the sprocket 142 engages with one feed hole SH at the leading end of the carrier tape CT (FIGS. 43B and 46B), the storage cassette 22B is positioned at the tape feed position.

[0149] When the storage cassette 22B is positioned at the tape feed position, the tape cassette supplying device 1H activates the arm drive cylinder 143 to move the arm drive rod 143R forward (arrow P shown in FIG. 46C). As a result, the leading end of the carrier tape CT is supported from below by the leading end of the support arm 144 that has advanced between the two tape engaging projections 55, and is sandwiched between the sprocket 142 and the support arm 144 (FIGS. 43B and 46C).

[0150] A groove extending in the direction in which the carrier tape CT extends is formed at the tip of the support arm 144. This allows the support arm 144 to support the tip of the carrier tape CT without interfering with the lowest engaging pin 142D of the sprocket 142, which penetrates the carrier tape CT from above. In this way, in this embodiment, the support arm 144 serves as a support part that supports the leading end of the carrier tape CT.

[0151] Once the leading edge of the carrier tape CT is sandwiched between the sprocket 142 and the support arm 144, the cassette transfer unit 63 lowers the storage cassette 22B using the chuck lift cylinder 126 (arrow F2 shown in FIG. 46D). As a result, the two tape engaging projections 55 come out downward from the leading edge of the carrier tape CT, but the leading edge of the carrier tape CT continues to be supported by the support arm 144. Therefore, the carrier tape CT remains engaged with the lowest end engaging pin 142D (FIG. 46D).

[0152] 47A and 47B are side views of a portion of the component mounting system 1. After the storage cassette 22B is lowered as described above and the two tape engaging projections 55 are released from the carrier tape CT, the tape cassette supplying device 1H rotates the sprocket 142 to feed the carrier tape CT forward (i.e., toward the tape inlet 23G) (arrow R shown in FIG. 47A). This causes the carrier tape CT to advance forward (FIG. 47A → FIG. 47B), and its leading end enters the tape inlet 23G of the tape feeder 23 (FIG. 47B). At this time, because the carrier tape CT is supported from below by the support arm 144, it advances straight forward (toward the tape inlet 23G) without drooping downward. Here, the tape feeder 23 is connected to the component mounting device 1T via the carriage 21, and the tape cassette supplying device 1H is also connected to the component mounting device 1T. Therefore, the leading end of the carrier tape CT can be fed from the tape cassette supplying device 1H toward the tape entrance 23G of the tape feeder 23 with high accuracy.

[0153] As described above, the tape cassette supply method in this embodiment includes a step (tape feeding step) of holding the leading portion of the carrier tape CT pulled out from the storage cassette 22B when the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) is positioned at the tape feeding position, and then feeding the leading portion of the carrier tape CT toward the tape entrance 23G of the tape feeder 23.

[0154] 48 to 55B are side views of a portion of the component mounting system 1. When the leading end of the carrier tape CT fed by the tape feeding unit 64 is inserted into the tape inlet 23G of the tape feeder 23, the tape feeder 23 detects this and draws in the carrier tape CT. Then, when the carrier tape CT has been drawn in by the tape feeder 23 by a certain amount (FIG. 48), the tape cassette supplying device 1H moves the chuck device 121 backward (arrow E2 shown in FIG. 49) and activates the operation bar driving unit 93 of the shutter operating unit 75 to raise the operation bar 92 (arrow J1 shown in FIG. 49).

[0155] When the chuck device 121 is moved rearward and the operation bar 92 is raised, and the operation bar 92 abuts against the operation lever 53 of the storage cassette 22B from below (FIG. 49), the tape cassette supplying device 1H moves the chuck device 121 (i.e., the storage section 41 of the storage cassette 22B) diagonally forward and downward (arrow E3 shown in FIG. 50). This causes the operation lever 53 to rise relative to the storage section 41. The tape cassette supplying device 1H stops the movement of the chuck device 121 when the operation lever 53 reaches a predetermined height (referred to as the "first height") set with respect to the storage section 41.

[0156] In this embodiment, the "first height" is set to a height equivalent to approximately one-third of the total movement of the operating lever 53 in the height direction when the shutter 42 is moved from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, when the operating lever 53 reaches the first height, approximately one-third of the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B is opened (FIG. 50).

[0157] After stopping the movement of the chuck device 121, the tape cassette supplying device 1H causes the operation bar 92 to rise (arrow J2 shown in FIG. 51) by the operation bar driving unit 93. The tape cassette supplying device 1H stops the raising of the operation lever 53 when the operation lever 53 reaches a predetermined height (referred to as the "second height") set with respect to the storage unit 41.

[0158] In this embodiment, the "second height" is set to a height equivalent to approximately two-thirds of the total movement of the operating lever 53 in the height direction when the shutter 42 is moved from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, when the operating lever 53 reaches the second height, approximately two-thirds of the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B is opened (FIG. 51).

[0159] After stopping the lifting of the operation bar 92, the tape cassette supplying device 1H moves the chuck device 121 diagonally rearward and downward (arrow E4 shown in FIG. 52). This causes the operation lever 53 to rise relative to the storage section 41. The tape cassette supplying device 1H stops the movement of the chuck device 121 when the operation lever 53 reaches a predetermined height (referred to as the "third height") set with respect to the storage section 41.

[0160] In this embodiment, the "third height" is set to a height equivalent to the total amount of movement of the operating lever 53 in the height direction when the shutter 42 is moved from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, when the operating lever 53 reaches the third height, the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B is fully opened (FIGS. 52 and 18C).

[0161] When the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B is fully opened, the tape cassette supplying device 1H moves the chuck device 121 obliquely upward and forward (arrow E5 shown in FIG. 53) to move the storage cassette 22B above the storage cassette mounting portion 39 (the three storage cassette holding pins 33P).Then, by lowering the chuck device 121 (arrow E6 shown in FIG. 54), the storage cassette 22B is mounted in the cassette mounting portion 33 (mounted in the storage cassette mounting portion 39) (FIG. 55A → FIG. 55B).

[0162] When the tape cassette supply device 1H loads the storage cassette 22B into the cassette loading section 33 (storage cassette loading section 39), the three storage cassette holding pins 33P provided on the cassette loading section 33 of the carriage 21 are inserted into the three pin insertion sections 43S provided on the frame lower section 43b of the storage cassette 22B (FIG. 55A → FIG. 55B). Once the storage cassette 22B is loaded into the cassette loading section 33, the transfer of the storage cassette 22B to the component supply unit 1B is completed.

[0163] As described above, the tape cassette supply method in this embodiment includes a step (transfer step) in which the storage cassette 22B is grasped and removed by the chuck device 121 from the supply device main body 72 positioned in the positioning step, and then the chuck device 121 is moved to move the storage cassette 22B along a path in which the leading end of the carrier tape CT pulled out from the storage cassette 22B passes through the tape feed position, thereby transferring it to the component mounting device 1T.

[0164] When the tape cassette supplying device 1H loads the storage cassette 22B into the cassette mounting portion 33 in the above-described transfer step, the front end 43E of the lower portion (the frame lower portion 43b) of the storage cassette 22B passes between the pair of protruding portions 44H of the receiving cassette 22A mounted in the receiving cassette mounting portion 38 (FIG. 55A → FIG. 55B). As shown in FIG. 9, the lower end of the frame lower portion 43b is formed with a tapered surface 43D shaped (narrowing downward) so that the frame lower portion 43b can be easily guided between the pair of protruding portions 44H. Therefore, simply by lowering the storage cassette 22B, the front end 43E of the lower portion of the storage cassette 22B can be reliably passed between the pair of protruding portions 44H of the receiving cassette 22A.

[0165] When the storage cassette 22B is attached to the storage cassette attachment portion 39 as described above (with the front end 43E of the lower portion passing between the pair of overhanging portions 44H of the receiving cassette 22A), the pair of side plates 44 of the storage cassette 22B is positioned inside the pair of side plates 44 of the receiving cassette 22A ( FIG. 55B ). Therefore, the storage cassette 22B is sandwiched between the pair of side plates 44 of the receiving cassette 22A located in front of it, and movement in the X direction (the direction in which it falls sideways) is suppressed, thereby stabilizing its posture on the cart 21.

[0166] Furthermore, at least a portion of the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B is inserted into the front opening 41K of the receiving cassette 22A. In other words, the storage cassette mounting unit 39 mounts the storage cassette 22B in a state in which at least a portion of the front opening 41K of the storage cassette 22B is inserted into the front opening 41K of the receiving cassette 22A. This positions the side plates 44 of the storage cassette 22B more inward than the side plates 44 of the receiving cassette 22A, thereby preventing problems such as the roll RT moving from the storage cassette 22B to the receiving cassette 22A getting caught on the edges of the side plates 44.

[0167] 56 to 64B are side views of a portion of the component mounting system 1. When the tape cassette supplying device 1H has completed the transfer of the storage cassette 22B to the component supplying unit 1B, it actuates the chuck lifting cylinder 126 to raise the chuck device 121 (arrow E7 shown in FIG. 56), and also actuates the arm driving cylinder 143 to lower the support arm 144 supporting the carrier tape CT. As a result, the carrier tape CT inserted in the tape inlet 23G of the tape feeder 23 is released from support by the support arm 144, and the carrier tape CT hangs down (FIG. 57).

[0168] When tape feeder 23 draws in carrier tape CT in the process of loading storage cassette 22B into storage cassette loading section 39, if the drawn-in carrier tape CT is the current tape, it continues to transport carrier tape CT to supply components BH. On the other hand, if the drawn-in carrier tape CT is a refill tape, it keeps the refill tape on standby until it detects that the tail of the current tape has passed a predetermined position within tape feeder 23. When tape feeder 23 starts transporting the refill tape, the roll RT stored in storage cassette 22B is pulled by the carrier tape CT drawn in by tape feeder 23 and rolls forward, moving into storage section 41 of receiving cassette 22A located in front of it (FIG. 58A → FIG. 58B → FIG. 59A).

[0169] As described above, when the roll RT moves from the storage cassette 22B into the receiving cassette 22A, the roll RT is guided by the guide surface 43F of the receiving cassette 22A. Furthermore, since the pair of side plates 44 of the storage cassette 22B are located inside the pair of side plates 44 of the receiving cassette 22A located in front of them, the roll RT moves smoothly into and is stored in the receiving cassette 22A (FIG. 58B → FIG. 59A).

[0170] When the roll RT stored in storage cassette 22B is moved into receiving cassette 22A, storage cassette 22B becomes empty. The empty storage cassette 22B is removed from cassette mounting unit 33 (FIG. 59B) and returned to cassette stock unit 74 (FIG. 60) so that the next refill tape roll RT (storage cassette 22B) can be mounted in component supply unit 1B. The empty storage cassette 22B is moved by the chucking device 121 gripping the gripped block 45 and the cassette transfer unit 63 moving the chucking device 121.

[0171] After returning the empty storage cassette 22B to the cassette stock unit 74, the tape cassette supply device 1H uses the cassette transfer unit 63 to remove the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) from the cassette stock unit 74 in order to supply a replenishment storage cassette 22B to the component mounting device 1T. Then, a new storage cassette 22B is transferred to the cassette mounting unit 33 following the path that passes through the tape feed position described above (FIG. 61A → FIG. 61B).

[0172] After transferring a new storage cassette 22B to the cassette mounting section 33, the tape cassette supply device 1H raises the chuck device 121 (arrow E8 shown in Figure 62) and lowers the support arm 144 to release support for the carrier tape CT (Figure 63).

[0173] As the tape feeder 23 continues to transport the carrier tape CT, when it detects that the tail of the carrier tape CT in the receiving cassette 22A has passed a predetermined position within the tape feeder 23, the tape feeder 23 starts to transport the refill tape (carrier tape CT in the storage cassette 22B) that had been in a standby state as the new current tape (Fig. 64A). The supply of components BH then continues. When the tape feeder 23 starts to transport the carrier tape CT from the roll RT stored in the storage cassette 22B, the roll RT of the carrier tape CT is pulled and rolls forward, entering the storage section 41 of the receiving cassette 22A that is attached in front of it (Fig. 64A → Fig. 64B).

[0174] As a result, storage cassette 22B becomes empty and returns to the state shown in Fig. 59A, and the process of Fig. 59A → Fig. 59B → Fig. 61A → Fig. 61B → Fig. 64A → Fig. 64B → Fig. 59A is repeated. Therefore, component mounting device 1T can continue to supply components BH by tape feeder 23 while receiving replenishment of rolls RT (i.e., carrier tape CT).

[0175] 59B, the receiving cassette 22A removed from the receiving cassette mounting portion 38 can be used as a new storage cassette 22B. Furthermore, because the receiving cassette 22A is used by turning the tape cassette 22 upside down, the winding direction of the roll RT stored in the receiving cassette 22A is the same as the winding direction when used as the storage cassette 22B. Therefore, when using the receiving cassette 22A as the storage cassette 22B, it is possible to avoid the work of removing the roll RT, turning it over, and storing it again.

[0176] As described above, the tape cassette supplying device 1H of this embodiment is provided with a floating mechanism 73 between the reference base 71 and the supplying device main body 72. The floating mechanism 73 is provided with a link mechanism (parallel link) having a pair of link sections 101 that connect the reference base 71 and the supplying device main body 72 and operate in accordance with changes in the distance between the reference base 71 and the supplying device main body 72, and a connecting section 102 that connects the pair of link sections 101 together and links the operation of the link sections together. Therefore, according to the tape cassette supplying device 1H and tape cassette supplying method of this embodiment, when the tape cassette supplying device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T, the lifting base 72a, which is the bottom plate of the supplying device main body 72, can maintain a horizontal position even if the supplying device main body 72 receives an upward force from the component mounting device 1T, and the supplying device main body 72 can maintain a stable position.

[0177] Furthermore, the tape cassette supplying device 1H in this embodiment is equipped with a cassette transfer section 63 including a chuck device 121 as a gripping section that grips the tape cassette 22 (storage cassette 22B) and a chuck device moving mechanism 122 as gripping section moving means that moves the chuck device 121 gripping the storage cassette 22B to transfer the storage cassette 22B to the component mounting device 1T. Therefore, according to the tape cassette supplying device 1H and tape cassette supplying method of this embodiment, the tape cassette (storage cassette 22B) can be automatically transferred to the component mounting device 1T without relying on the manual power of an operator.

[0178] Furthermore, the tape cassette supplying device 1H in this embodiment includes a cassette transfer unit 63 that transfers the storage cassette 22B removed from the cassette stock unit 74 to the component mounting device 1T by moving the storage cassette 22B along a path that passes through a tape feed position where the leading portion of the carrier tape CT in a state where it has been pulled out of the storage cassette 22B faces the tape inlet 23G of the tape feeder 23 provided in the component mounting device 1T. The tape cassette supplying device 1H is configured to include a tape feed unit 64 that holds the leading portion of the carrier tape CT in a state where it has been pulled out of the storage cassette 22B when the cassette transfer unit 63 positions the storage cassette 22B at the tape feed position, and then feeds the leading portion of the carrier tape CT toward the tape inlet 23G. Therefore, according to the tape cassette supplying device 1H and the tape cassette supplying method in this embodiment, the transfer of the storage cassette 22B to the component mounting device 1T and the insertion of the carrier tape CT pulled out of the storage cassette 22B into the tape feeder 23 can be performed automatically without manual effort by an operator.

[0179] Furthermore, in the component mounting system 1 of this embodiment, the mounting device main body 1A of the component mounting device 1T includes a carriage holding portion 11H that holds the carriage 21 on which the tape feeder 23 is mounted, as well as a mounting device side connection portion (left and right height direction alignment guides 11V and left and right horizontal direction alignment guides 11W) to which the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected. The tape cassette supply device 1H is supported by the mounting device main body 1A, not the carriage 21. Therefore, according to the component mounting system 1 of this embodiment (and the inter-device connection method in the component mounting system 1), it is possible to prevent the occurrence of incorrect pickup of components BH, which may occur when the tape cassette supply device 1H, which is a heavy object, is connected to the carriage 21.

[0180] As described above, according to the tape cassette supply device 1H (and the tape cassette supply method using the tape cassette supply device 1H) in this embodiment, when the tape cassette supply device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T, even if the supply device main body 72 receives an upward force from the component mounting device 1T, the horizontal position of the lifting base 72a, which is the bottom plate of the supply device main body 72, can be maintained, and a stable position of the supply device main body 72 can be maintained.

[0181] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above and various modifications are possible. For example, in the transfer step of transferring the storage cassette 22B to the mounting device main body 1A shown in the above embodiment, the tape feeding unit 64 feeds the carrier tape CT to the tape inlet 23G of the tape feeder 23 before the storage cassette 22B is attached to the cassette attachment unit 33 of the mounting device main body 1A. However, the tape feeding unit 64 may feed the carrier tape CT to the tape feeder 23 after the storage cassette 22B is attached to the cassette attachment unit 33.

[0182] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the tape cassette supplying device 1H is connected to the component mounting device 1T, the height alignment roller 114, which is a height adjustment unit, adjusts the height of the supplying device main body 72 relative to the component mounting device (height direction alignment guide 11V) by receiving an upward force (pushing-up force) from the height direction alignment guide 11V of the component mounting device 1T. However, the height alignment roller 114 may also adjust the height of the supplying device main body 72 relative to the component mounting device (height direction alignment guide 11V) by receiving a downward force (pushing-down force) from the height direction alignment guide 11V.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the two opening / closing blocks 132 each have four sets of gripping pins 133. However, this number can be two, three, five or more, depending on the number of types of grippable blocks 45. If only one type of grippable block 45 can be attached to the tape cassette 22, the number of sets of gripping pins 133 may be just one, spaced apart according to the one type of grippable block 45.

[0184] Furthermore, the tape feeding unit 64 only needs to have the function of holding the leading portion of the carrier tape CT in a state where it has been pulled out of the storage cassette 22B when the storage cassette 22B is positioned at the tape feeding position by the cassette transfer unit 63, and then feeding the leading portion of the carrier tape CT toward the tape inlet 23G. Therefore, the tape feeding unit 64 does not necessarily have to be configured as shown in the above-described embodiment, including the sprocket 142 as a tape engaging portion that engages with the feed holes SH of the leading portion of the carrier tape CT in a state where it has been pulled out of the storage cassette 22B, and the support arm 144 as a support portion that supports, from below, the carrier tape CT in a state where the feed holes SH are engaged with the sprocket 142. [Industrial Applicability]

[0185] It is possible to provide a tape cassette supplying device, a component mounting system, and a tape cassette supplying method that can maintain a stable posture even when a push-up force is applied when the tape cassette is connected to a component mounting device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 1. Component mounting system 1T parts mounting equipment 1A Main unit of the equipment 1B Parts Supply Department 1H Tape cassette supply device 11H Cart holder 11V Height Alignment Guide 11W Horizontal Alignment Guide 11C Power Supply Connector 21 Cart 22 Tape Cassette 23 Tape Feeder 23G tape inlet 45 Grasped Block 45M depression 45a First gripped block 45b Second gripped block 45c Third gripped block 45d Fourth gripped block 63 Cassette transfer section 64 Tape feed section 71 Standard Base 71S wheels 72 Supply device main body 73 Floating mechanism 74 Cassette Stock Section 82 Spring member 101 Link section 102 Connection part 111 Supply device side connection part 114 Height alignment roller (height adjustment part) 121 Chuck device 122 Chuck device movement mechanism 132 Opening and Closing Block 133 Grip pin 133a 1st gripping pin 133b 2nd gripping pin 133c 3rd grip pin 133d Fourth gripping pin 142 sprocket 144 Support Arm 151 Power Receptor Connector RB Running Robot (Mobile) CT carrier tape BH parts SH feed hole RT Roll Body FL Floor

Claims

1. A tape cassette supply device that supplies a tape cassette containing a carrier tape to a component mounting device, The criteria base and a supply device main body disposed above the reference base; a floating mechanism provided between the reference base and the supply device main body, which holds the supply device main body so that the supply device main body can move up and down relative to the reference base; a supply device-side connection portion provided on the supply device main body portion and configured to position the supply device main body portion in a height direction when connected to the component mounting device, The floating mechanism includes: a spring member that elastically supports the supply device main body; at least one pair of link portions that connect the reference base and the supply device main body and that operate in accordance with a change in the distance between the reference base and the supply device main body; a connecting portion that connects the pair of link portions and links the movements of the link portions together; Equipped with The pair of link portions and the connecting portion constitute a parallel link that maintains the supply device main body in a horizontal position.

2. 2. The tape cassette supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of link portions are spaced apart in the direction in which the supplying device main body advances relative to the component mounting device.

3. A tape cassette supply device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein multiple parallel links are provided.

4. A tape cassette supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply device side connection portion is interposed between the supply device side connection portion and the component mounting device when connected to the component mounting device, and is provided with a height adjustment portion that adjusts the height of the supply device main body portion relative to the component mounting device by receiving vertical forces from the component mounting device.

5. 5. The tape cassette supplying device according to claim 1, further comprising a cassette transfer section that removes the tape cassette from the supplying device main body and transfers it to a component mounting device.

6. 6. The tape cassette supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the reference base has wheels on its underside for running on a floor.

7. 7. The tape cassette supplying device according to claim 6, wherein the tape cassette supplying device is connected to the component mounting device by being moved on the floor by a moving body that travels on the floor.

8. A component mounting system including a component mounting device and a tape cassette supplying device that supplies a tape cassette containing a carrier tape to the component mounting device, The tape cassette supply device is The criteria base and a supply device main body disposed above the reference base; a floating mechanism provided between the reference base and the supply device main body, which holds the supply device main body so that the supply device main body can move up and down relative to the reference base; a supply device-side connection portion provided on the supply device main body portion and configured to position the supply device main body portion in a height direction when connected to the component mounting device, The floating mechanism includes: a spring member that elastically supports the supply device main body; at least one pair of link portions that connect the reference base and the supply device main body and that operate in accordance with a change in the distance between the reference base and the supply device main body; a connecting portion that connects the pair of link portions and links the movements of the link portions together; Equipped with The pair of link portions and the connecting portion constitute a parallel link that maintains the supply device main body in a horizontal position.

9. 9. The component mounting system according to claim 8, further comprising a cassette transfer unit that removes the tape cassette from the supply device main body and transfers it to the component mounting device.

10. 10. The component mounting system according to claim 9, wherein the cassette transfer unit is provided in the tape cassette supply device.

11. A tape cassette supply method using the component mounting system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, a positioning step of connecting the supply device side connection portion to the component mounting device to position the supply device main body in a height direction relative to the component mounting device; a transfer step of removing the tape cassette from the supply device main body portion positioned in the positioning step and transferring it to the component mounting device; A tape cassette supply method comprising:

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