Feeder

Abstract

In order to suppress equipment cost in feeder operation and save a storage space, this feeder comprises: a feeder body having a feed drive unit which applies a feed drive force for conveyance to a carrier tape; and a reel holding body having a reel holder that is attachable to and detachable from the feeder body and that rotatably holds a tape reel on which the carrier tape is wound, and a recovery drum that winds and recovers a cover tape peeled from a base tape of the carrier tape.

Description

feeder

[0001] The present specification relates to a feeder.

[0002] A feeder that feeds and conveys a carrier tape is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This feeder includes a tape loading section that loads a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound, a tape feeding mechanism that feeds the carrier tape pulled out from the tape loading section to a component supply position, a peeling mechanism that peels the cover tape from the carrier tape to expose the components inside the carrier tape, a discharge passage that discharges the carrier tape from which the components have been removed, and a case that is provided with the tape loading section, the tape feeding mechanism, the peeling mechanism, and the discharge passage. The feeder is detachably mounted to a component mounting machine used in board production equipment.

[0003] International Publication No. 2014 / 118994

[0004] In a board production facility where a component mounting machine mounts various types of components onto a board, it is necessary to prepare in advance multiple types of carrier tapes with different tape widths and tape reels for storing those carrier tapes, so even if there are infrequently used components, it is necessary to prepare a feeder that corresponds to the carrier tape that stores those components and the tape reel that stores that carrier tape. Therefore, if it becomes necessary to prepare the entire feeder as redundant equipment even if it stores infrequently used components, there is a risk that the equipment costs will be excessive or that the space required for storing the feeders will be excessive.

[0005] The present specification aims to provide a feeder that can reduce equipment costs for operating the feeder and save storage space.

[0006] This specification discloses a feeder comprising: a feeder body having a feed drive unit that applies a feed drive force to the carrier tape for transport; a reel holder that is detachable from the feeder body and rotatably holds a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound; and a recovery drum that winds up and recovers the cover tape that has been peeled off from the base tape of the carrier tape.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce equipment costs for feeder operation and save storage space.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view of a feeder setting table of a component mounting machine on which a feeder according to an embodiment is set; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrier tape and a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound; FIG. 3 is a side view of a feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a feeder main body provided in the feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reel holder provided in the feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a side view of a feeder according to an embodiment (excluding the reel holder cover); FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a feeder according to an embodiment (excluding the reel holder cover); FIG. 8 is a side view of a main part of a feeder according to an embodiment (excluding the reel holder cover); FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part of a feeder according to an embodiment (excluding the reel holder cover); FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a collection drum of a feeder according to an embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a collection drum of a feeder according to an embodiment (with temporary tape wound around it); This figure shows the relationship between the winding length of the cover tape wound by the recovery drum in the feeder of the embodiment and the total value obtained by adding up the diameter (first diameter) at the outermost position of the carrier tape wound on the tape reel and the diameter (second diameter) at the outermost position of the cover tape wound on the recovery drum.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a feeder according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0010] 1. Configuration of the component mounting machine where the feeder is set The feeder 20 according to one embodiment is a device that supplies components to be mounted on a board to a component supply position S (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The feeder 20 is removably incorporated into the component mounting machine 1. The component mounting machine 1 is installed on a board production line, and picks up or grasps components at the component supply position S and transfers them to the board.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 2. Structure of Carrier Tape and Tape Reel The carrier tape 2 is formed in a long shape. The carrier tape 2 generally has a tape width that is determined as a standard, such as 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, or 24 mm. As shown in FIG. 2 , the carrier tape 2 has a base tape 2a and a cover tape 2b. The base tape 2a has a component storage section that stores components arranged at predetermined intervals in the tape longitudinal direction. The cover tape 2b is a film-like member that covers a component removal opening in the base tape 2a.

[0015] When the cover tape 2b is joined to the base tape 2a, the components are enclosed and stored in the component storage section of the base tape 2a, and when the cover tape 2b is peeled off from the base tape 2a, the components are exposed from the component storage section and can be removed to the outside. The carrier tape 2 may be an embossed tape in which the component storage section of the base tape 2a protrudes downward, or may be a paper tape with grooved component storage sections on its surface. The carrier tape 2 is wound around a tape reel 3.

[0016] The tape reel 3 is formed in a disk shape. The tape reel 3 is made of, for example, resin or cardboard. As shown in FIG. 2 , the tape reel 3 has a retaining hole 3a and a reel flange 3b. The retaining hole 3a is a through-hole that penetrates in the direction of the rotation axis and is necessary for holding the tape reel 3 in the feeder 20. The reel flange 3b is a portion that expands in a disk shape with the retaining hole 3a as its center. The retaining hole 3a is disposed at the axis of the reel flange 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.

[0017] The reel flanges 3b are provided as a pair, spaced apart in the reel width direction Y. The pair of reel flanges 3b are positioned so as to sandwich the wound carrier tape 2 therebetween. The pair of reel flanges 3b are spaced apart in the reel width direction Y so as to leave 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 reel flanges 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.

[0018] 3. Feeder Configuration The feeder 20 is, for example, a cassette-type tape feeder that can store the tape reel 3. As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the feeder 20 includes a feeder main body 30, a reel holder 40, and an attachment portion 50.

[0019] The feeder body 30 is a main body member forming a housing including the framework of the feeder 20 and an attachment portion to be attached to the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. The feeder body 30 is formed in a flat shape and is detachable from the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the feeder body 30 is formed in a frame shape with a hole 31 in the center when viewed from the side.

[0020] The reel holder 40 is a cassette member that can be attached to and detached from the feeder main body 30. The reel holder 40 is formed in a flat shape and can be fitted into the hole 31 of the feeder main body 30. As shown in Figure 5, the reel holder 40 is formed in a substantially angular shape (for example, a square shape) when viewed from the side. One reel holder 40 that holds one tape reel 3 can be attached to one feeder main body 30.

[0021] It should be noted that there may be multiple types of reel holders 40 depending on, for example, the type of tape reel 3 and the width in the reel width direction Y. In this case, each reel holder 40 has a common structure in the area where it is attached to the feeder body 30.

[0022] The feeder main body 30 has a feed drive unit 32. The feed drive unit 32 is a part that constitutes a tape transport mechanism that applies a feed drive force to the carrier tape 2 for transport. The feed drive unit 32 is composed of a feed drive source such as an electric motor that generates a feed drive force, and a sprocket that transmits the feed drive force generated by the feed drive source to the carrier tape 2. The feed drive source and the sprocket may be meshed with each other via one or more gears. The feed drive unit 32 is located on the upper end side of the feeder main body 30 and on the downstream end side (i.e., the front end side) in the tape transport direction X.

[0023] The feeder main body 30 also has a transport path 35. The transport path 35 is a passage that transports and supports the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3. The transport path 35 contacts the lower surface of the carrier tape 2 and supports the carrier tape 2 from below. The transport path 35 extends in the tape transport direction X on the upper plate portion 30a. The transport path 35 supports the carrier tape 2 on its upper surface facing upward or diagonally upward and on the inner surfaces of the upright walls facing laterally on both sides in the tape width direction Y.

[0024] The external teeth, which are engagement projections at the upper end of the sprocket of the feed drive unit 32, protrude above the transport path 35 and engage with the feed holes of the carrier tape 2 that is pulled out from the tape reel 3 and transported on the transport path 35. When the feed drive source generates a feed drive force in this engaged state, the sprocket rotates due to the feed drive force, and the carrier tape 2 is transported in the tape transport direction X.

[0025] The feeder main body 30 further has a tape guide 36. The tape guide 36 is a guide unit that guides the carrier tape 2 transported on the transport path 35. The tape guide 36 is disposed above the sprockets of the feed drive unit 32 and faces the feed drive unit 32 across the transport path 35. The carrier tape 2 is transported in the tape transport direction X while being sandwiched between the tape guide 36 and the transport path 35. An exposed portion (not shown) that is exposed upward and serves as a component supply position S is provided on the downstream side of the tape guide 36 in the tape transport direction X.

[0026] The tape guide 36 is detachably attached to the front and upper end of the feeder body 30, which is the downstream end in the tape transport direction X. The tape guide 36 may be replaceable with respect to the feeder body 30 depending on the type of carrier tape 2 to be transported. The tape guide 36 is formed with a U-shaped cross section so that it can abut against the top and side surfaces of the carrier tape 2. The carrier tape 2 is guided by contacting the top wall and side walls of the tape guide 36 when transported in the tape transport direction X.

[0027] The tape guide 36 has a folding portion (not shown) that folds back the cover tape 2b, which has been peeled off from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3 on the reel holder 40 side, toward the upstream side in the tape transport direction X. The folding portion is provided on the upstream side of the tape guide 36 in the tape transport direction X.

[0028] The reel holding body 40 has a reel holder 41. The reel holder 41 is a part that rotatably holds the tape reel 3 around which the carrier tape 2 is wound. The reel holder 41 is configured so that one tape reel 3 can be detachably set therein. The reel holder 41 has a reel holding shaft 41a that rotatably supports the tape reel 3. A reel storage space for storing the tape reel 3 is formed around the reel holding shaft 41a.

[0029] As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, the reel holder 40 also has a collection drum 42. The collection drum 42 is a member that winds up and collects the cover tape 2b that has been peeled off from the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2. The collection drum 42 is formed in a columnar or cylindrical shape. The collection drum 42 is rotatably supported on the main body of the reel holder 40.

[0030] The recovery drum 42 is disposed on the rear side of the reel holder 40, upstream in the tape transport direction X from the reel holder 41. A cover tape storage space is formed radially outward of the recovery drum 42 to store the cover tape 2b wound onto the recovery drum 42. It is preferable that the recovery drum 42 be detachable from the main body of the reel holder 40.

[0031] For example, when a used tape reel 3 whose carrier tape 2 has been emptied is removed from the reel holder 41 of the reel holder 40, the recovery drum 42 on which the cover tape 2b has been wound may be removed from the main body of the reel holder 40. In this case, when a new tape reel 3 is subsequently attached to the reel holder 41, the new recovery drum 42 may be attached to the main body of the reel holder 40.

[0032] In the reel holding body 40, the reel holder 41 and the recovery drum 42 are arranged relative to each other so that, as the cover tape 2b is wound onto the recovery drum 42, the cover tape 2b being wound onto the recovery drum 42 enters closer to the center of rotation C1 of the tape reel 3 (i.e., the reel holding shaft 41a) than the outermost edge of the reel flange 3b of the tape reel 3 held by the reel holder 41.

[0033] 8 and 9, the outer edge of the recovery drum 42 is positioned closer to the center of rotation C1 than the outermost edge of the reel holder 41. In particular, when the tape reel 3 is held by the reel holder 41, the recovery drum 42 is positioned so as to fit between the pair of reel flanges 3b of the tape reel 3. In other words, the outer edge of the recovery drum 42 is positioned closer to the center of rotation C1 than the outermost edge of the reel flanges 3b of the tape reel 3.

[0034] The linear distance L (see FIG. 8 ) between the center of rotation C1 of the tape reel 3 in the reel holder 40 and the center of rotation C2 of the recovery drum 42 is set to a value (for example, 180 mm) that satisfies the following condition: Specifically, this linear distance L is shorter than the sum of the initial reel diameter (hereinafter referred to as the first diameter) at the outermost position of the carrier tape 2 wound on the tape reel 3 before the start of winding of the cover tape 2 b onto the recovery drum 42, and the completed drum diameter (hereinafter referred to as the second diameter) at the outermost position of the cover tape 2 b wound on the recovery drum 42 after winding of the cover tape 2 b onto the recovery drum 42 is completed.

[0035] The initial reel diameter is the maximum diameter of the carrier tape 2 wound on a so-called new tape reel 3. The final drum diameter is the maximum diameter of the cover tape 2b of the carrier tape 2 wound on the tape reel 3 when the cover tape 2b is wound to its maximum extent on the recovery drum 42.

[0036] Furthermore, the linear distance L is longer than the maximum value of the sum of the first diameter and the second diameter at the same point in time from the start to the completion of winding the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42.

[0037] 11, the recovery drum 42 has a cylindrical drum body 42a and a temporary tape 42b attached to the drum body 42a. One end of the temporary tape 42b is fixed to the peripheral end surface of the drum body 42a. The other end of the temporary tape 42b is connected to the tip of the cover tape 2b.

[0038] As a preliminary step before the cover tape 2b is wound onto the recovery drum 42 in the feeder 20, the temporary tape 42b is routed and stretched from the recovery drum 42 to, for example, an upper portion where it is easy to connect the temporary tape 42b to the leading end of the cover tape 2b in the feeder 20. After the above-mentioned connecting step is completed, the temporary tape 42b becomes one with the cover tape 2b, and when winding of the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42 begins, the temporary tape 42b moves along the recovery path of the cover tape 2b in the feeder 20 and is wound onto the recovery drum 42.

[0039] A connector portion 42c is provided at the other end of the temporary tape 42b. The connector portion 42c is a connecting member that facilitates the connection process itself when connecting the temporary tape 42b and the cover tape 2b. The connector portion 42c is formed in a plate shape. The connector portion 42c is provided with an attachment hole 42d shaped so that the tip end of the cover tape 2b can be inserted and fixed.

[0040] The reel holder 40 also has a cover 43. The cover 43 is a plate-shaped member that partially or entirely covers the reel storage space and the cover tape storage space of the reel holder 40 from the outside in the reel width direction Y. The cover 43 has the function of holding the tape reel 3 stored in the reel storage space and the recovery drum 42 inside the cover tape storage space. The cover 43 can be opened and closed relative to the reel holder 40, and while it is normally closed, it can be opened to replace or perform maintenance on the tape reel 3 or the recovery drum 42.

[0041] The reel holder 40 further includes a winding drive unit 44 and a tensioner 45. The winding drive unit 44 constitutes a cover tape recovery mechanism that applies a winding drive force to the cover tape 2b peeled from the base tape 2a for winding the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42. The winding drive unit 44 includes a winding drive source 46, a winding gear 47, and a drum rotation mechanism 48. The tensioner 45 applies tension to the cover tape 2b peeled from the base tape 2a. The tensioner 45 is also composed of a biasing unit and the like. The tensioner 45 is located upstream of the winding drive unit 44 in the recovery direction of the cover tape 2b.

[0042] The winding drive source 46 is a drive motor such as an electric motor that generates a winding drive force for winding the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42. The winding drive source 46 is disposed on the rear side of the reel holding body 40, which is upstream of the reel holder 41 in the tape transport direction X, and is disposed near the vertical center of the feeder 20.

[0043] The take-up gear 47 is a disk-shaped rotating body that transmits the take-up driving force generated by the take-up driving source 46 to the cover tape 2b. The take-up gear 47 is connected to the take-up driving source 46 via another gear (not shown). The take-up gear 47 meshes with a gear and holds the cover tape 2b between itself and the gear. The take-up gear 47 is disposed above the take-up driving source 46 and downstream in the tape transport direction X.

[0044] The gear that meshes with the take-up gear 47 may be relatively movable between an engagement position where the gears mesh and a retracted position where the meshing is released so that the cover tape 2b can be inserted and removed between the two gears. In this configuration, for example, a support that rotatably supports the gear, a biasing member that generates a biasing force on the support to mesh the gear with the take-up gear 47, and a lever that applies a force to separate the gear from the take-up gear 47 against the biasing force may be provided.

[0045] The cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a is folded back at the folding back portion of the tape guide 36 of the feeder main body 30 and is guided to a predetermined recovery path in the reel holder 40. Then, this cover tape 2b is guided to the take-up gear 47 while tension is applied by the tensioner 45, and is sequentially peeled off from the base tape 2a as the take-up gear 47 rotates.

[0046] The drum rotation mechanism 48 is a mechanism that rotates the collection drum 42 by the winding drive force generated by the winding drive source 46. The drum rotation mechanism 48 has a gear (not shown) that meshes with the winding drive source 46 and the collection drum 42. Note that a plurality of these gears may be connected in series. The collection drum 42 is disposed below the winding drive source 46. The collection drum 42 is connected to the winding drive source 46 via the drum rotation mechanism 48. After passing through the winding gear 47, the cover tape 2b is taken up onto the collection drum 42 as the collection drum 42 rotates.

[0047] The feeder main body 30 has a control unit 37. The control unit 37 controls the driving of the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 and also controls the driving of the take-up drive source 46 of the take-up drive unit 44. The control unit 37 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a control board and the like. The control unit 37 is located below the feed drive unit 32 in the feeder main body 30. The control unit 37 is electrically connected to the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 and is also electrically connected to the take-up drive source 46.

[0048] The feeder main body 30 has an electrical connector 38. The reel holder 40 has an electrical connector 49. The electrical connectors 38, 49 are electrically connected to each other when the feeder main body 30 and the reel holder 40 are attached to each other. A control signal is supplied from the control unit 37 to the winding drive source 46 through the electrical connectors 38, 49. The electrical connector 38 is located at a position facing the hole 31 on the upstream side of the feeder main body 30 in the tape transport direction X. The electrical connector 49 is located near the upstream end of the upper part of the reel holder 40 in the tape transport direction X. The electrical connectors 38 and 49 are shaped to fit into each other.

[0049] The control unit 37 may drive the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 and the take-up drive source 46 of the take-up drive unit 44 in synchronization with each other. In this case, these drive sources may be driven intermittently so that the carrier tape 2 is transported intermittently at predetermined intervals. The control unit 37 may also have a function of managing feeder information of the feeder 20 in addition to controlling the drive of the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 and the take-up drive source 46 of the take-up drive unit 44. In particular, the control unit 37 may be capable of associating and linking the feeder information of the feeder main body 30 with the feeder information of the reel holder 40 attached to the feeder main body 30.

[0050] The above-mentioned feeder information refers to information associated with unique identification information defined for each feeder main body 30, each reel holder 40, and each tape reel 3. The feeder information may include, for example, the type and identification information of the tape guide 36 attached to the feeder main body 30, the size of the reel holder 41 of the reel holder 40, the type and identification information of the tape reel 3 stored in the reel holder, the type and tape width of the carrier tape 2, etc.

[0051] Labels or plates storing feeder information relating to each of the feeder main body 30, the reel holder 40, and the tape reel 3 are attached to the outer surfaces of their housings. This feeder information can be read using a predetermined reading device. Reading of this feeder information is performed in an off-site setup area or the like. This read feeder information is sent to a host computer and stored therein, and after being stored, is used for checking associated feeder information, etc. The host computer is a device positioned higher than the feeder 20 and controls the component mounting machine 1 and other components in an integrated manner.

[0052] Mounting portion 50 is a portion that detachably mounts reel holder 40 to feeder main body 30. Mounting portion 50 has positioning portion 51 and clamp portion 52. Positioning portion 51 is a portion that positions reel holder 40 relative to feeder main body 30. Clamp portion 52 is a portion that clamps feeder main body 30 and reel holder 40 in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0053] The predetermined positional relationship refers to a position where, when the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder body 30, the carrier tape 2 pulled out from the tape reel 3 can be transferred onto the conveying path 35 of the feeder body 30 and the electrical connectors 38, 49 are electrically connected to each other.

[0054] The positioning portion 51 has a main body portion 51a provided on the feeder main body 30 and a reel portion 51b provided on the reel holder 40. The main body portion 51a and the reel portion 51b of the positioning portion 51 are formed with concave and convex shapes that allow them to engage with each other. The main body portion 51a and the reel portion 51b may each be provided in multiple locations. The main body portion 51a and the reel portion 51b engage with each other when the reel holder 40 is attached to or detached from the feeder main body 30, thereby positioning the reel holder 40 relative to the feeder main body 30.

[0055] Furthermore, main body side portion 51a may extend like a rail in the direction in which reel holder 40 is inserted into feeder main body 30 when attached to or detached from feeder main body 30, and reel side portion 51b may be a portion that is guided along main body side portion 51a when reel holder 40 is attached to or detached from feeder main body 30. In this case, either main body side portion 51a or reel side portion 51b may be formed with a bifurcated cross section, and the other may be formed with a plate shape that fits into the bifurcated cross section.

[0056] Clamp unit 52 has the function of preventing release of the integration when feeder body 30 and reel holder 40 are integrated in a predetermined positional relationship after attachment of reel holder 40 to feeder body 30 is complete. Clamp unit 52 is provided, for example, on feeder body 30. Clamp unit 52 may be configured such that the fixation and release of feeder body 30 and reel holder 40 are switched between being fixed and released by a lever operated by an operator or a robot.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the clamp portion 52 may include a spring that biases the reel holder 40 toward the release side relative to the feeder main body 30 in the above-mentioned predetermined positional relationship, a hook portion that hooks the reel holder 40 onto the feeder main body 30 against the biasing force of the spring and restricts movement of the reel holder 40 toward the release side, and a lever portion that operates the hook portion.

[0058] 4. Effects of the Feeder In the above-described feeder 20, the feeder body 30 and the reel holder 40 are manufactured separately. Before the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder body 30, the tape reel 3 around which the carrier tape 2 is wound is held in the reel holder 41 of the reel holder 40 by an operator or a robot in an external setup area or the like.

[0059] For example, when a tape reel 3 whose carrier tape 2 has been emptied is held in the reel holder 41, a new tape reel 3 is set in the reel holder 41 in exchange for the empty tape reel 3. At the same time, when a recovery drum 42 on which the cover tape 2b has been wound is held in the main body of the reel holder 40, a new recovery drum 42 is set in exchange for the recovery drum 42.

[0060] The reel holder 40 can be transported after the tape reel 3 and recovery drum 42 are set therein, and can be positioned relative to the feeder body 30 by an operator or a robot using the mounting section 50 and attached to the feeder body 30. A plurality of reel holders 40 can be stored together in a reel storage cabinet (not shown) in the buffer station. Each reel holder 40 in the reel storage cabinet can be selected and attached to the feeder body 30. The selection of a reel holder 40 is performed by a host computer in accordance with a board production plan or the like, and the selected reel holder 40 can be removed from the reel storage cabinet using a robot or the like.

[0061] The feeder body 30 and the reel holder 40 are attached to each other by being positioned by the attachment portion 50 and clamped in a predetermined positional relationship. This attachment electrically connects the electrical connector 38 of the feeder body 30 to the electrical connector 49 of the reel holder 40. After this attachment, the carrier tape 2 is pulled out from the tape reel 3 on the reel holder 40 side and supported on the transport path 35 of the feeder body 30. The cover tape 2b is then peeled off from the base tape 2a at the leading end of the carrier tape 2. The base tape 2a then engages with the sprocket of the feed drive unit 32, and the cover tape 2b is folded back at the folding back portion and guided to the tensioner 45 on the reel holder 40 side and the winding gear 47 of the winding drive unit 44. At this time, the leading end of the cover tape 2b connects to the connector portion 42c on the temporary tape 42b at a predetermined location on the reel holder 40.

[0062] The feeder 20, with the feeder body 30 and the reel holder 40 integrated, is mounted in the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1. When power can be supplied to the feeder 20 by mounting the feeder 20 in the slot 11, the control unit 37 on the feeder body 30 side starts up, and the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 and the take-up drive source 46 of the take-up drive unit 44 can be driven in accordance with commands from the control unit 37.

[0063] When the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 is driven by a command from the control unit 37, the carrier tape 2 is fed in the tape feed direction X along the feed path 35. Furthermore, when the take-up drive source 46 of the take-up drive unit 44 is driven by a command from the control unit 37, the cover tape 2b is fed along the recovery path toward the recovery drum 42. In this case, the base tape 2a of the carrier tape 2 is transferred from the reel holder 40 to the feeder body 30 by the feed drive force of the feed drive source and is fed along the feed path 35 toward the component supply position S, and the cover tape 2b peeled off from the base tape 2a is taken up onto the recovery drum 42 by the take-up drive force of the take-up drive source 46 and recovered.

[0064] As a result, the components stored in each component storage section of the base tape 2a are sequentially exposed and can be removed to the outside. After being exposed, the components are held by a suction nozzle or the like of the component mounting machine 1 and transferred to the board when they reach the component supply position S. Once the components are removed at the component supply position S, the feed drive force from the feed drive source causes the portion of the base tape 2a that includes the component storage section from which the components have been removed to be discharged as a waste tape section from the tape discharge port 14.

[0065] When the remaining amount of carrier tape 2 stored on the tape reel 3 in a feeder 20 becomes low or when the feeder 20 is no longer scheduled to be used in the component mounting machine 1, the feeder 20 is removed from the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1, and the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder main body 30 in an off-site setup area or the like. During this removal, the base tape 2a is cut at a waste tape portion or the like. After the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder main body 30, a new reel holder 40 or a reel holder 40 with a new tape reel 3 or a new recovery drum 42 attached thereto is attached to the feeder main body 30, and the feeder 20 is then installed in the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1.

[0066] As described above, in feeder 20, feeder main body 30 and reel holder 40 are detachable from each other at attachment portion 50. Feeder main body 30 has feed drives 32 for feeding and transporting carrier tape 2 (specifically, base tape 2a), as well as a control unit 37 for driving and controlling the feed drive sources of each feed drive unit 32 and the take-up drive source 46 of take-up drive unit 44. Reel holder 40 has a reel holder 41 that rotatably holds tape reel 3, and a collection drum 42 that takes up and collects cover tape 2b, as well as a take-up drive unit 44 that applies a take-up drive force to cover tape 2b for winding it onto collection drum 42.

[0067] In this feeder structure, the reel holder 41 and the collection drum 42 are integrated into a reel holder 40 that is detachable from the feeder main body 30. Therefore, for example, when the feeder 20 runs out of components during board production, the reel holder 40 can be removed from the feeder main body 30, and the out-of-component tape reel 3 and the collection drum 42 that is full of cover tape 2b can be separated from the feeder main body 30, including the feed drive unit 32 and the control unit 37, and collected together. Furthermore, by detachably attaching the reel holder 40 to the feeder main body 30, a new tape reel 3 and a new collection drum 42 without cover tape 2b can be integrated into the feeder main body 30 at the same time.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described feeder structure, the reel holder 40 does not incorporate the feed drive unit 32 or the control unit 37. Therefore, the reel holder 40 itself is less expensive than the entire feeder 20, including the feeder body 30. Therefore, even when it is necessary to prepare redundant equipment, for example, in consideration of setup changes, it is not necessary to prepare the entire feeder 20, including the feeder body 30, as redundant equipment; it is sufficient to prepare the reel holder 40 as redundant equipment. This reduces the equipment costs for feeder operation compared to preparing the entire feeder 20, including the feeder body 30, as redundant equipment. Furthermore, the space for storing redundant equipment in an off-site setup area, etc., can be limited to the reel holder 40. This allows for space savings in storing the feeder 20.

[0069] In particular, in the above feeder structure, even for parts that are used infrequently, it is only necessary to prepare the carrier tape 2 that stores the part in the feeder 20 and the reel holder 40 that holds the tape reel 3 that stores the carrier tape 2, thereby reducing equipment costs and saving storage space.

[0070] In the reel holding body 40 of the feeder 20, the reel holder 41 and the collection drum 42 are arranged relative to each other so that, as the cover tape 2b is wound onto the collection drum 42, the cover tape 2b being wound onto the collection drum 42 enters closer to the center of rotation C1 of the tape reel 3 (i.e., the reel holding shaft 41a) than the outermost edge of the reel flange 3b of the tape reel 3 held by the reel holder 41. Therefore, the space between the pair of reel flanges 3b of the tape reel 3 can be used as part of the cover tape storage space that stores the cover tape 2b wound onto the collection drum 42, so the reel holding body 40 and therefore the feeder 20 can be made more compact.

[0071] Furthermore, in the reel holder 40, the outer edge of the recovery drum 42 is located closer to the rotation center C1 than the outermost edge of the reel holder 41, and in particular, is located closer to the rotation center C1 than the outermost edge of the reel flange 3b of the tape reel 3 held by the reel holder 41. In this configuration, the cover tape 2b wound onto the recovery drum 42 is guided along the inner surface of the reel flange 3b of the tape reel 3. This makes it possible to prevent the cover tape 2b wound onto the recovery drum 42 from shifting in position in the tape width direction Y, thereby achieving stable recovery of the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42.

[0072] In addition, the straight-line distance L between the center of rotation C1 of the tape reel 3 in the reel holder 40 and the center of rotation C2 of the recovery drum 42 is shorter than the sum of the first diameter at the outermost diameter position of the carrier tape 2 wound on the tape reel 3, which is the initial reel diameter before the start of winding the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42, and the second diameter at the outermost diameter position of the cover tape 2b wound on the recovery drum 42, which is the completed drum diameter after the winding of the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42 is completed.

[0073] As the feeding of the carrier tape 2 from the tape reel 3 progresses, the first diameter at the outermost position of the carrier tape 2 wound on the tape reel 3 gradually decreases. Furthermore, as the winding of the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42 progresses, the second diameter at the outermost position of the cover tape 2b wound on the recovery drum 42 gradually increases.

[0074] In this regard, in the above configuration, when the feeding of the carrier tape 2 from the tape reel 3, i.e., the winding of the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42, is completed, the outermost diameter position of the cover tape 2b is located closer to the rotation center C1 of the tape reel 3 than the outermost diameter position of the carrier tape 2 wound around the tape reel 3 before the winding of the cover tape 2b began. Therefore, the space between the pair of reel flanges 3b of the tape reel 3 where the carrier tape 2 was stored can be effectively used as part of the cover tape storage space that stores the cover tape 2b wound onto the recovery drum 42, and the reel holder 40 and, therefore, the feeder 20 can be further miniaturized.

[0075] 12 , the total sum of the first diameter and the second diameter reaches a maximum at a certain point during the winding of the cover tape 2 b. Therefore, if the linear distance L is too small, there is a risk that the outermost diameter position of the carrier tape 2 wound on the tape reel 3 and the outermost diameter position of the cover tape 2 b wound on the recovery drum 42 will interfere with each other.

[0076] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the linear distance L is longer than the maximum value of the sum of the first diameter and the second diameter at the same point in time from the start to the completion of winding of the cover tape 2b onto the collection drum 42. Therefore, during the process from the start to the completion of winding of the cover tape 2b onto the collection drum 42, it is possible to prevent interference between the outermost diameter position of the carrier tape 2 wound around the tape reel 3 and the outermost diameter position of the cover tape 2b wound around the collection drum 42.

[0077] Furthermore, the recovery drum 42 has a temporary tape 42b in addition to the drum body 42a. Before the cover tape 2b is wound onto the recovery drum 42, this temporary tape 42b is routed from the recovery drum 42 to a location in the feeder 20 where it is easy to connect the tape to the leading end of the cover tape 2b, and is then connected to the leading end of the cover tape 2b. Therefore, it is not necessary to route the cover tape 2b directly to the recovery drum 42 as a preparatory step for winding the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42 in the feeder 20, and therefore the preparatory step before winding the cover tape 2b onto the recovery drum 42 can be simplified.

[0078] Furthermore, when the reel holder 40 is attached to the feeder main body 30, the feeder information of the feeder main body 30 and the reel holder 40 and the feeder information of the tape reel 3 are read by a predetermined reading device, and the feeder information is associated with each other and stored in a storage unit such as a host computer. After the feeder information is stored, the setting of the feeder 20 into the slot 11 of the component mounting machine 1 is controlled based on the feeder information. Therefore, one reel holder 40 can be selected from multiple types of reel holders 40, and the feeder 20 attached to the feeder main body 30 can be appropriately associated with the built-in carrier tape 2, allowing the component mounting machine 1 to appropriately place components on the board.

[0079] Furthermore, when the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder body 30 of the feeder 20, the feeder information for the feeder body 30, the reel holder 40, and the tape reel 3 is read and deleted from the storage unit. Therefore, the association between the feeder 20 and the carrier tape 2 can be canceled after the reel holder 40 is removed from the feeder body 30, and it is possible to avoid the association continuing for an unnecessarily long period of time.

[0080] 5. Modified Embodiments In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the feeder main body 30 has the control unit 37 that controls the drive of the feed drive source of the feed drive unit 32 and the drive of the take-up drive source 46 of the take-up drive unit 44, and the reel holder 40 has the take-up drive unit 44 that applies a take-up drive force to the cover tape 2b for winding it onto the collection drum 42. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the feeder main body 30 may also have a take-up drive unit that applies a take-up drive force to the cover tape 2b for winding it onto the collection drum 42.

[0081] In this modified form, it is not necessary for the control unit 37 to electrically connect the feeder body 30 and the reel holder 40 with an electrical connector in order to control the driving of the feed drive source and the winding drive source, and it is not necessary to provide an electrical connector 38 on the feeder body 30 and an electrical connector 49 on the reel holder 40.

[0082] Instead of the feeder main body 30 having the entire winding drive unit, the feeder main body 30 may have a part of the winding drive unit (specifically, the winding drive source), and the reel holder 40 may have the other parts of the winding drive unit (specifically, the winding gear and drum rotation mechanism). In this case, when the feeder main body 30 and the reel holder 40 are positioned, the winding drive unit on the feeder main body 30 side and the winding drive unit on the reel holder 40 side may be connected.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 1: component mounting machine, 2: carrier tape, 2a: base tape, 2b: cover tape, 3: tape reel, 3b: reel flange, 10: feeder set table, 11: slot, 20: feeder, 30: feeder body, 32: drive unit, 35: transport path, 36: tape guide, 37: control unit, 38: electrical connector, 40: reel holder, 41: reel holder, 41a: reel holding shaft, 42: recovery drum, 42a: drum body, 42b: temporary tape, 43: cover, 44: winding drive unit, 45: tensioner, 46: winding drive source, 47: winding gear, 48: drum rotation mechanism, 50: mounting unit, 51: positioning unit, 52: clamp unit, S: component supply position, L: linear distance, C1: center of rotation of tape reel, C2: center of rotation of rotating drum.

Claims

1. A feeder comprising: a feeder body having a feed drive unit that imparts a feed drive force to a carrier tape for transporting it; and a reel holder that is detachable from the feeder body and that rotatably holds a tape reel around which the carrier tape is wound, and a recovery drum that winds up and recovers the cover tape that has been peeled off from the base tape of the carrier tape.

2. A feeder as described in claim 1, wherein the reel holder and the recovery drum are arranged relative to each other in the reel holding body so that, as the winding of the cover tape onto the recovery drum progresses, the cover tape being wound onto the recovery drum enters closer to the center of rotation of the tape reel held by the reel holder than the outermost edge of the reel flange of the tape reel.

3. A feeder as described in claim 2, wherein the straight-line distance between the center of rotation of the tape reel in the reel holder and the center of rotation of the recovery drum is shorter than the sum of the initial reel diameter, which is a first diameter at the outermost diameter position of the carrier tape wound on the tape reel, before the start of winding of the cover tape onto the recovery drum, and the completed drum diameter, which is a second diameter at the outermost diameter position of the cover tape wound on the recovery drum, after winding of the cover tape onto the recovery drum is completed.

4. A feeder as described in claim 3, wherein the linear distance is longer than the maximum value of the sum of the first diameter and the second diameter at the same point in time from the start to the completion of winding the cover tape onto the recovery drum.

5. A feeder as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said reel holder has a winding drive section that imparts a winding drive force to said cover tape for winding it onto said recovery drum.

6. A feeder as described in claim 5, wherein the winding drive unit has: a winding drive source that generates the winding drive force; a winding gear that transmits the winding drive force generated by the winding drive source to the cover tape; and a drum rotation mechanism that rotates the collection drum by the winding drive force generated by the winding drive source.

7. A feeder as described in claim 6, wherein the feeder body has a control unit which controls the driving of the feed drive source of the feed drive unit and the winding drive source of the winding drive unit, and the feeder body and the reel holder are each electrically connected to each other while attached to each other, and have an electrical connector through which a control signal supplied from the control unit to the winding drive source flows.

8. A feeder as described in claim 1, further comprising an attachment portion having a positioning portion for positioning said reel holder relative to said feeder body, and a clamping portion for clamping said feeder body and said reel holder in a predetermined positional relationship.

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