Label-supplying device

Abstract

This label-supplying device is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires information about the remaining number of components left on a partially used carrier tape in a tape feeder that supplies components by feeding out a carrier tape wound around a reel; and a creation unit that creates a label having a sealing surface used for affixing the leading end of the carrier tape removed from the tape feeder to the reel, and having the remaining-number information added thereto.

Description

Label Feeder

[0001] The present specification relates to a label supplying device that supplies labels used when fixing a carrier tape for supplying components to a reel.

[0002] A technology for mass-producing circuit board products by performing substrate-to-substrate operations on substrates on which circuit patterns are formed is becoming widespread. A typical example of a substrate-to-substrate operation machine is a component placement machine that performs component placement operations. Many component placement machines are equipped with a tape feeder that unwinds a carrier tape wound on a reel to supply components. Since the types of components to be placed change when changing the type of substrate product, partially used carrier tape (partially used tape) may need to be removed from the tape feeder. In this case, it is necessary to manage the type and remaining number of components on the partially used tape in preparation for the next use. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of technology related to the handling and management of partially used tape.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a carrier tape winding and storage device that includes a winding means for winding a carrier tape onto a vertically held reel, an application means for applying a label indicating component information to the reel to produce a labeled reel, a holding means that can assume a first holding position that holds the reel vertically and a second holding position that holds the reel horizontally, a stocker that is provided below the holding means in the second holding position and stores the labeled reels, and a transport means that receives the reel from the holding means in the second holding position, transports it to the application means, and transports the labeled reel from the application means onto the stocker, and when the transport means receives the reel from the holding means in the second holding position, the labeled reel on the transport means drops onto the stocker. According to this device, the transport means can simultaneously receive the reel from the holding means and drop the labeled reel on the transport means into the stocker, thereby shortening the overall processing time.

[0004] JP 2013-4582 A

[0005] The technical example of Patent Document 1 is advantageous in that a label indicating component information can be affixed to a reel on which partially used tape has been wound, thereby enabling component type management. However, the leading end of the wound carrier tape tends to protrude from the reel and become wobbly, making it difficult to handle. For this reason, a second label is used to secure the leading end of the carrier tape to the reel. Note that labels containing component type information are often affixed to the reel in advance by the component manufacturer, but may also be affixed by the user, as shown in Patent Document 1.

[0006] Meanwhile, information on the remaining number of components left on the partially used tape is managed by the component mounting machine that is equipped with the tape feeder and consumes the components. However, after the tape feeder or reel is removed from the component mounting machine, the managed remaining number information is discarded because there is a possibility that the remaining number may change due to manual intervention. For this reason, some users measure the remaining number of components left on the partially used tape using, for example, an X-ray irradiation type component remaining number inspection machine, and manage the remaining number by attaching a third label with the remaining number information to the reel.

[0007] As mentioned above, the combined use of a label indicating the type of component, a second label for fixing the end of the carrier tape to the reel, and a third label with remaining quantity information increases the cost of materials and production of the labels, and also complicates the work of handling the labels. Furthermore, measurement using a remaining component quantity inspection machine overlaps with the management of the component placement machine, making it inefficient.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a label supply device that reduces the number of labels applied to a reel on which a carrier tape is wound and that reduces the labor required for handling the labels.

[0009] This specification discloses a label supply device that is a tape feeder that supplies components by unwinding a carrier tape wound on a reel, and that includes an acquisition unit that acquires remaining quantity information of the components left on a partially used carrier tape, and a creation unit that has a sealing surface used to secure the tip of the carrier tape removed from the tape feeder to the reel and that creates a label with the remaining quantity information attached.

[0010] This specification discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the label supply device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the label supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 4 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the label supply device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the label supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7" in claim 8 as originally filed, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the label supply device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the label supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9" in claim 10 as originally filed.

[0011] In the disclosed label supply device, the acquisition unit acquires information on the remaining number of components left on a partially used carrier tape, and the creation unit creates a label with the remaining number information and a sealing surface used to secure the leading end of the carrier tape to the reel. This allows one label to be used for both securing the leading end of the carrier tape to the reel and managing the remaining number information, thereby reducing the number of labels applied to the reel and enabling labor savings related to label handling.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a tape feeder that uses a carrier tape and a reel. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a carrier tape. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the label carrier tape used by the label supply device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the label supply device, showing a state in which the leading label on the label carrier tape has been sent to the label supply port. FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the leading end of the cover tape has been fixed to the side of the reel using a label. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of a feeder setup device in which a label supply device of a second embodiment is incorporated. FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the overall configuration of the feeder setup device. FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the label supply device of the second embodiment.

[0013] 1. Configuration example of tape feeder 9 The label supply device 1 of the first embodiment supplies labels 9L used when fixing the leading end of a carrier tape 9T to a reel 9R. First, a configuration example of a tape feeder 9 using a carrier tape 9T and a reel 9R will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The tape feeder 9 unwinds and feeds the carrier tape 9T wound around the reel 9R in the feed direction, and supplies components at a component supply position 941 located above and downstream in the feed direction. The right side of FIG. 1 is the upstream side in the feed direction, and the left side is the downstream side. The tape feeder 9 is composed of a feeder main body 91, a reel holding unit 92, a tape transport path 93, a feed mechanism 95, a discharge mechanism 96, and a feeder control unit (not shown).

[0014] The feeder body 91 is formed primarily from a single side panel that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The width of the feeder body 91 is determined to match the tape width of the carrier tape 9T, of which there are several types. A detachable rail 911 that protrudes downward is provided at the bottom of the feeder body 91. The detachable rail 911 is inserted into a slot in a mounting base provided in a component mounting machine (not shown). This allows the tape feeder 9 to be detachably mounted on the component mounting machine. The mounting base is not limited to a fixed type, but may be formed as a detachable cart-shaped type.

[0015] An upper positioning pin 912, a connector 913, and a lower positioning pin 914 are provided in this order from top to bottom on the downstream end face of the feeder body 91. The upper positioning pin 912 and the lower positioning pin 914 engage with positioning holes provided on the main body of the component mounting machine to position the tape feeder 9. When the tape feeder 9 is positioned, the connector 913 automatically fits into a receiving connector provided on the component mounting machine. This allows power to be supplied to the tape feeder 9, and the feeder control unit is connected to the main body of the component mounting machine for communication.

[0016] The reel holding section 92 is provided at a position closer to the upstream side of the feeder main body 91. The reel holding section 92 rotatably and replaceably holds the reel 9R around which the carrier tape 9T is wound. The reel holding section 92 is composed of at least one of an outer periphery holding section and a holding shaft (not shown). The outer periphery holding section rotatably holds the outer periphery of the reel 9R. The holding shaft is disposed to extend in the width direction of the feeder main body 91 and rotatably holds the center hole of the reel 9R. Note that the reel holding section 92 may be configured separately from the feeder main body 91. In other words, the tape feeder 9 may be configured as a separate reel type.

[0017] The reel 9R has a manufacturer label 9S (see FIG. 5) attached or printed by the manufacturer. The manufacturer label 9S indicates the manufacturer's name, the type and specifications of the part, the lot number or lot name, and the date of manufacture. The manufacturer label 9S may display information using a barcode or the like in addition to or instead of text. The carrier tape 9T wound around the reel 9R has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The carrier tape 9T is made up of a base tape 9U and a cover tape 9V.

[0018] The base tape 9U is formed by, for example, attaching a thin film bottom tape to the underside of a paper main tape of a uniform thickness. The main tape has numerous rectangular cavities 9W arranged at a predetermined pitch along the tape length. Each cavity 9W houses a component (not shown). The cover tape 9V is formed of a thin, colorless, transparent film that allows the components inside the cavities 9W to be visually inspected and photographed. The cover tape 9V is releasably adhered to the top surface of the base tape 9U by two adhesive strips (not shown) that extend along the tape length, passing through both sides of the multiple cavities 9W. The cover tape 9V covers the cavities 9W to prevent components from scattering. The carrier tape 9T has numerous feed holes 9X arranged at a predetermined pitch along the tape length, near one side edge.

[0019] Returning to FIG. 1 , the tape transport path 93 extends from near the reel 9R held by the reel holding portion 92 to the upper downstream side. The tape transport path 93 guides the carrier tape 9T pulled out from the reel 9R in a predetermined feed direction. The tape transport path 93 is formed, for example, in the shape of a cylinder with a rectangular cross section using a bottom plate, two side plates, and a ceiling plate. A tape holding portion 94 is provided near the downstream end of the tape transport path 93. A cover tape fold-back portion 931 is provided at a position on the tape transport path 93 upstream of the tape holding portion 94. The cover tape fold-back portion 931 is formed between the downstream end of the ceiling plate of the tape transport path 93 and the tape holding portion 94, and opens upward.

[0020] The tape holding unit 94 can be switched between a holding position where it is swung downward and a release position where it is swung upward by operating a lever (not shown). In the holding position, the tape holding unit 94 holds the base tape 9U after the cover tape 9V has been peeled off by the biasing action of a biasing member (not shown), pressing it against the bottom plate of the tape transport path 93. In the release position, the tape holding unit 94 releases the biasing action, allowing the base tape 9U to move freely. The tape holding unit 94 has a component supply position 941 that opens upward near its downstream end.

[0021] The feed mechanism 95 feeds the carrier tape 9T containing components in a predetermined feed direction. The feed mechanism 95 is composed of a sprocket 951, a motor 952, and other components. The sprocket 951 is disposed below the tape transport path 93 and generally directly below the tape holding unit 94. The sprocket 951 is rotatably supported by the feeder body 91. The teeth of the sprocket 951 pass upward through grooves formed in the bottom plate of the tape transport path 93 and engage with the feed holes 9X of the base tape 9U held by the tape holding unit 94. The sprocket 951 is driven to rotate by the motor 952 via a gear mechanism (not shown).

[0022] When the tape holding unit 94 is in the holding position and holding the base tape 9U, the motor 952 of the feed mechanism 95 rotates a predetermined amount to feed the carrier tape 9T by the pitch distance of the cavity 9W, thereby performing a component supply operation. When the carrier tape 9T is to be removed, the motor 952 of the feed mechanism 95 rotates in the reverse direction, automatically returning the carrier tape 9T. On the other hand, when the tape holding unit 94 is in the release position, a loading operation can be performed, in which the leading end of the base tape 9U is loaded up to the component supply position 941. After the loading operation is completed, a lever is operated, and the tape holding unit 94 moves to the holding position, holds the base tape 9U, and prepares for a component supply operation.

[0023] During the component supply operation, the cover tape 9V of the carrier tape 9T is peeled off from the base tape 9U near the cover tape fold-back portion 931. The peeled cover tape 9V travels upward from the tape transport path 93 through the cover tape fold-back portion 931, makes a U-turn, and travels backward above the tape transport path 93. The cover tape 9V is then ejected downward by an ejection mechanism 96 (described below).

[0024] Meanwhile, the base tape 9U is fed to the component supply position 941 with the cavity 9W open to supply components. The base tape 9U is then discharged downstream. Note that the base tape 9U may be discharged downward after supplying components. The discharged base tape 9U and cover tape 9V are collected in a tape collection unit provided in the component mounting machine. Examples of the tape collection unit include a combination of a take-up reel and a reel rotation drive unit, or a combination of a tape cutting mechanism and a tape collection box.

[0025] The discharge mechanism 96 discharges the cover tape 9V. The discharge mechanism 96 is composed of a feed guide 961 and a discharge section 965. The feed guide 961 is located near the center of the feed direction near the top of the feeder body 91. The discharge section 965 is located slightly upstream of the feed guide 961 near the bottom of the feeder body 91. The feed guide 961 is formed by a first guide roller 962 and a second guide roller 963 rotatably supported on the feeder body 91. The first guide roller 962 is movably supported while being biased by a biasing member (not shown) and has the function of applying tension to the cover tape 9V. The cover tape 9V traveling backward from the cover tape folding section 931 passes under the first guide roller 962 and above the second guide roller 963 in an S-shaped manner and is fed diagonally downward upstream. Thereafter, the cover tape 9V crosses the carrier tape 9T on the tape transport path 93 and descends, and is sent to the discharge section 965.

[0026] The discharge section 965 is composed of a first gear 966, a second gear 967, a motor 968, and the like. The cover tape 9V descends between the first gear 966 and the second gear 967, which are rotatably supported on the feeder body 91. The discharge section 965 can be switched between a holding position and a release position by operating a not-shown lever. In the holding position, the second gear 967 approaches the first gear 966 due to the biasing action of a not-shown biasing member. As a result, the first gear 966 and the second gear 967 engage with each other, sandwiching the cover tape 9V, and the tape holding section 94 enters a holding state in which the cover tape 9V can be discharged. In addition, in the release position, the biasing action of the tape holding section 94 is released, and the second gear 967 moves away from the first gear 966. As a result, a gap is created between the first gear 966 and the second gear 967 and the cover tape 9V, resulting in a released state that allows the cover tape 9V to move freely.

[0027] The motor 968 rotates the first gear 966 directly or via a transmission mechanism (not shown). When the discharge unit 965 is in the holding state, the motor 968 rotates in synchronization with the motor 952 of the feed mechanism 95. This rotates the first gear 966, which, together with the meshing second gear 967, feeds the cover tape 9V downward by a pitch and discharges it. When the carrier tape 9T is automatically returned, the motor 968 rotates in reverse in synchronization with the motor 952, thereby automatically returning the cover tape 9V. Meanwhile, when the discharge unit 965 is in the released state, a loading operation can be performed, in which the leading end of the cover tape 9V is loaded between the first gear 966 and the second gear 967. After the loading operation is completed, a lever is operated, and the discharge unit 965 transitions to a holding state in which the cover tape 9V can be discharged, preparing for a component supply operation. The feeder control section controls the feed mechanism 95 and the discharge mechanism 96 based on commands from the control device on the main body side of the component mounting machine to advance the component supply operation.

[0028] In a component mounting machine equipped with a tape feeder 9, when the type of board product is changed, the type of components to be mounted on the board is also changed. For this reason, there are cases where the tape feeder 9 is removed, the partially used carrier tape 9T and reel 9R are replaced with other ones, and then the tape feeder 9 is re-installed. Alternatively, there are cases where the carrier tape 9T and reel 9R are replaced while the tape feeder 9 remains installed, and use continues. Furthermore, there are cases where the reel 9R is removed from the removed tape feeder 9, and the tape feeder 9 and reel 9R are stored separately.

[0029] In these cases, the reel 9R removed from the tape feeder 9 is prone to being difficult to handle because the leading edge of the partially used carrier tape 9T protrudes and wobbles. Furthermore, the cover tape 9V has already been peeled off from several cavities 9W near the leading edge of the base tape 9U, creating a risk of components scattering. For this reason, labels 9L are used to secure the leading edge of the carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R. It is also necessary to manage the number of components remaining on the carrier tape 9T in preparation for the next use. The label supply device 1 of the first embodiment supplies labels 9L that can be used to manage the number of remaining components in addition to securing the carrier tape 9T.

[0030] 2. Labels 9L and Label Retainer Tape 9A The label supply device 1 creates and supplies the above-described labels 9L using a label retainer tape 9A. The label retainer tape 9A has a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the label retainer tape 9A is made of, for example, a thin film or paper, and has multiple labels 9L peelably attached along the tape length. The label retainer tape 9A has multiple feed holes 9B formed at a predetermined pitch distance near one side edge along the tape length. The label retainer tape 9A is provided in a form wound around a reel 9C (see FIG. 4).

[0031] The label 9L is formed using film or paper and is initially unprinted. The label 9L has a rectangular outer shape, more precisely, a rounded rectangular outer shape with rounded corners. The labels 9L are affixed to the label carrier tape 9A so that they are aligned at a predetermined label pitch along the tape length direction. The long sides of the affixed labels 9L are parallel to the tape length direction. The shape of the label 9L is not limited to a rectangle, but is preferably a shape that can indicate the extension direction of the cover tape 9V, as described below. For example, the label 9L may be an elongated non-isosceles trapezoid or an elongated triangle. An example of a suitable non-isosceles trapezoid is one in which one leg intersects the upper and lower bases at a right angle and the other leg intersects the upper and lower bases at a 45° angle.

[0032] The front surface 9M of the label 9L is printed by the printing unit 4. Figure 3 illustrates an example in which a barcode 9N is printed on the front surface 9M of one label 9L, and two labels 9L are unprinted. The back surface of the label 9L is composed of a sealing surface 9P, which occupies the majority of the label, and a non-sealing surface 9Q, which remains. The sealing surface 9P is formed, for example, by applying an adhesive, and enables the leading end of the carrier tape 9T to be fixed to the reel 9R. The non-sealing surface 9Q is not coated with adhesive and does not contribute to fixing the leading end of the carrier tape 9T. The non-sealing surface 9Q does not stick even when held with fingers or a jig, contributing to good workability. The label 9L is affixed to the label retaining tape 9A so that the non-sealing surface 9Q is at the leading end of the label retaining tape 9A and the sealing surface 9P is at the trailing end of the label retaining tape 9A.

[0033] 3. Configuration of the Label Supply Device 1 of the First Embodiment We will now move on to explaining the label supply device 1 of the first embodiment. As indicated by the arrow in the upper left of Figure 4, the left side of the paper is defined as the front side of the label supply device 1, the right side is defined as the rear side of the label supply device 1, and the direction from front to back of the paper is defined as the width direction. The label supply device 1 is made up of a device main body 2, a tape feed mechanism 3, a printing unit 4, a control unit 5, etc. The device main body 2 is formed to be long in the front-to-rear direction and thin in the width direction. The device main body 2 is provided with a reel holding unit 21 and a tape passage 22.

[0034] The reel holding section 21 is disposed at the rear of the device main body 2. The reel holding section 21 rotatably holds the reel 9C around which the label holding tape 9A is wound. The reel holding section 21 is formed using a holding shaft that is provided on the device main body 2 and extends in the width direction, and rotatably holds the center hole of the reel 9C. However, without being limited to this, the reel holding section 21 may also be configured to rotatably hold the outer periphery of the reel 9C. Furthermore, the reel holding section 21 may be configured as a separate body from the device main body 2.

[0035] The tape path 22 extends from near the reel 9C held by the reel holding portion 21 to the upper front side of the device main body 2. The tape path 22 is defined between an upper surface 221 of the device main body 2 and a plurality of path-forming members spaced apart above the upper surface 221. The gap distance between the upper surface 221 and the path-forming members that define the tape path 22 is set to be slightly larger than the combined thickness of the label holding tape 9A and the label 9L. This allows the label holding tape 9A to be smoothly fed from the rear to the front through the tape path 22, preventing congestion within the path or deviation from the path.

[0036] To describe the tape path 22 in more detail, the upper surface 221 of the device body 2 is formed by a horizontal portion 222, a descending cylindrical portion 223, and an ascending cylindrical portion 224, which are connected in this order from the rear to the front. The horizontal portion 222 is located near the center of the device body 2 in the front-to-rear direction and extends generally horizontally in the front-to-rear direction. The descending cylindrical portion 223 is a part of the cylindrical surface that protrudes downward and has a shape that guides the label carrier tape 9A in a curved manner in side view. The ascending cylindrical portion 224 is formed by a cylindrical portion that is a part of the cylindrical surface that protrudes upward and an inclined flat portion that is connected to the front side of the cylindrical portion and extends diagonally downward and forward. The cylindrical portion guides the label carrier tape 9A in a curved manner in side view. The inclined flat portion guides the label carrier tape 9A in a diagonally downward and forward direction.

[0037] Meanwhile, the multiple passage forming members are provided, in order from the rear, with a horizontal cover 226, a roller guide 227, and a cylindrical surface cover 228. The horizontal cover 226 is formed from a plate material and is positioned parallel to the horizontal section 222 while spaced above it by the aforementioned gap distance. The rear section of the horizontal cover 226 is bent obliquely upward and rearward, widening the distance between it and the horizontal section 222. This facilitates and smooths entry of the label carrier tape 9A into the tape passage 22. A printing opening 41 is provided in the front section of the horizontal cover 226.

[0038] The roller guide 227 is disposed above the descending cylindrical portion 223 by a gap distance and is rotatably supported by the device main body 2. A label supply port 229 that opens upward is provided in the tape path 22 between the roller guide 227 and the horizontal cover 226. Near the label supply port 229, the label holding tape 9A is fed so as to gradually bend downward, and assumes an upwardly bulging shape in side view. When the label holding tape 9A passes between the roller guide 227 and the descending cylindrical portion 223, the roller guide 227 rotates to reduce the sliding resistance that occurs during passage.

[0039] The cylindrical surface cover 228 has a cylindrical portion that is part of the cylindrical surface and protrudes upward, and an inclined flat portion that is connected to the front side of the cylindrical portion and extends diagonally downward and forward. The cylindrical surface cover 228 is disposed above the rising cylindrical portion 224 by a gap distance. In the tape path 22 between the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical surface cover 228 and the cylindrical portion of the rising cylindrical portion 224, the label carrier tape 9A is driven by a sprocket 33 of the tape feeding mechanism 3, which will be described next.

[0040] The tape feeding mechanism 3 is composed of an air drive mechanism 31, a ratchet mechanism 32, a sprocket 33, and the like. The air drive mechanism 31 is disposed approximately in the center of the device body 2. The air drive mechanism 31 is composed of a cylinder 311 and a piston 312. The cylinder 311 is fixed to the device body 2, extends in the front-to-rear direction, and has an opening on the front side. The piston 312 is held inside and at the opening of the cylinder 311, and is held so as to be able to extend and retract relative to the cylinder 311. The rear part of the piston 312 keeps the air inside the cylinder 311 airtight. The piston 312 is driven by air sucked into and exhausted by the cylinder 311, and extends and retracts relative to the cylinder 311 by a predetermined stroke length in the front-to-rear direction.

[0041] The ratchet mechanism 32 is composed of a swing plate 321, a ratchet wheel 324, a ratchet pawl 326, etc. The swing plate 321 is supported by a rotation shaft 322 that is provided on the device body 2 and extends in the width direction. The swing plate 321 swings clockwise and counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 4 with the rotation shaft 322 as a fulcrum. A drive unit 323, which is spaced downward from the rotation shaft 322 of the swing plate 321, is connected to the front part of the piston 312.

[0042] The ratchet wheel 324 is supported by a rotary shaft 322 and rotates counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 4 around the rotary shaft 322. Ratchet teeth formed on the outer periphery of the ratchet wheel 324 mesh with a ratchet pawl 326 supported on the device body 2. The ratchet teeth and ratchet pawl 326 allow the ratchet wheel 324 to rotate counterclockwise and restrict clockwise rotation.

[0043] The sprocket 33 is supported by the rotating shaft 322 so as to rotate integrally with the ratchet wheel 324. The teeth on the outer periphery of the sprocket 33 pass upward through grooves formed in the rising cylindrical portion 224 and engage with the feed holes 9B of the label carrier tape 9A. Here, since the rotating shaft 322 is positioned at the center axis of the cylindrical portion of the rising cylindrical portion 224, the multiple teeth of the sprocket 33 pass through the grooves of the rising cylindrical portion 224 and each engage with the feed holes 9B.

[0044] The tape feed mechanism 3 feeds the label carrier tape 9A forward by the label pitch distance with one reciprocating motion of the piston 312 in the air drive mechanism 31. More specifically, when air is supplied to the cylinder 311 of the air drive mechanism 31 and the piston 312 extends forward from its retracted state, the swing plate 321 swings clockwise. At this time, the ratchet wheel 324 remains stationary without rotating clockwise because it is restricted by the ratchet pawl 326.

[0045] Next, when the air is discharged from the cylinder 311 and the piston 312 retracts from its extended state to the rear, the swing plate 321 swings counterclockwise. At this time, the ratchet wheel 324 is not restricted by the ratchet pawl 326 and rotates counterclockwise together with the swing plate 321. Furthermore, the sprocket 33 rotates counterclockwise together with the ratchet wheel 324. At this time, the teeth of the sprocket 33 move toward the front of the tape path 22 by the label pitch distance while remaining engaged with the feed holes 9B of the label carrier tape 9A. The stroke length of the piston 312 is determined to correspond to this label pitch distance. Therefore, the label carrier tape 9A is fed forward by the label pitch distance.

[0046] The control unit 5 is provided in the device main body 2, and its location is not limited. The control unit 5 is configured using a computer device and controls the operation of the label supply device 1. In detail, the control unit 5 controls the intake and exhaust of air in the air drive mechanism 31, as well as the print content and print timing of the printing unit 4, as shown by the dashed arrows in Fig. 4. The control unit 5 controls the alternating feeding of the label holding tape 9A by the label pitch distance and printing on the labels 9L by the printing unit 4. The control unit 5 includes an acquisition unit 51 configured using software.

[0047] The acquisition unit 51 acquires remaining number information NR of components remaining on a partially used carrier tape 9T in the tape feeder 9. Specifically, the acquisition unit 51 acquires remaining number information NR for carrier tapes 9T and reels 9R that have been or are scheduled to be removed from the tape feeder 9, such as during a changeover to change the type of board product in the component mounting machine 9Z. To enable this, the acquisition unit 51 is directly or indirectly connected to the component mounting machine 9Z for communication.

[0048] An example of an indirect communication connection is a communication connection via a line management device or a feeder management system. The line management device is a device that manages the operation of a board production line configured including a component mounting machine 9Z, and is naturally communicatively connected to the component mounting machine 9Z. The feeder management system is a system that manages the current status and operation history of multiple tape feeders 9 online, and is communicatively connected to the component mounting machine 9Z. Meanwhile, the component mounting machine 9Z consumes components in the mounting operation of picking components from the carrier tape 9T of the tape feeder 9 and mounting them on a board. At this time, the component mounting machine 9Z performs management by decrementing the remaining number information NR with each mounting operation.

[0049] According to the above configuration, the acquisition unit 51 can acquire information about the carrier tape 9T and reel 9R to be removed from the tape feeder 9 by performing periodic communication or by performing timely communication based on changeover information for changing the type of board product. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 51 can acquire remaining number information NR of components remaining on a carrier tape 9T that has been removed from the tape feeder 9 or that is scheduled to be removed and has been partially used. The acquisition unit 51 does not need to acquire remaining number information NR when the carrier tape 9T and reel 9R are not removed even when the tape feeder 9 is removed from the component mounting machine 9Z. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 51 does not need to acquire remaining number information NR (remaining number zero) for a carrier tape 9T that has been completely used.

[0050] The acquisition unit 51 transmits the acquired remaining quantity information NR to the printing unit 4. The transmission of the remaining quantity information NR is one form of a print command from the control unit 5 to the printing unit 4. In an application example, the acquisition unit 51 may acquire the remaining quantity information NR in association with ID information (individual identification information) of the reel 9R and transmit the associated information to the printing unit 4. However, this application example is premised on the assumption that the component mounting machine performs management using the ID information of the reel 9R. The acquisition unit 51 may not be communicatively connected to the component mounting machine 9Z, and may instead acquire the remaining quantity information NR obtained by measurement by a component remaining quantity inspection machine using the carrier tape 9T as the measurement target.

[0051] The printing unit 4 is disposed above the horizontal cover 226. The printing unit 4 prints on the surface 9M of the label 9L disposed below the printing opening 41 of the horizontal cover 226. Various known printing methods can be used for the printing unit 4. An example of the printed content is a barcode 9N indicating the remaining number information NR. The barcode 9N may correspond to the remaining number information NR and the ID information of the reel 9R. The printed content is not limited to this, and may be a two-dimensional code or a character string indicating the remaining number information NR. The printing unit 4 and the tape feeding mechanism 3 are one form of a production unit that produces labels 9L having a seal surface 9P used to secure the leading end of the carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R and having the remaining number information NR.

[0052] 4. Operation of Label Supply Device 1 Next, the operation of the label supply device 1 will be described. As part of the setup work before the label supply device 1 starts operating, the label carrier tape 9A is loaded. That is, the leading end of the label carrier tape 9A to which no label 9L is attached is pulled out from the reel 9C and loaded onto the sprocket 33 through the tape path 22. As a result, the teeth of the sprocket 33 engage with the feed holes 9B of the label carrier tape 9A, and the leading label 9L is positioned below the printing opening 41.

[0053] When the label supply device 1 is powered on, the acquisition unit 51 communicates periodically or at appropriate times to acquire presence / absence information as to whether or not there is any carrier tape 9T and reel 9R to be removed from the tape feeder 9. If there is no carrier tape 9T and reel 9R to be removed from the tape feeder 9, the acquisition unit 51 repeats acquiring presence / absence information through communication. If there is any carrier tape 9T and reel 9R to be removed from the tape feeder 9, the acquisition unit 51 acquires remaining number information NR of the components remaining on the carrier tape 9T. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 51 transmits the remaining number information NR to the printing unit 4.

[0054] After acquiring the remaining number information NR, the printing unit 4 prints a barcode 9N indicating the remaining number information NR on the leading label 9L below the printing opening 41. The printing unit 4 then notifies the control unit 5 that printing is complete. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 5 operates the tape feeding mechanism 3. The tape feeding mechanism 3 feeds the label holding tape 9A forward by the label pitch distance. As a result, the leading label 9L on which the barcode 9N is printed is fed to the label supply port 229 as shown in FIG. 4. At the same time, the second label 9L is fed below the printing opening 41.

[0055] The label carrier tape 9A bulges upward near the label supply port 229. Therefore, the leading label 9L has its front non-sealing surface 9Q separated from the label carrier tape 9A. This makes it easy to hold the non-sealing surface 9Q with fingers or a jig, allowing the label 9L to be easily peeled off from the label carrier tape 9A. Furthermore, subsequent label 9L application is also easy, resulting in excellent workability.

[0056] Meanwhile, below the printing opening 41, preparations for printing on the second label 9L are automatically made. Next, when the acquisition unit 51 acquires the remaining number information NR of the components remaining on the second carrier tape 9T, the printing unit 4 prints the barcode 9N on the second label 9L, the tape feed mechanism 3 feeds the label holding tape 9A, and the label supply port 229 peels off the second label 9L. Furthermore, the same operations and tasks are repeated for the third carrier tape 9T.

[0057] 5. How to Use the Label 9L Next, a method for using the created label 9L will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the first embodiment, the worker uses the label 9L to secure the leading end of a partially used carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R. Preferably, the worker secures the leading end of the cover tape 9V, which has been cut to a length longer than the base tape 9U, to the side of the reel 9R. This operation may be performed on either the reel 9R that is set in the tape feeder 9 or the reel 9R that has been removed from the tape feeder 9.

[0058] More specifically, the worker first cuts the base tape 9U and cover tape 9V as needed to adjust their lengths so that the leading end of the base tape 9U is wound around the reel 9R when the leading end of the cover tape 9V is positioned outside the reel 9R. The worker then collects the created label 9L from the label supply port 229 of the label supply device 1. The worker then twists the leading end of the cover tape 9V to fit along the side of the reel 9R, and attaches the label 9L so that the sealing surface 9P straddles the leading end of the cover tape 9V and the side of the reel 9R.

[0059] According to the above-described method of use, the cavity 9W near the tip of the base tape 9U is not opened, thereby reducing the risk of components scattering. Furthermore, since only the thin and relatively low-rigidity cover tape 9V needs to be twisted and secured, it is easy to fit it along the side of the reel 9R, and the adhesive strength of the sealing surface 9P is small. If the base tape 9U and the cover tape 9V were made equal in length and the entire tip of the carrier tape 9T were secured, the risk of components scattering would increase. Furthermore, the relatively high rigidity of the carrier tape 9T would reduce workability and require a high adhesive strength of the sealing surface 9P. The operator may also secure the tip of the cover tape 9V to the inner surface of the reel 9R facing each other. However, this is limited to the inner surface near the outer periphery where the label 9L can be attached and the barcode 9N can be read.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable for the operator to attach the label 9L parallel to the extension direction of the cover tape 9V. As shown in FIG. 5 , the label 9L attached parallel to the extension direction of the cover tape 9V indicates the position of the tip of the cover tape 9V and the extension direction of the cover tape 9V. This allows the operator to easily identify the cover tape 9V, which is colorless and difficult to see, by referring to the position and orientation of the attached label 9L. This therefore simplifies and streamlines the setup process for the next use of the carrier tape 9T and reel 9R. When the carrier tape 9T and reel 9R are next used, the barcode 9N on the label 9L is read by a barcode reader, and the remaining quantity information NR is transmitted to the component mounting machine 9Z.

[0061] In the label supply device 1 of the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 acquires remaining component quantity information NR for components remaining on a partially used carrier tape 9T. The creation unit (the tape feed mechanism 3 and the printing unit 4) also creates labels 9L bearing the remaining component quantity information NR and having a seal surface 9P used to secure the leading end of the carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R. This allows a single label 9L to be used for both securing the leading end of the carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R and managing the remaining component quantity information NR, thereby reducing the number of labels 9L applied to the reel 9R and saving labor associated with handling the labels 9L. Additionally, because the acquisition unit 51 acquires the remaining component quantity information NR managed by the component mounting machine 9Z, measurement using a component remaining quantity inspection machine is unnecessary.

[0062] 6. Overall Configuration of Feeder Setup Device 6 (Second Embodiment) The label supply device 1A of the second embodiment is incorporated into the feeder setup device 6. First, the overall configuration of the feeder setup device 6 will be described. The feeder setup device 6 automatically performs a setup operation in which a reel 9R is set in a tape feeder 9 and a carrier tape 9T is loaded, and a removal operation in which the reel 9R is removed from the tape feeder 9. Part of the configuration of the feeder setup device 6 is an application of the configuration example disclosed by the applicant of the present application in International Publication No. 2023 / 286209. As shown by the arrows in the upper left of Figures 6 and 7, the front, back, left, and right of the feeder setup device 6 are determined.

[0063] The feeder setup device 6 is composed of a reel supply unit 61, a feeder supply unit 62, a reel attachment / detachment unit 63, a control unit 69 (see FIG. 8 ), and the like. The reel attachment / detachment unit 63 is composed of various components assembled inside a rectangular parallelepiped device housing 631. The reel supply unit 61 is disposed and connected to the front side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 63. The reel supply unit 61 is configured using a box-shaped base 611 that is smaller than the device housing 631. The feeder supply unit 62 is disposed and connected to the left side of the reel attachment / detachment unit 63. The feeder supply unit 62 is configured using a device housing 621 that is smaller than the device housing 631.

[0064] The reel supply unit 61 has a detachable reel holder 612 and a reel transfer mechanism 613. The reel holder 612 is formed, for example, with a shaft member penetrating the center holes of multiple (e.g., 20) reels 9R and a bottom plate on which the shaft member is upright. The reel holder 612 holds multiple reels 9R stacked on their sides. The reel holder 612 is transported from a warehouse or setup area to the top surface of the base 611 by, for example, an automated guided vehicle. The reel transfer mechanism 613 is composed of a support 614 and an arm 615 that can lift and lower relative to the support 614 and rotate horizontally while holding the reel 9R. The reel transfer mechanism 613 picks up the top reel 9R held by the reel holder 612 and transfers it, while it is still lying on its side, to a placement area 654 (described below) within the reel attachment / detachment unit 63.

[0065] The feeder supply unit 62 has a detachable feeder housing 622 and further has a feeder transport unit 623. The feeder supply unit 62 can store two feeder housings 622 side by side in the storage space inside the device housing 621. The feeder housing 622 is formed in a box shape that opens forward and stores multiple tape feeders 9 side by side in the left-right direction. The feeder housing 622 is carried into the storage space of the device housing 621 from the component mounting machine 9Z or the setup area by, for example, an automatic guided vehicle. However, the feeder supply unit 62 may not be limited to this, and may store multiple tape feeders 9 directly in the storage space of the device housing 621 without using the feeder housing 622. The feeder transport unit 623 runs along a guide rail 624 provided on the front lower part of the device housing 621. The feeder transport unit 623 removes and holds the tape feeder 9 stored in the device housing 621, travels to the reel attachment / detachment unit 63, and transports the held tape feeder 9 into a feeder support area 64 (described later) within the reel attachment / detachment unit 63.

[0066] The reel attaching / detaching section 63 has a feeder support area 64, a reel attachment section 65, a loading section 66, and a reel removal section 67. The feeder support area 64 is set at a position towards the left front inside the device housing 631. The tape feeder 9 carried in by the feeder transport section 623 is supported in an operable manner in the feeder support area 64. The reel attachment section 65, the loading section 66, and the reel removal section 67 each operate with the supported tape feeder 9 as the target.

[0067] The reel attachment unit 65 is disposed to the right of the feeder support area 64. The reel attachment unit 65 is composed of a movable platform 652 mounted on a pair of guide rails 651 and movable in the left-right direction, an attachment operation member 653 provided on the movable platform 652, which swings between an upright position and a horizontal position and can operate the reel 9R, a placement area 654, and a temporary placement area 655. The placement area 654 and the temporary placement area 655 are provided between the pair of guide rails 651, with the placement area 654 on the right and the temporary placement area 655 on the left. When the movable platform 652 is positioned in the collection position to the right, the attachment operation member 653 swings from an upright position to a horizontal position around a fulcrum 656 as shown by arrow SW1, to collect the reel 9R lying on its side in the placement area 654.

[0068] Thereafter, the attachment operation member 653 returns to the upright position and converts the picked reel 9R into an upright position. Next, the movable table 652 moves to the left, and the attachment operation member 653 enters the feeder support area 64 and sets the reel 9R in the reel holding portion 92 of the tape feeder 9. The temporary placement area 655 is an area for temporarily placing the reel 9R that will be postponed when changing the order of the reels 9R to be set.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7 , the loading unit 66 is disposed in the feeder support area 64 (omitted from FIG. 6 ). The loading unit 66 pulls out the carrier tape 9T from the reel 9R set in the reel holding unit 92 of the tape feeder 9. Next, the loading unit 66 removes the label 9L, adjusts the length of the base tape 9U by cutting it, and adjusts the length of the cover tape 9V by cutting it or connecting a loading auxiliary tape. Next, the loading unit 66 performs a loading operation in which the base tape 9U is loaded up to the component supply position 941, and the cover tape 9V or the loading auxiliary tape is loaded up to the discharge mechanism 96. This sets up the tape feeder 9 to a state in which it can supply components.

[0070] The loading unit 66 is composed of, for example, a combination of fingers, a camera, and an articulated arm. The fingers clamp and operate the base tape 9U and the cover tape 9V near their leading edges, and adjust the length of the tapes as necessary. The camera captures images of the status of the tape feeder 9, the position and orientation of the fingers, and the positions and orientations of the leading edges of the base tape 9U and the cover tape 9V, and reflects these images in the control of the loading operation. The articulated arm moves the fingers and camera in three dimensions and freely adjusts their orientation. While the reel attachment unit 65 and the reel removal unit 67 are operating, the loading unit 66 retreats to a predetermined retreat position to avoid interference.

[0071] The reel removal section 67 is disposed on the right side of the feeder support area 64, and is positioned above the reel attachment section 65. The reel removal section 67 is composed of a movable table 672 that is mounted on a guide rail 671 and moves in the front-to-rear direction, a removal operation member 673 that is provided on the movable table 672 and swings between an upright position and a horizontal position and can operate the reel 9R, and a collection box 674. When the movable table 672 is positioned in the front removal position, the removal operation member 673 swings from a horizontal position to a vertical position around a fulcrum 675 as shown by arrow SW2, and removes the reel 9R from the reel holding section 92 of the tape feeder 9.

[0072] Thereafter, the removal operation member 673 returns to a horizontal position and holds the removed reel 9R in a sideways position. Next, the movable base 672 moves to directly above the collection box 674 at the rear, whereby the removal operation member 673 can release the reel 9R and drop it into the collection box 674. The collection box 674 may be provided with a partition or may have multiple partitions so that reels 9R with remaining carrier tape 9T can be collected separately from empty reels 9R.

[0073] 7. Label Supply Device 1A of Second Embodiment The label supply device 1A of the second embodiment is incorporated into the feeder support area 64, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The label supply device 1A is configured by adding a support unit 71, a fixing operation unit 72, and an adjustment unit 73 to the label supply device 1 described in the first embodiment. The label supply device 1A operates just before the reel removal unit 67 performs the removal operation on the reel 9R on which the carrier tape 9T remains.

[0074] The support portion 71 is composed of a support base 711, an abutment portion 715, and the like. The support base 711 is a flat plate-like member that is long in the front-rear direction. A slot groove 712 that extends in the front-rear direction is formed in the support base 711. The abutment portion 715 is a vertically long member that is disposed upright at the rear end of the support base 711. An upper positioning hole, a receiving connector 716, and a lower positioning hole are provided in this order from top to bottom on the front surface of the abutment portion 715.

[0075] The feeder transport unit 623 carries the tape feeder 9 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 8 ) that it has been holding toward the support unit 71. At this time, the detachable rails 911 at the bottom of the tape feeder 9 engage with the slot grooves 712 of the support base 711 and move rearward. When the tape feeder 9 has been completely carried in, the upper positioning pins 912 and the lower positioning pins 914 engage with the upper positioning holes and lower positioning holes of the abutment portion 715, thereby positioning the tape feeder 9. At the same time, the connector 913 automatically engages with the receiving connector 716 of the abutment portion 715. As a result, power is supplied to the tape feeder 9 and the feeder control unit is communicatively connected to the control unit 69. In other words, the tape feeder 9 is operably supported by the support unit 71. Note that the support base 711 may have clamping guides, instead of the slot grooves 712, that clamp and support the tape feeder 9 from both sides.

[0076] The fixing operation unit 72 fixes the leading end of the carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R using the label 9L created by the creation unit (the tape feeding mechanism 3 and the printing unit 4) for the tape feeder 9 supported by the support unit 71. Preferably, the fixing operation unit 72 fixes the leading end of the cover tape 9V to the side of the reel 9R using the label 9L. The adjustment unit 73 cuts the carrier tape 9T or rotates the reel 9R for the tape feeder 9 supported by the support unit 71 to adjust the length of the carrier tape 9T pulled outward from the reel 9R or the relative position of the leading end of the carrier tape 9T with respect to the reel 9R. In other words, the fixing operation unit 72 and the adjustment unit 73 automatically perform at least some of the work that was performed by an operator in the first embodiment. Note that while the reel attachment unit 65, the loading unit 66, and the reel removal unit 67 are operating, the fixing operation unit 72 and the adjustment unit 73 retract to predetermined retract positions to avoid interference.

[0077] The fixed operation unit 72 and the adjustment unit 73 can be configured by appropriately combining known robot technologies. For example, the fixed operation unit 72 and the adjustment unit 73 can be configured by combining multiple end effectors and drive mechanisms that drive the end effectors in three-dimensional directions. The end effectors manipulate tapes, labels 9L, and reels 9R, or adjust the length of the tapes. Examples of drive mechanisms include a multi-joint arm mechanism and a three-way independent drive mechanism. Furthermore, the loading unit 66, fixed operation unit 72, and adjustment unit 73 can also be configured as a single robot device.

[0078] Additionally, a first lever operating unit 77 and a second lever operating unit 78 are provided in the feeder support area 64. The first lever operating unit 77 is disposed near the tape holding unit 94 of the tape feeder 9 supported by the support unit 71. The first lever operating unit 77 operates the lever of the tape holding unit 94 to switch the tape holding unit 94 between a holding position and a release position. The first lever operating unit 77 can be configured, for example, by combining an operating pin that extends toward the lever of the tape holding unit 94 and then pushes the lever, and a drive unit that drives the operating pin.

[0079] The second lever operation unit 78 is disposed near the discharge unit 965 of the tape feeder 9 supported by the support unit 71. The second lever operation unit 78 operates the lever of the discharge unit 965 to switch the discharge unit 965 between a holding position and a release position. The second lever operation unit 78 can be configured, for example, by combining an operation pin that extends toward the lever of the discharge unit 965 and then pushes the lever, and a drive unit that drives the operation pin. The first lever operation unit 77 and the second lever operation unit 78 may be part of the label supply device 1A. Furthermore, at least one of the loading unit 66, the fixing operation unit 72, and the adjustment unit 73 may also have the functions of the first lever operation unit 77 and the second lever operation unit 78.

[0080] The control unit 69 comprehensively controls the operation of the feeder setup device 6. In particular, the control unit 69 operates the reel attachment unit 65 and the loading unit 66 to perform a setup operation on a tape feeder 9 in which a reel 9R is not set as the operation target. The control unit 69 also operates the reel removal unit 67 to perform a removal operation on a tape feeder 9 in which an empty reel 9R is set as the operation target. Thereafter, the setup operation is performed as necessary.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 69 sets the tape feeder 9, which has the reel 9R with the remaining carrier tape 9T, as the operation object, and first operates the label supply device 1A to fix the leading end of the cover tape 9V to the side of the reel 9R. The control unit 69 then operates the reel removal unit 67 to perform the removal operation of the reel 9R. After this, a setup operation is performed as necessary. Furthermore, the control unit 69 comprehensively controls the three types of operation objects described above, appropriately operating the tape feeder 9 and operating the first lever operation unit 77 and the second lever operation unit 78 in association with each other.

[0082] According to the label supplying device 1A of the second embodiment, at least part of the process of fixing the carrier tape 9T to the reel 9R using the produced labels 9L can be automated, thereby realizing labor savings. Furthermore, since the label supplying device 1A is incorporated into the feeder setup device 6, the reel removal unit 67 operates automatically following the operation of the label supplying device 1A, resulting in a significant reduction in the time required for operation and labor savings. Furthermore, the combination of the devices realizes space savings.

[0083] 8. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiments While the tape feed mechanism 3 of the label supply device 1 of the first embodiment includes an air drive mechanism 31, it may instead include a motor that rotates and drives the sprocket 33. The label supply device 1 may also be configured to stack and hold multiple backing sheets, each with a plurality of labels 9L attached, without using the label carrier tape 9A, and use each backing sheet individually. Furthermore, while the illustrated tape feeder 9 completely peels the cover tape 9V from the base tape 9U, there are also semi-peeling tape feeders that peel only a single adhesive strip. In semi-peeling tape feeders, the label 9L must be secured to the leading end of the carrier tape 9T, which has greater rigidity than the cover tape 9V. For this reason, it is preferable to increase the adhesive strength of the sealing surface 9P of the label 9L or to expand the area of ​​the sealing surface 9P.

[0084] Furthermore, in the label supplying device 1A of the second embodiment, the specific configurations of the fixing operation unit 72 and the adjustment unit 73 can be changed as appropriate to suit the various structures of multiple types of tape feeders 9. Furthermore, although the label supplying device 1A of the second embodiment is incorporated into the feeder setup device 6, it may be configured in other ways. For example, the label supplying device 1A may be a standalone type in which an operator carries the tape feeder 9 into the support unit 71. Alternatively, the label supplying device 1A may be incorporated into a device that performs at least one of maintenance and inspection of the tape feeder 9, and may operate when removing the carrier tape 9T and reel 9R before maintenance or inspection. In addition, the first and second embodiments are susceptible to various applications and modifications.

[0085] 1, 1A: Label supply device 2: Device body 21: Reel holding section 22: Tape path 229: Label supply port 3: Tape feeding mechanism 31: Air drive mechanism 32: Ratchet mechanism 33: Sprocket 4: Printing section 41: Printing opening 5: Control section 51: Acquisition section 6: Feeder setup device 61: Reel supply section 62: Feeder supply section 63: Reel attachment / detachment section 64: Feeder support area 65: Reel attachment section 66: Loading section 67: Reel removal section 71: Support section 72: Fixing operation section 73: Adjustment section 9: Tape feeder 9A: Label holding tape 9L: Label 9M: Surface 9P: Sealed surface 9Q: Non-sealed surface 9R: Reel 9T: Carrier tape 9U: Base tape 9V: Cover tape 9W: Cavity 9Z: Component placement machine NR: Remaining number information

Claims

1. A label supplying device comprising: a tape feeder that supplies components by unwinding a carrier tape wound on a reel, an acquisition unit that acquires remaining number information of the components left on a partially used carrier tape, and a creation unit that has a sealing surface used to secure the tip of the carrier tape removed from the tape feeder to the reel, and that creates a label with the remaining number information attached.

2. The label supply device of claim 1, wherein the creation unit has a printing unit that prints one or more of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and a character string indicating the remaining number information on the front side of the label having the sealing surface on the back side.

3. The label supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the remaining number information directly or indirectly from a component mounting machine that is equipped with the tape feeder and consumes the components.

4. The label supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier tape includes a base tape having a cavity formed therein for holding the component, and a cover tape releasably attached to the base tape while covering the cavity, and the label fixes a tip of the cover tape that has been peeled off from the base tape and cut to a length longer than the base tape.

5. The label supplying device according to claim 4, wherein the label indicates the position of the leading end of the cover tape and the extending direction of the cover tape.

6. The label supplying device according to claim 5, wherein the label has a rectangular outer shape that allows it to be arranged parallel to the extending direction of the cover tape.

7. The label supplying device according to claim 2, wherein the label has, on the back surface thereof, the sealing surface and a non-sealing surface that does not contribute to fixing.

8. A label supplying device as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: a support section which supports the tape feeder in which the reel is set and the carrier tape is loaded; and a fixing operation section which fixes the tip of the carrier tape to the reel using the label created by the creation section for the tape feeder supported by the support section.

9. The label supply device according to claim 8, wherein the fixing operation unit uses the label to fix the leading end of the carrier tape to a side surface of the reel.

10. A label supply device as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: a support section which supports the tape feeder in which the reel is set and the carrier tape is loaded; and an adjustment section which cuts the carrier tape or rotates the reel to adjust the pull-out length of the carrier tape outward from the reel, or the relative position of the tip of the carrier tape to the reel, for the tape feeder supported by the support section.

Images