Automatic tape handling equipment and reel loading equipment

Abstract

An automatic tape processing device according to the present invention comprises: a feeding device that conveys a carrier tape, which is loaded on a tape feeder and obtained by adhering a cover tape to the top surface side of a base tape provided, at a fixed pitch, with cavities for accommodating components therein; a cutting device that cuts the base tape and the cover tape at cutting locations; and a control device that determines the cutting locations of the base tape and the cover tape according to the type of tape feeder, and controls operation of the feeding device and the cutting device such that the base tape and the cover tape are cut at the determined cutting locations.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification relates to an automated tape processing device and reel loader. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an automatic tape processing device and an automatic tape setting device are known, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The conventional automatic tape processing device controls a feeding device and a peeling device based on a detection signal from a detection device that detects the presence or absence of components, and sequentially positions the cutting portions of the base tape and the cover tape that form the carrier tape at the cutting positions. The conventional automatic tape processing device also controls a cutting device to automatically perform the process of sequentially cutting the cutting portions of the base tape and the cover tape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 097473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, tape reels wound with carrier tape may be loaded into different types of tape feeders. In this case, the leading end of the carrier tape needs to be processed according to the type of tape feeder into which it is loaded. However, in conventional automatic tape processing devices, when matching the type of tape feeder, an operator must perform processing, including inputting instructions and performing manual operations, to ensure that the leading end is in a state appropriate for the type of tape feeder. In this case, the operator must perform a lot of manual operations, which may result in operational errors, such as the leading end of the carrier tape not fitting the tape feeder into which it is loaded or loss due to the components housed in the carrier tape falling off. Therefore, conventional automatic tape processing devices have room for improvement in terms of further automation.

[0005] An object of the present specification is to provide an automatic tape processing device and a reel loading device that process a carrier tape according to the type of tape feeder that is loaded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This specification discloses an automatic tape processing device comprising a base tape having cavities at a fixed pitch for accommodating components, with a cover tape adhered to the upper surface thereof, a feeding device for transporting the carrier tape to be loaded into a tape feeder, a cutting device for cutting each of the base tape and cover tape at a cutting point, and a control device for determining the cutting points for each of the base tape and cover tape according to the type of tape feeder, and controlling the operation of the feeding device and the cutting device so that the base tape and cover tape are cut at each of the determined cutting points.

[0007] According to the automatic tape processing device, the control device can automatically determine the cutting points for each of the base tape and the cover tape depending on the type of tape feeder into which the carrier tape is loaded. The control device can then operate the feeding device and the cutting device so that the base tape and the cover tape are cut at the determined cutting points. This enables further automation by eliminating the need for operator input of instructions or manual work when processing the leading end of the carrier tape, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and reducing operational errors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a production line equipped with an automatic tape processing device and a reel loading device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing a carrier tape. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a main part of the tape feeder. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the automatic tape processing apparatus of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the state of the tape tip of the carrier tape. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the state of the tape tip of the carrier tape. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a state in which a carrier tape is inserted into an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining detection of the state of the leading end of a tape and detection of the presence or absence of parts in an automatic tape processing device. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining peeling of a cover tape in an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining positioning of a cutting portion of a base tape to a cutting position in an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 12]10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining cutting of a base tape in an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining protrusion of a cover tape in an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining cutting of a cover tape in an automatic tape processing apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a reel loading device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the reel loading device of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a feeder holding portion of the reel loading device. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a forming device for forming the tip shape of a carrier tape according to a first modified example. [Figure 19] 19 is a diagram for explaining the formation of the tip shape of the carrier tape (cover tape) by the forming device of FIG. 18. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The automatic tape processing device and the reel loading device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a production line will be described as an example, in which a tape reel wound with a carrier tape processed by the automatic tape processing device is transported to the reel loading device, and the reel loading device loads the tape reel into a tape feeder.

[0010] 1. Overview of Production Line S 1, the production line S includes an automatic tape processing device 10 and a reel loading device 20. The production line S also includes a reel transport vehicle 1 and a feeder transport vehicle 2. Here, the reel transport vehicle 1 and the feeder transport vehicle 2 use, for example, an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) in their drive units.

[0011] The reel transport vehicle 1 transports a tape reel R (hereinafter simply referred to as "reel R") from the loading / unloading entrance 3a of the warehouse 3 to an automatic tape processing device 10 arranged in an off-site setup area 4, and also transports the reel R from the automatic tape processing device 10 to a reel loading device 20. The feeder transport vehicle 2 transports a tape feeder F (hereinafter simply referred to as "feeder F") from the loading / unloading entrance 3a of the warehouse 3 to the reel loading device 20. Then, in the production line S, the feeder transport vehicle 2 transports the feeder F loaded with the reel R by the reel loading device 20 to a component mounting machine 5. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where the automatic tape processing device 10 and the reel loading device 20 are independently arranged is illustrated, but it is also possible to configure the automatic tape processing device 10 and the reel loading device 20 to be provided integrally. In this case, after processing by the automatic tape processing device 10, loading processing by the reel loading device 20 is performed directly.

[0012] 2 and 3, the reel R, the feeder F, and the carrier tape T wound on the reel R will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 2, the carrier tape T has a cover tape Tb adhered to the upper surface of a base tape Ta, and cavities Tc for accommodating components P of the base tape Ta are provided at regular intervals. Generally, the base tape Ta is made of a flexible material such as paper or resin, and the cover tape Tb is made of a transparent and flexible polymer film or the like.

[0013] Furthermore, a large number of feed holes Td are formed along one side edge of the carrier tape T. Then, as will be described later, the carrier tape T, more specifically, the leading end portions of the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb, are processed by an automatic tape processing device 10 according to the type of feeder F into which the reel R is loaded.

[0014] There are multiple types of reels R, which differ in the condition and material of the tip of the wound carrier tape T, and further in the tape width dimensions of the carrier tape T and the width dimensions of the reels R. There are also multiple types of feeders F into which these different types of reels R are loaded. For this reason, although not shown in the figures, each reel R is displayed with an identification code (e.g., a barcode or a two-dimensional code) as image information that identifies the individual reel R and the type of feeder F into which it is loaded.

[0015] Feeder F is loaded with a reel R wound with carrier tape T processed by an automatic tape processing device 10, and supplies components P by feeding the carrier tape T in a component mounting machine 5. As shown in FIG. 3, feeder F is thin and has a small width in the left-right direction. Feeder F has a reel holding shaft F1 that protrudes rightward from the left side plate, approximately in the center when viewed from the side. The reel holding shaft F1 fits into a central hole formed in the center of reel R to detachably and rotatably hold reel R. The right side plate F2 of feeder F has a large opening in the center to facilitate attachment and detachment of reel R.

[0016] The feeder F further includes a component supply position F3, a sprocket F4, and a tape peeling unit (not shown). The component supply position F3 is located near the rear end of the top surface of the feeder F. The sprocket F4 is rotatably located in front of the component supply position F3. The teeth of the sprocket F4 engage with the feed holes Td of the carrier tape T. The sprocket F4 is intermittently driven by a drive motor (not shown) to feed the carrier tape T at a constant pitch. The tape peeling unit allows the carrier tape T to pass through the component supply position F3 with one side edge of the cover tape Tb constituting the carrier tape T peeled from the base tape Ta (in a so-called partially peeled state), enabling the component P to be removed by the component mounting machine 5. After passing the component supply position F3, the carrier tape T is cut, for example, by a tape cutting device provided in the component mounting machine 5.

[0017] Furthermore, although not shown, each feeder F is displayed with an identification code (e.g., a barcode or two-dimensional code) as image information that identifies the type of feeder F. Also, a feeder control unit (not shown) is provided in the feeder F. The feeder control unit stores identification information that identifies the feeder F and the reel R, and controls the component supply operation. When the feeder F is held in the reel loading device 20, a connector (not shown) automatically fits, enabling the feeder control unit to communicate with the outside (e.g., the control device 18 and main control unit 28, which will be described later).

[0018] 2. Configuration of the automatic tape processing device 10 Next, we will explain the configuration of the automatic tape processing device 10. As described above, the automatic tape processing device 10 of this embodiment is placed in the off-site setup area 4 of the production line S. The automatic tape processing device 10 processes the state of the leading end of the carrier tape T, i.e., the tape leading end state, for the carrier tape T wound around the reel R transported to the off-site setup area 4 by the reel transport vehicle 1, in accordance with the type of feeder F that will be loaded in the future.

[0019] 4 and 5, the automatic tape processing device 10 includes a feeding device 11, a guiding device 12, a component presence / absence detecting device 13, a status detecting device 14, a peeling device 15, a cutting device 16, a discrimination device 17, and a control device 18. The feeding device 11, the guiding device 12, the peeling device 15, and the cutting device 16 are arranged on a support plate 102 fixed vertically to a base 101 of the automatic tape processing device 10.

[0020] The feeding device 11 is a device that feeds (pitch feeds) the carrier tape T along a feeding path 111. The feeding device 11 includes a sprocket 113 arranged below a feeding member 112 on which the feeding path 111 is provided, a gear motor 114 connected to the sprocket 113, and a sprocket tooth detection device 115 arranged near the sprocket 113. The feeding device 11 feeds the carrier tape T along the feeding path 111, and sequentially positions a cutting portion Q1 of the base tape Ta and a cutting portion Q2 of the cover tape Tb at the cutting position Lc.

[0021] The transport path 111 has a width slightly wider than that of the carrier tape T, and is formed as a groove extending linearly from the tape inlet Le to the cutting position Lc in the transport member 112. Furthermore, the transport path 111 is formed with a narrow groove 111a for passing through a cavity Tc in which a component P is accommodated.

[0022] The sprocket 113 has a plurality of teeth 113a formed in the circumferential direction at the same pitch as the pitch of the feed holes Td formed in the carrier tape T. The sprocket 113 is disposed below the conveying path 111 so that the tooth 113a that has rotated to the top of the rotating teeth 113a can mesh with the feed holes Td of the carrier tape T that is inserted along the conveying path 111.

[0023] The gear motor 114 is, for example, a stepping motor. The gear motor 114 is a motor that can control the positions of cutting points Q1, Q2 of the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T, which are fed by the connected sprocket 113. The sprocket tooth detection device 115 can be, for example, a photosensor. The sprocket tooth detection device 115 detects when one of the teeth 113a of the sprocket 113 faces vertically upward, i.e., when the sprocket 113 has returned to its original position, by reading a mark on the side of the sprocket 113.

[0024] The guiding device 12 is disposed above the feeding device 11. As shown in Fig. 5 , the guiding device 12 includes a pressing member 121 that presses the carrier tape T from below as it is pitch-fed along the transport path 111, a contact member 122 that comes into contact with the upper surface of the pressed carrier tape T, an air cylinder 123 that raises and lowers the contact member 122, and a tape detection sensor 124 that detects the carrier tape T.

[0025] The pressing member 121 is, for example, a leaf spring, and is disposed in the narrow groove 111a of the conveying path 111. The abutting member 122 is disposed so as to be able to abut against and separate from the conveying member 112 by an air cylinder 123. The tape detection sensor 124 detects that the carrier tape T has been inserted from the tape inlet Le of the conveying member 112. The tape detection sensor 124 may be, for example, a touch sensor or a photosensor.

[0026] When the abutting member 122 and the conveying member 112 are in contact with each other while the carrier tape T is conveyed along the conveying path 111, the guiding device 12 guides the carrier tape T based on the upper surface. When the abutting member 122 and the conveying member 112 are separated from each other while the carrier tape T is conveyed along the conveying path 111, the guiding device 12 guides the carrier tape T in a state where the carrier tape T is separated from the conveying path 111.

[0027] The component presence detection device 13 detects the presence or absence of components P by detecting changes in the amount of light caused by the cavities Tc of the carrier tape T transported along the transport path 111, the tape portions between the cavities Tc, and the components P inside the cavities Tc. The component presence detection device 13 may be configured to include, for example, a photosensor, or may be configured to include a camera capable of capturing images of the carrier tape T. The component presence detection device 13 then outputs a component detection signal E to the control device 18, indicating that a transition has occurred from a cavity Tc that does not contain a component P to a cavity Tc that contains a component P.

[0028] The status detection device 14 is a device that detects the tape leading end state, which is the state of the leading end of the carrier tape T. The status detection device 14 can be exemplified by, for example, an optical sensor that irradiates light onto the carrier tape T transported along the transport path 111 and receives light reflected by the carrier tape T. The status detection device 14 has an imaging element that can capture an image of the carrier tape T, and can also detect the tape leading end state based on the image captured by the imaging element.

[0029] When an optical sensor is used, the status detection device 14 detects, for example, when the light intensity of the received reflected light is greater than a predetermined first standard, that both the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb are present as the tape leading edge state. Furthermore, when the light intensity of the received reflected light is greater than a predetermined second standard but less than the first standard, the status detection device 14 detects, for example, a state in which air is present between the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb, causing light scattering, i.e., a state in which the cover tape Tb has peeled from the base tape Ta as the tape leading edge state. On the other hand, when the light intensity of the received reflected light is less than a predetermined third standard that is less than the second standard, the status detection device 14 detects, as the tape leading edge state, that only the transparent cover tape Tb is present. The status detection device 14 then outputs a detection result K representing the detected tape leading edge state, i.e., the actual tape leading edge state, to the control device 18.

[0030] Incidentally, the state of the leading edge of the carrier tape T wound on the reel R differs depending on whether the carrier tape T is new or reused. In the case of new carrier tape T, for example, the leading edge of the cover tape Tb protrudes beyond the leading edge of the base tape Ta, and the cover tape Tb has not yet been peeled off from the base tape Ta. On the other hand, in the case of reused carrier tape T, for example, the leading edge of the base tape Ta and the leading edge of the cover tape Tb are aligned, and the cover tape Tb is partially peeled off from the base tape Ta. Furthermore, in the case of reused carrier tape T, for example, the leading edge of the cover tape Tb protrudes beyond the leading edge of the base tape Ta, and the cover tape Tb is peeled off from the base tape Ta by a predetermined distance.

[0031] Therefore, the tape tip state (actual tape tip state) detected by the state detection device 14 includes the peeling state of the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta. More specifically, the peeling state detected by the state detection device 14 includes the excess length d1 of the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta and remaining from the tip of the base tape Ta as shown in Fig. 6, and the peeled length d2 of the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the tape tip state can also include, for example, the number of empty cavities Tc that do not contain a component P from the tip of the carrier tape T that can be detected by the component presence / absence detection device 13.

[0032] The peeling device 15 is disposed above the feeding device 11 and includes a scraper 151 that peels the cover tape Tb from the base tape Ta of the carrier tape T that is transported along the transport path 111, and an air cylinder 152 that raises and lowers the scraper 151. The scraper 151 is provided with a cutting edge that can penetrate between the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T. The scraper 151 is disposed so that it can be positioned by the air cylinder 152 at a position between the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T that is transported along the transport path 111, and at a retracted position above it.

[0033] 5, the cutting device 16 includes a cutter 161 provided at a cutting position Lc on the conveying path 111, and an air cylinder 162 that raises and lowers the cutter 161. The cutter 161 is a single-edged cutter with a width wider than the width of the carrier tape T. The cutter 161 is arranged so as to be movable up and down by the air cylinder 162 in order to cut the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb positioned at the cutting position Lc on the conveying path 111 at cutting positions Q1 and Q2 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0034] The discrimination device 17 is a device that discriminates the type of feeder F that loads the carrier tape T, i.e., the reel R. The discrimination device 17 can be, for example, a scanner having an imaging device such as a camera, and reads an identification code (a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like) that is image information displayed on the reel R (or the feeder F) transported to the off-site setup area 4. The discrimination device 17 then discriminates the type of feeder F based on the read identification code, and outputs a discrimination result D that indicates the discriminated type of feeder F to the control device 18.

[0035] Here, the discrimination device 17 is not limited to reading the identification code to discriminate the type of feeder F. Specifically, the discrimination device 17 can, for example, communicate with a feeder control unit of the feeder F and discriminate the type of the feeder F based on identification information acquired through the communication. Alternatively, the discrimination device 17 can communicate with a host computer that is provided on the production line S and that comprehensively manages production, and discriminate the type of the feeder F based on the identification information of the feeder F included in the information acquired through the communication. Even in this case, the discrimination device 17 outputs a discrimination result D indicating the discriminated type of the feeder F to the control device 18.

[0036] The control device 18 is a microcomputer whose main components include a CPU, ROM, RAM, and various interfaces. The control device 18 receives a component detection signal E from the component presence detection device 13, a detection result K from the status detection device 14, and a discrimination result D from the discrimination device 17. The control device 18 stores in advance a target tape tip state that indicates the tape tip state of the carrier tape T corresponding to each type of feeder F.

[0037] The control device 18 then identifies the type of feeder F into which the reel R is loaded based on the discrimination result D by the discrimination device 17, and comprehensively controls the operation of the automatic tape processing device 10 so as to achieve the target tape leading edge state corresponding to the identified feeder F. That is, the control device 18 determines the cutting point Q1 of the base tape Ta and the cutting point Q2 of the cover tape Tb, and controls the operation of the automatic tape processing device 10 so that the actual tape leading edge state, which represents the leading edge state of the carrier tape T detected by the state detection device 14, becomes the target tape leading edge state.

[0038] 3. Operation of the Automatic Tape Processing Device 10 Next, the operation of the automatic tape processing device 10 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the automatic tape processing device 10 of this embodiment is placed in the off-site setup area 4. The automatic tape processing device 10 then automatically processes the tape leading edge state of the carrier tape T transported together with the reel R by the reel transport vehicle 1 so that it becomes a target tape leading edge state corresponding to the type of feeder F. In the following description, an example will be given in which the automatic tape processing device 10 processes the tape leading edge state (actual tape leading edge state) of the carrier tape T so that the cover tape Tb surpluses (protrudes) by an excess length d1 (see FIG. 6) to correspond to the identified feeder F.

[0039] When the reel R wound with the carrier tape T is transported to the off-site setup area 4 by the reel transport vehicle 1, for example, an operator uses the discrimination device 17 to read the identification code displayed on the reel R. As a result, the discrimination device 17 discriminates the type of feeder F into which the reel R is loaded, and outputs a discrimination result D indicating the type of feeder F to the control device 18.

[0040] Upon receiving the discrimination result D from the discrimination device 17, the control device 18 rotates the sprocket 113 of the feed device 11 and aligns the sprocket 113 to its original position based on a detection signal from the sprocket tooth detection device 115 (see FIG. 5). Next, based on a detection signal from the tape detection sensor 124 of the guiding device 12, when the leading end of the carrier tape T is inserted into the conveying path 111 of the conveying member 112 from the tape inlet Le, the control device 18 rotates the sprocket 113 as shown in FIG. 8. Note that the insertion of the carrier tape T into the tape inlet Le may be performed by an operator or by a separate conveying device (not shown).

[0041] In this way, by rotating the sprocket 113, the carrier tape T is unwound from the reel R and transported along the transport path 111. Then, as shown in Fig. 9, the status detection device 14 detects the actual tape leading edge state of the carrier tape T traveling along the transport path 111. As a result, the status detection device 14 outputs a detection result K indicating the current actual tape leading edge state of the carrier tape T to the control device 18.

[0042] Based on the detection result K, the control device 18 determines a cutting point Q1 of the base tape Ta and a cutting point Q2 of the cover tape Tb so that the actual tape leading edge state of the carrier tape T becomes the target tape leading edge state corresponding to the feeder F. That is, based on the detection result K, for example, if the carrier tape T is new and in an actual tape leading edge state in which the leading edge side end of the base tape Ta and the leading edge side end of the cover tape Tb are aligned as shown in Figure 9, the control device 18 determines a cutting point Q1 of the base tape Ta so as to ensure an appropriate excess length of the cover tape Tb.

[0043] Here, the control device 18 can receive a component detection signal E when the component presence detection device 13 detects a transition from an empty cavity Tc (shown as a hollow square in FIG. 9) to a cavity Tc containing a component P (shown as a solid square in FIG. 9). In this case, the control device 18 can complement the cutting point Q1 determined based on the target tape leading edge state, for example, by taking into account the presence of the empty cavity Tc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device 18 can calculate and determine the cutting point Q1 of the base tape Ta from the preset distance d3 (see FIG. 6) from the leading edge of the base tape Ta to the first component P, and the known distance L between the detection position Ld and the cutting position Lc.

[0044] 10, the control device 18 continues to feed the carrier tape T and causes the scraper 151 of the peeling device 15 to peel the cover tape Tb from the base tape Ta. Here, for example, when processing the actual tape tip state so that the peeling length becomes d2 as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 18 can feed the carrier tape T by the peeling length d2 and peel the cover tape Tb from the base tape Ta. The peeled cover tape Tb is temporarily stored above the peeling device 15.

[0045] 11, the control device 18 further feeds the carrier tape T to position the cutting portion Q1 of the base tape Ta at the cutting position Lc, and stops the rotation of the sprocket 113. When positioning the cutting portion Q1 of the base tape Ta at the cutting position Lc, the control device 18 controls the feed amount of the base tape Ta (i.e., the carrier tape T) based on, for example, the pulse count number of the gear motor 114 that drives the sprocket 113.

[0046] When the cutting portion Q1 of the base tape Ta is positioned at the cutting position Lc, the control device 18 raises the cutter 161 of the cutting device 16, as shown in Fig. 12, and cuts the cutting portion Q1 of the base tape Ta positioned at the cutting position Lc. Then, as shown in Fig. 13, the control device 18 raises the scraper 151 to a standby position and rotates the sprocket 113 forward and backward. Then, the control device 18 feeds the cover tape Tb, which is temporarily stored above the peeling device 15, ahead of the base tape Ta and stops the rotation of the sprocket 113. As a result, the carrier tape T reaches an actual tape tip state in which the cover tape Tb extends a predetermined excess length d1 from the tip of the cut base tape Ta to achieve the target tape tip state.

[0047] If the excess length d1 of the cover tape Tb in the actual tape tip state is longer than the target overhang length of the cover tape Tb in the target tape tip state, the control device 18 determines a cutting point Q2 where the excess length d1 of the cover tape Tb becomes the target overhang length. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 , for example, based on the detection result K from the state detection device 14 after cutting the base tape Ta as described above, the control device 18 reverses the rotation of the sprocket 113 to position the cutting point Q2 at the cutting position Lc and cut the cover tape Tb. This allows the excess length d1 of the cover tape Tb to be set, and the actual tape tip state of the carrier tape T to accurately match the target tape tip state.

[0048] Furthermore, when processing is performed so that the tape leading edge state (actual tape leading edge state) of the carrier tape T is a state in which the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb are aligned (see FIG. 7) to correspond to the identified feeder F, the control device 18 determines the cutting points Q1 and Q2 to be the same value. Then, the control device 18 positions the cutting point Q1 of the base tape Ta and the cutting point Q2 of the cover tape Tb at the cutting position Lc, and cuts the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb with the cutter 161 of the cutting device 16. This also allows the actual tape leading edge state of the carrier tape T to accurately match the target tape leading edge state.

[0049] 4. Configuration of reel loading device 20 Next, the configuration of the reel loading device 20 will be described with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17. The reel loading device 20 includes a reel attaching / detaching section 21, a reel supplying section 23, and a feeder supplying section 25. Note that each figure is a schematic explanatory view, and some components have been omitted for clarity.

[0050] The reel attachment / detachment unit 21 is configured by assembling various components inside a device housing 22. The device housing 22 is a large rectangular parallelepiped case with openings on the front and left sides. The reel supply unit 23 is disposed connected to the front side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 21. The reel supply unit 23 is configured using a box-shaped base 24 that corresponds to a device housing smaller than the device housing 22. The feeder supply unit 25 is disposed connected to the left side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 21. The feeder supply unit 25 is configured using a device housing 26 that is smaller than the device housing 22 and has a storage space 261 at the top.

[0051] The reel attachment / detachment unit 21 includes a feeder holding unit 211, a reel attachment mechanism 212, a tape loading mechanism 213, and a reel removal mechanism 214. As shown in FIG. 16, the feeder holding unit 211 is disposed in a position toward the front left inside the device housing 22. The feeder holding unit 211 holds the feeder F in a vertical orientation at the operation execution position. As shown in FIG. 17, the feeder holding unit 211 has a bottom plate 211a and a support plate 211b. The bottom plate 211a has a groove-shaped slot 211c extending in the front-rear direction. The feeder F is inserted from the front side of the slot 211c toward the rear and is held at the operation execution position. The support plate 211b stands upright from the bottom plate 211a and contacts the left side surface of the feeder F at the operation execution position. The support plate 211b supports the lateral pressure load generated when the reel R is attached to the feeder F.

[0052] The reel attachment mechanism 212 is disposed on the right side of the feeder holding unit 211. The reel attachment mechanism 212 includes a reel transfer mechanism 232, which will be described later. The reel attachment mechanism 212 changes the reel R from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and further attaches the reel R to the feeder F at the work execution position. The reel attachment mechanism 212 includes a pair of guide rails 212a, a moving table 212b, a collection unit 212c, a placement area 212d, and a temporary placement area 212e.

[0053] The reel attachment mechanism 212 may be configured so that a mechanism for changing the reel R from a horizontal position to a vertical position is separated from a mechanism for gripping the vertically positioned reel R and attaching it to the feeder F. The collection unit 212c detachably collects the reel R, and may use a gripping mechanism that grips the claws formed on the reel R or the periphery of the reel R, or a suction mechanism that sucks the reel R by using negative pressure.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 16, the tape loading mechanism 213 is disposed adjacent to the feeder holding unit 211 (omitted in Fig. 15). The tape loading mechanism 213 loads the carrier tape T in the feeder F to make it ready for feeding. The tape loading mechanism 213 is configured, for example, by an articulated robot, and specifically includes an articulated arm 213a, a camera 213b, and a plurality of fingers 213c.

[0055] The articulated arm 213a can freely rotate, bend, and perform other movements, and can freely adjust the positions and orientations of the camera 213b and the fingers 213c. The camera 213b is provided at the tip of the articulated arm 213a. The camera 213b captures an image of the feeder F at the operation position and detects the position and state of the reel R and the carrier tape T. The multiple fingers 213c are provided at the tip of the articulated arm 213a alongside the camera 213b. The multiple fingers 213c can perform movements such as moving and twisting in addition to gripping and releasing the work object.

[0056] The fingers 213c load the leading end of the carrier tape T processed by the automatic tape processing device 10 until it engages with the sprocket F4, making it ready for feeding. The fingers 213c can facilitate loading operations by rotating the reel R around the reel holding shaft F1 as needed. When not in operation, the tape loading mechanism 213 takes a retracted position with the articulated arm 213a bent so as not to interfere with the attachment and detachment operations of the reel R.

[0057] The reel removal mechanism 214 is disposed on the right side of the feeder holding unit 211, and is positioned above the reel attachment mechanism 212. The reel removal mechanism 214 removes a reel R from the feeder F at the work execution position. The reel removal mechanism 214 is composed of a guide rail 214a, a movable table 214b, a collection unit 214c, and a collection box 214d. The collection method of the collection unit 214c may be the same as or different from that of the collection unit 212c of the reel attachment mechanism 212. The collection box 214d collects multiple removed reels R together, and automatically collects reels R that fall when the collection unit 214c is released.

[0058] The reel supply unit 23 is detachably provided with a reel holding unit 231. The reel holding unit 231 is transported by the reel transport vehicle 1 and placed between a pair of guide plates 241 of the base 24. The reel holding unit 231 holds a plurality of (e.g., 20) reels R stacked sideways. As mentioned above, the carrier tape T wound on the reel R is not limited to new, but may be partially used tape. The reel holding unit 231 has a horizontally disposed disk-shaped holding plate 231a and a round bar-shaped holding shaft 231b that stands upright from the center of the holding plate 231a and fits into the center hole of the reel R.

[0059] The reel supply unit 23 further includes a reel transfer mechanism 232. The reel transfer mechanism 232 is disposed on a plate seat 242 extending leftward from the bottom of the base 24. The reel transfer mechanism 232 functions as part of the reel attachment mechanism 212. The reel transfer mechanism 232 is composed of a support 232a, an arm 232b, and a collection unit 232c. The support 232a stands vertically upward from a position near the rear of the plate seat 242. The arm 232b is provided so that it can move up and down relative to the support 232a. The collection method of the collection unit 232c may be the same as or different from the collection unit 212c of the reel attachment mechanism 212 and the collection unit 214c of the reel removal mechanism 214.

[0060] Feeder supply unit 25 is provided with detachable feeder accommodating unit 27, and further includes feeder transport unit 271. As shown in Fig. 16, storage space 261 at the top of device housing 26 is open to the front, and two feeder accommodating units 27 can be stored side by side. A plurality of roller conveyors 262 extending in the left-right direction are provided on the bottom surface that partitions storage space 261 (see Fig. 15), facilitating the storage operation of feeder accommodating units 27.

[0061] Feeder accommodating section 27 is formed in the shape of a box that is open at the front. A plurality of slots having the same shape as slots 211c of feeder holding section 211 are formed in the bottom surface of feeder accommodating section 27. Feeder accommodating section 27 accommodates a plurality of (e.g., 20) feeders F arranged in the left-right direction in a vertical orientation. When a plurality of feeders F are accommodated in feeder accommodating section 27 and feeder accommodating section 27 is accommodated in accommodation space 261, unillustrated connectors are automatically fitted together, and the plurality of feeder control units are communicatively connected to main control unit 28.

[0062] A guide rail 263 is provided at the front lower portion of the storage space 261 of the device housing 26. The guide rail 263 extends across almost the entire storage space 261 in the left-right direction, and further extends to the front side of the feeder holding part 211. A feeder conveying part 271 is mounted on this guide rail 263. The feeder conveying part 271 moves back and forth along the guide rail 263 between the feeder accommodating part 27 and the feeder holding part 211.

[0063] The feeder conveying section 271 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the rear side. The feeder conveying section 271 has an internal space that temporarily houses the feeder F, and a feeder operating mechanism that moves the feeder F in and out of the internal space via the opening. This allows the feeder conveying section 271 to pull out the feeder F from the feeder accommodating section 27 or the feeder holding section 211, or conversely, insert the feeder F into the feeder accommodating section 27 or the feeder holding section 211.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 28 is electrically connected to the reel loading device 20 (omitted in FIG. 15). The main control unit 28 is a microcomputer whose main components include a CPU, ROM, RAM, and various interfaces. The main control unit 28 communicates with the feeder control unit of the feeder F and executes various programs (not shown) to comprehensively control the operation of the reel loading device 20. This allows the reel loading device 20 to automatically load, into the corresponding feeder F, a reel R around which is wound carrier tape T, the tape leading end of which has been processed by the automatic tape processing device 10.

[0065] As can be understood from the above explanation, the automatic tape processing device 10 is composed of a base tape Ta having a cover tape Tb adhered to the upper surface thereof, which has cavities Tc at a fixed pitch to accommodate components P, and is equipped with a feeding device 11 that transports the carrier tape T to be loaded into a feeder F, a cutting device 16 that cuts each of the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb at cutting points Q1 and Q2, and a control device 18 that determines the cutting points Q1 and Q2 for each of the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb according to the type of feeder F and controls the operation of the feeding device 11 and the cutting device 16 so that the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb are cut at the determined cutting points Q1 and Q2.

[0066] This allows the control device 18 to automatically determine the cutting positions Q1 and Q2 of the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb, respectively, depending on the type of feeder F into which the carrier tape T is loaded. The control device 18 then operates the feeding device 11 and the cutting device 16 so that the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb are cut at the determined cutting positions Q1 and Q2. This enables further automation by eliminating the need for operator input of instructions or manual work when processing the leading edge of the carrier tape T, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and reducing operational errors. As a result, the efficiency of loading the carrier tape T into the tape feeder can be improved.

[0067] 5. First Variant In the above-described embodiment, the automatic tape processing device 10 cuts the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb or peels off the cover tape Tb according to the type of feeder F. In this way, the automatic tape processing device 10 matches the actual tape tip state of the carrier tape T with the target tape tip state according to the type of feeder F.

[0068] Incidentally, particularly when the cover tape Tb is in an actual tape tip state with excess length d1, since the cover tape Tb is made of a flexible resin or the like, depending on the type of feeder F, for example, deformation of the cover tape Tb when loading the carrier tape T into the feeder F may cause delays in the loading operation. To address this, the automatic tape processing device 10 may be provided with a forming device 19 that forms the tip shape of the carrier tape T (particularly the cover tape Tb) depending on the type of feeder F, as shown in FIG.

[0069] The molding device 19 includes an upper die 191 and a lower die 192 that the upper die 191 moves toward and away from. The upper die 191 has a convex portion 193 that protrudes toward the lower die 192, and the lower die 192 has a concave portion 194 that can accommodate the convex portion 193 of the upper die 191. As a result, with the cover tape Tb positioned above the lower die 192 so as to cover the concave portion 194 as shown in FIG. 18, the upper die 191 is moved toward the lower die 192 as shown in FIG. 19. As a result, a valley fold shape is formed in the cover tape Tb along the longitudinal direction of the carrier tape T, which makes it possible to impart stiffness (resistance to bending) to the tip of the cover tape Tb made of a flexible resin.

[0070] Therefore, when loading the carrier tape T (more specifically, the reel R) into the feeder F, for example, the leading end of the carrier tape T (more specifically, the cover tape Tb) can easily pass through the transport path of the feeder F. As a result, when the leading end shape is formed by the forming device 19, it becomes easier to load the carrier tape T normally and the loading time can be shortened.

[0071] The tip shape that can be formed by the forming device 19 can be determined depending on the type of feeder F. Therefore, it goes without saying that the forming device 19 can form shapes other than a valley fold shape in the cover tape Tb as the tip shape.

[0072] 6. Other Modifications In the above-described embodiment, the automatic tape processing device 10 and the reel loading device 20 are arranged independently in the production line S. In the above-described embodiment, the reel R around which the carrier tape T is wound after being processed by the automatic tape processing device 10 is transported to the reel loading device 20 by the reel transport vehicle 1.

[0073] Alternatively, for example, the automatic tape processing device 10 may be provided integrally with the reel loading device 20. This reduces the time required to load the reel R on which the carrier tape T is wound into the feeder F.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the excess length d1, the peeled length d2, the number of empty cavities Tc, etc. are given as examples of the tape tip state. However, in addition to these, the tape tip state can also be exemplified by, for example, a state in which empty cavities Tc are collapsed. By collapsing the empty cavities Tc, for example, the tip of the carrier tape T can more easily pass through the transport path of the feeder F. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...reel transport vehicle, 2...feeder transport vehicle, 10...automatic tape processing device, 11...feeding device, 111...transport path, 112...transport member, 113...sprocket, 114...gear motor, 115...sprocket tooth detection device, 12...guiding device, 121...pressure member, 122...contact member, 123...air cylinder, 124...tape detection sensor, 13...part presence detection device, 14...status detection device, 15...peeling device, 151...scraper, 152...air cylinder, 16...cutting device, 161...cutter, 162...air cylinder, 17...discrimination device, 1 8...control device, 20...reel loading device, 21...reel attachment / detachment section, 22...device housing, 23...reel supply section, 24...base, 25...feeder supply section, 26...device housing, 27...feeder housing section, 28...main control section, S...production line, T...carrier tape, Ta...base tape, Tb...cover tape, Tc...cavity, R...tape reel, F...tape feeder, F3...component supply position, K...detection result (actual tape tip state), E...component detection signal, D...discrimination result, Q1, Q2...cutting point, Lc...cutting position, d1...excess length, d2...peeling length

Claims

1. a carrier tape feeder configured to feed a carrier tape to be loaded into the tape feeder, the carrier tape being formed by adhering a cover tape to the upper surface of a base tape having cavities for accommodating components formed at a fixed pitch; a cutting device that cuts each of the base tape and the cover tape at a cutting position; a control device that determines the cutting points of each of the base tape and the cover tape according to the type of the tape feeder, and controls the operation of the feeding device and the cutting device so that the base tape and the cover tape are cut at the determined cutting points; a state detection device that detects a tape leading end state that indicates the state of the leading end of the carrier tape; Equipped with The control device determines the cutting points of each of the base tape and the cover tape based on the tape tip state obtained from the state detection device.

2. 2. The automatic tape processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines the cutting location according to an actual tape tip state representing the tape tip state detected by the state detection device, based on a target tape tip state representing the tape tip state previously set for each type of tape feeder.

3. The automatic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the state of the tape tip includes a state of the cover tape peeled from the base tape.

4. The automatic tape processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the peeling state includes a peeled length of the cover tape peeled from the base tape and an excess length of the cover tape peeled from the base tape and excess from the tip of the base tape.

5. 5. The automatic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tape leading edge state includes the number of empty cavities that do not house components from the leading edge of the carrier tape.

6. 6. The automatic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the feeding device to sequentially position the cutting portions of the base tape and the cover tape at predetermined cutting positions.

7. Further, a discrimination device for discriminating the type of the tape feeder is provided, 7. The automatic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires the result of the determination by the determination device.

8. The automatic tape processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the discrimination device discriminates the type of the tape feeder based on identification information for identifying the tape feeder or image information for identifying the tape feeder.

9. further comprising a component presence / absence detection device that detects the presence or absence of the component in the cavity of the carrier tape, An automatic tape processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device determines the cutting points of each of the base tape and the cover tape using a distance from the tip of the base tape to the cavity containing the first component, which is preset for each type of tape feeder, based on a component detection signal obtained from the component presence detection device when the carrier tape is fed and moved, indicating that the cavity has moved from one that does not contain a component to one that contains the component.

10. The cutting device further includes a forming device for forming a tip shape of the base tape and the cover tape cut at the cutting location by the cutting device, 10. The automatic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the shaping device to shape the tip end after the cutting device cuts the base tape and the cover tape.

11. The automatic tape processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the control device shapes the tip end in accordance with the type of the tape feeder.

12. A reel loading device that transfers a tape reel wound with the carrier tape processed by the automatic tape processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 11 to the corresponding tape feeder, and loads the tape reel into the tape feeder by transporting the carrier tape to a component supply position provided in the tape feeder.

13. a carrier tape feeder configured to feed a carrier tape to be loaded into the tape feeder, the carrier tape being formed by adhering a cover tape to the upper surface of a base tape having cavities for accommodating components formed at a fixed pitch; a cutting device that cuts each of the base tape and the cover tape at a cutting position; a control device that determines the cutting points of each of the base tape and the cover tape according to the type of the tape feeder, and controls the operation of the feeding device and the cutting device so that the base tape and the cover tape are cut at the determined cutting points; a state detection device that detects a tape leading end state that indicates the state of the leading end of the carrier tape; Equipped with The control device determines the cutting point of the base tape or the cover tape based on the tape tip state obtained from the state detection device.

14. A feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder; a discrimination device that discriminates the type of the tape feeder held in the feeder holding unit; a reel supply unit that supplies tape reels; a feeding device that conveys the carrier tape wound around the tape reel supplied from the reel supply unit; a cutting device that cuts each of the base tape and the cover tape that constitute the carrier tape at a cutting position; a control device that determines the cutting points of each of the base tape and the cover tape so that the target tape tip state corresponds to the type of the tape feeder determined by the determination device, and controls the operation of the feeding device and the cutting device so that the base tape and the cover tape are cut at the determined cutting points; a tape loading mechanism that transfers the tape reel around which the carrier tape, the leading end of which has been cut by the cutting device, is wound onto the corresponding tape feeder; A reel loading device comprising:

Images