Reel Loader

Abstract

To reduce a space and improve the operation efficiency by sandwiching and cutting a tape with driving force generated in one drive device.SOLUTION: A cut and clamp device comprises: a cut part which cuts a tape; a first clamp part and a second clamp part which sandwich a residual part side in the thickness direction with respect to a cut portion of the tape; a floating mechanism which supports the cut part so as to be relatively movable to the second clamp part; and a drive device which generates the driving force for moving the second clamp part to the sandwiching side with respect to the first clamp part integrally with the floating mechanism and the cut part in such a state that the tape is not sandwiched between the first clamp part and the second clamp part, and moving the cut part to the cutting side with respect to the second clamp part following elastic deformation of the floating mechanism in such a state that the tape is sandwiched between the first clamp part and the second clamp part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification , Li Regarding the charge loading device. [Background technology]

[0002] A component mounting machine uses a tape feeder (hereinafter simply referred to as a feeder) that transports a carrier tape containing components to feed the components when mounting the components on a board. Conventionally, the reel loading operation of setting the carrier tape wound on a reel into the feeder was performed by an operator. In recent years, technology has been developed to automate the reel loading operation into the feeder (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The reel loading device described in Patent Document 1 can cut a carrier tape or its cover tape or base tape (hereinafter simply referred to as tape) pulled out from a reel while clamping it vertically. This reel loading device includes a cutting device and a clamping device. The cutting device has a cutting unit that cuts the tape and a drive unit that raises and lowers the cutting unit. The clamping device has a clamping unit that clamps the vicinity of the cut location of the tape when cutting the tape, and a drive unit that raises and lowers the clamping unit. In this reel loading device, the drive unit for the cutting device and the drive unit for the clamping device are provided separately and independently, and the cutting device and the clamping device each operate separately and independently. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 097473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the reel loading device described in Patent Document 1, as described above, the drive device for the cutting device and the drive device for the clamping device are provided separately and independently, so a large amount of installation space and operating space is required to cut the tape while clamping it. Also, because the cutting device and the clamping device operate separately and independently, the operating efficiency of cutting the tape while clamping it is poor.

[0006] The purpose of this specification is to provide a cut and clamp device and a reel loading device that can reduce space and improve operating efficiency by clamping and cutting the tape using the driving force generated by a single drive device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses a cut and clamp device comprising: a cutting section that cuts a tape; a first clamp section and a second clamp section that clamp the remaining portion of the tape in the thickness direction from the cut point; a floating mechanism that supports the cutting section so that it can move relative to the second clamp section; and a drive device that moves the second clamp section integrally with the floating mechanism and the cutting section toward the clamping side relative to the first clamp section when the tape is not clamped between the first clamp section and the second clamp section, and that generates a drive force that moves the cutting section toward the cutting side relative to the second clamp section with elastic deformation of the floating mechanism when the tape is clamped between the first clamp section and the second clamp section.

[0008] According to this disclosed configuration, when no tape is clamped between the first and second clamps, the second clamp moves integrally with the floating mechanism and the cutting unit toward the clamping side relative to the first clamp, due to the driving force generated by the drive device, and when a tape is clamped between the first and second clamps, the cutting unit moves toward the cutting side relative to the second clamp with elastic deformation of the floating mechanism. Therefore, the tape can be clamped and cut by the driving force generated by a single drive device, which allows for space savings and improved operational efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a reel loading device including a cut and clamp device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a feeder holding portion and a tape feeder. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cut and clamp device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the structure of the cut and clamp device. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are plan views illustrating the operation of removing a reel from a tape feeder and the preparation operation of preparing a reel to be attached to the tape feeder. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are plan views illustrating a recovery operation for recovering a removed reel and an attachment operation for attaching the reel to a tape feeder. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a temporary fixing device provided in the reel loading device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1. Configuration of reel loading device and cut and clamp device The configuration of the reel loading device 1 of the embodiment will be described below. In the embodiment, for convenience, the front, rear, left and right directions are defined as shown in FIGS.

[0011] The reel loading device 1 is a device that automatically executes a loading process to load a reel R into a tape feeder 90. The loading process of the reel R includes a process of feeding the carrier tape T unwound from the reel R into the tape feeder 90 to make it movable. The loading process of the reel R also includes a process of automatically attaching and detaching the reel R itself to and from the reel attachment portion of the tape feeder 90. The reel loading device 1 automatically attaches and detaches the reel R to and from the reel attachment portion of the tape feeder 90, and unwinds the carrier tape from the reel R, feeds it to the tape feeder 90, and sets it movable.

[0012] First, the configuration of the tape feeder 90 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The tape feeder 90 is a device that is detachably mounted on a component mounting machine and that feeds and moves the carrier tape T that houses components. A reel R around which the carrier tape T is wound is detachably and rotatably supported by the tape feeder 90. While supporting the reel R, the tape feeder 90 feeds and moves the carrier tape T to supply components. The reel R is formed in a disk shape. An identification code that identifies each individual reel R is attached to the reel R.

[0013] The carrier tape T is a tape that houses components. The carrier tape T has a base tape BT with cavities for housing the components, and a cover tape CT that covers the cavities of the base tape BT. The cavities are arranged at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction of the tape. The base tape BT also has sprocket holes. The sprocket holes are arranged at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction of the tape along one side edge of the base tape BT.

[0014] The cover tape CT is adhered to the upper surface of the base tape BT before being peeled off from the base tape BT, and is peeled off from the base tape BT just before the components are removed from the cavity portion. After being peeled off and the components are removed from the cavity portion of the base tape BT, the cover tape CT is taken up into the cover tape storage portion 99 via a route separate from the base tape.

[0015] The tape feeder 90 is formed to be thin and have a small width in the left-right direction. The right side of the tape feeder 90 is left wide open in the center to facilitate attachment and detachment of the reel R. All or part of this open area may be opened and closed with a cover plate. Furthermore, multiple types of reels R may be provided corresponding to the material of the carrier tape T and further to the tape width dimensions of the carrier tape T and the width dimensions of the reel R. Furthermore, multiple types of tape feeders 90 may be provided corresponding to the type of reel R or the type of carrier tape T.

[0016] The tape feeder 90 is a full-peel type feeder that peels the cover tape CT completely from the base tape BT and takes up the cover tape CT into the cover tape storage section 99 via a route separate from the base tape BT after the component is removed from the cavity section.

[0017] The tape feeder 90 has a reel holding shaft 91. The reel holding shaft 91 is provided in a roughly central position when the tape feeder 90 is viewed from the side. The reel holding shaft 91 protrudes rightward from the left side plate 92. The reel holding shaft 91 is fitted into a central hole formed in the center of the reel R, and holds the reel R detachably and rotatably.

[0018] The tape feeder 90 has a component removal section 93, a sprocket 94, and a tape peeling section (not shown). The component removal section 93 exposes components so that they can be removed by a component mounting machine. The component removal section 93 is provided near the rear end of the top surface of the tape feeder 90. The sprocket 94 is located in front of the component removal section 93 and is rotatably supported by the side plate 92. The teeth of the sprocket 94 engage with sprocket holes in the carrier tape T. The sprocket 94 is intermittently driven by a drive motor (not shown) to feed and move the carrier tape T at a constant pitch. The tape peeling section peels the cover tape CT that constitutes the carrier tape T from the base tape BT, thereby enabling the component in the cavity to be removed by the component removal section 93.

[0019] The tape feeder 90 has a cover tape storage section 99. The cover tape storage section 99 is a recovery reel that recovers the cover tape CT peeled off from the base tape BT. The cover tape storage section 99 is disposed diagonally below and in front of the reel R. The cover tape storage section 99 is detachably and rotatably held by the side plate 92. The cover tape storage section 99 can rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the reel R as the sprocket 94 is driven.

[0020] Furthermore, when the tape feeder 90 is installed in a component mounting machine, the base tape BT may be periodically cut at a predetermined location away from the component removal section 93 after the components have been removed from the cavity section by the component removal section 93.

[0021] An identification code that identifies each individual tape feeder 90 is assigned to the tape feeder 90. The tape feeder 90 also has a feeder control unit (not shown). The feeder control unit stores the identification code of the tape feeder 90 and the identification code of the reel R, and controls the component supply operation of the tape feeder 90. The tape feeder 90 is held in a feeder holding unit 20 (described below) in the reel loading device 1. When the tape feeder 90 is held in the feeder holding unit 20, the feeder control unit is automatically fitted via a connector (not shown) and is connected for communication with the main control unit of the reel loading device 1.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reel loading device 1 includes a reel attaching / detaching section 11, a reel supplying section 13, and a feeder supplying section 15.

[0023] The reel attachment / detachment section 11 is a section where the reel R is attached to and detached from the tape feeder 90. The reel attachment / detachment section 11 is provided inside the device housing 12. The device housing 12 is a rectangular parallelepiped case that is formed so that the front and left sides are partially open. The reel attachment / detachment section 11 has a feeder holding section 20, a reel attachment mechanism 30, a tape loading mechanism 40, and a reel removal mechanism 50.

[0024] The feeder holding section 20 is a section that holds the tape feeder 90. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeder holding section 20 is located in a position toward the left front inside the device housing 12. The feeder holding section 20 holds one tape feeder 90 in a vertically placed position at the operation execution position P. As shown in FIG. 3, the feeder holding section 20 has a bottom plate 21 and a support plate 23.

[0025] The bottom plate 21 is a plate member extending in the front-rear direction. The bottom plate 21 has a slit 22 formed in a groove shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The tape feeder 90 is inserted from the front side of the slit 22 toward the rear, and is held at an operation execution position P on the bottom plate 21. The support plate 23 is a plate member that supports the lateral pressing load that is generated on the tape feeder 90 when the reel R is attached to the tape feeder 90. The support plate 23 is provided to stand up from the bottom plate 21. The support plate 23 comes into contact with the left side surface of the tape feeder 90 that is held at the operation execution position P.

[0026] The reel attachment mechanism 30 is a mechanism that changes the orientation of the reel R from a horizontally laid position to a vertically placed position and attaches the reel R to the tape feeder 90 held at the operation execution position P. The reel attachment mechanism 30 is disposed on the right side of the feeder holding unit 20 inside the device housing 12. The reel attachment mechanism 30 has a pair of guide rails 31, a movable table 32, an attachment member 33, a placement area 34, and a temporary placement area 35. Note that the reel attachment mechanism 30 may be configured such that the mechanism that changes the orientation of the reel R from a horizontally laid position to a vertically placed position and the mechanism that grips the vertically placed reel R and attaches it to the tape feeder 90 are separate.

[0027] The pair of guide rails 31 extend in the left-right direction between the front edge of the device housing 12 and approximately the center in the front-rear direction, and are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The movable table 32 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction and is mounted across the upper side of the pair of guide rails 31. The movable table 32 can move back and forth along the guide rails 31 between the feeder holding unit 20 and a standby position located to the right of the feeder holding unit 20.

[0028] The attachment member 33 is a member that detachably picks up and moves the reel R. The attachment member 33 is formed in a roughly square bar shape and is provided so as to extend upward from the right side surface of the movable table 32. The attachment member 33 faces the reel holding shaft 91 of the tape feeder 90 held at the operation execution position P. In other words, the attachment member 33 is located to the right of the reel holding shaft 91.

[0029] The attachment member 33 swings around a swing shaft 331 provided near the movable table 32 between an upright position and a horizontal position tilted to the left (see arrow SW1 in FIG. 1). A collection unit 332 is provided at the end of the attachment member 33 away from the swing shaft 331. The collection unit 332 detachably collects the reel R. The collection unit 332 is configured, for example, by a gripping mechanism that grips 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.

[0030] The placement area 34 is an area where the reel R to be next attached to the tape feeder 90 is placed in a horizontal position. The placement area 34 is provided at a position closer to the right between the pair of guide rails 31. The temporary placement area 35 is an area where, when the reel attachment mechanism 30 changes the use order of the reels R, the reel R is temporarily placed in a horizontal position so that the use order can be changed later. The temporary placement area 35 is provided on the left side of the placement area 34 between the pair of guide rails 31. Note that the reel R placed in the temporary placement area 35 may not end up being used. The temporary placement area 35 may be formed wide enough to temporarily place multiple reels R. The movable platform 32 and the attachment member 33 move above the placement area 34 and the temporary placement area 35, respectively.

[0031] The tape loading mechanism 40 is a mechanism that performs a loading process by feeding the carrier tape T within the tape feeder 90, making it movable, and loading the reel R into the tape feeder 90. The tape loading mechanism 40 is disposed adjacent to the feeder holding unit 20 (omitted from FIG. 1). Note that the tape loading mechanism 40 may have a function that, for a tape feeder 90 to which a new reel R has been attached, cuts off the guide tape attached to the leading end of the carrier tape T and loads the cut end into the sprocket 94.

[0032] The tape loading mechanism 40 may have a plurality of loading units corresponding to the types of tape feeders 90. In this case, each loading unit may be moved by a moving device between a loading position adjacent to the feeder holding unit 20 and a retracted position where it is retracted from the feeder holding unit 20, and one loading unit corresponding to the type of tape feeder 90 held by the feeder holding unit 20 may be selected and moved to the loading position.

[0033] The tape loading mechanism 40 is configured by, for example, an articulated robot, and specifically includes an articulated arm 43, a camera 44, and a plurality of fingers 45.

[0034] The articulated arm 43 is configured to be freely movable, such as rotating and bending, and the positions and orientations of the camera 44 and fingers 45 can be freely adjusted. The camera 44 captures an image of the tape feeder 90 at the work position P to detect the position and state of the reel R and carrier tape T. The camera 44 is attached to the tip of the articulated arm 43. Each finger 45 can perform operations such as moving and twisting in addition to gripping and releasing the work object. The multiple fingers 45 are provided alongside the camera 44 at the tip of the articulated arm 43.

[0035] Prior to the loading operation, the fingers 45 peel off the seal securing the leading end of the carrier tape T. Next, the fingers 45 load the leading end of the carrier tape T until it engages with the sprocket 94, making the carrier tape T ready to be fed and moved. The fingers 45 may rotate the reel R around the reel holding shaft 91 to facilitate the peeling and loading operations. The fingers 45 may also handle the leading end of the cover tape CT peeled from the base tape BT until it is collected in the cover tape storage section 99, making the cover tape CT ready to be collected. The tape loading mechanism 40 is maintained in a retracted position with the articulated arm 43 bent during non-operational times so as not to hinder the attachment and detachment operations of the reel R.

[0036] The reel removal mechanism 50 is a mechanism that removes the reel R from the tape feeder 90 held at the operation position P. The reel removal mechanism 50 is disposed on the right side of the feeder holding section 20, and is located above the reel attachment mechanism 30. The reel removal mechanism 50 has a guide rail 51, a movable table 52, a removal member 53, a collection box 54, and a cut and clamp device 100.

[0037] Guide rails 51 are provided near the ceiling of device housing 12 and extend in the front-to-rear direction. Movable platform 52 is formed to extend in the left-to-right direction. Movable platform 52 is mounted below guide rails 51. Movable platform 52 can move back and forth along guide rails 51 between feeder holding unit 20 and a standby position located rearward of feeder holding unit 20.

[0038] The detaching member 53 is a member that detachably picks up and moves the reel R. The detaching member 53 is formed in the shape of a thick plate that is longer than the movable base 52, and is provided below the movable base 52, extending in the left-right direction as well as the front-to-rear direction. The shape of the detaching member 53 may be a cross shape as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or may be a plate shape. The detaching member 53 can move in the front-to-rear direction along the guide rail 51 together with the movable base 52. The detaching member 53 oscillates between a horizontal position and a vertical position in which it hangs downward, around a swing shaft 531 provided near the left end of the movable base 52 (see arrow SW2 in Figure 1).

[0039] A collection part 532 is provided at the end of the detachable member 53 away from the swing shaft 531. The collection part 532 is a part that detachably collects the reel R. The collection part 532 may employ the same collection method as the collection part 332 of the reel attachment mechanism 30, or may employ a different method.

[0040] The collection box 54 is a box body that collects the detached reel R. The collection box 54 is disposed below the detachable member 53 when the movable table 52 moves to the standby position. The collection box 54 is formed in a box shape that opens upward. The collection box 54 can automatically collect the reel R that falls when the collection portion 532 of the detachable member 53 is released.

[0041] The cut and clamp device 100 is a device that clamps and cuts the cover tape CT. The cut and clamp device 100 clamps and cuts the cover tape CT that has been peeled off from the base tape BT. The cut and clamp device 100 is used to move the cover tape CT together with the reel R when removing the reel R from the tape feeder 90 held in the feeder holding unit 20 (work execution position P). The cut and clamp device 100 is particularly used when removing a partially used reel R, in which part of the carrier tape T has been used and the remainder remains on the reel R, from the tape feeder 90 of the feeder holding unit 20.

[0042] During operation, the cut and clamp device 100 is disposed behind (i.e., downstream in the tape feed direction of the carrier tape T) a component removal section 93 (more specifically, a peeling section where the cover tape CT is peeled from the base tape BT) of the tape feeder 90 held by the feeder holding section 20, or on a recovery path for the cover tape CT from the component removal section 93 (more specifically, the above-mentioned peeling section) to the cover tape storage section 99. This position is, for example, a space formed at the rear upper part or front upper part of the tape feeder 90 relative to the reel R, which is a gap when the tape feeder 90 is viewed from the side, as shown in FIG.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cut and clamp device 100 includes a cutting unit 110, a clamp unit 120, a base 130, a floating mechanism 140, and a driving device 150.

[0044] The cutting portion 110 is a portion that cuts the cover tape CT. The cutting portion 110 is formed to extend in the left-right direction so that it can accommodate the cover tape CT of multiple types of carrier tape T. The extension length of the cutting portion 110 corresponds to the cover tape CT having the maximum tape width dimension. The cutting portion 110 can cut the cover tape CT having a tape width dimension of, for example, 5 mm to 56 mm.

[0045] The cutting portion 110 has a blade portion 111 and a holding portion 112. The blade portion 111 is a cutter that cuts the cover tape CT. The blade portion 111 is configured, for example, in a saw shape with multiple teeth lined up in the left-right direction at the bottom end. The holding portion 112 is a portion that holds the blade portion 111. The holding portion 112 is formed in a rod shape and extends linearly in the left-right direction. The blade portion 111 is attached to the holding portion 112 so as to extend downward from the holding portion 112.

[0046] The clamping portion 120 is a portion that clamps the cover tape CT in the tape thickness direction (specifically, in the up-down direction when the removal member 53 is in the vertical position). The portion of the cover tape CT that is clamped by the clamping portion 120 is closer to the reel R than the portion cut by the cutting portion 110. In other words, the clamping portion 120 clamps the cover tape CT that remains on the reel R that is removed from the tape feeder 90 held by the feeder holding portion 20. The clamping portion 120 is formed to extend in the left-right direction so as to accommodate the cover tape CT of multiple types of carrier tape T. The clamping portion 120 is arranged to extend parallel to the cutting portion 110. The clamping portion 120 has a first clamping portion 121 and a second clamping portion 122.

[0047] The first clamp portion 121 is a fixed clamp. The second clamp portion 122 is a movable clamp that moves in the tape thickness direction of the cover tape CT to be clamped relative to the first clamp portion 121. The first clamp portion 121 is disposed below the second clamp portion 122. The first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122 are each formed in a square rod shape and extend linearly in the left-right direction.

[0048] The first clamping portion 121 has a clamping surface 121a that extends in a plane perpendicular to the tape thickness direction. The clamping surface 121a is formed on the upper surface of the first clamping portion 121. The clamping surface 121a extends in the left-right direction while having a front-to-rear width that allows it to clamp the cover tape CT in the front-to-rear direction. The second clamping portion 122 has a clamping surface 122a that extends in a plane perpendicular to the tape thickness direction. The clamping surface 122a is formed on the lower surface of the second clamping portion 122. The clamping surface 122a extends in the left-to-right direction while having a front-to-rear width that allows it to clamp the cover tape CT in the front-to-rear direction.

[0049] The first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 sandwich the cover tape CT therebetween as the sandwiching surface 121a and the sandwiching surface 122a face each other and the distance therebetween becomes small. The cover tape CT is sandwiched between the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 as the second clamping portion 122 moves down while inserted between the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122.

[0050] The cut and clamp device 100 is configured to use one drive source to achieve cutting by the cutting unit 110 and clamping by the clamping unit 120. The cutting unit 110 and the clamping unit 120 are configured so that the cover tape CT is first clamped by the clamping unit 120, and then cut by the cutting unit 110 in this clamped state.

[0051] The cutting unit 110 and the clamping unit 120 are disposed on a base 130. The first clamping unit 121 is attached and fixed to the base 130. The cutting unit 110 and the second clamping unit 122 are movably held on the base 130. The base 130 is the above-mentioned removal member 53 or is attached and fixed to the removal member 53. The base 130 moves integrally with the removal member 53 and swings between a horizontal position and a vertical position around a swing axis 531. The cutting of the cover tape CT by the cutting unit 110 and the clamping of the cover tape CT by the clamping unit 120 are realized when the base 130 is in a vertical position. The cutting unit 110 and the second clamping unit 122 move up and down relative to the base 130 when the base 130 is in a vertical position.

[0052] The cutting unit 110, the first clamp unit 121, and the second clamp unit 122 extend leftward from the left surface of the base 130 when the base 130 is in a vertical position. The base 130 is provided with a movable mechanism 131. The movable mechanism 131 is a mechanism that moves the cutting unit 110 and the second clamp unit 122 relative to the base 130 by a driving force generated by a driving device 150. The movable mechanism 131 has a vertical moving base 131a and vertical guide rails 131b.

[0053] The vertically movable table 131a is a movable table that moves the cutting unit 110 and the second clamp unit 122 up and down relative to the base 130. The vertically movable table 131a is disposed on the left side of the base 130 when the base 130 is in a vertical position. The vertically movable table 131a is held so as to be slidable in the vertical direction along the vertical guide rails 131b, and can move along the left side of the base 130.

[0054] The vertical guide rails 131b are guide rails that move the vertical moving platform 131a in the vertical direction. The vertical guide rails 131b are attached and fixed to the left surface of the base 130. The vertical guide rails 131b extend in the vertical direction on the left surface of the base 130, and two vertical guide rails 131b are provided spaced apart left and right, front and rear. The vertical moving platform 131a can move in the vertical direction along the pair of front and rear vertical guide rails 131b. The vertical moving platform 131a moves in the vertical direction by the driving force generated by the drive unit 150. By moving in the vertical direction, the vertical moving platform 131a can raise and lower the cutting unit 110 and the second clamping unit 122 to the right of the operation execution position P.

[0055] The floating mechanism 140 is a mechanism that supports the cutting unit 110 so that the cutting unit 110 is movable relative to the second clamp unit 122. The floating mechanism 140 is provided on the vertically movable base 131a, and moves relative to the base 130 as the vertically movable base 131a moves.

[0056] The floating mechanism 140 has an elastic member 141 that elastically deforms. The elastic member 141 is a spring element that generates a biasing force (elastic force) in the vertical direction, and is capable of moving the cutting portion 110 and the second clamp portion 122 relative to each other. The elastic member 141 can generate an elastic force that can sandwich the cover tape CT between the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122 and hold the cover tape CT so that it does not slip out from between them.

[0057] The cutting unit 110 is attached and fixed to the vertically movable base 131a. The cutting unit 110 always moves integrally with the vertically movable base 131a when the vertically movable base 131a moves. The second clamping unit 122 is supported by the vertically movable base 131a via a floating mechanism 140. The second clamping unit 122 can move integrally with the vertically movable base 131a when the vertically movable base 131a moves, and can also move relative to the vertically movable base 131a and therefore the cutting unit 110 by the floating mechanism 140.

[0058] The cutting unit 110 is arranged such that the blade 111 is located on the opposite side (i.e., the front side) of the clamping unit 120 from the reel R side of the cover tape CT that is to be clamped by the clamping unit 120. The blade 111 of the cutting unit 110 is adjacent to the front side of the second clamping unit 122. Furthermore, the blade 111 is adjacent to the front side of the first clamping unit 121 in a state in which the cover tape CT is clamped between the first clamping unit 121 and the second clamping unit 122.

[0059] 5, when the floating mechanism 140 is in a neutral state, the cutting section 110 is supported at a position (hereinafter referred to as a non-protruding position) where the tip (lower end) of the blade section 111 does not protrude further toward the cutting side than the cutting-side end (i.e., the lower end) of the second clamp section 122. That is, when the floating mechanism 140 is in a neutral state, the height position H of the tip of the blade section 111 is the same as or higher than the height position L of the cutting-side end of the second clamp section 122.

[0060] In the floating mechanism 140, the cutting unit 110 and the second clamping unit 122 remain in a neutral state without any relative movement until the cover tape CT is sandwiched between the first clamping unit 121 and the second clamping unit 122. After the cover tape CT is sandwiched between the first clamping unit 121 and the second clamping unit 122, the cutting unit 110 and the second clamping unit 122 change relative to each other and undergo elastic deformation when the vertically movable base 131a moves further downward relative to the base 130. This elastic deformation occurs when the cutting unit 110 moves downward relative to the second clamping unit 122 while the second clamping unit 122 stops moving relative to the first clamping unit 121, causing the elastic member 141 to contract. Contraction of the elastic member 141 allows the tip of the blade 111 of the cutting unit 110 to be positioned below the cutting end of the second clamping unit 122.

[0061] The drive unit 150 generates a drive force for moving the cutting unit 110, the clamping unit 120, and the floating mechanism 140 in the vertical direction. The drive unit 150 has a drive source such as an electric motor or an air cylinder. The drive unit 150 is connected to the vertically movable table 131a. The drive force generated by the drive source of the drive unit 150 includes a downward drive force that moves the vertically movable table 131a toward the clamping side or the cutting side (downward) relative to the base 130, and an upward drive force that moves the vertically movable table 131a toward the anti-clamping side or the anti-cutting side (upward) relative to the base 130. The drive unit 150 may have a transmission mechanism interposed between the drive source and the vertically movable table 131a. This transmission mechanism is a reducer or the like required to transmit the drive force of the drive source to the vertically movable table 131a.

[0062] When the cover tape CT is not sandwiched between the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122, the downward driving force generated by the driving device 150 becomes a force that moves the second clamp portion 122, together with the floating mechanism 140 and the cutting portion 110, toward the clamping side relative to the first clamp portion 121. When the cover tape CT is sandwiched between the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122, this downward driving force becomes a force that moves the cutting portion 110 toward the cutting side relative to the second clamp portion 122, accompanied by elastic deformation of the floating mechanism 140.

[0063] When the driving device 150 generates a driving force against the elastic force of the elastic member 141, in a state where the cover tape CT is not sandwiched between the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122, the cutting portion 110 is supported in a non-protruding position by the floating mechanism 140, and the second clamping portion 122 is moved downward together with the floating mechanism 140 and the cutting portion 110. In addition, in a state where the cover tape CT is sandwiched between the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122, the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 approach each other, and the cutting portion 110 is moved to a position (hereinafter referred to as the protruding position) where the tip of the blade portion 111 protrudes further toward the cutting side than the cutting side end (i.e., the lower end) of the second clamping portion 122.

[0064] Furthermore, the protruding position may be at the height position of the tip of the blade portion 111 required to cut the cover tape CT clamped between the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122, and may further be at a position where the elastic member 141 generates the elastic force required to clamp the cover tape CT between the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122 even after the cover tape CT has been cut.

[0065] The reel supply unit 13 is a section that supplies the reel R. The reel supply unit 13 is arranged connected to the front side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 11. The reel supply unit 13 is provided on a box-shaped base 14. The base 14 corresponds to a device housing that is smaller than the device housing 12. The reel supply unit 13 has a reel holder 60 and a reel transfer mechanism 70.

[0066] The base 14 has a pair of guide plates 14a. The pair of guide plates 14a extend in the front-to-rear direction on the left and right sides of the top surface of the base 14. The reel holder 60 is detachably placed between the pair of guide plates 14a of the base 14. The pair of guide plates 14a are tapered on their front facing inner sides, so that the distance between them on the front side is greater than the distance between them on the rear side. This structure makes it easy for the reel holder 60 to enter the base 14 from the front of the base 14.

[0067] The reel holder 60 is a component that holds a plurality of reels R (e.g., 20 reels R) stacked sideways. The reels R are not limited to new reels R, and may be reels whose carrier tape T has been partially used. The reel holder 60 includes a disk-shaped holding plate 61 and a round-bar-shaped holding shaft 62. The holding plate 61 is horizontally disposed. The holding shaft 62 is provided facing upward from the center of the holding plate 61. The holding shaft 62 is fitted into the center hole of the reel R. The reel holder 60 can hold reels R with their center holes aligned even when reels R with different diameters or widths are mixed. An identification code 63 is attached near the outer periphery on the top surface of the holding plate 61. The identification code 63 includes information that identifies each individual reel holder 60. The identification code 63 is provided by printing or attaching a sticker.

[0068] Based on the work instruction data, the worker procures multiple reels R and performs stacking work to stack them on the reel holder 60. The work instruction data instructs the content of the loading process work to be performed by the reel loading device 1. The work instruction data is data that associates type information of multiple reels R that are required in sequence as the production progresses of the component mounting machine with type information of multiple tape feeders 90 that can be applied to those reels R.

[0069] The reel transfer mechanism 70 is a mechanism that transfers the reel R between the reel holder 60 and the placement area 34 or temporary placement area 35 of the reel mounting mechanism 30. The reel transfer mechanism 70 is disposed on a plate seat 14b that extends leftward from the bottom of the base 14. The reel transfer mechanism 70 has a support 71, an arm 72, and a collection unit 73. The support 71 stands vertically upward from a position near the rear of the plate seat 14b. The arm 72 is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the support 71. The arm 72 is rotatable in a horizontal plane around a rotation axis 74 provided near the support 71.

[0070] The collection unit 73 detachably collects the reel R. The collection unit 73 is extendable relative to the arm 72. The collection unit 73 is attached and detached while holding the reel R horizontally. The collection unit 73 may employ the same collection method as the collection unit 332 of the reel attachment mechanism 30 and the collection unit 532 of the reel removal mechanism 50, or it may employ a different method. In addition, a code reader (not shown) is attached to the collection unit 73. The code reader can read the identification code 63 of the reel holder 60 and the identification code of the topmost reel R in the stack.

[0071] The reel transfer mechanism 70 removes the reel R from the reel holder 60 by operating the arm 72 and the collection unit 73. The reel transfer mechanism 70 also places the removed reel R in a horizontal position in the placement area 34 or the temporary placement area 35 by operating the arm 72 and the collection unit 73. The reel transfer mechanism 70 sequentially removes the multiple reels R stacked on the reel holder 60 from the top.

[0072] Feeder supply unit 15 is a portion that supplies tape feeder 90. Feeder supply unit 15 is disposed coupled to the left side of reel attachment / detachment unit 11. Feeder supply unit 15 is provided inside device housing 16. Device housing 16 is smaller than device housing 12. Device housing 16 has a storage space 161 that is open to the front.

[0073] Feeder supply section 15 has a feeder housing section 80 and a feeder transport section 81. Feeder housing section 80 is a box-shaped section that houses tape feeders 90. Feeder housing section 80 is detachably housed in storage space 161. Storage space 161 can house two feeder housing sections 80 side by side. A plurality of roller conveyors 162 extending in the left-right direction are provided on the bottom surface of storage space 161, lined up in the front-to-rear direction.

[0074] Feeder accommodating section 80 is formed in the shape of a box that is open at the front. A plurality of slits having the same shape as slits 22 of feeder holding section 20 are formed in the bottom surface of feeder accommodating section 80. Feeder accommodating section 80 can accommodate a plurality of (e.g., 20) tape feeders 90 arranged in the left-right direction in a vertical orientation.

[0075] When multiple tape feeders 90 are housed in feeder housing sections 80 and the feeder housing sections 80 are housed in housing space 161, the feeder control sections of each tape feeder 90 are automatically fitted via connectors (not shown) to be communicatively connected to the main control section. Each feeder housing section 80 is assigned an identification code that identifies the individual feeder housing section 80. Based on the work instruction data described above, a worker procures multiple tape feeders 90 to be used and performs the housing work of housing them in feeder housing sections 80. The number of feeder housing sections 80 housed in housing space 161 may be one or three or more.

[0076] A guide rail 163 is provided at the front lower portion of the storage space 161 of the device housing 16. The guide rail 163 extends across almost the entire storage space 161 in the left-right direction, and also extends to the front side of the feeder holding unit 20. The feeder conveying unit 81 is mounted on the guide rail 163. The feeder conveying unit 81 moves back and forth along the guide rail 163 between the feeder accommodating unit 80 and the feeder holding unit 20.

[0077] The feeder transport section 81 is formed in a box shape. The feeder transport section 81 has an opening on the rear side. The feeder transport section 81 has an internal space that temporarily houses the tape feeder 90, and a feeder operation mechanism that moves the tape feeder 90 in and out of the internal space via the opening. The feeder transport section 81 can pull out the tape feeder 90 from the feeder accommodating section 80 or the feeder holding section 20, and conversely, can insert the tape feeder 90 into the feeder accommodating section 80 or the feeder holding section 20. Note that, to prevent workers from inadvertently approaching, it is preferable to provide an openable safety fence (not shown) in front of the reel supply section 13 and the feeder supply section 15.

[0078] 2. Configuration related to control and drive of reel loading device 1 Next, we will explain the configuration related to the control and drive of the reel loading device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the reel loading device 1 is equipped with a control unit 200. The control unit 200 is configured using a computer device having a communication function and a man-machine interface function.

[0079] The control unit 200 is communicatively connected to a feeder control unit for controlling the tape feeders 90 held in the feeder holding unit 20 and the tape feeders 90 housed in the feeder housing unit 80. The control unit 200 is also communicatively connected to a host control unit 210. The host control unit 210 stores feeder correspondence data that associates the identification code of the feeder housing unit 80 with the identification code of each housed tape feeder 90. The feeder correspondence data is created during the housing operation described above. The host control unit 210 also stores reel correspondence data that associates the identification code of the reel holder 60 with the identification code of each held reel R. The reel correspondence data is created during the stacking operation described above. The host control unit 210 stores feeder information that associates the identification code of the tape feeder 90 with type information of the tape feeder 90. The host control unit 210 stores reel information that associates the identification code of the reel R with type information of the reel R.

[0080] Before starting the loading process, the control unit 200 acquires work instruction data from the host control unit 210. In addition to the work instruction data, the control unit 200 also acquires feeder-related data and reel-related data from the host control unit 210. The control unit 200 may have a code reader (such as a two-dimensional code reader) that reads the identification code of the feeder housing unit 80, and may inquire of the host control unit 210 about the read identification code to acquire the feeder-related data.

[0081] The reel attachment mechanism 30, tape loading mechanism 40, reel removal mechanism 50, and reel transfer mechanism 70 are provided separately, have different drive sources, and can operate independently of one another. The control unit 200 controls the reel attachment mechanism 30, tape loading mechanism 40, reel removal mechanism 50, and reel transfer mechanism 70 to operate separately and in parallel so as to avoid interference between the mechanisms, thereby enabling efficient loading processing.

[0082] The control unit 200 controls the start and stop of the first motor that drives the movement of the moving table 32 of the reel attachment mechanism 30, and the change of the movement direction by switching the first motor between forward and reverse rotation. The control unit 200 also controls the swinging operation of the attachment material 33 and the collection operation of the collection unit 332.

[0083] The control unit 200 controls the operation of the articulated arm 43 and the finger 45 based on the detection results of the camera 44 of the tape loading mechanism 40. The control unit 200 controls the start and stop of the second motor that drives the movement of the moving table 52 of the reel removal mechanism 50, and controls the change of the movement direction by switching the second motor between forward and reverse rotation. The control unit 200 controls the swinging operation of the removal member 53 and the collection operation of the collection unit 532. The control unit 200 controls the operation of the drive device 150. Furthermore, the control unit 200 controls the lifting and rotating operation of the arm 72 of the reel transfer mechanism 70, and also controls the extension and contraction operation and collection operation of the collection unit 73.

[0084] The control unit 200 also queries the host control unit 210 for the identification code 63 of the reel holder 60 read by the code reader to obtain reel-related data and identify all of the individual reels R on the reel holder 60. Alternatively, the code reader may sequentially obtain the identification code attached to each of the reels R. The control unit 200 controls the start and stop of the third motor that drives the movement of the feeder conveying unit 81, and the change in the direction of movement by switching the third motor between forward and reverse rotation.

[0085] The control unit 200 acquires work instruction data, feeder information, and reel information from the higher-level control unit 210, acquires the identification code of the tape feeder 90 held in the feeder holding unit 20, and acquires the identification code of the reel holder 60 or the identification code of the reel R. Furthermore, the control unit 200 selects a tape feeder 90 that is applicable to the topmost reel R of the reel holder 60 based on the work instruction data, feeder information, reel information, and identification code. That is, the control unit 200 selects a type of tape feeder 90 that corresponds to the type of reel R based on the identification information of the recognized reel R and the identification information of the tape feeder 90.

[0086] 3. Operation of reel loading device 1 Next, the operation of the reel loading device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 5, 6, and 7. The reel loading device 1 is capable of operating a plurality of mechanisms in parallel.

[0087] The worker stores the first feeder housing section 80, which houses multiple tape feeders 90 that are the target of the loading process, in the housing space 161. Furthermore, the worker stores the empty second feeder housing section 80 in the housing space 161. This results in an operation in which the tape feeders 90 with reels loaded are collected in the second feeder housing section 80, and the first feeder housing section 80 is finally emptied.

[0088] Instead of the above operation, only one feeder housing unit 80 may be used, and the tape feeder 90 for which the loading process has been completed may be returned to its original housing position. Alternatively, two feeder housing units 80 may be tightly packed with tape feeders 90, allowing the maximum number of loading processes to be performed. In this operation, when the loading process into the first feeder housing unit 80 has been completed and the loading process into the second feeder housing unit 80 is being performed, the first feeder housing unit 80 on which the work has been performed can be replaced with the third feeder housing unit 80 on which the work has not yet been performed. By repeating this replacement, the loading process can be performed without interruption.

[0089] The worker then places the reel holder 60, which holds the multiple reels R to be used in the loading process, on the pedestal 14 of the reel supply unit 13. At this time, it is preferable that the multiple tape feeders 90 housed in the feeder housing unit 80 correspond one-to-one to the multiple reels R held in the reel holder 60, so that there is neither a surplus nor a deficiency. When the worker performs the above-described housing work and stacking work based on the work instruction data, the one-to-one correspondence is satisfied, and no surplus or deficiency occurs. The one-to-one correspondence is satisfied even when multiple types of tape feeders 90 and multiple types of reels R are used together.

[0090] The control unit 200 controls the feeder transport unit 81 to transport the tape feeder 90 corresponding to the topmost reel R of the reel holder 60. The feeder transport unit 81 pulls out the tape feeder 90 from the feeder accommodating unit 80, stores it inside, moves to the feeder holding unit 20 (see arrow M1 in FIG. 6), and inserts the stored tape feeder 90 into the feeder holding unit 20. As a result, the tape feeder 90 is held at the operation execution position P. At this time, the control unit 200 reads the identification code of the tape feeder 90.

[0091] Furthermore, if the tape feeder 90 applicable to the top reel R of the reel holder 60 is not accommodated in the feeder accommodating section 80, the top reel R is placed in the temporary placement area 35 by the reel transfer mechanism 70, and the tape feeder 90 corresponding to the second reel R is inserted into the feeder holding section 20.

[0092] The control unit 200 first checks the state of the reel R of the tape feeder 90 based on the read identification code of the tape feeder 90 or the identification code of the reel R. When the tape feeder 90 has been used in a component mounting machine beforehand, the reel R may be in a partially used state where only a portion of the carrier tape T has been used, or may be in a used state where the entire carrier tape T has been used, or the reel R may not have been attached to the tape feeder 90 to begin with. The control unit 200 changes and executes the operation of each mechanism of the reel loading device 1 according to the reel state of the tape feeder 90.

[0093] When a reel R is attached to the tape feeder 90, the reel removal mechanism 50 removes the reel R from the tape feeder 90. Specifically, first, the movable table 52 moves from the standby position to the feeder holding part 20 (see arrow M2 in FIG. 6). Next, when the removal member 53 swings from a horizontal position to a vertical position and reaches the operating position, the collection part 532 comes into contact with the reel R in the tape feeder 90 and collects the reel R.

[0094] Furthermore, when the removable member 53 swings from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the swinging of the base 130 causes the cut and clamp device 100 to move from the standby position to the operating position relative to the tape feeder 90 held by the feeder holding unit 20. When the cut and clamp device 100 moves to the operating position in this manner, the cover tape CT of the tape feeder 90 is inserted between the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122 of the clamp unit 120.

[0095] When the cut and clamp device 100 reaches the operating position, the control unit 200 then causes the drive unit 150 to generate a downward drive force. When the drive unit 150 generates the downward drive force, the vertically movable platform 131a moves downward relative to the base 130. In this case, the second clamp unit 122 moves integrally with the floating mechanism 140 and the cutting unit 110 toward the clamping side relative to the first clamp unit 121 until the first clamp unit 121 and the second clamp unit 122 clamp the cover tape CT (FIG. 5(A)). Then, the first clamp unit 121 and the second clamp unit 122 eventually clamp the cover tape CT (FIG. 5(B)).

[0096] After the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 clamp the cover tape CT, as the driving device 150 continues to generate a downward driving force, the floating mechanism 140 elastically deforms and the cutting portion 110 moves toward the cutting side relative to the second clamping portion 122 (FIG. 5(C)). Then, when the cutting portion 110 moves to the protruding position, the cover tape CT inside the tape feeder 90 is cut.

[0097] The force with which the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 clamp the cover tape CT is the elastic force of the elastic member 141 of the floating mechanism 140. During the movement process in which the cutting portion 110 moves toward the cutting side relative to the second clamping portion 122, the elastic force of the elastic member 141 gradually increases, and the force with which the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 clamp the cover tape CT increases. The elastic force generated in the elastic member 141 at the time the cover tape CT is cut is large enough to maintain the cover tape CT in a clamped state.

[0098] As described above, after the removal member 53 has collected the reel R and the cut-and-clamp device 100 has clamped and cut the cover tape CT, the removal member 53 then returns from the vertical position to the horizontal position while the clamp unit 120 still holds the cover tape CT. When the removal member 53 reaches the horizontal position, the collection unit 532 removes the reel R from the reel holding shaft 91 while the clamp unit 120 still holds the cover tape CT, and the removal member 53 is held in the horizontal position.

[0099] At this time, the control unit 200 deletes the identification code of the reel R from the storage unit of the feeder control unit of the tape feeder 90. Furthermore, the control unit 200 transmits the identification code of the tape feeder 90 from which the reel R has actually been removed to the host control unit 210. At this time, the control unit 200 may be configured to transmit the identification code of the removed reel R together with the identification code of the tape feeder 90 to the host control unit 210.

[0100] Next, the reel removal mechanism 50 collects the reel R. Specifically, first, the movable table 52 moves from the feeder holding unit 20 to the standby position while the clamp unit 120 clamps the cover tape CT (see arrow M4 in FIG. 7). Next, the upward driving force generated by the drive device 150 causes the first clamp unit 121 and the second clamp unit 122 to move away from each other, releasing the cover tape CT, and the collection unit 532 releases the reel R. As a result, the released reel R is automatically collected in the collection box 54 together with the cover tape CT remaining on the reel R side.

[0101] Furthermore, when the number of reels R collected in the collection box 54 reaches a predetermined amount, the worker replaces the collection box 54 containing the collected reels R with an empty collection box 54 and transports it to an off-site setup area or a warehouse, making it possible to reuse the reels R that have been used in particular.

[0102] When a reel R is removed from the tape feeder 90 or when no reel R was originally attached to the tape feeder 90, the reel transfer mechanism 70 uses the collection unit 73 to collect the top reel R from the reel holder 60 and place it in the placement area 34 (see arrow M3 in FIG. 6). Also, when the top reel R is placed in the temporary placement area 35, the reel transfer mechanism 70 places the second reel R in the placement area 34. Once the reel R is placed in this placement area 34, the reel transfer mechanism 70 returns the collection unit 73 to above the reel holder 60.

[0103] Next, the reel attachment mechanism 30 changes the position of the reel R in the placement area 34. Specifically, first, when the attachment member 33 falls from an upright position to a horizontal position, the collection unit 332 comes into contact with the reel R and collects the reel R. At this time, the reel R is in a horizontal position, so the placed position and position are stabilized. Therefore, the collection unit 332 can easily collect the reel R.

[0104] Next, when the attachment material 33 returns from the horizontal position to the upright position, the collection unit 332 changes the reel R from the sideways position to the vertical position and holds it. When using the reel R in the temporary storage area 35, the moving platform 32 moves a predetermined distance to the left before the attachment material 33 falls over. After the above-mentioned holding, the operation execution is suspended.

[0105] Then, when a state in which interference between the reel attachment mechanism 30 and the reel removal mechanism 50 is avoided is achieved, the reel attachment mechanism 30 attaches the reel R to the tape feeder 90. Specifically, with the collection unit 332 holding the reel R in a vertical position, the movable platform 32 moves to the tape feeder 90 at the operation execution position P. As a result, the reel R moves forward straight toward the reel holding shaft 91 (see arrow M5 in FIG. 7) and is automatically attached to the reel holding shaft 91. The movement of the movable platform 32 can be performed simultaneously in parallel with the movement of the movable platform 52 to the standby position.

[0106] When the attachment of the reel R is completed, the control unit 200 stores the identification code of the reel R in the feeder control unit of the tape feeder 90. Furthermore, the control unit 200 associates the identification code of the actually combined tape feeder 90 with the identification code of the reel R, and transmits them to the host control unit 210. Thereafter, the movable base 32 retreats from the tape feeder 90 and returns to the standby position.

[0107] When the movable table 32 returns to the standby position, the control unit 200 controls the tape loading mechanism 40 to execute a loading process into the tape feeder 90. In this control, the tape loading mechanism 40 peels off the fastening tape at the leading end of the carrier tape T and loads the carrier tape T until the leading end engages with the sprocket 94. After the leading end of the carrier tape T engages with the sprocket 94 as described above, the tape feeder 90 may perform a cueing of the carrier tape T so that components can be removed by the component removal unit 93.

[0108] When loading of the carrier tape T into the tape feeder 90 is completed as described above, the control unit 200 controls the feeder transport unit 81 to carry out the tape feeder 90 loaded with the carrier tape T from the feeder holding unit 20. The feeder transport unit 81 pulls out the tape feeder 90 from the feeder holding unit 20, stores it inside, moves to the feeder housing unit 80, and inserts the stored tape feeder 90 into the feeder housing unit 80. This completes the process of loading the reel R into one tape feeder 90.

[0109] The control unit 200 repeatedly executes the process of loading the reel R into each tape feeder 90. Then, when the process of loading the reel R into all of the tape feeders 90 is completed, the operation flow ends.

[0110] Thereafter, the worker carries the feeder housing unit 80 housing the loaded tape feeder 90 to the component mounting machine and performs setup change of the tape feeder 90.

[0111] When a reel R is temporarily placed in the temporary placement area 35, the worker can load the tape feeder 90 that is applicable to that reel R into the feeder accommodating section 80 and have that tape feeder 90 held in the feeder holding section 20. Furthermore, instead of loading the reel R left in the temporary placement area 35 into the tape feeder 90, the reel R may be returned to the reel holding body 60 by the reel transfer mechanism 70 and collected by the worker.

[0112] In this way, in the reel loading device 1 of this embodiment, the worker prepares a plurality of tape feeders 90 in the feeder housing section 80 and a plurality of reels R in the reel holder 60, and the process of loading the reels R into the plurality of tape feeders 90 is therefore automatically performed. Therefore, the reel loading device 1 can reduce the labor required to load the reels R into the tape feeders 90.

[0113] Furthermore, when the reel R is automatically removed by the reel removal mechanism 50 from the tape feeder 90 held in the feeder holding section 20, the cover tape CT after peeling from the carrier tape T loaded in the tape feeder 90 is clamped and cut by the cut-and-clamp device 100. Therefore, the reel R can be automatically removed from the tape feeder 90 in which it was loaded without leaving the cover tape CT interposed between the tape feeder 90 and the reel R. This prevents the presence of the cover tape CT from interfering with handling of the reel R after removal. Furthermore, since it is not necessary for an operator to clamp or cut the reel R, the operational efficiency of the reel loading process, including the removal of the reel R from the tape feeder 90, can be improved.

[0114] Furthermore, the clamping and cutting of the cover tape CT by the cut and clamp device 100 is achieved by driving a single mechanism, the drive device 150. Specifically, the downward driving force generated by the single drive device 150 causes the vertically movable platform 131a to move downward relative to the base 130, causing the cut and clamp device 100 to clamp the cover tape CT and cut it in that clamped state.

[0115] In this way, according to the cut and clamp device 100, the cover tape CT can be clamped and cut using the driving force generated by a single driving device 150. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide multiple driving devices to clamp and cut the cover tape CT, and it is not necessary to operate these multiple driving devices separately, so it is possible to reduce the space required to install the driving device 150 and improve the operational efficiency of clamping and cutting the cover tape CT.

[0116] Furthermore, until the cover tape CT is clamped by the cut and clamp device 100, the floating mechanism 140 is maintained in a neutral state, and the height position H of the tip of the blade portion 111 of the cutting unit 110 is the same as the height position L of the cutting side end of the second clamp unit 122 that faces the first clamp unit 121 or is higher than the height position L. This prevents the cutting unit 110 from cutting the cover tape CT before the cover tape CT is clamped between the first clamp unit 121 and the second clamp unit 122, so the cut and clamp device 100 can properly clamp the cover tape CT before cutting.

[0117] Furthermore, the cut and clamp device 100 moves integrally with the reel removing mechanism 50 (specifically, the removal member 53), and moves between an operating position and a standby position relative to the tape feeder 90 held in the feeder holding section 20. In other words, the mechanism that moves the cut and clamp device 100 between the operating position and the standby position and the mechanism that moves the removal member 53 of the reel removing mechanism 50 can be made common. Therefore, commonality of the mechanisms provided in the reel loading device 1 allows for simplification and miniaturization of the structure.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the guide rail 51, the moving table 52, and the removing member 53 of the reel removing mechanism 50 correspond to the "moving mechanism" described in the claims.

[0119] 4. Transformation In the above embodiment, the removal member 53 of the reel removal mechanism 50 moves in the front-to-rear direction together with the movable table 52 and swings between a horizontal and a vertical position around the swing shaft 531, thereby moving the cut and clamp device 100 between an operating position where the cover tape CT is clamped and cut and a standby position. In this case, the direction in which the clamp unit 120 of the cut and clamp device 100 extends from the base 130 changes between the left-to-right direction and the up-to-down direction during the movement between the operating position and the standby position. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the direction in which the clamp unit 120 extends from the base 130 may be maintained in the left-to-right direction during the movement between the operating position and the standby position. In other words, the cut and clamp device 100 may be movable in the up-to-down direction, left-to-right direction, and front-to-rear direction without swinging.

[0120] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cut and clamp device 100 moves between the operating position and the standby position integrally with the removal member 53 of the reel removal mechanism 50. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the cut and clamp device 100 may move between the operating position and the standby position by a mechanism separate from the removal member 53.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the cover tape CT is clamped by the cut and clamp device 100, the reel R is collected in the collection box 54 with the cut-side leading end of the cover tape CT free and not fastened to the reel R. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. After the cover tape CT is clamped at the operating position of the cut and clamp device 100, the cut-side leading end of the cover tape CT may be temporarily fastened in a reel R in a releasable manner during or after the cut and clamp device 100 moves from the operating position to the standby position. According to this modified embodiment, the reel R can be collected in the collection box 54 with the cut-side leading end of the cover tape CT temporarily fastened to the reel R, thereby preventing the cut-side leading end of the cover tape CT in the collected reel R from becoming free.

[0122] In this modified embodiment, the reel loading device 1 includes a temporary fixing device 180, as shown in Fig. 8. The temporary fixing device 180 temporarily fixes the leading end of the cut side of the cover tape CT to the reel R via a detachable temporary fixing member 181 such as a temporary fixing tape or a locking member. The temporary fixing device 180 is configured by, for example, a robot, and includes an articulated arm, fingers, a camera, a storage unit, etc.

[0123] The temporary fixing device 180, for example, takes out from a storage unit a temporary fixing member 181 having adhesiveness on one side of the tape, and adheres one longitudinal half of the temporary fixing member 181 to the cut-side leading end of the cover tape CT, and adheres the other longitudinal half of the temporary fixing member 181 to a temporary fixing location on the reel R (for example, the outermost surface of the carrier tape T wound around the reel R). Alternatively, the temporary fixing device 180 fits the temporary fixing member 181, which is a block body, between the pair of disk members of the reel R, and locks the cut-side leading end of the cover tape CT to the reel R side.

[0124] The temporary fixing device 180 may rotate the reel R to temporarily fix the cutting side tip of the cover tape CT to the reel R. The temporary fixing device 180 may be disposed on the detachable member 53, or may be disposed opposite the detachable member 53. The temporary fixing device 180 may be incorporated into the cut and clamp device 100.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the first clamp portion 121 on the lower side of the clamp portion 120 is a fixed clamp, and the second clamp portion 122 on the upper side is a movable clamp. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the fixed clamp may be on the upper side and the movable clamp may be on the lower side. Furthermore, it is not limited to the case where one of the first clamp portion 121 and the second clamp portion 122 is a fixed clamp and the other is a movable clamp, and both clamp portions may be movable clamps.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the work of storing the tape feeders 90 in the feeder storage section 80, the work of stacking the reels R on the reel holder 60, and the replacement of the reels R collected in the collection box 54 are performed by an operator. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned storing work, stacking work, replacement work, etc. may be performed by an automated guided vehicle or a robot without the need for an operator. The configuration of this modified embodiment can further enhance the labor-saving effect.

[0127] The reel loading device 1 may have a configuration in which the reel supply unit 13 and the feeder supply unit 15 are omitted from the configuration of the embodiment. In this configuration, the operator inserts the tape feeder 90 into the feeder holding unit 20 and places the reel R in a horizontal position on the placement area 34. As a result, the reel R is automatically attached to the tape feeder 90, the carrier tape T is automatically unwound from the reel R, and the carrier tape T is automatically loaded into the tape feeder 90.

[0128] The reel loading device 1 may further have a configuration in which the reel attachment mechanism 30 of the reel attaching / detaching unit 11 is omitted. In this configuration, the operator attaches the reel R to the tape feeder 90. As a result, the carrier tape T is automatically unwound from the reel R attached to the tape feeder 90, and the carrier tape T is automatically loaded into the tape feeder 90.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tape to be clamped and cut by the cut and clamp device is the cover tape CT of the carrier tape T. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the tape to be clamped and cut may be the entire carrier tape T, the base tape BT, or a temporary tape used when wrapping and loading the carrier tape T into the tape feeder 90.

[0130] In the above modified form, when the tape to be clamped and cut is the entire carrier tape T, the tape feeder into which the carrier tape T is loaded may be a half-peel type feeder that half-peels the cover tape CT from the base tape BT, and after the component is removed from the cavity portion, returns the cover tape CT to contact the base tape and winds it up together with the base tape.

[0131] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1: reel loading device, 11: reel attachment / detachment section, 13: reel supply section, 15: feeder supply section, 20: feeder holding section, 30: reel attachment mechanism, 40: tape loading mechanism, 50: reel removal mechanism, 60: reel holding body, 70: reel transfer mechanism, 80: feeder storage section, 81: feeder transport section, 90: tape feeder, 91: reel holding shaft, 93: component removal section, 94: sprocket, 99: cover tape storage section, 100: cut and clamp device, 110: cutting section, 111: blade section, 112: holding section, 120: clamp section, 121: first clamp section, 122: second clamp section, 130: base, 131: movable mechanism, 131a: up and down moving table, R: reel, T: carrier tape, BT: base tape, CT: cover tape.

Claims

1. A feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder that feeds and moves a carrier tape unwound from a reel; a movement mechanism that moves a cut and clamp device that clamps and cuts the carrier tape, or the cover tape or base tape of the carrier tape, between an operating position and a standby position relative to the tape feeder held by the feeder holding section; Equipped with The cut and clamp device is a cutting unit that cuts the tape; a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that clamp the reel side, which is the remaining portion side of the tape, relative to the cut portion of the tape, in a thickness direction; a floating mechanism that supports the cutting portion so as to be movable relative to the second clamping portion; a drive unit that generates a drive force that moves the second clamp unit together with the floating mechanism and the cutting unit toward the clamping side relative to the first clamp unit when the tape is not sandwiched between the first clamp unit and the second clamp unit, and that moves the cutting unit toward the cutting side relative to the second clamp unit with elastic deformation of the floating mechanism when the tape is sandwiched between the first clamp unit and the second clamp unit; A reel loading device having:

2. A feeder holding section that holds a tape feeder that feeds and moves the carrier tape unwound from a reel; a movement mechanism that moves a cut and clamp device that clamps and cuts the carrier tape, or the cover tape or base tape of the carrier tape, between an operating position and a standby position relative to the tape feeder held by the feeder holding section; Equipped with The cut and clamp device is a cutting unit that cuts the tape; a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that clamp the reel side, which is the remaining portion side of the tape, relative to the cut portion of the tape, in a thickness direction; a floating mechanism that supports the cutting portion so as to be movable relative to the second clamping portion; a drive unit that generates a drive force that moves the second clamp unit together with the floating mechanism and the cutting unit toward the clamping side relative to the first clamp unit when the tape is not sandwiched between the first clamp unit and the second clamp unit, and that moves the cutting unit toward the cutting side relative to the second clamp unit with elastic deformation of the floating mechanism when the tape is sandwiched between the first clamp unit and the second clamp unit; and the floating mechanism has an elastic member that supports the cutting portion at a non-protruding position that does not protrude beyond the cutting-side end of the second clamping portion toward the cutting side in a neutral state, The drive device generates a drive force that resists the elastic force of the elastic member while the tape is sandwiched between the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, thereby moving the cutting portion to a protruding position that protrudes further toward the cutting side than the cutting side end of the second clamp portion.

3. the cutting portion is a portion that cuts the cover tape of the carrier tape as the tape, the reel loading device includes a reel removal mechanism that removes the reel from the tape feeder held by the feeder holding section, 3. The reel loading device according to claim 1, wherein the movement mechanism moves the cut and clamp device integrally with the reel removing mechanism relative to the tape feeder held by the feeder holding section.

4. A reel loading device as described in claim 3, wherein the cutting of the cover tape by the cutting section and the clamping of the cover tape by the first clamp section and the second clamp section are performed downstream in the tape feed direction from the component removal section of the tape feeder held in the feeder holding section, or on the recovery path of the cover tape from the component removal section to the cover tape storage section.

5. 5. A reel loading device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a temporary fastening device that temporarily fastens the cutting side tip of the tape to the reel via a temporary fastening member during or after the cut and clamp device is moved from the operating position to the standby position by the moving mechanism.

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