Feeder

Abstract

To reduce equipment costs for feeder operation and save storage space, a feeder according to the present invention comprises: a feeder body having a drive unit that imparts, to a carrier tape, feed drive force for conveying; a reel retainer which can be attached to and detached from the feeder body and which retains a tape reel on which the carrier tape is wound; and a mounting part that attaches and detaches the reel retainer to and from the feeder body.

Description

feeder

[0001] The present specification relates to a feeder.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a feeder that feeds and conveys a carrier tape by rotating a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This feeder includes a feeder main body as a housing, a reel holder provided in the feeder main body for storing the tape reel, and a feed sprocket for feeding and conveying the carrier tape pulled out from the tape reel. The tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound is removably stored in the reel holder of the feeder main body. When the tape reel is stored in the reel holder, the carrier tape is pulled out from the tape reel and set in a state in which the teeth of the feed sprocket are engaged with the feed hole.

[0003] In the feeder, when the sprocket rotates due to the driving force generated by a driving source such as a motor, the carrier tape is pulled by the feed sprocket, pulled out from the tape reel, and fed along with the rotation of the tape reel.

[0004] JP 2010-50123 A

[0005] In a board production facility where a component mounting machine mounts various types of components onto a board, it is necessary to prepare in advance multiple types of carrier tapes with different tape widths and tape reels for storing those carrier tapes, so even if there are infrequently used components, it is necessary to prepare a feeder that corresponds to the carrier tape that stores those components and the tape reel that stores that carrier tape. Therefore, if it becomes necessary to prepare the entire feeder as redundant equipment even if it stores infrequently used components, there is a risk that the equipment costs will be excessive or that the space required for storing the feeders will be excessive.

[0006] The present specification aims to provide a feeder that can reduce equipment costs for operating the feeder and save storage space.

[0007] This specification discloses a feeder comprising a feeder body having a drive unit that applies a feed drive force to a carrier tape for transport, a reel holder that is detachable from the feeder body and holds a tape reel on which the carrier tape is wound, and an attachment unit that detachably attaches the reel holder to the feeder body.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce equipment costs for feeder operation and save storage space.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feeder setting table of a component mounting machine on which a feeder according to an embodiment is set; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrier tape and a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a side view of a feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a feeder main body provided in the feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a side view of a feeder main body provided in the feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a reel holder provided in the feeder according to an embodiment; and FIG. 8 is a side view of a reel holder provided in the feeder according to an embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a feeder according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

[0011] 1. Configuration of the component mounting machine where the feeder is set The feeder 20 according to one embodiment is a device that supplies components to be mounted on a board to a component supply position S (see FIG. 4). The feeder 20 is removably incorporated into the component mounting machine 1. The component mounting machine 1 is installed on a board production line, and picks up or grasps components at the component supply position S and transfers them to the board.

[0012] The component mounting machine 1 includes a feeder setting table 10. The feeder setting table 10 is a table on which a plurality of feeders 20 are set. As shown in FIG. 1 , the feeder setting table 10 has slots 11. The slots 11 are gaps into which the feeders 20 are detachably inserted. The slots 11 are shaped to support the feeders 20 in a vertical position. A plurality of slots 11 are arranged side by side on the feeder setting table 10. The number of slots 11 on the feeder setting table 10 is, for example, 20.

[0013] 1, the feeder set table 10 has clamp grooves 12 for fitting the feeders 20 and connectors 13 for connecting the power lines and signal lines of the feeders 20, corresponding to each slot 11. The feeder set table 10 also has a tape outlet 14 for discharging waste tape from the carrier tape 2 (see FIG. 2) that stores components.

[0014] The feeder 20 is capable of transporting the carrier tape 2. The components that the feeder 20 supplies are electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and resistors that make up electronic circuits. These components include, for example, microcomponents such as 0201 size (0.2 mm x 0.1 mm) and large components such as capacitors.

[0015] 2. Structure of Carrier Tape and Tape Reel The carrier tape 2 is formed in a long shape. The carrier tape 2 generally has a tape width that is determined as a standard, such as 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, or 24 mm. The carrier tape 2 has a base tape 2a and a cover tape 2b. The base tape 2a has a component storage section that stores components arranged at predetermined intervals in the tape longitudinal direction. The cover tape 2b is a film-like member that covers a component removal opening in the base tape 2a.

[0016] When the cover tape 2b is joined to the base tape 2a, the components are enclosed and stored in the component storage section of the base tape 2a, and when the cover tape 2b is peeled off from the base tape 2a, the components are exposed from the component storage section and can be removed to the outside. The carrier tape 2 may be an embossed tape in which the component storage section of the base tape 2a protrudes downward, or may be a paper tape with grooved component storage sections on its surface. The carrier tape 2 is wound around a tape reel 3.

[0017] The tape reel 3 is formed in a disk shape. The tape reel 3 is made of, for example, resin or cardboard. The tape reel 3 has a retaining hole 3a and a flange portion 3b. The retaining hole 3a is a through-hole that penetrates the tape reel 3 in the direction of the rotation axis and is necessary for holding the tape reel 3 in the feeder 20. The flange portion 3b is a portion that expands into a disk shape centered on the retaining hole 3a. The retaining hole 3a is disposed at the axis of the flange portion 3b and extends in a reel width direction (hereinafter referred to as the reel width direction Y) that coincides with the tape width direction Y of the carrier tape 2 wound around the tape reel 3.

[0018] A pair of flange portions 3b are provided spaced apart in the reel width direction Y. The pair of flange portions 3b are positioned so as to sandwich the wound carrier tape 2. The pair of flange portions 3b are spaced apart in the reel width direction Y so as to form a gap therebetween that is equal to or greater than the tape width of the carrier tape 2 to be wound. Note that, as the tape reel 3, one is generally used in which the distance between the pair of flange portions 3b in the reel width direction Y (i.e., the reel width) is predetermined as a standard (for example, JIS standard), but a non-standard one may also be used.

[0019] 3. Feeder Configuration The feeder 20 is, for example, a cassette-type tape feeder that can store the tape reel 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the feeder 20 includes a feeder main body 30, a reel holder 40, and an attachment portion 50.

[0020] The feeder body 30 is a main body member forming a housing including a framework of the feeder 20 and an attachment portion that is attached to the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. The feeder body 30 is formed in a flat shape that is detachable from the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1, and is formed in an L-shape in a side view as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The feeder body 30 is formed so that it is integral with an upper plate portion 30a that extends substantially horizontally on the upper side, and a standing plate portion 30b whose upper end is connected to one horizontal end of the upper plate portion 30a, i.e., a downstream portion in the tape feed direction X (the right end portion in Figure 6).

[0021] The reel holder 40 is a member that holds the tape reel 3 and is a cassette member that is detachable from the feeder main body 30. The reel holder 40 is formed in a flat shape, and is formed in a generally angular (e.g., rectangular) shape when viewed from the side as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The reel holder 40 can be fitted onto the inner side of the L-shaped portion of the feeder main body 30. One reel holder 40 that holds one tape reel 3 can be attached to one feeder main body 30.

[0022] It should be noted that there may be multiple types of reel holders 40 depending on, for example, the type of tape reel 3 and the width in the reel width direction Y. In this case, each reel holder 40 has a common structure in the area where it is attached to the feeder body 30.

[0023] The feeder main body 30 has a drive unit 31. The drive unit 31 is a part that constitutes a tape transport mechanism that applies a feed drive force to the carrier tape 2 for transport. The drive unit 31 has a first drive source 32, a gear 33, and a first sprocket 34. The first drive source 32 is a drive motor such as an electric motor that generates the feed drive force. The first sprocket 34 is a disk that transmits the feed drive force generated by the first drive source 32 to the carrier tape 2. The first drive source 32 and the first sprocket 34 mesh with each other via the gear 33. Note that the gear 33 may be configured to have multiple gears meshing with each other.

[0024] The feeder main body 30 also has a transport path 35. The transport path 35 is a passage that transports and supports the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3. The transport path 35 contacts the lower surface of the carrier tape 2 and supports the carrier tape 2 from below. The transport path 35 extends along the tape transport direction X on the upper plate portion 30a. Specifically, the transport path 35 is inclined from the lower edge to the upper edge of the upper plate portion 30a from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape transport direction X. The transport path 35 supports the carrier tape 2 on the upper surfaces of the inclined walls facing diagonally upward and on the inner surfaces of the upright walls facing laterally on both sides in the tape width direction Y.

[0025] The first drive source 32, gear 33, and first sprocket 34 are disposed below the transport path 35 near the intersection of the upper plate portion 30a and the standing plate portion 30b. External teeth, which are engagement protrusions at the upper end of the first sprocket 34, protrude above the transport path 35 and engage with feed holes in the carrier tape 2 that is pulled out from the tape reel 3 and transported on the transport path 35. When the first drive source 32 generates a feed drive force in this engaged state, the feed drive force rotates the first sprocket 34 via the gear 33. When this rotation occurs, the carrier tape 2 is fed in the tape transport direction X.

[0026] The feeder main body 30 further has a tape guide 36. The tape guide 36 is a guide portion that guides the carrier tape 2 transported on the transport path 35. The tape guide 36 is disposed above the first sprocket 34 and faces the first sprocket 34 across the transport path 35. The carrier tape 2 is transported in the tape transport direction X while being sandwiched between the tape guide 36 and the transport path 35.

[0027] The tape guide 36 is detachably attached to the front and upper side of the feeder body 30, which is downstream in the tape transport direction X. The tape guide 36 may be replaceable with respect to the feeder body 30 depending on the type of carrier tape 2 to be transported. The tape guide 36 is formed with a U-shaped cross section so that it can abut against the top and side surfaces of the carrier tape 2. The carrier tape 2 is guided by contacting the top wall and side walls of the tape guide 36 when transported in the tape transport direction X.

[0028] The reel holder 40 has a reel holder 41. The reel holder 41 is a part that rotatably holds the tape reel 3 around which the carrier tape 2 is wound. The reel holder 41 forms a storage space that stores the tape reel 3. The reel holder 41 is configured so that one tape reel 3 can be detachably set therein. The reel holder 41 has a reel holding shaft that rotatably supports the tape reel 3, and a plate-shaped cover 41a that covers the tape reel 3 stored in the storage space from the outside in the reel width direction Y and that can be opened and closed relative to the reel holder 40.

[0029] The reel holder 40 also has a collection box 42. The collection box 42 is a box body in which the cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 is collected. The collection box 42 forms a space in which the cover tape 2b of a new carrier tape 2 wound around the tape reel 3 can be collected. The collection box 42 is disposed on the rear side of the reel holder 41, which is upstream in the tape transport direction X, of the reel holder 40. The collection box 42 has a plate-shaped cover 42a that closes the collection space from the outside in the reel width direction Y and is openable and closable relative to the reel holder 40.

[0030] Furthermore, feeder body 30 has a second drive source 37 and a gear 38. Reel holder 40 has a second sprocket 43 and a gear 44. Second drive source 37 and gear 38 of feeder body 30 and second sprocket 43 and gear 44 of reel holder 40 form a cover tape recovery mechanism that applies a recovery drive force for recovery to cover tape 2b peeled from base tape 2a.

[0031] The second drive source 37 is a drive motor such as an electric motor that generates a recovery drive force for recovering the cover tape 2b into the recovery box 42. The second sprocket 43 is a disk that transmits the recovery drive force generated by the second drive source 37 to the cover tape 2b. The gear 38 is interposed between the second drive source 37 and the second sprocket 43 and is in mesh with the gears of the second drive source 37 and the second sprocket 43.

[0032] Gear 38 is disposed near the lower end of upper plate portion 30a of feeder main body 30. Second sprocket 43 is disposed near the upper end of reel holder 40. Gear 38 and second sprocket 43 are disposed on either side of the boundary between feeder main body 30 and reel holder 40 when reel holder 40 is attached to feeder main body 30, and mesh with each other.

[0033] The gear 44 meshes with the gear of the second sprocket 43. A plurality of gears 44 mesh together. The cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a is guided to a recovery path 45 of the reel holder 40. Two of the multiple gears 44 mesh with each other at their downstream ends and are arranged with the recovery path 45 between them. The cover tape 2b engages with the two gears 44 in the recovery path 45.

[0034] Simultaneously with generating the above-described recovery drive force, the second drive source 37 also generates an auxiliary force to assist in feeding the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3 in the tape transport direction X. The second sprocket 43 is capable of transmitting the recovery drive force generated by the second drive source 37 to the cover tape 2b and also transmitting the auxiliary force generated by the second drive source 37 to the carrier tape 2. The second sprocket 43 rotates in only one direction around its axis (clockwise in FIG. 8 ) due to the recovery drive force and the auxiliary force.

[0035] The reel holder 40 has a feed path 49. The feed path 49 is a passage that transports and supports the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3. The external teeth of the second sprocket 43 engage with the feed holes of the carrier tape 2 that is pulled out from the tape reel 3 inside the reel holder 40 and transported on the feed path 49.

[0036] When the second drive source 37 generates a recovery drive force and an auxiliary force while the carrier tape 2 is engaged with the second sprocket 43, the recovery drive force and the auxiliary force rotate the second sprocket 43 via the gear 38. When the second sprocket 43 rotates, the carrier tape 2 is fed in the tape feed direction X, and the gear 44 rotates in synchronization, so that the cover tape 2b is peeled off from the base tape 2a and fed toward the recovery box 42.

[0037] The reel holder 40 has a peeling section 46. The peeling section 46 is a section where the cover tape 2b is peeled off from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3. The peeling section 46 is provided at a location on the reel holder 40 adjacent to the entrance of the transport path 35 of the feeder main body 30. The peeling section 46 has a folding section that folds back the cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 in the opposite direction to the tape transport direction X of the base tape 2a and guides it to the recovery path 45.

[0038] A tape holding section (not shown) is provided on the back side of the peeling section 46 to hold the base tape 2a from which the cover tape 2b has been peeled. This tape holding section is composed of, for example, a tape clamping section that clamps the base tape 2a on the feed path 49, a biasing section that generates a biasing force to close the tape clamping section, and a lever section that applies a force to open the tape clamping section against the biasing force of the biasing section. This tape holding section is normally closed and is opened when an operation to clamp the base tape 2a or an operation to release the clamping are performed. This tape holding section is closed before the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder main body 30, and is opened after attachment to allow tape feeding.

[0039] The reel holder 40 has a tip holding portion 47. The tip holding portion 47 is a portion that holds the tip of the cover tape 2b folded back at the peeling portion 46. The tip holding portion 47 is disposed near the recovery path 45 in the reel holder 40, and is disposed between the folded back portion of the peeling portion 46 and the recovery box 42.

[0040] The leading end holding portion 47 is composed of, for example, a tape clamping portion that clamps the cover tape 2b on the recovery path 45, a biasing portion that generates a biasing force to close the tape clamping portion, and a lever portion that applies a force to open the tape clamping portion against the biasing force of the biasing portion. In this configuration, the tape holding portion of the leading end holding portion 47 is normally closed and is opened when an operation to clamp the cover tape 2b or an operation to release the clamping are performed. This tape holding portion is closed before the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder main body 30, and is opened after attachment to allow tape feed.

[0041] The feeder main body 30 has a control unit 39. The control unit 39 is a component that controls the driving of the first driving source 32 and the second driving source 37. The control unit 39 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a control board and the like. The control unit 39 is disposed below the first driving source 32 and the first sprocket 34 on the upright portion 30b. The control unit 39 is electrically connected to the first driving source 32 and the second driving source 37.

[0042] The control unit 39 may drive the first drive source 32 and the second drive source 37 in synchronization with each other. The first drive source 32 and the second drive source 37 may each be driven intermittently so that the carrier tape 2 is transported intermittently at predetermined intervals. The control unit 39 may have a function of managing feeder information of the feeder 20 in addition to controlling the drive of the first drive source 32 and the second drive source 37. In particular, the control unit 39 may be capable of associating and linking the feeder information of the feeder main body 30 with the feeder information of the reel holder 40 attached to the feeder main body 30.

[0043] The above-mentioned feeder information refers to information associated with unique identification information defined for each feeder main body 30, each reel holder 40, and each tape reel 3. The feeder information may include, for example, the type and identification information of the tape guide 36 attached to the feeder main body 30, the size of the reel holder 41 of the reel holder 40, the type and identification information of the tape reel 3 stored in the reel holder, the type and tape width of the carrier tape 2, etc.

[0044] Labels or plates storing feeder information relating to each of the feeder main body 30, the reel holder 40, and the tape reel 3 are attached to the outer surfaces of their housings. This feeder information can be read using a predetermined reading device. Reading of this feeder information is performed in an off-site setup area or the like. This read feeder information is sent to a host computer and stored therein, and after being stored, is used for checking associated feeder information, etc. The host computer is a device positioned higher than the feeder 20 and controls the component mounting machine 1 and other components in an integrated manner.

[0045] Mounting portion 50 is a portion that detachably mounts reel holder 40 to feeder main body 30. Mounting portion 50 has positioning portion 51 and clamp portion 52. Positioning portion 51 is a portion that positions reel holder 40 relative to feeder main body 30. Clamp portion 52 is a portion that clamps feeder main body 30 and reel holder 40 in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0046] The predetermined positional relationship refers to a position where, when the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder main body 30, the gear 38 on the second drive source 37 side and the second sprocket 43 mesh with each other, and the cover tape 2b is peeled off and the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 held by the tip holder 47 is engaged with the second sprocket 43, and can be transferred to the conveying path 35 of the feeder main body 30 by conveyance.

[0047] The positioning portion 51 has a main body portion 51a provided on the feeder main body 30 and a reel portion 51b provided on the reel holder 40. The main body portion 51a and the reel portion 51b of the positioning portion 51 are formed with concave and convex shapes that allow them to engage with each other. The main body portion 51a and the reel portion 51b may each be provided in multiple locations. The main body portion 51a and the reel portion 51b engage with each other when the reel holder 40 is attached to or detached from the feeder main body 30, thereby positioning the reel holder 40 relative to the feeder main body 30.

[0048] Furthermore, main body side portion 51a may extend like a rail in the direction in which reel holder 40 is inserted into feeder main body 30 when attached to or detached from feeder main body 30, and reel side portion 51b may be a portion that is guided along main body side portion 51a when reel holder 40 is attached to or detached from feeder main body 30. In this case, either main body side portion 51a or reel side portion 51b may be formed with a bifurcated cross section, and the other may be formed with a plate shape that fits into the bifurcated cross section.

[0049] Clamp unit 52 has the function of preventing release of the integration when feeder body 30 and reel holder 40 are integrated in a predetermined positional relationship after attachment of reel holder 40 to feeder body 30 is complete. Clamp unit 52 has a body-side portion provided on feeder body 30 and a reel-side portion provided on reel holder 40. The body-side portion and reel-side portion of clamp unit 52 may be configured such that the feeder body 30 and reel holder 40 are fixed or released by lever operation by an operator or robot.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the clamp portion 52 may include a spring that biases the reel holder 40 toward the release side relative to the feeder main body 30 in the above-mentioned predetermined positional relationship, a hook portion that hooks the reel holder 40 onto the feeder main body 30 against the biasing force of the spring and restricts movement of the reel holder 40 toward the release side, and a lever portion that operates the hook portion.

[0051] 4. Effects of the Feeder In the feeder 20 described above, the feeder body 30 and the reel holder 40 are manufactured separately. Before the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder body 30, a tape reel 3 wound with a carrier tape 2 is stored in the reel holder 41 of the reel holder 40 by an operator or robot in an off-site setup area or the like. If a tape reel 3 whose carrier tape 2 has been emptied is stored in the reel holder 41, a new tape reel 3 is stored in place of the empty tape reel 3. Furthermore, if cover tape 2b remains in the collection box 42 when the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel holder 41, the cover tape 2b is discarded and the collection box 42 is emptied.

[0052] After the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel holder 40, the carrier tape 2 is pulled out from the tape reel 3, and the cover tape 2b is peeled off from the base tape 2a. The cover tape 2b is then folded back at the peeling portion 46 and guided to the recovery path 45, where it engages with a gear, and the tip of the cover tape 2b is held by the tip holder 47. The base tape 2a is also held by the tape holder, and the feed holes of the base tape 2a engage with the external teeth of the second sprocket 43. In this state, the reel holder 40 is transportable and can be positioned relative to the feeder body 30 at the attachment portion 50 and attached to the feeder body 30 by an operator or robot.

[0053] A plurality of reel holders 40 can be stored together in a reel storage cabinet (not shown) in the buffer station. Each reel holder 40 in the reel storage cabinet can be selected and attached to the feeder body 30. The selection of a reel holder 40 is performed by a host computer in accordance with a production plan for the board, and the selected reel holder 40 may be removed from the reel storage cabinet using a robot or the like.

[0054] The reel holder 40 is then positioned on the feeder body 30 by the attachment portion 50 and clamped in a predetermined positional relationship, thereby attaching the reel holder 40 to the feeder body 30. Thereafter, the feeder 20, in which the feeder body 30 and the reel holder 40 are integrated, is attached to the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. When power can be supplied to the feeder 20 by attaching the feeder 20 to the slot 11, the control portion 39 is activated and can drive the first drive source 32 and the second drive source 37.

[0055] After startup, if a detection sensor or the like in feeder 20 detects that the leading edge of base tape 2a has not reached component supply position S, control unit 39 drives second drive source 37 to rotate second sprocket 43. When second sprocket 43 rotates while engaged with the feed holes of carrier tape 2, carrier tape 2 is fed in tape feed direction X on feed path 49, and cover tape 2b is fed toward collection box 42 on collection path 45.

[0056] In this case, the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 is transferred from the reel holder 40 to the feeder body 30 by the auxiliary force of the second drive source 37 and sent out along the transport path 35 toward the component supply position S, and the cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a at the peeling section 46 is collected in the collection box 42 by the collection drive force of the second drive source 37. As a result, the components stored in each component storage section of the base tape 2a are sequentially exposed and can be removed to the outside. After being exposed, when the components reach the component supply position S, they are held by a suction nozzle or the like of the component mounting machine 1 and transferred to the board.

[0057] When the base tape 2a reaches the component supply position S, it engages with the first sprocket 34. The control unit 39 drives the first drive source 32 to rotate the first sprocket 34 after the leading edge of the base tape 2a reaches the component supply position S or in synchronization with the drive of the second drive source 37. When the first sprocket 34 rotates with the carrier tape 2 engaged with it, a portion of the carrier tape 2 including the component storage section from which the components have been removed is discharged from the tape discharge port 14 as a waste tape portion.

[0058] When the remaining amount of carrier tape 2 stored on the tape reel 3 in a feeder 20 becomes low or when the feeder 20 is no longer scheduled to be used in the component mounting machine 1, the feeder 20 is removed from the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1, and the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder main body 30 in an off-site setup area or the like. During this removal, the base tape 2a is cut at a waste tape portion or the like. After the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder main body 30, a new reel holder 40 or a reel holder 40 with a new tape reel 3 stored in the reel holder 41 is attached to the feeder main body 30, and the feeder 20 is then attached to the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1.

[0059] As described above, in feeder 20, feeder main body 30 and reel holder 40 are detachable at attachment portion 50. Feeder main body 30 has a drive unit 31 including a first drive source 32, a gear 33, and a first sprocket 34 for feeding and transporting carrier tape 2 (specifically, base tape 2a), as well as a second drive source 37 for collecting cover tape 2b in a collection box 42 and a control unit 39 for driving and controlling each drive source 32, 37. Reel holder 40 has a reel holder 41 that rotatably holds tape reel 3, as well as a collection box 42, a peeling unit 46, a second sprocket 43, and a gear 44.

[0060] In this feeder structure, the reel holder 41 and the collection box 42 are integrated into a reel holder 40 that is detachable from the feeder body 30. Therefore, for example, when the feeder 20 runs out of components during board production, by removing the reel holder 40 from the feeder body 30, the out-of-component tape reel 3 and the collection box 42 that is full of cover tape 2b can be simultaneously collected together by separating them from the feeder body 30, which includes the drive unit 31, second drive source 37, and control unit 39. Furthermore, by attaching the reel holder 40 to the feeder body 30, a new tape reel 3 and an empty collection box 42 that has no cover tape 2b can be simultaneously integrated into the feeder body 30.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above-described feeder structure, the reel holder 40 does not incorporate the drive unit 31, second drive source 37, or control unit 39. Therefore, the reel holder 40 itself is less expensive than the entire feeder 20, including the feeder body 30. Therefore, even when it is necessary to prepare redundant equipment for setup changes, for example, it is not necessary to prepare the entire feeder 20, including the feeder body 30, as redundant equipment; simply preparing the reel holder 40 as redundant equipment is sufficient. This reduces the equipment costs for feeder operation compared to preparing the entire feeder 20, including the feeder body 30, as redundant equipment. Furthermore, the space for storing redundant equipment in an off-site setup area, etc., can be limited to the reel holder 40. This allows for space savings in storing the feeder 20.

[0062] In particular, in the above feeder structure, even for parts that are used infrequently, it is only necessary to prepare the carrier tape 2 that stores the part in the feeder 20 and the reel holder 40 that holds the tape reel 3 that stores the carrier tape 2, thereby reducing equipment costs and saving storage space.

[0063] As described above, the reel holder 40 is provided with a peeling section 46 that peels the cover tape 2b from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2. The peeling section 46 has a folding section that folds back the cover tape 2b that has been peeled from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 that has been pulled out from the tape reel 3 held by the reel holder 41. In this feeder structure, the handling of the cover tape 2b that has been peeled from the base tape 2a can be completed within the reel holder 40.

[0064] Furthermore, in reel holder 40, the leading end of cover tape 2b peeled from base tape 2a at peeling section 46 can be held by leading end holding section 47, and when the cover tape 2b is held, the leading end of base tape 2a engages with the upper external teeth of second sprocket 43. In this feeder structure, since the leading ends of base tape 2a and cover tape 2b of carrier tape 2 can be held within reel holder 40, reel holder 40 can be transported, attached to feeder main body 30, and other handling procedures can be performed in a state in which base tape 2a and cover tape 2b peeled from base tape 2a are held.

[0065] In the feeder 20, the second drive source 37 generates a recovery drive force for recovering the cover tape 2b into the recovery box 42, and at the same time generates an auxiliary force for assisting in feeding and transporting the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3. The second drive source 37 is disposed in the feeder body 30, and the force generated by the second drive source 37 is transmitted to the reel holder 40 side by means of a gear 38 and a second sprocket 43.

[0066] Therefore, the cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3 held in the reel holder 41 of the reel holder 40 can be guided to the collection box 42 within the reel holder 40 without passing through the feeder body 30 side.

[0067] Furthermore, since an auxiliary force for feeding and conveying by the second drive source 37 can be applied to the base tape 2a from which the cover tape 2b has been peeled off, the carrier tape 2 on the reel holder 40 side can be automatically guided to the component supply position S on the feeder main body 30 side immediately after the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder main body 30. When the base tape 2a reaches the component supply position S, it engages with the external teeth of the first sprocket 34, and thereafter, a feed driving force can be applied to the base tape 2a by the first drive source 32, allowing the base tape 2a to be fed sequentially.

[0068] Furthermore, when the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder main body 30, the feeder information of the feeder main body 30 and the reel holder 40, as well as the feeder information of the tape reel 3, is read, and the feeder information is associated with each other and stored in a storage unit such as a host computer. After the feeder information is stored, the setting of the feeder 20 into the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1 is controlled based on the feeder information. Therefore, one reel holder 40 can be selected from multiple types of reel holders 40, and the feeder 20 attached to the feeder main body 30 can be appropriately associated with the built-in carrier tape 2, allowing the component mounting machine 1 to appropriately place components on the board.

[0069] Furthermore, when the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder body 30 of the feeder 20, the feeder information for the feeder body 30, the reel holder 40, and the tape reel 3 is read and deleted from the storage unit. Therefore, the association between the feeder 20 and the carrier tape 2 can be canceled after the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder body 30, and it is possible to avoid the association continuing for an unnecessarily long period of time.

[0070] 6. Modified Embodiment In the above embodiment, the cover tape 2b of the carrier tape 2 is completely peeled from the base tape 2a at the peeling portion 46, and the reel holder 40 has a collection box 42 for collecting the cover tape 2b. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The cover tape 2b may be partially peeled from the base tape 2a, and after a component is removed from the component storage section in this partially peeled state, the cover tape 2b may be rejoined to the base tape 2a and discharged together with the base tape 2a out of the feeder. In this modified embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the collection box 42 on the reel holder 40, and it is also not necessary to provide the second drive source 37, the second sprocket 43, etc.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the control unit 39 controls the driving of both the first driving source 32 and the second driving source 37. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and in a configuration in which the cover tape 2b is partially peeled off as in the above modified embodiment, the control unit 39 may control the driving of only the first driving source 32.

[0072] 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 invention. Furthermore, the present disclosure not only discloses the technical ideas indicated by the citation relationships set forth in the claims at the time of filing, but also discloses technical ideas that appropriately combine the matters set forth in the claims.

[0073] 1: component mounting machine, 2: carrier tape, 2a: base tape, 2b: cover tape, 3: tape reel, 10: feeder set table, 11: slot, 20: feeder, 30: feeder body, 31: drive unit, 32: first drive source, 33, 38: gear, 34: first sprocket, 35: conveying path, 36: tape guide, 37: second drive source, 39: control unit, 40: reel holding body, 41: reel holder, 42: recovery box, 43: second sprocket, 44: recovery path, 45: peeling unit, 47: tip holding unit, 50: mounting unit, 51: positioning unit, 52: clamp unit, S: component supply position.

Claims

1. A feeder comprising: a feeder body having a drive unit that applies a feed drive force to a carrier tape for transporting it; a reel holder that is detachable from the feeder body and holds a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound; and an attachment unit that detachably attaches the reel holder to the feeder body.

2. A feeder as described in claim 1, wherein the drive section includes: a first drive source that generates the feed drive force; and a first sprocket that transmits the feed drive force generated by the first drive source to the carrier tape, and the reel holding body has a reel holder that rotatably holds the tape reel.

3. The feeder according to claim 2, wherein said feeder body has a control section for controlling the driving of said first driving source.

4. The feeder according to claim 2, wherein said reel holder has a collection box for collecting the cover tape peeled off from the base tape of said carrier tape.

5. The feeder according to claim 4, wherein said reel holder has a peeling portion for peeling said cover tape from said base tape.

6. A feeder as described in claim 4, wherein the feeder body has a second drive source which generates a recovery drive force for recovering the cover tape into the recovery box, and the reel holder has a second sprocket which transmits the recovery drive force generated by the second drive source to the cover tape.

7. A feeder as described in claim 6, wherein the second drive source generates an auxiliary force to assist in feeding and transporting the carrier tape pulled out from the tape reel simultaneously with the generation of the recovery drive force, and the second sprocket transmits the auxiliary force generated by the second drive source to the carrier tape.

8. A feeder as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mounting portion has: a positioning portion that positions the reel holder relative to the feeder body; and a clamping portion that clamps the feeder body and the reel holder in a predetermined positional relationship.