Feeder and feeder managing system

Abstract

This feeder comprises: a feeder body which has a conveyance path for supporting and conveying a carrier tape; a reel storing part which is provided to the feeder body and rotatably stores a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound; a storage width changing mechanism which, in accordance with the reel width of the tape reel, changes the reel storage width for storing the tape reel in the reel storing part; and an information updating part which updates feeder information associated with feeder identification information to information including the reel width or the reel storage width after the change by the storage width changing mechanism.

Description

Feeder and feeder management system

[0001] The present specification relates to a feeder and a feeder management system.

[0002] Conventionally, a feeder equipped with a displacement mechanism that moves a tape reel around which a carrier tape is wound in the reel width direction has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This feeder includes a feeder main body having a transport path that transports and supports the carrier tape, and a reel storage unit provided in the feeder main body that rotatably stores the tape reel. The displacement mechanism moves the reel storage unit in the reel width direction relative to the feeder main body, thereby moving the tape reel integrally with the reel storage unit in the reel width direction. Therefore, the displacement mechanism can change the reel width direction position of the reel storage unit relative to the feeder main body, and therefore the position of the tape reel stored in the reel storage unit.

[0003] In the above feeders, when the reel storage width of the reel storage section is narrow, it is possible to set the same number of feeders as the number of slots on the feeder set table of the component mounting machine. Also, when the reel storage width of the reel storage section is wide, by appropriately selecting the reel storage section of each feeder and the reel width direction position of the tape reel, it is possible to set the slots into which the feeders are inserted on the feeder set table of the component mounting machine at an appropriate pitch, so it is possible to arrange as many feeders as possible on the feeder set table.

[0004] Patent No. 6437010

[0005] For example, there are automatic transport systems that automatically insert and remove feeders into and from component mounting machines, and transport devices that automatically transport feeders between storage devices and component mounting machines. In such automatic systems, in order to properly insert and remove feeders into and from slots in the component mounting machines, storage devices, and transport devices in accordance with the reel storage width of the reel storage unit of the feeder, as described above, it is necessary to associate the feeder identification information of each feeder with the reel storage width of the reel storage unit, the tape width direction position of the tape reel stored in the reel storage unit, the reel width, etc. However, in the feeder described in Patent Document 1, the feeder information associated with the feeder identification information is not updated to include the reel storage width of the reel storage unit, etc., which may reduce the manageability of the feeder and make it unable to be used in the automatic systems.

[0006] The purpose of this specification is to provide a feeder that can improve manageability by associating the reel storage width of the reel storage section in which the tape reels in the feeder are stored and the reel width of the tape reel with feeder identification information, and a feeder management system that can appropriately control the setting of feeders into various slots.

[0007] This specification discloses a feeder comprising: a feeder body having a transport path for transporting and supporting a carrier tape; a reel storage section provided in the feeder body for rotatably storing a tape reel on which the carrier tape is wound; a storage width change mechanism for changing the reel storage width for storing the tape reel in the reel storage section according to the reel width of the tape reel; and an information update section for updating feeder information associated with feeder identification information to information including the reel width or the reel storage width after change by the storage width change mechanism.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the reel storage width of the reel storage section in which the tape reel in the feeder is stored and the reel width of the tape reel can be associated with feeder identification information, thereby improving the manageability of the feeder.

[0009] 10 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. 11 is a perspective view of a tape reel around which a carrier tape is wound. FIG. 12 is a side view of the feeder according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a storage width changing mechanism for changing a reel storage width in the feeder according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a rear view showing a narrow state in which the reel storage width in the feeder according to the embodiment is narrow. FIG. 15 is a rear view showing a wide state in which the reel storage width in the feeder according to the embodiment is wide. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a feeder management system for managing the feeder according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the reel storage width in the feeder according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a storage width changing mechanism for changing the reel storage width in a feeder according to a modified embodiment. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a feeder management system for managing the feeder of the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a feeder with a narrow reel storage width is set in a slot, for explaining the effect of the feeder of the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a feeder with a wide reel storage width is set in a slot, for explaining the effect of the feeder of the modified embodiment shown in FIG.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a feeder and a feeder management system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[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. The feeder 20 is detachably 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. Configuration of Carrier Tape and Tape Reel The carrier tape 2 is formed in a long shape. The carrier tape 2 generally has a predetermined tape width, such as 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, or 24 mm. The carrier tape 2 has a base tape having component storage sections for storing components arranged at predetermined intervals in the tape longitudinal direction, and a cover tape for covering a component removal opening of the base tape.

[0016] The components are stored in the component storage section when the cover tape is joined to the base tape, and are exposed from the component storage section and can be removed when the cover tape is peeled off from the base tape. The carrier tape 2 may be an embossed tape in which the component storage section of the base tape 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 Figure 3, the feeder 20 includes a feeder main body 21, a reel storage section 30, a storage width changing mechanism 40, a tape guide 22, a tape transport mechanism 23, and a cover tape discharge mechanism 24.

[0020] The feeder main body 21 is a main body member including a framework for mounting the reel storage section 30, the storage width changing mechanism 40, the tape guide 22, the tape transport mechanism 23, and the cover tape discharge mechanism 24, as well as an attachment portion for attachment to the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. The feeder main body 21 is formed in a flat shape that can be attached to and detached from the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1.

[0021] The feeder body 21 has a transport path that transports and supports the carrier tape 2. This transport path contacts the underside of the carrier tape 2 and supports the carrier tape 2 from below. The transport path extends along the tape transport direction X, and supports the carrier tape 2 at the upper ends of the horizontal walls facing upward and the upright walls on both sides in the tape width direction Y.

[0022] The reel storage section 30 is a section that rotatably stores the tape reel 3. The reel storage section 30 is provided in the feeder body 21. The reel storage section 30 forms a storage space that stores the tape reel 3. The reel storage section 30 is configured so that the tape reel 3 can be detachably loaded therein. As shown in FIG. 3 , the reel storage section 30 has a reel holding shaft 31 and a cover 32.

[0023] The reel holding shaft 31 is a shaft portion that rotatably supports the tape reel 3 on the feeder main body 21 side. The reel holding shaft 31 is provided on the inner surface of one side wall of the feeder main body 21 that faces the reel width direction Y (for example, the side wall located on the left side when the feeder 20 is faced from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape transport direction X). The reel holding shaft 31 protrudes cylindrically from the inner surface of the side wall of the feeder main body 21 toward the storage space.

[0024] The cover 32 is a part that covers the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage section 30 and supported by the reel holding shaft 31 from the outside. The cover 32 is formed in a plate shape. The cover 32 is arranged on one side of the feeder body 21 in the reel width direction Y (for example, on the right side when the feeder 20 is faced from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape transport direction X). That is, the cover 32 is arranged on the side wall of the feeder body 21 on which the reel holding shaft 31 is provided, which faces the side wall in the reel width direction Y across the storage space. The cover 32 covers at least a part of the flange surface of the flange portion 3b of the tape reel 3 (for example, the lower part thereof as shown in FIG. 3 ) from the outside in the reel width direction Y. The reel holding shaft 31 may be arranged on the back surface of the cover 32.

[0025] The cover 32 can be opened and closed relative to the feeder body 21. Specifically, the cover 32 can be switched between a closed state in which it is integrated with the side wall of the feeder body 21 to close the storage space, and an open state in which it is separated from the side wall of the feeder body 21 to open the storage space. The cover 32 opens and closes relative to the feeder body 21 by, for example, rotating on a hinge or sliding along a rail. The tape reel 3 is attached to and detached from the reel storage section 30 when the cover 32 is in the open state.

[0026] The storage width change mechanism 40 is a mechanism for changing the reel storage width for storing the tape reels 3 in the reel storage section 30. The reel storage width is the length of the storage space in the reel storage section 30 in the reel width direction Y, i.e., the distance between the inner surface of the side wall of the feeder main body 21 and the back surface of the cover 32. The storage width change mechanism 40 changes the reel storage width by moving the cover 32 of the reel storage section 30 in the reel width direction Y, which is the tape width direction Y, relative to the feeder main body 21.

[0027] The storage width changing mechanism 40 can change the reel storage width between a narrow state (shown in FIGS. 4A and 5 ) in which the reel storage width is relatively narrow and a wide state (shown in FIGS. 4B and 6 ) in which the reel storage width is relatively wide. The reel storage width in the narrow state may correspond to a tape reel 3 of a general standard. The reel storage width in the wide state may correspond to a non-standard tape reel 3 made of cardboard or the like, and may be larger than the pitch of the slots 11 of the component mounting machine 1 (but smaller than twice the pitch of the slots 11). The storage width changing mechanism 40 may change the reel storage width between the narrow state and the wide state in two stages, or may change the reel storage width in multiple stages or linearly.

[0028] Storage width change mechanism 40 may be any mechanism that can move cover 32 in the reel width direction Y relative to feeder body 21, and may be, for example, a link mechanism that connects feeder body 21 and cover 32. Furthermore, storage width change mechanism 40 may be one that an operator manually moves cover 32 in the reel width direction Y relative to feeder body 21, or may be one that is motor-driven and moves cover 32 in the reel width direction Y relative to feeder body 21.

[0029] The storage width changing mechanism 40 changes the reel storage width in accordance with the reel width of the tape reel 3. The storage width changing mechanism 40 may change the reel storage width automatically to match the reel width of the tape reel 3 when the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel storage section 30, or may change the reel storage width manually to match the reel width of the tape reel 3 to be stored in the reel storage section 30.

[0030] The storage width change mechanism 40 may also have a guide portion that guides the moving cover 32 to ensure smooth movement of the cover 32. The storage width change mechanism 40 may also have a biasing member such as a spring that biases the cover 32 toward the side wall of the feeder body 21 to normally maintain the narrow state. Furthermore, the storage width change mechanism 40 may also have a locking mechanism that locks the position of the cover 32 in the reel width direction Y relative to the feeder body 21 at any position (for example, either the narrow state or the wide state).

[0031] In a structure in which the storage width change mechanism 40 is a link mechanism, for example, as shown in Fig. 4 , the storage width change mechanism 40 has a link 41, a slider 42, and a slide joint 43. The link 41 is an elongated member with one end swingably supported by the feeder body 21 and the other end swingably supported by the cover 32. The slider 42 is a member integrated with the cover 32. The slide joint 43 is a member that can slide along the back surface of the cover 32, which is perpendicular to the reel width direction Y, relative to the slider 42. In this storage width change mechanism 40, when the link 41 swings, the slide joint 43 slides along the back surface of the cover 32, causing the cover 32 to move in the reel width direction Y.

[0032] The tape guide 22 is a guide member that guides the carrier tape 2 transported on the transport path. The tape guide 22 is arranged above the transport path of the carrier tape 2. The tape guide 22 is detachably attached to the upper side and downstream side of the feeder main body 21 in the tape transport direction X. The tape guide 22 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 22 when transported in the tape transport direction X. The tape guide 22 has a folding portion that folds back the cover tape, which has been peeled off from the base tape of the carrier tape 2, to the side opposite the base tape.

[0033] The tape transport mechanism 23 is a mechanism responsible for transporting the carrier tape 2. The tape transport mechanism 23 has a disk-shaped sprocket that rotates to transport the carrier tape 2, and a drive motor, such as an electric motor, that generates power to rotate the sprocket. The sprocket and drive motor are located below the transport path. When the drive motor is driven with the engaging projections of the sprocket inserted into the feed holes of the carrier tape 2, the carrier tape 2 is transported in accordance with the drive of the drive motor.

[0034] It is preferable that the sprocket of the tape transport mechanism 23 be located close to the cover tape peeling position and the component supply position S in the feeder 20 in order to prevent misalignment in the tape width direction Y of the carrier tape 2. It is also preferable that the drive motor not only rotates the sprocket in the direction that feeds the carrier tape 2 forward in the tape transport direction X, but also rotates the sprocket in the direction opposite to the forward feed direction in order to adjust the position of the carrier tape 2 in the tape transport direction X or to improve the positioning accuracy, for example.

[0035] The cover tape discharge mechanism 24 is a mechanism that discharges the cover tape that has been peeled off from the base tape of the carrier tape 2 to the outside of the feeder main body 21. The cover tape discharge mechanism 24 discharges the cover tape that has been peeled off from the base tape upstream of the component supply position S of the feeder 20 in the tape feed direction X and folded back so as to pass above the feed path by lowering it along the side of the feeder main body 21. The cover tape discharge mechanism 24 has a winding gear and a winding motor that rotate in synchronization with the transport of the carrier tape 2 in the tape feed direction X to discharge the cover tape.

[0036] In the above-described feeder 20, the carrier tape 2 is inserted into the tape inlet of the feeder body 21 and supported on the transport path, and is set so that the feed holes of the carrier tape 2 engage with the sprocket of the tape transport mechanism 23 on the tape outlet side. In addition, the cover tape of the carrier tape 2 is completely peeled off from the base tape starting from a folded portion upstream of the component supply position S in the tape transport direction X, and is set so that it engages with the take-up gear along a predetermined discharge path.

[0037] As the sprocket rotates, the carrier tape 2 is fed from upstream to downstream in the tape feed direction X, and the cover tape is peeled off from the base tape in conjunction with the feeding of the carrier tape 2 and discharged outward from the feeder 20. In this case, the components in the component storage compartments of the carrier tape 2 are exposed and ready for removal. After being exposed, the components reach the component supply position S and are then held by a suction nozzle or the like of the component mounting machine 1 and transferred to the electronic circuit board.

[0038] The feeder 20 also includes a control device 50 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The control device 50 controls the operation of the feeder 20 and manages feeder information for the feeder 20. The control device 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control device 50 is built into the feeder 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 50 includes an information updating unit 51 that updates the feeder information, and a width detecting unit 52 that detects the reel width of the tape reel 3 or the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30.

[0039] A sensor 55 is connected to the control device 50. The sensor 55 is a component that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the reel width of the tape reel 3 or the reel storage width of the reel storage section 30. Specifically, the sensor 55 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the cover 32 in the reel width direction relative to the feeder main body 21. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the sensor 55 is attached and fixed to the feeder main body 21, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the contact and separation of a dog 59 integrated with the cover 32.

[0040] For example, the sensor 55 outputs an ON signal when the reel storage width is narrow as shown in Fig. 8(A), and outputs an OFF signal when the reel storage width is wide as shown in Fig. 8(B). The output signal of the sensor 55 is supplied to the control device 50.

[0041] The sensor 55 may be a contact sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the reel width direction position of the cover 32 upon contact with the dog 59, or may be a non-contact sensor such as a proximity sensor or photoelectric sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the reel width direction position of the cover 32 upon non-contact with the dog 59.

[0042] The width detection unit 52 of the control device 50 detects the reel width direction position of the cover 32 relative to the feeder body 21 based on the output signal of the sensor 55, thereby detecting the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30 and therefore the reel width of the tape reel 3.

[0043] When the width detection unit 52 detects the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30 and the reel width of the tape reel 3, the control device 50 updates the feeder information in the information update unit 51. This feeder information is information associated with feeder-specific identification information (hereinafter referred to as feeder identification information) defined for each feeder 20, and includes at least the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30 in the feeder body 21. Note that the feeder information may include, for example, the type and identification information of the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage unit 30, the reel width of the tape reel 3, the type and tape width of the carrier tape 2, the type and identification information of the tape guide 22, etc.

[0044] For example, when the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage section 30 of the feeder main body 21 is replaced with a wider one from a narrow one, the information update section 51 updates the feeder information by linking the reel storage width or the reel width detected by the width detection section 52 to the feeder identification information. Note that the detection by the width detection section 52 or the update by the information update section 51 may be performed when the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel storage section 30, or may be performed continuously at regular time intervals after the storage, or may be performed when a collation process is performed by the off-site setup device.

[0045] 4. Configuration of the Feeder Management System that Manages Feeder The control device 50 of the feeder 20 is connected to the feeder management system 60. The feeder management system 60 is a system that serves as a higher-level device positioned higher than the feeder 20. The feeder management system 60 is a management device that can manage multiple feeders 20, such as a component mounting machine 1 equipped with a feeder setting table 10 on which multiple feeders 20 can be set, or a host computer that controls the component mounting machine 1 and the feeders 20.

[0046] The control device 50 transmits the feeder information updated by the information update unit 51 to the feeder management system 60. The transmission of the feeder information from the control device 50 to the feeder management system 60 may be performed after the feeder information has been updated, for example, at the timing of a collation process in an off-site setup device.

[0047] The feeder management system 60 has a storage unit 61 and a control unit 62. The feeder management system 60 is capable of receiving feeder information transmitted from the control device 50 of the feeder 20. When the feeder management system 60 receives feeder information, the storage unit 61 stores the feeder information after it has been updated by the information update unit 51 of that feeder 20.

[0048] After storing the feeder information in the memory unit 61, the control unit 62 manages and controls various aspects of the feeder 20 based on the feeder information. For example, the control unit 62 controls the setting of the feeder 20 in slots of devices such as a conveying device that conveys the feeder 20 and a storage device that stores the feeder 20, including the setting of the feeder 20 in the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. Specifically, the control unit 62 changes the slot in which the feeder 20 is set according to the reel storage width included in the feeder information, within a range that avoids interference with feeders 20 set in other slots.

[0049] 5. Updating Feeder Information and Effects of the Update For example, when the components on the carrier tape 2 loaded in the feeder 20 become empty or when the components are no longer used in the feeder 20, the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage unit 30 is replaced with a new tape reel 3. The attachment and detachment of the tape reel 3 in this feeder 20 and the storage of the tape reel 3 in the new feeder 20 are performed by an operator in, for example, an off-site setup area.

[0050] If the reel width of the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage unit 30 is relatively narrow, the storage width changing mechanism 40 moves the cover 32, causing the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30 to become narrow, either before or after the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel storage unit 30. In this case, the sensor 55 outputs an ON signal, the width detection unit 52 detects the narrow reel storage width, and the information update unit 51 associates the narrow reel storage width with the feeder identification information to update the feeder information. This feeder information is sent to the feeder management system 60 and stored in the memory unit 61.

[0051] Furthermore, if the reel width of the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage unit 30 is relatively wide, the storage width changing mechanism 40 moves the cover 32, causing the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30 to become wide, either before or after the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel storage unit 30. In this case, the sensor 55 outputs an OFF signal, the width detection unit 52 detects the wide reel storage width, and the information update unit 51 associates the wide reel storage width with the feeder identification information to update the feeder information. This feeder information is sent to the feeder management system 60 and stored in the memory unit 61.

[0052] After storing the feeder information in the memory unit 61 as described above, the control unit 62 of the feeder management system 60 controls the setting of the feeder 20 into a slot (including slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1) of at least one of the devices of the component mounting machine 1, the conveying device, and the storage device based on the feeder information.

[0053] The slot pitch of the component mounting machine 1, the transport device, and the storage device is preferably the minimum pitch so that a large number of feeders 20 can be efficiently arranged. If the slot pitch is the minimum pitch, a large number of feeders can be arranged in a limited space, thereby saving space when mounting the feeders 20 in the device.

[0054] When a feeder 20 stores tape reels 3 with narrow reel widths in its reel storage section 30, the reel storage width of that reel storage section 30 is in a narrow state. In this case, feeders 20 with narrow reel storage widths can be consecutively set in a plurality of slots arranged side by side on the feeder set table 10 or the like. On the other hand, when a feeder 20 stores tape reels 3 with wide reel widths in its reel storage section 30, the reel storage width of that reel storage section 30 is in a wide state. In this case, feeders 20 with wide reel storage widths cannot be consecutively set in a plurality of slots arranged side by side on the feeder set table 10 or the like, and can only be set in every other one of the plurality of slots.

[0055] The control unit 62 controls, for example, the setting of the feeder 20 from the off-site setup device to a slot of the transport device, or the setting of the feeder 20 from the transport device to a slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1, based on the feeder information of the feeder 20 stored in the memory unit 61. Specifically, the slot in which the feeder 20 is set is changed according to the reel storage width included in the feeder information, within a range that avoids interference with the feeder 20 set in other slots.

[0056] For example, when the feeder information stored in the memory unit 61 for the target feeder 20 includes information on the reel storage width in a narrow state, the set control of the feeder 20 is performed so as to allow the feeder 20 to be set in any of the multiple slots (limited to empty slots). On the other hand, when the feeder information stored in the memory unit 61 for the target feeder 20 includes information on the reel storage width in a wide state, the set control of the feeder 20 is performed so as to allow the feeder 20 to be set in one of two consecutive empty slots among the multiple slots.

[0057] Of these two consecutive empty slots, the empty slot into which the feeder 20 is permitted to be set is the slot on the opposite side of the feeder 20 from the side where the cover 32 is located in the reel width direction Y. In this case, the remaining empty slot is a slot into which the feeder 20 is prohibited to be set. This is to prevent interference between feeders 20 inserted into adjacent slots.

[0058] Furthermore, after updating the feeder information, when the tape reel 3 is removed from the reel storage section 30 of the feeder 20, the information updating section 51 separates the information on the reel storage width from the feeder identification information and deletes and updates the feeder information. Note that the timing for deleting and updating the feeder information may be after the tape reel 3 is actually removed from the reel storage section 30, or may be after the feeder management system 60 or the like has determined that the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage section 30 will not be used in that feeder 20.

[0059] When the information update unit 51 of a feeder 20 deletes and updates the feeder information as described above, the feeder management system 60 deletes the feeder information of that feeder 20 stored in the storage unit 61. Specifically, the information on the reel storage width associated with the feeder identification information of that feeder 20 is deleted.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, when a tape reel 3 is stored in the reel storage section 30 of the feeder 20, the feeder information can be updated by associating the feeder identification information of the feeder 20 with information on the reel storage width of the reel storage section 30. Furthermore, the updated feeder information can be sent to the feeder management system 60 and stored in the storage unit 61. After the feeder information regarding the feeder 20 is stored in the storage unit 61, the setting of the feeder 20 into the slots of various devices can be controlled based on the reel storage width associated with the feeder identification information in the feeder information.

[0061] According to this configuration, a slot structure is created that allows a large number of feeders 20 to be arranged for various devices, including a component mounting machine 1 having a slot 11, and the feeders 20 can be set in those slots to a range that matches the reel storage width and does not cause interference between the feeders 20.

[0062] Therefore, even if a carrier tape 2 of the same type and tape width is wound not on a tape reel 3 that meets the standard but on a tape reel 3 made of cardboard or the like that has a reel width wider than the standard, the wider tape reel 3 can be stored in the reel storage section 30 of the feeder 20, and the feeder 20 storing the wider tape reel 3 can be set in an optimum slot.

[0063] Furthermore, when the carrier tape 2 is wound on a tape reel 3 in a narrow state, unlike when the carrier tape 2 is wound on a tape reel 3 in a wide state, it is possible to avoid limiting the number of feeders 20 that can be mounted on various devices, thereby reducing the impact on the number of feeders 20 that can be mounted.

[0064] Furthermore, when the tape reel 3 is removed from the reel storage section 30 of the feeder 20, the feeder information is deleted and updated. Therefore, the reel storage width can be associated with the feeder identification information for only the required period, and the association can be prevented from continuing for an unnecessarily long period of time, thereby preventing the feeder 20 from being set erroneously in the slots of various devices as much as possible.

[0065] 6. Modified Embodiments In the above embodiment, the dog 59 is provided integrally with the cover 32 of the reel storage unit 30 of the feeder 20, the sensor 55 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the contact and separation of the dog 59, and the width detection unit 52 detects the position of the cover 32 in the reel width direction relative to the feeder body 21 to detect the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30 may be detected by detecting the position of the cover 32 in the reel width direction relative to the feeder body 21 through image processing using a camera, or the reel width of the tape reel 3 when the tape reel 3 is stored in the reel storage unit 30 may be detected.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reel storage section 30 of the feeder 20 has a cover 32 arranged on either side of the feeder body 21 in the reel width direction Y. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and as shown in Figure 9, the reel storage section 30 may have the above-mentioned cover 32 and a cover 33 that forms a pair with the cover 32 and is arranged on either side of the feeder body 21 in the reel width direction Y.

[0067] 9, the storage width change mechanism 40 changes the reel storage width of the reel storage section 30 by moving the covers 32 and 33 in the reel width direction Y relative to the feeder body 21. In this modified form, the reel storage width of the reel storage section 30 can be changed to a narrowest state, a widest state, or an intermediate state between the narrowest and widest states, and further, the intermediate state has two patterns: one where the storage space is shifted to the right and one where it is shifted to the left relative to the feeder body 21.

[0068] 10, sensors are provided, including a sensor 55 that outputs a signal corresponding to the position of cover 32 in the reel width direction and a sensor 56 that outputs a signal corresponding to the position of cover 33 in the reel width direction, and control device 50 has an information update unit 51 and a cover position detection unit 53 that detects the reel width direction positions of covers 32 and 33 relative to feeder body 21. When cover position detection unit 53 detects the reel width direction positions of covers 32 and 33 relative to feeder body 21, it becomes possible to calculate the distance between the reel width direction positions of both covers 32 and 33 as the reel storage width of reel storage unit 30.

[0069] The information updating unit 51 updates the feeder information by associating the reel widthwise positions of the cover 32 and the cover 33, which are detected by the cover position detecting unit 53, and the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30, with the feeder identification information. This feeder information is transmitted to the feeder management system 60 and stored in the storage unit 61. Then, the control unit 62 of the feeder management system 60 controls the setting of the feeders 20 into the slots of various devices, including the component mounting machine 1, based on the feeder information including the reel widthwise positions of the cover 32 and the cover 33, and the reel storage width of the reel storage unit 30.

[0070] For example, in a configuration in which the pitch in the reel width direction Y of the slots 11 of a component mounting machine 1 is such that feeders 20 with the narrowest reel storage width can be successively set in two adjacent slots 11 as shown in Fig. 11, but feeders 20 with the widest reel storage width cannot be successively set in two adjacent slots 11, it may be possible to set feeders 20 with an intermediate reel storage width in those two adjacent slots 11 as shown in Fig. 12. Hereinafter, a feeder 20 with an intermediate reel storage width and a storage space located to the left will be referred to as a left-side feeder 20L, and a feeder 20 with an intermediate reel storage width and a storage space located to the right will be referred to as a right-side feeder 20R.

[0071] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the right-side feeder 20R can be set in the slot 11 (second slot 11-2) adjacent to the right side of the slot 11 (first slot 11-1) in which the left-side feeder 20L is set, the slot 11 (third slot 11-3) adjacent to the right side of the second slot 11-2 is left as an empty slot, and the left-side feeder 20L can be set in the slot 11 (fourth slot 11-4) adjacent to the right side of the empty third slot 11-3, and similar setting specifications are repeated thereafter.

[0072] In this modified embodiment, the left-side feeder 20L and the right-side feeder 20R can be set consecutively in two slots 11 adjacent to each other in the reel width direction Y, while the slot 11 on the opposite side of these two slots 11 in the reel width direction Y is left empty. In other words, it is possible to set feeders 20 with intermediate reel storage widths not only in every other slot among a plurality of slots 11 aligned in the reel width direction Y, but also in two adjacent slots 11 among three consecutive slots 11 in the reel width direction Y.

[0073] Therefore, the slot structure is designed to allow a large number of feeders 20 to be arranged for various devices including a component mounting machine 1 having slots 11, and as many feeders 20 as possible can be set in those slots 11 in accordance with the reel storage width without causing interference between the feeders 20.

[0074] In the above-described modified embodiment, the reel storage section 30 of the feeder 20 has two covers 32, 33 arranged on both sides in the reel width direction Y, and the feeder 20 can be either a left-side feeder 20L or a right-side feeder 20R. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a mixture of feeders 20 in which the reel storage section 30 has a cover on one side in the reel width direction Y and feeders 20 in which the reel storage section 30 has a cover on the other side in the reel width direction Y may be used.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the feeder 20 is a cassette-type tape feeder. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be applied to a tape feeder other than a cassette-type feeder as long as the feeder 20 can store the tape reel 3.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 1: component mounting machine, 2: carrier tape, 3: tape reel, 10: feeder set table, 11: slot, 20: feeder, 21: feeder body, 30: reel storage section, 31: reel holding shaft, 32, 33: cover, 40: storage width change mechanism, 50: control device, 51: information update section, 52: width detection section, 53: cover position detection section, 55, 56: sensors, 59: dog, 60: feeder management system, 61: memory section, 62: control section, S: component supply position.

Claims

1. A feeder comprising: a feeder body having a transport path for transporting and supporting a carrier tape; a reel storage section provided in the feeder body for rotatably storing a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound; a storage width change mechanism for changing a reel storage width for storing the tape reel in the reel storage section in accordance with the reel width of the tape reel; and an information update section for updating feeder information associated with feeder identification information to information including the reel width or the reel storage width after change by the storage width change mechanism.

2. A feeder as described in claim 1, further comprising a width detection unit which detects the reel width of the tape reel stored in the reel storage unit or the reel storage width of the reel storage unit, and wherein the information update unit updates the feeder information by associating the reel width or the reel storage width detected by the width detection unit with the feeder identification information.

3. A feeder as described in claim 1, wherein the reel storage section has a reel holding shaft that rotatably supports the tape reel, and a cover that externally covers at least a portion of the flange surface of the tape reel supported by the reel holding shaft, and the storage width change mechanism changes the reel storage width by moving at least the cover in the reel width direction relative to the feeder body.

4. A feeder as described in claim 3, wherein the cover has a first cover arranged on the outside of one flange surface of the tape reel and a second cover arranged on the outside of the other flange surface of the tape reel, and the storage width change mechanism is capable of moving each of the first cover and the second cover in the reel width direction relative to the feeder body.

5. A feeder as described in claim 4, further comprising a cover position detection unit which detects the reel width direction positions of the first cover and the second cover relative to the feeder body, and the information update unit updates the feeder information by associating the reel width direction positions of the first cover and the second cover detected by the cover position detection unit, as well as the reel storage width which is the distance between the two reel width direction positions, with the feeder identification information.

6. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein said information updating section deletes and updates said feeder information when the tape reel is removed from said reel storage section after updating said feeder information.

7. A feeder management system for managing a feeder as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a memory unit for storing the feeder information transmitted from the feeder after it has been updated by the information update unit; and a control unit for controlling the setting of the feeder into a slot of at least one of a component mounting machine, a transport device, and a storage device based on the feeder information stored in the memory unit.

8. A feeder management system as described in claim 7, wherein the control unit changes the slot in which the feeder is set according to the reel width or the reel storage width in the feeder information stored in the memory unit, within a range that avoids interference with other feeders set in other slots.

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