Reel holding device

Abstract

To provide a reel holding device which realizes doubling in the number of held reels and space saving by holding two tape reels while disposing them side by side in a vertical direction.SOLUTION: A reel holding device is used in combination with a feeder, which feeds out a carrier tape so as to pick up an electronic component at a supply position, holds a tape reel, around which the carrier tape is wound, and is provided in an electronic component mounting machine separately from the feeder. The reel holding device comprises: a device base; an upper reel holder and a lower reel holder which are disposed at upper and lower sides of the device base and respectively hold the tape reel at a rotatable and exchangeable manner; and a holder moving mechanism which makes the upper reel holder movable between a use position where the carrier tape can be supplied from the held tape reel to the feeder and a retraction position separated from the feeder farther than the use position. The upper reel holder at the use position holds the tape reel at a position where the feeder and the tape reel are overlapped in a height direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to an electronic component placement machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Equipment used to produce boards mounted with a large number of electronic components includes solder printing machines, electronic component placement machines, reflow machines, and board inspection machines. It is common for these machines to be connected to form a board production line. Among these machines, electronic component placement machines include a board transport device, a component supply device, a component transfer device, and a control device. A typical example of a component supply device is a feeder that unwinds a carrier tape containing electronic components in multiple component storage compartments. A reel holding device is used in combination with this feeder to rotatably and exchangeably hold tape reels around which the carrier tape is wound. Conventionally, a reel holding device was required to hold the same number of tape reels as the number of feeders.

[0003] In recent years, new feeders have been developed that can accommodate a greater number of component types than conventional feeders. For example, the electronic circuit component feeder disclosed by the applicant in Patent Document 1 is called a hexa-feeder and can supply six types of electronic components in the installation space of three conventional feeders. Furthermore, the component tape feeder disclosed in Patent Document 2 is called a multi-feeder and can supply two types of electronic components by alternately advancing and retracting two carrier tapes. Furthermore, new auto-loading feeders are becoming more popular, equipped with a function to automatically unwind a second carrier tape following the rear end of the first carrier tape, thereby eliminating the need for splicing. To accommodate the various new feeders described above, reel holding devices must hold twice as many tape reels as conventional devices. A technical example of this type of reel holding structure is disclosed in Patent Document 3.

[0004] In the component supply device of Patent Document 3, a reel stand is rotatably attached to a frame, and the reel stand can be rotated to change its position between an upper position, a lower position, and a relief position higher than the upper position. According to this, when multiple component supply devices are installed side by side, the reel stands can be arranged alternately in the upper and lower positions, allowing for an installation pitch smaller than the width of the reels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-138834 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4856761 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-204385 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, the technical example of Patent Document 3 can hold more tape reels than conventionally, but it is difficult to double the number. To secure twice the number of tape reels as conventionally, it is necessary to hold two tape reels side by side in the front-to-back or top-to-bottom direction. However, since the reel holding device becomes larger, it tends to require a larger installation space, and there is also a concern that it may interfere with various operations by the operator.

[0007] Furthermore, feeders are often interchangeable so that they can be arranged in a row regardless of their type or structure. However, the technical example of Patent Document 3 does not take into consideration the case where multiple types of feeders are used in combination.

[0008] The problem to be solved by this specification is to provide an electronic component mounting machine that can hold a larger number of tape reels than conventional machines by holding two tape reels side by side in the vertical direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This specification discloses an electronic component mounting machine that includes a device pallet in which feeders are arranged in a row, each of which feeds a carrier tape containing an electronic component stored in a plurality of component storage sections so that the electronic components can be picked up at a supply position; a bucket member that can hold a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound corresponding to the feeder; and a reel holding device that has an upper reel holder and a lower reel holder that rotatably and replaceably hold the tape reel, and is held detachably relative to the bucket member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The electronic component mounting machine disclosed in this specification is equipped with a reel holding device having an upper reel holder and a lower reel holder, so that two tape reels are held side by side in the vertical direction, thereby increasing the number of tape reels that can be held compared to conventional machines. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an electronic component mounting machine including a component supplying device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of a device pallet and a bucket member that constitute the component supply device. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an upper holder turning mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lower holder rotating mechanism, showing the use position of the lower reel holder. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lower holder rotating mechanism, showing the retracted position of the lower reel holder. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of a positioning bracket of the device base. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are side views illustrating how to use the reel holding device. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are side views illustrating the pivoting operation of the upper reel holder to the retracted position. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are side views illustrating the pivoting operation of the lower reel holder to the retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1. Overall configuration of electronic component placement machine 9 A component supply device 93 and a reel holding device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. First, the overall configuration of an electronic component mounting machine 9 equipped with a component supply device 93 will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an electronic component mounting machine 9 equipped with a component supply device 93 according to an embodiment. The direction from left to right in FIG. 1 is the X-axis direction along which a board K is loaded and unloaded, and the direction from the rear of the lower side of the paper to the front of the upper side of the paper is the Y-axis direction. The electronic component mounting machine 9 is configured by assembling a board transport device 92, a component supply device 93, a component transfer device 94, a component camera 95, a control device 96, and the like to a machine base 91. The board transport device 92, the component supply device 93, the component transfer device 94, and the component camera 95 are controlled by the control device 96, and each performs a predetermined task.

[0013] The substrate transport device 92 is made up of a substrate transport section 925 and a backup section 926. The substrate transport section 925 is made up of a pair of guide rails 921, 922 and a pair of conveyor belts, and transports the substrate K into and out of the mounting position. The backup section 926 is disposed below the mounting position and pushes up the substrate K to position it.

[0014] The component supply device 93 is configured based on a device pallet 98 and a bucket member 2. The device pallet 98 is a substantially rectangular member, and a plurality of feeders 8 are arranged in a row on the upper surface. The device pallet 98 is detachably mounted at the rear of the machine base 91. The bucket member 2 is disposed behind the device pallet 98. The detailed configurations of the device pallet 98 and the bucket member 2 will be described later.

[0015] The component transfer device 94 picks up electronic components from multiple feeders 8 and transports and mounts them on the positioned board K. The component transfer device 94 is an XY robot-type device that can move horizontally in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The component transfer device 94 is composed of a pair of Y-axis rails 941, 942 and a Y-axis slider 943 that constitute a head drive mechanism, a mounting head 944 that is driven in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, a nozzle tool 945, a suction nozzle 946, and a board camera 947. The nozzle tool 945 is replaceably held by the mounting head 944 and holds the suction nozzle 946 on its underside. The suction nozzle 946 picks up electronic components and mounts them on the board K. The board camera 947 is provided on the mounting head 944 and captures an image of a position reference mark attached to the board K to detect the exact position of the board K.

[0016] The component camera 95 is provided facing upward on the upper surface of the machine base 91 between the board transport device 92 and the component supply device 93. The component camera 95 captures an image of the state of the electronic component being sucked up by the suction nozzle 946 while the mounting head 944 is moving from the feeder 8 onto the board K. The control device 96 is assembled to the machine base 91, and its installation position is not particularly limited. The control device 96 controls the component mounting operation in accordance with a mounting sequence stored in advance.

[0017] Next, the detailed structures of the device pallet 98 and the bucket member 2 will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the detailed structures of the device pallet 98 and the bucket member 2 that constitute the component supply device 93. The device pallet 98 is formed by erecting an upright portion 983 at the front end of a substantially rectangular flat portion 981. Slots 982 extending in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) are carved into the flat portion 981 and aligned in the width direction (X-axis direction). Positioning holes and connectors are provided at positions corresponding to each slot 982 in the upright portion 983.

[0018] The feeders 8 are inserted from the rear to the front of the slots 982 of the device pallet 98, and are installed side by side in the width direction (X-axis direction). FIG. 2 illustrates an example of one conventional feeder 8 installed. In practice, up to 20 feeders 8 are installed in a row on the device pallet 98. A positioning pin on the front of the feeder 8 fits into a positioning hole in the upright portion 983, thereby determining the installation position of the feeder 8 relative to the device pallet 98. At the same time, a connector on the front of the feeder 8 fits into a connector on the upright portion 983. This allows the feeder 8 to be connected to the control device 96 for communication and to receive power. A tape discharge duct 985 disposed on the machine base 91 side discharges used carrier tape 89 coming out of the feeder 8 downward. The used carrier tape 89 is collected in a tape collection box 97 (shown in FIGS. 8 to 10) below the machine base 91.

[0019] The feeder 8 has a tape insertion opening 81 near the mid-height of the rear portion. A feeder rail 82 is disposed from the tape insertion opening 81 of the feeder 8 toward the upper front end. A component supply position 83 is set on the upper surface of the feeder rail 82 near the front end. A sprocket 84 is rotatably supported on the feeder rail 82 below and behind the component supply position 83. The teeth of the sprocket 84 protrude from grooves formed in the feeder rail 82 and fit into sprocket holes in the carrier tape. The sprocket 84 is driven to rotate intermittently by a motor (not shown), which pulls out the carrier tape 89 from the tape reel 88 and pays it out to the component supply position 83 at a predetermined pitch. A tape peeling mechanism (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the feeder rail 82 near the sprocket 84.

[0020] The feeders arranged in a row on the device pallet 98 are not limited to the conventional feeders 8 described above. For example, the new hex feeder 8H (shown in FIGS. 8 to 10) described in the background art, a multi-feeder, or an auto-loading feeder (hereinafter collectively referred to as the new feeder) can also be arranged in a row. The new feeder requires twice the number of tape reels 88 as the conventional one.

[0021] The bucket member 2 can hold tape reels 88 corresponding to conventional feeders 8 arranged in a row in the width direction of the electronic component mounting machine 9. In other words, the bucket member 2 is used to supply one tape reel 88 per feeder 8, and the component supply device 93 can be configured without using the reel holding device 1 of the embodiment. The bucket member 2 may be an existing member provided in an existing electronic component mounting machine 9, or may be part of a newly manufactured electronic component mounting machine 9. The bucket member 2 is made up of two arm members 21, two side plates 22, four roller shafts 231-234, two partition plate holding shafts 251, 252, a plurality of partition plates 26, etc.

[0022] The two arm members 21 are fixed to the rear portions on both sides in the width direction of the flat portion 981 of the device pallet 98. The arm members 21 are formed so as to initially extend horizontally rearward, then extend at an angle rearward and downward, and finally extend horizontally rearward again. A handle 28 is provided connecting the rear portions of the two arm members 21. By pulling the handle 28, the entire component supply device 93 can be removed rearward from the electronic component mounting machine 9.

[0023] Side plates 22 are disposed above the inclined portions and rear horizontal portions of the two arm members 21. The two side plates 22 are disposed parallel to each other at a distance greater than the width of the device pallet 98. The side plates 22 are formed so that the height of the front side is greater and the height of the rear side is smaller. Four roller shafts 231-234 and two partition plate holding shafts 251, 252 are suspended between the two side plates 22.

[0024] The three lower roller shafts 231-233 are arranged at the bottom of the side plate 22 near the front, near the center, and near the rear. The upper roller shaft 234 is arranged at the top of the side plate 22 near the front. Each of the roller shafts 231-234 rotatably supports a plurality of support rollers on its outer periphery. The width of each support roller is slightly larger than the width of the tape reel 88. Note that instead of the roller shafts 231-234 and the support rollers, support shafts with smoothly finished outer peripheries can also be used.

[0025] The tape reel 88 is placed and held between the roller shaft 231 closer to the front and the roller shaft 232 near the center, or between the roller shaft 232 near the center and the roller shaft 233 closer to the rear. As a result, the front and rear support rollers work in pairs to rotatably support the lower outer periphery of the tape reel 88. In addition, the support roller 244 of the upper roller shaft 234 guides the carrier tape 89 unwound from the tape reel 88 to the tape insertion opening 81 of the feeder 8.

[0026] The partition plate holding shafts 251, 252 are arranged near the upper front end of the side plate 22 and near the rear end of the side plate 22. The two partition plate holding shafts 251, 252, one at the front and one at the rear, detachably hold multiple partition plates 26. The partition plates 26 can be inserted between the tape reels 88 and are held generally parallel to the side plate 22. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, a partition plate 26 is inserted for every two tape reels 88.

[0027] 2. Configuration of reel holding device 1 When new feeders are arranged in a row on the device pallet 98, the number of tape reels 88 held by the bucket member 2 becomes insufficient. To address this issue, a reel holding device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reel holding device 1 according to the embodiment. The reel holding device 1 is capable of holding six tape reels 88 (881-883) corresponding to one hexa-feeder, three multi-feeders, or three auto-loading feeders. The reel holding device 1 is composed of a device base 3, an upper reel holder 4, a lower reel holder 5, an upper holder swivel mechanism 6, a lower holder swivel mechanism 7, and the like. Note that a bucket member 2 may be added to the components of the reel holding device 1.

[0028] The device base 3 is formed by two side plates 31 as main components. The side plates 31 are long plates in the front-rear direction and are arranged parallel to each other with a distance between them. The upper edges of the side plates 31 have approximately four steps. This makes the device base 3 higher towards the front. The lower edges of the side plates 31 gently slope down from the front end to about one-third of the length, and then extend approximately horizontally to the rear end. The two side plates 31 are connected by first to third roller shafts 341 to 343 and multiple connecting shafts (reference numerals omitted). This ensures the mechanical strength of the device base 3.

[0029] An upper mounting groove 321 extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the upper front end of the device base 3. A lower mounting groove 322 extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the lower front end of the device base 3. Furthermore, a hook-shaped bottom mounting groove 323 is formed in the horizontal bottom 335 of the device base 3. The upper mounting groove 321 and the bottom mounting groove 323 are used when mounting the reel holding device 1 to the bucket member 2. The lower mounting groove 322 is used together with the upper mounting groove 321 for another purpose, for example, when keeping the reel holding device 1 in a storage location.

[0030] A positioning bracket 36 is provided on the upper front portion 331, which is the highest portion of the device base 3 (details will be described later). A reel holding space is formed between the side plates 31 from the second highest upper center portion 332 to the third highest upper rear portion 333 of the device base 3. An upper reel holder 4 is provided upright facing upward on the fourth highest upper rear end portion 334 of the device base 3. A lower reel holder 5 is provided upright facing downward near the rear of the bottom portion 335 of the device base 3.

[0031] The three roller shafts, the first to third roller shafts 341 to 343, are arranged around the reel holding space. The first roller shaft 341 is arranged at the top of the rear end of the upper front portion 331. The second roller shaft 342 is arranged diagonally above and in front of the bottom mounting groove 323. The third roller shaft 343 is arranged slightly below the upper rear end portion 334. The first to third roller shafts 341 to 343 each rotatably support three support rollers 344 on their outer peripheries. The width of each support roller 344 is slightly larger than the width of the tape reel 881. The support rollers 344 rotatably support the outer periphery of the tape reel 881 set in the reel holding space. Note that, instead of the first to third roller shafts 341 to 343 and the support rollers 344, support shafts with smoothly finished outer peripheries may be used.

[0032] The upper reel holder 4 is composed of two side plates 41, a connecting plate 42, and first to sixth roller shafts 431 to 436. The side plate 41 is a vertically long plate with two notches cut out in the center. The two side plates 41 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart the same distance as the two side plates 31 of the device base 3. The shape of the lower edge 411 of the side plate 41 is similar to the shape of the upper rear portion 333 and upper rear end portion 334 of the device base 3. The two side plates 41 are connected at the bottom of their rear edges 412 by the connecting plate 42. The reel holding space formed between the side plates 41 is integrally connected to the reel holding space formed between the side plates 31 of the device base 3. The reel holding space can hold three tape reels lined up in the width direction, rotatably and interchangeably. FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the reel holding space holds one large diameter tape reel 881.

[0033] The first to third roller shafts 431 to 433 are hung across the rear edges 412 of the two side plates 41 at three locations spaced apart in the vertical direction. The fourth to sixth roller shafts 434 to 436 are hung across the upper edges 413 of the two side plates 41 at three locations close to each other in the front-to-rear direction. Each of the first to sixth roller shafts 431 to 436 rotatably supports three rollers on its outer periphery. The width of each roller is slightly larger than the width of the tape reel 88. The first to sixth roller shafts 431 to 436 prevent the tape reel 881 set in the reel holding space from slipping out. Note that instead of the first to sixth roller shafts 431 to 436 and the rollers, support shafts with smoothly finished outer peripheries may be used.

[0034] The upper holder turning mechanism 6 is provided between the rear of the device base 3 and the lower part of the upper reel holder 4. The upper holder turning mechanism 6 supports the upper reel holder 4 so that it can turn between a use position shown in FIG. 3 and a retracted position that is farther from the feeder 8 than the use position. The upper holder turning mechanism 6 is one embodiment of the holder moving mechanism of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the upper holder turning mechanism 6. In FIG. 4, the upper reel holder 4 is in a retracted position at the rear, having been turned approximately 90° counterclockwise from the use position. Also, in FIG. 4, the side panel 41 on the near side of the upper reel holder 4 is visible through the view.

[0035] The upper holder pivot mechanism 6 has a pivot shaft 61, a pair of use positioning members 62, a use position lock bar 63, and a retracted positioning member 64 on the device base 3 side. A rear plate 35 is erected upward between the side plates 31 at the rear of the device base 3. The pivot shaft 61 is located behind the rear plate 35 and extends in the width direction. The pair of use positioning members 62 are disposed at an upper rear side of the rear plate 35, spaced apart in the width direction. The use position lock bar 63 is a linear member that extends upward from the top of the rear plate 35 and is stretched across at an angle in the width direction. The retracted positioning member 64 is a disk-shaped member made of, for example, synthetic rubber, and is disposed on the front side of the rear plate 35 at approximately the middle height.

[0036] The upper holder rotating mechanism 6 has a rotating barrel 65, a pair of use position abutment members 66, a use position lock screw 67, and a retracted position stopper 68 on the upper reel holder 4 side. The rotating barrel 65 is disposed at the lower end of the connecting plate 42 of the upper reel holder 4 and extends in the width direction. The rotating barrel 65 is disposed rotatably around the outer periphery of the rotating support shaft 61. This allows the upper reel holder 4 to rotate around the rotating support shaft 61.

[0037] A pair of use position abutment members 66 are disposed on the inner sides of the two opposing side plates 41. A use position lock screw 67 is disposed through the connecting plate 42. A butterfly-shaped head 671 protruding outside the holder of the use position lock screw 67 can be rotated by the operator's finger. A threaded portion 672 protruding inside the holder of the use position lock screw 67 engages and releases the use position lock bar 63. A retracted position stopper 68 is provided in contact with the use position abutment member 66 on the far side of the page in FIG. 4, and is disposed around from the side of the rear plate 35 to the front.

[0038] When the upper reel holder 4 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 4, the tip of the retracted position stopper 68 abuts against the front surface of the retracted positioning member 64. This restricts further counterclockwise rotation of the upper reel holder 4. In this state, the operator can set the tape reel 881 in the reel holding space of the device base 3 and the upper reel holder 4. When rotating the upper reel holder 4 from the retracted position to the use position, the operator rotates the upper reel holder 4 clockwise. The upper reel holder 4 reaches the use position shown in FIG. 3 by rotating approximately 90°.

[0039] When the upper reel holder 4 rotates from the retracted position to the use position, the pair of use position contact members 66 also rotate, as shown by the dashed arrow M1, and each abuts against the use positioning member 62. This restricts further clockwise rotation of the upper reel holder 4. When the operator then rotates the head 671 of the use position lock screw 67, the screw portion 672 locks the use position lock bar 63. This restricts rotation of the upper reel holder 4 in both directions. In this state, the tape reel 881 is stably held, and the upper reel holder 4 can stably feed the carrier tape 891 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 10).

[0040] When rotating the upper reel holder 4 from the use position to the retracted position, the operator first rotates the head 671 of the use position lock screw 67 in the reverse direction to release the lock of the use position lock bar 63 by the screw portion 672. The operator then rotates the upper reel holder 4 together with the tape reel 881. After rotating by approximately 90°, the tip of the retracted position stopper 68 abuts against the retracted positioning member 64, and the upper reel holder 4 reaches the retracted position shown in FIG.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 3, the lower reel holder 5 is composed of two side plates 51, first to fourth roller shafts 521 to 524, and a detachable roller 54. The side plate 51 is composed of a main plate 510 and four first to fourth branch plates 511 to 514. The main plate 510 extends downward from the underside of the device base 3, bends midway, and extends downward and forward. The first to fourth branch plates 511 to 514 branch off and extend from the lower end of the main plate 510 at angular intervals of approximately 60°. The first to fourth branch plates 511 to 514 are all equal in length and have a narrower width than the main plate 510.

[0042] The first to fourth roller shafts 521 to 524 are hung across the first to fourth branch plate portions 511 to 514 of the two side plates 51, connecting the ends of these portions together. The first to fourth roller shafts 521 to 524 each rotatably support three rollers on their outer peripheries. The width of each roller is slightly larger than the width of the tape reels 882 and 883. A partition plate 53 is inserted between the rollers lined up in the width direction. The shape of the partition plate 53 is similar to the shape of the four branch plate portions 511 to 514 combined together. A detachable roller 54 is hung across the two side plates 51, connecting them at a position slightly above the bent portion of the rear edge of the main plate portion 510.

[0043] A reel holding space is formed between the two side plates 51, which can hold three tape reels 882, 883 rotatably and interchangeably aligned in the width direction. The reel holding space is divided into roughly three equal parts in the width direction by two partition plates 53. By removing the attachment / detachment roller 54, the operator can set the tape reels 882, 883 in the reel holding space. Figure 3 illustrates a state in which the reel holding space holds the large-diameter tape reel 882 in the center and the small-diameter tape reel 883 at the back of the page.

[0044] 3, the large-diameter tape reel 882 is rotatably supported in contact with or in close proximity to the rollers of the first to fourth roller shafts 521 to 524 and the attachment / detachment roller 54. On the other hand, the small-diameter tape reel 883 is rotatably supported by the two rollers of the first and second roller shafts 521, 522. In this state, the tape reels 882, 883 are stably held, and the lower reel holder 5 can stably feed the carrier tapes 892, 893 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 10).

[0045] The lower holder turning mechanism 7 is provided between the rear of the bottom 335 of the device base 3 and the upper part of the lower reel holder 5. The lower holder turning mechanism 7 supports the lower reel holder 5 so that it can turn between an in-use position and a retracted position that is farther from the feeder 8 than the in-use position. The lower holder turning mechanism 7 is one embodiment of the holder moving mechanism of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lower holder turning mechanism 7, showing the in-use position of the lower reel holder 5. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lower holder turning mechanism 7, showing the retracted position of the lower reel holder 5. In FIG. 6, the lower reel holder 5 is in the retracted position, having been turned approximately 90° clockwise from the in-use position shown in FIG. 5. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the side panel 51 on the near side of the lower reel holder 5 is shown in perspective.

[0046] The lower holder swivel mechanism 7 has a swivel support part 71 and a positioning lever 72 on the device base 3 side. The swivel support part 71 is a block-shaped member, and is provided at the rear of the bottom part 335 of the device base 3. The swivel support part 71 has a bearing hole 711 drilled in the width direction. In addition, a lever support member 712 that supports the positioning lever 72 is provided on the underside of the swivel support part 71.

[0047] The positioning lever 72 consists of an operating portion 721, a retraction positioning portion 722, a support portion 723, a use positioning portion 724, and a use position guide portion 725. The positioning lever 72 is formed by bending and cutting a plate material. The operating portion 721, which is the rear end of the positioning lever 72, is formed by a plate material extending in the vertical direction. The operating portion 721 can be pushed forward by an operator's finger. The retraction positioning portion 722 is formed by a plate material extending forward from the lower end of the operating portion 721, bending midway, and extending downward. Furthermore, the retraction positioning portion 722 has a notch cut into the plate material extending downward, so that the middle portion in the width direction is inclined. As a result, the retraction positioning portion 722 has a positioning space between the horizontal upper portion and the V-shaped lower portion in a side view.

[0048] The support portion 723 is formed by a plate member extending forward from the lower end of the retraction positioning portion 722. The support portion 723 is supported by being sandwiched between the swivel support portion 71 and the lever support member 712 from above and below, and is supported so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. The use positioning portion 724 is formed by a plate member bent from the front side of the support portion 723 into a U-shape that opens rearward. As a result, the use positioning portion 724 has a positioning space within the U-shape. The use position guide portion 725 is formed by extending downward from the rear end of the lower U-shape of the use positioning portion 724. In addition, a biasing spring 726 is provided between the retraction positioning portion 722 and the swivel support portion 71, so that the positioning lever 72 is always biased rearward. Therefore, the positioning lever 72 is positioned rearward except when it is being operated.

[0049] The lower holder turning mechanism 7 has a turning shaft 75, a stop positioning roller 76, and a retraction positioning roller 77 on the lower reel holder 5 side. The turning shaft 75 extends in the width direction, connecting the rear ends of the upper parts of the two side plates 51. The turning shaft 75 is rotatably supported in a bearing hole 711 of the turning support part 71. This allows the lower reel holder 5 to turn around the turning shaft 75 as the center of rotation. The use positioning roller 76 extends in the width direction, connecting the upper parts of the front edges of the two side plates 51. The retraction positioning roller 77 extends in the width direction, connecting the upper parts of the rear edges of the two side plates 51.

[0050] When the lower reel holder 5 is in the use position shown in FIG. 5, the use positioning roller 76 enters and is locked in the positioning space of the use positioning part 724. This restricts the rotation of the lower reel holder 5. To rotate the lower reel holder 5 from the use position to the retracted position, the operator first pushes the operating part 721 of the positioning lever 72 forward (see dashed arrow M2). This causes the use positioning part 724 to move forward (see dashed arrow M3) and release the use positioning roller 76. This allows the lower reel holder 5 to rotate. When the operator starts to rotate the lower reel holder 5 clockwise in FIG. 5 and then releases the operating part 721, the biasing spring 726 causes the positioning lever 72 to return to the rear side.

[0051] When the clockwise rotation angle of the lower reel holder 5 approaches 90°, the retraction positioning roller 77 pushes the rear side of the V-shape of the retraction positioning portion 722, driving the positioning lever 72 forward against the biasing spring 726. When the rotation angle of the lower reel holder 5 reaches approximately 90°, the retraction positioning roller 77 enters and engages the positioning space of the retraction positioning portion 722, and the positioning lever 72 returns to the rear side. This places the lower reel holder 5 in the retracted position shown in FIG. 6, and rotation of the lower reel holder 5 is restricted.

[0052] When rotating the lower reel holder 5 from the retracted position to the use position, the operator first pushes the operating portion 721 of the positioning lever 72 forward (see dashed arrow M2). This causes the retraction positioning portion 722 to move forward and release the retraction positioning roller 77. This allows the lower reel holder 5 to rotate. When the operator starts to rotate the lower reel holder 5 counterclockwise in FIG. 6 and then releases the operating portion 721, the positioning lever 72 returns to the rear side due to the action of the biasing spring 726.

[0053] When the counterclockwise rotation angle of the lower reel holder 5 approaches 90°, the use positioning roller 76 moves up while pushing the use position guide portion 725 forward. As a result, the use positioning roller 76 drives the positioning lever 72 forward against the biasing spring 726. When the rotation angle of the lower reel holder 5 reaches approximately 90°, the use positioning roller 76 enters and engages the positioning space of the use positioning portion 724, and the positioning lever 72 returns to the rear side. This places the lower reel holder 5 in the use position shown in FIG. 5, and rotation of the lower reel holder 5 is restricted.

[0054] 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the positioning bracket 36 of the device base 3. As shown in the figure, the positioning bracket 36 is made up of bracket members 361 and 362 respectively attached to the two side plates 31. The two bracket members 361 and 362 face each other, with a large distance between them at the front and a small, constant distance between them at the rear. The positioning bracket 36 receives a positioning pin 85 attached to the lower rear end of the hexa feeder 8H (described later) to align the reel holding device 1 in the width direction.

[0055] 3. Method of Use and Function of Reel Holding Device 1 Next, a method for using the reel holding device 1 will be described using an example in which it is used in combination with a hexa feeder 8H. FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a method for using the reel holding device 1 of this embodiment. The operator attaches the hexa feeder 8H to a desired widthwise position on the device pallet 98. The hexa feeder 8H requires the installation space of three conventional feeders 8, so it is attached using three slots 982. The operator removes the partition plate 26 located behind the hexa feeder 8H from the bucket member 2 and attaches the reel holding device 1 instead.

[0056] To explain in detail the installation operation of the reel holding device 1, the operator first advances the reel holding device 1 from the rear toward the bucket member 2. At this time, the operator aligns the widthwise position of the reel holding device 1 so that the reel holding device 1 faces the positioning pin 85 at the bottom rear end of the hexa feeder 8H. As the reel holding device 1 advances, the positioning pin 85 engages between the two bracket members 361, 362 of the positioning bracket 36. This automatically determines the widthwise position of the reel holding device 1.

[0057] In parallel with the engagement of the positioning pin 85 with the positioning bracket 36, the main partition plate holding shaft 251 on the front side of the bucket member 2 engages with the upper mounting groove 311 of the reel holding device 1. The operator then pushes the reel holding device 1 downward while further advancing it. As a result, the main partition plate holding shaft 252 on the rear side of the bucket member 2 fits all the way into the hook-shaped bottom mounting groove 313 of the reel holding device 1, completing the mounting process.

[0058] The setting work of the tape reels 881 to 883 can be performed either when the reel holding device 1 is in a standalone state or when the reel holding device 1 is attached to the bucket member 2. Although not shown in FIG. 3 , the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 each hold three tape reels 88 (including 881 to 883) lined up in the width direction. The carrier tape 891 of the tape reel 881 held by the upper reel holder 4 is fed in a generally linear manner to the insertion opening 81H of the hexa feeder 8H. Meanwhile, the carrier tapes 892 and 893 of the tape reels 882 and 883 held by the lower reel holder 5 are fed to the insertion opening 81H, passing behind and above the upper reel holder 4. At this time, the rollers of the first to sixth roller shafts 431 to 436 of the upper reel holder 4 guide the carrier tapes 892 and 893.

[0059] 8, the hex feeder 8H unwinds carrier tapes 891-893 to perform a component supply operation, and the electronic component mounting machine 9 operates. At this time, the lower reel holder 5 faces the lower part of the machine base 91. A tape recovery box 97 is disposed at the lower part of the machine base 91 so that it can be inserted and removed toward the rear. One tape recovery box 97 is provided in common for used carrier tapes 89, 891-893 coming out of all feeders 8, 8H on the device pallet 98.

[0060] Next, the pivoting operation of the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 will be described. FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating the pivoting operation of the upper reel holder 4 to the retracted position. The rear side of the hexa feeder 8H is a cassette unit 87 that is replaceable with respect to the feeder main body 86. The cassette unit 87 is replaced by being pulled rearward from the feeder main body 86 as shown. Therefore, the upper reel holder 4 in the use position interferes with the replacement of the cassette unit 87. However, an operator can easily pivot the upper reel holder 4 to the retracted position shown. Therefore, the upper reel holder 4 does not interfere with the replacement of the cassette unit 87.

[0061] 10 is a side view illustrating the pivoting operation of the lower reel holder 5 to the retracted position. The tape recovery box 97 is pulled out toward the rear of the machine base 91 as shown in the figure. Therefore, the lower reel holder 5 in the use position interferes with the operation of pulling out the tape recovery box 97. However, the operator can easily pivot the lower reel holder 5 to the retracted position shown in the figure. Therefore, the lower reel holder 5 does not interfere with the operation of pulling out the tape recovery box 97. The small-diameter tape reel 883 moves in its holding position and is rotatably supported by two rollers of the second and third roller shafts 522 and 523.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 9, when the upper reel holder 4 is turned to the retracted position and the cassette unit 87 is pulled out, the operation of the hexa feeder 8H is interrupted. On the other hand, even if the lower reel holder 5 is turned to the retracted position as shown in Fig. 10, the carrier tapes 892, 893 are guided and fed by the third to sixth roller shafts 433 to 436 of the upper reel holder 4. Therefore, the operation of the hexa feeder 8H can continue.

[0063] Any feeder can be installed in the slots 982 other than the slots 982 to which the hexa feeder 8H is installed. For example, a second hexa feeder 8H can be installed, and a second reel holding device 1 can be placed behind it. Alternatively, one to three multi-feeders or auto-loading feeders can be installed, and a second reel holding device 1 can be placed behind them. Alternatively, a conventional feeder 8 can be installed adjacent to the hexa feeder 8H, and a single tape reel 88 can be placed adjacent to the reel holding device 1 of the bucket member 2. As shown in the above example, multiple types of feeders can be freely combined and lined up on the device pallet 98, and corresponding reel holding devices 1 and tape reels 88 can be lined up in the width direction of the bucket member 2.

[0064] 4. Aspects and Effects of the Reel Holding Device 1 The reel holding device 1 is used in an electronic component mounting machine 9 in combination with feeders 8, 8H that unwind carrier tapes 89, 891-893, each of which stores electronic components in a plurality of component storage sections, so that the electronic components can be picked up at a supply position, and is a reel holding device 1 that holds tape reels 881-883 around which carrier tape 891-893 is wound, and is equipped with a device base 3, an upper reel holder 4 and a lower reel holder 5 that are arranged above and below the device base 3 and each of which rotatably and replaceably holds the tape reels 881-883, and a holder moving mechanism (upper holder rotating mechanism 6, lower holder rotating mechanism 7) that can move at least one of the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 between a use position where the carrier tape 891-893 can be fed from the held tape reels 881-883 to the hex feeder 8H, and a retracted position that is further from the hex feeder 8H than the use position.

[0065] In the reel holding device 1, an upper reel holder 4 and a lower reel holder 5 are arranged above and below the device base 3, and two tape reels 88 are held side by side in the vertical direction. This doubles the number of tape reels 88 that can be held compared to conventional devices. Furthermore, the installation space for the reel holding device 1 is more compact than a configuration in which two tape reels 88 are held side by side in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, at least one of the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 is movable between a use position and a retracted position. Therefore, when performing various tasks, the operator can move the upper reel holder 4 or the lower reel holder 5 to a retracted position that does not interfere with the work, and various tasks are not impeded.

[0066] Furthermore, the holder movement mechanism is an upper holder turning mechanism 6 and a lower holder turning mechanism 7 that enable the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 to turn between the use position and the retracted position, respectively. This allows the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 to be moved to the retracted position using a compact mechanism, resulting in a significant space-saving effect.

[0067] Furthermore, the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 can each hold a plurality of tape reels 88. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of new feeders, such as the hexa feeder 8H, multiple multi-feeders, and multiple auto-loading feeders, resulting in a wide range of applications.

[0068] Furthermore, the electronic component mounting machine 9 further includes a bucket member 2 capable of holding tape reels 88 corresponding to a plurality of feeders 8 arranged in a row in the width direction thereof, and the device base 3 is detachably held by the bucket member 2. This allows the reel holding device 1 to be used for an existing electronic component mounting machine 9.

[0069] Furthermore, the bucket member 2 has a device base 3 and support rollers (support rollers of roller shafts 231 to 233) or support shafts that can hold a plurality of tape reels 88 lined up in the width direction and extend in the width direction to rotatably support the lower outer peripheries of the plurality of tape reels 88, a partition plate 26 that can be inserted at a desired inter-reel position between the plurality of tape reels 88, and partition plate holding shafts 251, 252 that extend in the width direction and removably hold the partition plate 26, and the device base 3 is held by the partition plate holding shafts 251, 252.

[0070] This allows for the use of a tape reel 88 held directly by the bucket member 2 and two upper and lower tape reels 88 held by reel holding devices 1 attached to the bucket member 2 in combination. This allows for flexible use when multiple types of feeders are used in combination, for example, when a conventional feeder 8 and a new feeder are used in combination. In addition, the reel holding device 1 can be attached by utilizing the partition plate holding shafts 251, 252 that were originally provided in the bucket member 2. Therefore, when using the reel holding device 1 in an existing electronic component placement machine 9, there is no need to make major modifications to the existing bucket member 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the device base 3 has a positioning bracket 36 that aligns the widthwise position with any one of the multiple feeders lined up in the widthwise direction of the electronic component mounting machine 9. This automatically determines the widthwise position of the reel holding device 1, eliminating the need for an operator to perform position adjustment work.

[0072] Furthermore, the upper holder turning mechanism 6 moves the upper reel holder 4 from the use position to the retracted position, thereby enabling the attachment and detachment of the cassette part 87 (at least a part of the feeder) of the hexa feeder 8H. In this way, the upper reel holder 4 does not hinder the replacement work of the cassette part 87.

[0073] Furthermore, by moving the lower holder turning mechanism 7 from the use position to the retracted position, it is possible to take in and out a tape recovery box 97 that is removably disposed below the electronic component mounting machine 9 and that recovers used carrier tape 89. In this way, the lower reel holder 5 does not obstruct the operation of pulling out the tape recovery box 97.

[0074] 5. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiments The number of tape reels 88 that the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 hold side by side in the width direction is not limited to three as described in the embodiment. For example, the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 may each hold one tape reel 88, and the reel holding device 1 may correspond to one multi-feeder or auto-loading feeder. Alternatively, one of the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 may be fixed, and the other may be rotated by the upper holder rotating mechanism 6 or the lower holder rotating mechanism 7. Furthermore, instead of the upper holder rotating mechanism 6 and the lower holder rotating mechanism 7, a slide-type holder moving mechanism that moves the upper reel holder 4 and the lower reel holder 5 horizontally rearward may be used. The embodiment can be subject to various other applications and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1: Reel holding device 2: Bucket member 21: Arm member 22: Side plate 231-234: Roller shaft 251, 252: Partition plate holding shaft 26: Partition plate 3: Device base 31: Side plate 341-343: First to third roller shafts 4: Upper reel holder 41: Side plate 42: Connecting plate 431 to 436: 1st to 6th roller shafts 5: Lower reel holder 51: Side plate 521 to 524: 1st to 4th roller shafts 54: Detachable roller 6: Upper holder rotation mechanism 7: Lower holder rotation mechanism 8: Conventional feeder 8H: Hex feeder 85: Positioning pin 86: Feeder body 87: Cassette section 88, 881-883: Tape reel 89, 891-893: Carrier tape 9: Electronic component placement machine 93: Component supply device 97: Tape collection box 98: Device pallet

Claims

[Claim 1] A reel holding device is used in an electronic component mounting machine in combination with a feeder that unwinds a carrier tape having electronic components stored in each of a plurality of component storage sections so that the electronic components can be picked up at a supply position, the reel holding device holds a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound, and is provided in the electronic component mounting machine separately from the feeder, a device base; an upper reel holder and a lower reel holder, which are arranged above and below the device base, and each of which rotatably and replaceably holds the tape reel; a holder movement mechanism that can move the upper reel holder between a use position where the carrier tape can be fed to the feeder from the held tape reel and a retracted position that is farther from the feeder than the use position, the upper reel holder in the use position holds the tape reel at a position where the height of the tape insertion opening of the feeder is within a height range from the center to the upper end of the tape reel, thereby enabling the carrier tape to be fed from the tape reel to the tape insertion opening in a substantially linear manner. Reel holding device.

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