Automatic tape kitting device

Abstract

This automatic tape kitting device comprises: a extraction part for extracting a carrier tape discharged from a carrier tape discharge port of a feeder; and a loading part for loading the carrier tape, in which components have been accommodated, into the feeder.

Description

Automatic tape kitting equipment

[0001] The present specification relates to an automated tape kitting machine.

[0002] A device for cutting a worn-out base tape of a carrier tape discharged from a feeder that transports the carrier tape and supplies components is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The feeder set in this device is a full-peel feeder that completely peels the cover tape from the base tape of the carrier tape in the tape width direction. This device has a cutting unit that cuts the worn-out base tape discharged from the full-peel feeder after components are removed as the carrier tape in the feeder is transported in predetermined pitches. The base tape cut by the cutting unit is stored in an external storage unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-190646

[0004] In the feeder described in Patent Document 1, the cover tape peeled from the base tape is wound onto a cover tape take-up reel inside the feeder. However, with this structure, in order to collect and discard the cover tape wound onto the cover tape take-up reel, it is necessary to remove the cover tape take-up reel from the feeder, and after that removal, it is further necessary to attach a new, empty cover tape take-up reel before a new carrier tape is set in the feeder and used.

[0005] Therefore, when a carrier tape that has run out or is not scheduled for use is removed from a feeder, or when a new carrier tape or a partially used carrier tape is set in a feeder, work and time are spent on disposing of the cover tape and the cover tape take-up reel. In particular, the work of attaching and detaching reels to and from the feeder is generally done by an operator, which increases the burden on the operator.

[0006] The present specification aims to provide an automatic tape kitting device that can automatically discard out-of-part or used carrier tape outside the feeder without increasing the burden on the worker.

[0007] This specification discloses an automatic tape kitting device that includes a pull-out section that pulls out a carrier tape discharged from a carrier tape discharge port of a feeder, and a loader section that loads a carrier tape containing components into the feeder.

[0008] According to the disclosed configuration, out-of-part or used carrier tape can be automatically discarded outside the feeder without increasing the burden on the worker.

[0009] 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automated tape kitting device of an embodiment (excluding some elements); FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a carrier tape; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel that winds the carrier tape; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a full-peel-off type feeder; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a semi-peel-off type feeder; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which a fixing tape is attached to a tape leading end portion of a cover tape; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which an extension tape is attached to a tape leading end portion of a carrier tape; FIG. 17 is a diagram showing mainly a leading portion of a disposal unit provided in the automated tape kitting device; FIG. 18 is a side view of a first disposal unit provided in the automated tape kitting device; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the first disposal unit (including the feeder); FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the first disposal unit as viewed from the opposite side to the viewpoint side in FIG. 10; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which a first cutting unit of the first disposal unit cuts the carrier tape; FIG. 20 is a plan view of the main elements of the automated tape kitting device; FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the main elements of the automated tape kitting device; FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a second disposal unit provided in the automated tape kitting device; FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which a cutting unit of the second disposal unit (first unit) cuts the cover tape. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a leading portion of a second disposal unit guides a disposal cover tape to a dust box; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the opening / closing cover of the cover tape recovery portion is opened when the disposal cover tape is led to the dust box; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first chuck portion and a tape end holding portion of a fixed tape application unit (second unit) provided in an automatic tape kitting device; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a first chuck portion of the fixed tape application unit grips a tape leading end portion of a cover tape that has been cut off from a disposal cover tape and moves it to a predetermined holding position; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a fixed tape suction portion of the fixed tape application unit sucks and moves the fixed tape; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the fixed tape suction portion has stuck the fixed tape to a leading end portion of the cover tape; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a second chuck portion of the fixed tape application unit grips and moves the tape leading end portion of the cover tape to which one end of the fixed tape has been stuck, with the fixed tape suction portion sucking the fixed tape. 10 is a top view of the fixing tape joining unit in a state where the leading end of the cover tape to which one end of the fixing tape has been joined has been moved to a predetermined position. FIG.33 is a diagram showing the operation of removing the cover tape from the tape guide of the feeder after the tape leading end of the cover tape has been gripped by the second chuck portion and before the cover tape reaches a predetermined position. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a situation in which the base tape is cut after the cover tape has been removed from the tape guide. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a third unit provided in the automatic tape kitting device. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a situation in which the third unit rewinds the carrier tape onto the reel after the base tape has been cut. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a situation before the suction and movement section of the fixed tape application unit moves the fixed tape suction section. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a situation after the suction and movement section of the fixed tape application unit has moved the fixed tape suction section. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a tape drawing unit provided in the automatic tape kitting device. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a situation in which the tape drawing unit peels off the fixed tape attached to the outer peripheral surface of the carrier tape. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a situation in which the tape drawing unit peels off the fixed tape attached to the side of the reel. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the situation shown in FIG. 33 from a different angle. FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a situation in which the tape drawing unit has drawn out the carrier tape. 1 is a side view showing a state in which a tape drawing unit draws out a carrier tape and a cutting unit of a cutting unit cuts the carrier tape. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor unit of the cutting unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method in which the sensor unit detects a boundary between a cover tape unpeeled portion and a cover tape peeled portion of the carrier tape. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carrier tape moving portion of an application unit provided in an automatic tape kitting device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation in which the carrier tape moving portion moves the carrier tape. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an extension tape supply unit and an extension tape application portion of an application unit provided in an automatic tape kitting device of an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an extension tape supply unit and an extension tape application portion of an application unit provided in an automatic tape kitting device of another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a loading unit and a reel unloading unit provided in an automatic tape kitting device. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the loading unit and the reel unloading unit provided in an automatic tape kitting device. FIG. 10 is a plan view explaining a process of removing a reel from a feeder and a process of preparing a reel to be attached to the feeder. FIG. 11 is a plan view explaining a process of recovering a reel removed from a feeder and a process of attaching a reel to the feeder.1 is a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed when a carrier tape is discharged from a feeder in an automated tape kitting device, a reel is removed from a feeder in an automated tape kitting device, and a reel and carrier tape are loaded into a feeder in an automated tape kitting device.

[0010] 1. Overview of the Automated Tape Kitting Device The configuration of the automated tape kitting device 1 of this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the direction in which the carrier tape T is fed when the feeder 100 is inserted into a feeder holding unit of a component mounting machine or the like is referred to as the Y direction, and the forward tape feed direction within this feeding direction is referred to as the Y+ direction, and the reverse tape return direction is referred to as the Y- direction. The thickness direction of the feeder 100 is referred to as the X direction, and the right direction when facing from the Y- direction side to the Y+ direction side is referred to as the X+ direction, and the left direction is referred to as the X- direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction, with the upward direction being the Z+ direction and the downward direction being the Z- direction.

[0011] The automatic tape kitting device 1 is a device that automatically kits carrier tape T to a feeder 100. The automatic tape kitting device 1 is installed in a position close to a component mounting machine or a component warehouse in a factory where components are mounted on boards, or in a position intermediate between the component mounting machine and the component warehouse.

[0012] The automated tape kitting device 1 automatically performs a tape loading operation to prepare the carrier tape T, the leading end of which is fixed to the reel R, so that it can be loaded into the feeder 100, and a tape removing operation to prepare the carrier tape T loaded into the feeder 100 so that it can be removed from the feeder 100. The tape loading operation and the tape removing operation may include processing to automatically attach and detach the reel R to and from the reel attachment portion of the feeder 100. That is, the tape loading operation may include processing to set the reel R into the feeder 100 from outside the feeder 100. The reel removing operation may include processing to remove the reel R from the feeder 100 to the outside of the feeder 100. Furthermore, the tape loading operation may include processing to feed the carrier tape T, which has been prepared so that it can be loaded into the feeder 100, into the feeder 100 so that it can be transported.

[0013] 2. Structure of Carrier Tape and Reel First, the structure of the carrier tape T and reel R will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The carrier tape T is a long tape that accommodates components D, such as electronic components, to be mounted on a substrate. The shape and material of the carrier tape T vary depending on the type of components D to be accommodated. For example, when the size of the components D is small, the size of the cavity portion Tc is small, and when the size of the components D is large, the size of the cavity portion Tc is large.

[0014] 2, the carrier tape T has a base tape Ta having cavities Tc for accommodating components D, and a cover tape Tb that covers the cavities Tc of the base tape Ta. The cavities Tc are provided in the base tape Ta at a constant pitch in the tape longitudinal direction. The base tape Ta has sprocket holes Ts. The sprocket holes Ts are provided at a constant pitch in the tape longitudinal direction along the side edge of the base tape Ta on one end side in the tape width direction (specifically, on the left side in the tape running direction).

[0015] The cover tape Tb is adhered to the upper surface of the base tape Ta and is peeled off from the base tape Ta immediately before the component D is removed from the cavity portion Tc. The cover tape Tb is attached to the base tape Ta except for the portion of the base tape Ta where the sprocket holes Ts are aligned in the tape width direction. The tape width of the cover tape Tb is smaller than the tape width of the base tape Ta. Note that the cover tape Tb may be returned to contact the base tape Ta after the component D is removed from the cavity portion Tc and fed integrally with the base tape Ta, or it may be fed independently via a route separate from the base tape Ta after the component D is removed from the cavity portion Tc.

[0016] The reel R is a disk-shaped member around which the carrier tape T is wound. When used in the feeder 100, the carrier tape T is gradually unwound from the reel R. The reel R is made of resin or the like. Multiple types of reels R are provided to correspond to the material and tape width dimensions of the carrier tape T. The reel R has a rotating shaft portion Ra that is rotatably supported by the feeder 100, and a pair of flange plate portions Rb that hold the carrier tape T around the rotating shaft portion Ra. An identification label RL bearing an identification code that identifies each individual reel R is affixed to the side of the flange plate portion Rb.

[0017] 3. Feeder Configuration Next, the configuration of the feeder 100 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The feeder 100 is a device that is detachably mounted on a component mounting machine that mounts components D on a board, and is a device that feeds and transports the carrier tape T that houses the components D. The feeder 100 has a reel housing section 101, a reel support section 102, and a reel cover section 103.

[0018] The reel accommodating section 101 is a section that forms a space for accommodating the reel R. The reel support section 102 is a section that rotatably and detachably supports the reel R within the reel accommodating section 101. The reel cover section 103 is an opening / closing plate section that further opens the reel entrance / exit of the reel accommodating section 101, thereby enabling the reel R to be attached to and detached from the reel accommodating section 101. The reel cover section 103 can be opened and closed by a reel cover attachment / detachment mechanism (not shown) between an open position that enables the reel R to be attached to and detached from the reel accommodating section 101 and a closed position that disables the attachment / detachment. The reel cover section 103 is normally in a closed position that isolates the reel accommodating section 101 from the outside, and moves to the open position when the reel R is attached to or removed from the reel support section 102.

[0019] The reel housing section 101, the reel support section 102, and the reel cover section 103 are arranged on the right side of the feeder 100. With the reel R supported by the reel support section 102 in the reel housing section 101, the feeder 100 feeds and transports the carrier tape T to supply the component D to the component removal position P.

[0020] The feeder 100 is formed to be thin and have a small width. A plurality of types of feeders 100 are provided corresponding to the types of reels R and the types of carrier tapes T. The plurality of types of feeders 100 may have different mechanisms for feeding and moving the carrier tapes T. It is preferable that the automated tape kitting device 1 has a structure compatible with the plurality of types of feeders 100, but it may also be provided with a structure for each type of feeder 100.

[0021] There are various types of feeders 100, including a full-peel type as shown in Fig. 4, in which the cover tape Tb is completely peeled from the base tape Ta in the tape width direction and then, after the components have been removed from the cavity portion Tc, the cover tape Tb is sent independently along a path separate from the base tape Ta, and a half-peel type as shown in Fig. 5, in which the cover tape Tb is peeled from the base tape Ta on only one side in the tape width direction and then, after the components have been removed from the cavity portion Tc, the cover tape Tb is returned to contact the base tape Ta and sent together with the base tape Ta. Hereinafter, the half-peel type feeder 100 will be referred to as the A feeder 100A, and the full-peel type feeder 100 will be referred to as the B feeder 100B.

[0022] The feeder 100 includes a sprocket 105 , a tape guide 106 , and a carrier tape outlet 107 .

[0023] The sprocket 105 is a rotating body that transports the carrier tape T in the Y direction. The sprocket 105 is located at the front upper portion of the feeder 100 body in the Y+ direction and below the tape transport path of the carrier tape T. The sprocket 105 is rotatably supported on the side wall of the feeder 100 body. The sprocket 105 has a plurality of teeth that engage with sprocket holes Ts of the carrier tape T. The teeth at the upper end of the sprocket 105 protrude above the tape transport path. The sprocket 105 is driven by a drive motor (not shown) and can transport the carrier tape T in the Y+ direction at a constant pitch by, for example, intermittent driving. The sprocket 105 can also transport the carrier tape T in the Y- direction by reverse rotation of the drive motor.

[0024] The tape guide 106 is a portion that guides the carrier tape T that is transported in the Y direction. The tape guide 106 is located at the front upper portion of the feeder 100 main body in the Y+ direction, and is supported by the feeder 100 main body so that it can swing. The tape guide 106 is formed in a U-shaped cross section. The tape guide 106 has an upper wall and a pair of side walls, and guides the carrier tape T with the lower surface of the upper wall and the inner surfaces of the side walls. The tape guide 106 may be formed in different shapes depending on the type of carrier tape T and the type of feeder 100.

[0025] 25 , the upper wall of the tape guide 106 is provided with a tape peeling portion 106a that peels the cover tape Tb from the base tape Ta of the carrier tape T, and an extraction hole 106b that extracts upward the cover tape Tb itself that has been peeled off from the base tape Ta and the components D in the cavity portion Tc of the base tape Ta from which the cover tape Tb has been peeled. The tape peeling portion 106a peels the cover tape Tb from the base tape Ta by, for example, inserting a blade portion between the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb when the carrier tape T is fed in the Y+ direction with the sprocket 105 engaged with the sprocket holes Ts of the carrier tape T. The components D in the cavity portion Tc of the base tape Ta are exposed from the cavity portion Tc by the peeling of the cover tape Tb, and are extracted toward the board from the extraction hole 106b downstream of the tape peeling portion 106a in the tape feed direction in the Y+ direction.

[0026] 25, the upper wall of the tape guide 106 attached to the B feeder 100B is provided with a slit 106c extending in the Y-direction from the tape peeling portion 106a and the extraction hole 106b side. The slit 106c is a notch for pulling out the base tape Ta from which the cover tape Tb has been peeled off above the tape guide 106.

[0027] Carrier tape outlet 107 is an outlet through which carrier tape T, from which components D have been removed from cavity portion Tc, is discharged from inside feeder 100 to the outside of the feeder. Carrier tape outlet 107 is provided at the front lower portion in the Y+ direction of the main body of feeder 100. Specifically, carrier tape outlet 107 is exposed to the front at the bottom of the main body of feeder 100. After cover tape Tb is peeled from base tape Ta and components D are removed from cavity portion Tc, carrier tape T travels through a discharge path within feeder 100, is exposed to the front of the main body of feeder 100, and is discharged from carrier tape outlet 107.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the B feeder 100B has a cover tape recovery section 110, a take-up gear section 111, a tension section 112, and an open / close cover section 113.

[0029] The cover tape recovery unit 110 is a space for recovering the cover tape Tb that has been peeled off from the base tape Ta. The cover tape recovery unit 110 is disposed, for example, in front of the reel storage unit 101. The cover tape recovery unit 110 has a capacity that can store all of the cover tapes Tb of the carrier tape T that are wound around one new reel R.

[0030] The winding gear unit 111 is a gear that guides the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta to the cover tape recovery unit 110. The winding gear unit 111 is disposed between a predetermined peeling position on the tape guide 106 where the cover tape Tb is peeled from the base tape Ta and the tape entrance / exit position of the cover tape recovery unit 110. The winding gear unit 111 is rotatably supported by the feeder 100 main body.

[0031] The winding gear unit 111 has a drive gear and a driven gear that mesh with each other. The drive gear of this winding gear unit 111 is driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown), and the driven gear rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive gear. As the winding gear unit 111 rotates, it engages the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta and supplies it toward the cover tape recovery unit 110. Note that, while the drive gear and the driven gear of the winding gear unit 111 normally mesh with each other due to a spring biasing force, the drive gear and the driven gear of the winding gear unit 111 may be configured to separate and release the meshing between them by operating a lever by an operator or a release arm, etc., which may facilitate recovery of the cover tape Tb from the cover tape recovery unit 110.

[0032] The tensioning portion 112 is a portion that applies tension to the cover tape Tb that is peeled off from the base tape Ta and meshed with the winding gear portion 111. The tensioning portion 112 is configured, for example, by a roller. The tensioning portion 112 is disposed at a position offset from a line that linearly connects a predetermined peeling position where the cover tape Tb is peeled off from the base tape Ta and the position of the winding gear portion 111 where the cover tape Tb is meshed. Even if the cover tape Tb extending between the tensioning portion 112 and the winding gear portion 111 is cut, the tensioning portion 112 can clamp and hold the upstream side of the cut point of the cover tape Tb. The cover tape Tb that is peeled off from the base tape Ta at the predetermined peeling position is caught by the tensioning portion 112 and reaches the winding gear portion 111.

[0033] The open / close cover section 113 is an open / close plate section that opens the tape entrance / exit of the cover tape recovery section 110 more than usual, facilitating the discharge of the cover tape Tb recovered in the cover tape recovery section 110. When the cover tape Tb guided to the cover tape recovery section 110 is discharged out of the feeder 100, the open / close cover section 113 opens more than usual, causing the tape entrance / exit of the cover tape recovery section 110 to open to a greater degree.

[0034] The open-close cover unit 113 is disposed on the surface (i.e., the side surface on the X+ direction) of the cover tape recovery unit 110. The open-close cover unit 113 is rotatable about an axis extending in the Y direction parallel to the side surface of the feeder 100 main body, and its rotation (specifically, its opening) relative to the feeder 100 main body can be restricted by a locking mechanism 114. The locking mechanism 114 extends, for example, in the shape of a claw from the feeder 100 main body side and can move between a locked position where the claw hooks onto the open-close cover unit 113 and an unlocked position where the hook does not hook. The locking mechanism 114 restricts the opening of the open-close cover unit 113 in the locked position.

[0035] An identification label (not shown) bearing an identification code for identifying an individual feeder 100 is affixed to the side of the feeder 100. The feeder 100 also has a feeder control unit (not shown) that controls the driving of the sprocket 105. The feeder 100 is set on a feeder setting table 10 (described below) in the automated tape kitting apparatus 1. When the feeder 100 is held on the feeder setting table 10, the feeder control unit is communicatively connected to a control unit 90 of the automated tape kitting apparatus 1 by an electrical connection via a connector (not shown).

[0036] 4. Configuration of the Automated Tape Kitting Device The automated tape kitting device 1 has the function of performing the above-described tape loading and tape removal operations, as well as the following functions (1) to (5). (1) A carrier tape discarding function of discarding the carrier tape T discharged from the feeder 100 after the components D have been removed from the cavity portion Tc. (2) A cover tape discarding function of discarding the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta in the B feeder 100B and collected in the cover tape collecting portion 110. (3) A setting disposal function of discarding the leading end of the carrier tape T to which the fixing tape F is attached when a new or partially used reel R wound with the carrier tape T and having its leading end secured by the fixing tape F is set in the feeder 100. (4) A fixing tape joining function of fixing the leading end of the cover tape Tb to be discarded, cut off from the cover tape Tb in the B feeder 100B, to the reel R using the fixing tape F. (5) When a new or partially used reel R on which carrier tape T is wound and the tip of the tape is fixed with fixing tape F is set in feeder 100, the fixing tape F is peeled off from the reel R, the tip of the carrier tape T is cut, and an extension tape E is attached to the tip of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T after the cut, thereby making the carrier tape T ready to be loaded into feeder 100.

[0037] The fixing tape F is a tape that fixes the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T wound around the reel R to the reel R. One end of the fixing tape F adheres to the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb (see FIG. 6 ) and the other end adheres to the reel R (for example, the outer edge of the side surface thereof), thereby fixing the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb to the reel R.

[0038] 6(B), the fixing tape F has an adhesive surface F1 that can be attached and a non-adhesive surface F2 that cannot be attached. The adhesive surface F1 is substantially the entire contact surface of the fixing tape F that comes into contact with the cover tape Tb and the reel R. The non-adhesive surface F2 is the contact surface of the most distal end of the other end of the fixing tape F. The fixing tape F has a predetermined tape length, and is supplied one by one from a fixing tape supply device that stores a plurality of fixing tapes F.

[0039] At the initial stage of loading when the carrier tape T is loaded into the feeder 100, the path length required for the cover tape Tb, starting from the tape tip of the base tape Ta or the point where the cover tape Tb is peeled from the base tape Ta, varies depending on the type of feeder 100. For example, in the semi-peeling type A feeder 100A, it is sufficient that the tape tip positions of the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb are aligned with each other, so the required path length can be zero.

[0040] On the other hand, in the case of the full-peel type B feeder 100B, it is necessary to arrange the cover tape Tb from the predetermined peeling position in the tape guide 106 where the cover tape Tb peels off from the base tape Ta to the position of the cover tape recovery section 110 where the cover tape Tb is recovered or at least the position of the winding gear section 111, so it is necessary to set the above-mentioned required path length to a length that matches the type of B feeder 100B.

[0041] When the reel R to be set in the B feeder 100B is half-used, the cover tape Tb may be processed in a state in which the required path length is formed and fixed to the reel R when the reel R is removed after its previous use. If the cover tape Tb is processed in a state in which the required path length is formed, it is not necessary to attach the extension tape E to the tip of the cover tape Tb, or even if such attachment is necessary, the length of the extension tape E may be short.

[0042] On the other hand, when the reel R to be set in the B feeder 100B is new, the leading edge of the carrier tape T wound on that reel R has not been processed according to the type of B feeder 100B, so the leading edge positions of the base tape Ta and the cover tape Tb often coincide with each other. In this case, in order to ensure the required path length, it is necessary to extend the leading edge position of the cover tape Tb from its position when it was new using extension tape E so that it is farther away from the leading edge position of the base tape Ta.

[0043] The extension tape E is attached to the tip of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T when the reel R is set in the feeder 100, thereby ensuring the required path length and enabling the cover tape Tb to be loaded into the feeder 100. The extension tape E has approximately the same tape width as the carrier tape T (more specifically, the cover tape Tb). The extension tape E also has a tape length that corresponds to the type of feeder 100 into which the carrier tape T will be loaded. The tape length of the extension tape E may be determined taking into account the type of carrier tape T to be loaded into the feeder 100, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, it is sufficient that the extension tape E is adhesive only on the surface that adheres to the tip of the cover tape Tb, and it is desirable that the other surface portions are non-adhesive. This is to ensure that the extension tape E adheres to the cover tape Tb while also making the extension tape E hard enough to prevent curling, thereby facilitating the handling of the extension tape E in the feeder 100 when setting the reel R in the feeder 100. Furthermore, the extension tape E may be attached to the cover tape Tb by applying heat to create adhesiveness between them.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1, 8-24, 26-41, 43, and 44, the automatic tape kitting device 1 comprises a feeder set table 10, a first disposal unit 20, a second disposal unit 30, a third disposal unit 40, a fixed tape application unit 50, a carrier tape forming unit 70, a loading unit 80, a reel removal unit 85, and a control unit 90.

[0046] The above-mentioned carrier tape disposal function is realized by using the first disposal unit 20. The above-mentioned cover tape disposal function is realized by using the second disposal unit 30. The above-mentioned disposal function during setting is realized by using the third disposal unit 40. The above-mentioned fixing tape application function is realized by using the fixing tape application unit 50. The above-mentioned carrier tape formation function during setting is realized by using the carrier tape formation unit 70.

[0047] The feeder set table 10 is a base on which the feeder 100 is set and held. The feeder set table 10 has a portion formed like a horizontal plate, a portion for fixing the feeder 100, and portions for attaching and fixing various units. The feeder set table 10 holds the feeder 100 in the same position as when it is mounted on a component mounting machine or the like. The feeder 100 held on the feeder set table 10 can be supplied with power and can drive the sprocket 105 to feed the carrier tape T.

[0048] The feeders 100 to be set on the feeder setting table 10 are feeders 100 that have been removed from a component mounting machine and discharged from the carrier tape discharge port 107, with the hanging carrier tape T cut off leaving a predetermined length on the feeder 100 body, and feeders 100 that are scheduled to be mounted on a component mounting machine but have not yet been set with a reel R, or feeders 100 that have been set with a reel R but have the carrier tape T fixed to the reel R with fixing tape F. The feeder 100 to be set on the feeder setting table 10 may be either feeder A 100A or feeder B 100B.

[0049] The first disposal unit 20 is a unit that discards the carrier tape T from which the components D have been removed from the cavity portion Tc and which is discharged from the carrier tape discharge port 107 in order to realize a carrier tape disposal function.

[0050] The first disposal unit 20 particularly discards carrier tape T that has come off the reel R and extends from the sprocket engagement position where the sprocket 105 of the feeder 100 engages with the carrier tape T to the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 of the feeder 100. In the A feeder 100A, the first disposal unit discards carrier tape T with a partially peeled cover tape Tb attached to the base tape Ta, and in the B feeder 100B, it discards only base tape Ta with the cover tape Tb peeled off.

[0051] In feeder 100, carrier tape T is engaged with sprocket 105 for feeding and transporting in the Y direction. In this structure, after the rear end of out-of-component carrier tape T has been used up and all of the components D contained therein has been removed from reel R, or after partially used carrier tape T with components D remaining is cut upstream of sprocket 105 in the tape transport direction, disposal of the carrier tape T remaining in feeder 100 can become an issue.

[0052] In other words, after the rear end of the carrier tape T that has come off or been cut from the reel R reaches the engagement position with the sprocket 105, the sprocket holes Ts of the carrier tape T will no longer engage with the sprocket 105, and therefore even if the sprocket 105 rotates thereafter, there is a risk that the carrier tape T extending from the sprocket engagement position to the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 will not be able to be discharged out of the feeder 100.

[0053] Furthermore, since the base tape Ta is relatively thicker and stronger than the cover tape Tb, when the carrier tape T discharged outward from the feeder 100 contains the base tape Ta, if the carrier tape T is discarded in a strip-like state without being cut in half, the pipes may easily become clogged and the carrier tape T may become difficult to handle.

[0054] Therefore, the first disposal unit 20 shreds and discards the carrier tape T that has come off the reel R and extends from the sprocket engagement position of the feeder 100 to the carrier tape discharge port 107 outside the feeder 100. The first disposal unit 20 is disposed below the feeder set table 10. As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the first disposal unit 20 has a pull-out portion 21, a first cutting portion 22, and a first leading portion 23.

[0055] The pull-out section 21 is a section that pulls out the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape outlet 107 of the feeder 100. In particular, the pull-out section 21 pulls out the carrier tape T that has been previously loaded when the loading unit 80 loads new carrier tape T. The pull-out section 21 may be capable of advancing and retreating relative to the feeder set table 10. For example, when the feeder 100 is not set on the feeder set table 10, the pull-out section 21 may retreat in the Y+ direction, and may advance in the Y- direction after the feeder 100 is set on the feeder set table 10. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the pull-out section 21 has a roller section 21a as a clamping section and a drive motor 21b. The direction in which the pull-out section 21 advances and retreats is not limited to the Y direction.

[0056] The roller unit 21a is a rotating body that guides the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape outlet 107 to the first leading unit 23 outside the feeder 100. The roller unit 21a contacts the carrier tape T exposed at the front surface of the feeder 100 body and clamps the carrier tape T between the front end of the feeder 100 body and a support end 21d (see FIG. 9) that is separate from the feeder 100. The roller unit 21a clamps the carrier tape T and pulls it out of the feeder 100. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, a pair of roller units 21a are provided spaced apart in the Z direction, and support both sides of the cut portion of the carrier tape T when the carrier tape T is cut by the first cutting unit 22. The pair of roller units 21a are connected to each other via a connecting member 21c (see FIG. 11), such as a belt or chain. Note that only one of the pair of roller units 21a may be provided. In addition, the roller portion 21a is configured to clamp the carrier tape T between the opposing surface facing the roller portion 21a, such as the front end portion or support end portion 21d of the feeder 100 body, but the carrier tape T may also be clamped by a pair of roller portions 21a arranged opposite each other.

[0057] The drive motor 21b is a drive source that generates a force to rotate the roller unit 21a. The output shaft of the drive motor 21b is connected to a connecting member 21c. The drive motor 21b is driven at the timing when the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape discharge port 107 is guided to the first leading portion 23, and drives the roller unit 21a to rotate via the connecting member 21c. When the roller unit 21a is driven to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 12 ), the carrier tape T moves downward by frictional force and is pulled out.

[0058] The first cutting unit 22 is a carrier tape cutting site that cuts the carrier tape T that has been pulled out of the feeder 100 from the carrier tape outlet 107 by the pull-out unit 21. The first cutting unit 22 is located below the feeder 100 that has been set on the feeder set table 10. The first cutting unit 22 has a cutter 22a that extends horizontally, i.e., in the Y direction. The cutter 22a is located on the Y- direction side of the position of the carrier tape T that is pulled out of the carrier tape outlet 107. The cutter 22a is movable forward and backward in the Y direction relative to the main body of the first cutting unit 22. The first cutting unit 22 cuts the carrier tape T that has been pulled out of the feeder 100 by advancing the cutter 22a in the Y+ direction.

[0059] The cutter 22a advances in the Y+ direction and then retreats in the Y- direction each time the length of the carrier tape T pulled out from the carrier tape outlet 107 reaches a predetermined length, thereby cutting the carrier tape T. The carrier tape T pulled out from the carrier tape outlet 107 is cut by the first cutting unit 22 at predetermined lengths. Hereinafter, the portion of the tape leading end cut off from the carrier tape T will be referred to as waste tape Th (see FIG. 12).

[0060] The first leading portion 23 is a portion that leads the waste tape Th that has been cut off from the carrier tape T by the first cutting portion 22 to the dust box 11. The dust box 11 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top. The dust box 11 is attached to the feeder set table 10 or the like.

[0061] The first leading section 23 has a vacuum hose 23a, which is a tubular member that extends from near the first cutting section 22 to the dust box 11. The vacuum hose 23a uses, for example, negative pressure to suck the waste tape Th from an opening on the first cutting section 22 side and move it to an opening on the dust box 11 side. One end of the vacuum hose 23a opens near the first cutting section 22, and the other end of the vacuum hose 23a opens into the dust box 11. The vacuum hose 23a sucks in the waste tape Th cut by the first cutting section 22 from one end and discharges it from the other end.

[0062] To realize the cover tape disposal function, the second disposal unit 30 is a unit that discards the cover tape Tb that has been peeled off from the base tape Ta at a predetermined peeling position in the B feeder 100B and collected in the cover tape recovery section 110. The second disposal unit 30 separates and discards the cover tape Tb that has been collected in the cover tape recovery section 110, particularly when the reel R set in the feeder 100 is removed because it has run out of parts or is partially used, from the cover tape Tb that remains on the reel R.

[0063] In the B feeder 100B, the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T is peeled from the base tape Ta at a predetermined peeling position and then collected in a cover tape collection section 110 within the feeder 100. In this structure, in order to discard the cover tape Tb collected in the cover tape collection section 110 outside the feeder 100, it is necessary to cut the cover tape extending from the predetermined peeling position to the cover tape collection section 110. Then, it is necessary to remove the portion of the cover tape Tb cut off by the cutting toward the tape tip (i.e., the cover tape Tb mainly collected in the cover tape collection section 110) from the cover tape collection section 110. Hereinafter, this cover tape Tb to be removed will be referred to as discarded cover tape Tbh (see FIG. 16 ).

[0064] Furthermore, in order to reduce the number of dust boxes 11 and the space required for their placement, it is not necessary to dispose of the above-mentioned waste tape Th and waste cover tape Tbh in different dust boxes, but rather it is appropriate to dispose of them in a single common dust box 11.

[0065] The second disposal unit 30 discharges the discarded cover tape Tbh collected in the cover tape collection section 110 to the outside of the cover tape collection section 110. The second disposal unit 30 is disposed on the side (for example, the right side, which is the X+ direction side) of the feeder set table 10. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 , the second disposal unit 30 has a first base 31, a second cutting section 32, a second leading section 33, and an opening / closing cover opening section 34.

[0066] The first pedestal 31 is a horizontal plate-shaped table member on which the second cutting unit 32 and the second leading unit 33 are mounted. The first pedestal 31 is disposed on the right side of the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 so as to be movable in the Y direction relative to the feeder set table 10 and thereby the feeder 100. The first pedestal 31 moves in the Y direction along two rails 12 extending parallel to the Y direction. The second cutting unit 32 and the second leading unit 33 move in the Y direction as the first pedestal 31 moves in the Y direction.

[0067] An X-direction movable part 31a and a tilting part 31b are attached to the first pedestal 31. The X-direction movable part 31a is a part that can move in the X direction relative to the first pedestal 31. The X-direction movable part 31a moves between a retracted position on the +X direction side and an advanced position on the -X direction side, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder. The tilting part 31b is a part that can rotate about an axis extending in the Y direction relative to the first pedestal 31. The tilting part 31b rotates, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder, between an approaching position in which it extends vertically upward from the first pedestal 31 and its upper end approaches the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10, and a retracted position in which it tilts obliquely upward from the first pedestal 31 and its upper end moves away from the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10.

[0068] The second cutting unit 32 is a cover tape cutting unit that cuts the cover tape Tb peeled from the base tape Ta at a predetermined peeling position of the feeder 100. The second leading unit 33 is a portion that guides the waste cover tape Tbh that has been cut off from the cover tape Tb by the second cutting unit 32 to the dust box 11. The second cutting unit 32 and the second leading unit 33 are held by the X-direction movable unit 31a. The second cutting unit 32 and the second leading unit 33 move in the Y direction parallel to the feeder set table 10 in conjunction with the movement of the first base 31 in the Y direction, and also move in the X direction toward and away from the feeder set table 10 in conjunction with the movement of the X-direction movable unit 31a in the X direction.

[0069] The second cutting unit 32 has scissors 32a extending in the X direction (specifically, the X-direction) from a fulcrum on the X-direction movable unit 31a. The scissors 32a move in the X direction relative to the feeder set table 10 as the first pedestal 31 moves in the X direction. When the first pedestal 31 is in the retracted position, the scissors 32a cannot pinch a predetermined portion of the cover tape Tb that extends from a predetermined peeling position in the feeder 100 to the tape entrance / exit position of the cover tape recovery unit 110. However, when the first pedestal 31 is in the advanced position, the scissors 32a can pinch a predetermined portion of the cover tape Tb. When the scissors 32a move forward in the X-direction with the first pedestal 31 in the advanced position, the cover tape Tb is cut.

[0070] The second leading portion 33 has a tubular vacuum hose 33a extending from near the second cutting portion 32 to the dust box 11. The vacuum hose 33a uses negative pressure to suck the disposal cover tape Tbh from an opening on the second cutting portion 32 side (one end side) and move it to an opening on the dust box 11 side (the other end side). One end of the vacuum hose 33a opens near the second cutting portion 32 when the first base 31 is in the forward position. The other end of the vacuum hose 33a opens into the dust box 11. At least a portion of the vacuum hose 33a is configured, for example, in a bellows shape so that one end can move in the X direction in accordance with the movement of the first base 31 in the X direction. The vacuum hose 33a sucks the disposal cover tape Tbh cut by the second cutting portion 32 from an opening on one end side and discharges it from an opening on the other end side.

[0071] The open-close cover opening section 34 is a section that opens the open-close cover section 113 of the feeder 100 when the cover tape Tb, which has been guided from the predetermined peeling position of the feeder 100 to the cover tape recovery section 110, is discharged outside the feeder 100 and guided to the dust box 11. The open-close cover opening section 34 is held by the tilting section 31b. The open-close cover opening section 34 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilting section 31b between the approach position and the retracted position.

[0072] The open-close cover opening unit 34 includes an unlocking unit 34a and a vacuum pad 34b. The unlocking unit 34a is a member that releases the restriction on opening of the open-close cover unit 113 imposed by the locking mechanism 114. The unlocking unit 34a moves the locking mechanism 114 from the locked position to the unlocked position by a predetermined operation when the tilting unit 31b is in the approaching position. The vacuum pad 34b is a member that comes into contact with the surface of the open-close cover unit 113 (i.e., the side surface on the +X direction) when the tilting unit 31b is in the approaching position and sucks the open-close cover unit 113 by applying negative pressure. The vacuum pad 34b moves the open-close cover unit 113 from the closed position to the open position by rotating the tilting unit 31b from the approaching position to the retracted position while attracting the open-close cover unit 113.

[0073] Furthermore, the second disposal unit 30 may have a release arm that releases the engagement between the drive gear and driven gear of the winding gear section 111 when the disposal cover tape Tbh is disposed of in the dust box 11, i.e., when the lock release section 34a or the vacuum pad 34b of the opening / closing cover opening section 34 is activated.

[0074] The third disposal unit 40 is a unit that discards the leading end portion of the carrier tape T wound around the reel R to which the fixed tape F is attached when the new or partially used reel R is set in the feeder 100, in order to realize the disposal function at the time of setting.

[0075] Generally, when a new or partially used reel R is stored in a warehouse or the like, the leading end of the carrier tape T wound on this reel R is fixed to the reel R via a fixing tape F, as shown in Figure 6. In setting such a reel R in the feeder 100, it is necessary to first peel the fixing tape F from the reel R, cut off the leading end of the carrier tape T to which the fixing tape F is attached, and then attach an extension tape E having a length appropriate to the type of feeder 100 to the leading end of the carrier tape T from which the leading end has been cut off, so that the carrier tape T can be loaded into the feeder 100. In this case, after the leading end of the carrier tape T to which the fixing tape F is attached has been cut, it is appropriate to discard the leading end in the dust box 11.

[0076] The third disposal unit 40 is provided on the feeder set table 10 and is arranged near the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, for example, on the side of the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 (for example, on the right side in the X+ direction). Before a new or partially used reel R is set on the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, the third disposal unit 40 cuts off and discards the leading end portion of the carrier tape T wound around the reel R and to which the fixing tape F has been affixed. As shown in Figures 8 and 31 to 36, the third disposal unit 40 has a third cutting section 41 and a third leading section 42.

[0077] A reel R around which a carrier tape T is wound to be set in a feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 is rotatably supported by a reel support 15. The reel support 15 is provided on the feeder set table 10 and disposed near the feeder 100. The reel support 15 is a plate-shaped member having a reel support shaft 15a that rotatably supports the reel R. The reel support shaft 15a is provided on the reel support 15 and extends in the Z+ direction from the reel support 15 in a horizontally laid position described below, and extends in the X+ direction from the reel support 15 in a vertically placed position described below.

[0078] The reel support 15 may be movable in the X, Y, or Z directions relative to the feeder set table 10 and therefore the feeder 100, and may be rotatable about an axis extending in the Y direction. With the reel R supported by the reel support 15, the leading end of the carrier tape T to which the fixing tape F has been attached is cut off and an extension tape E is attached to the leading end, thereby making the carrier tape T ready to be loaded into the feeder 100. After that, the reel R may be automatically stored in the reel storage section 101 of the feeder 100 using a robot or the like, and the carrier tape T may be automatically loaded into the feeder 100 using a robot or the like, or the reel R and carrier tape T may be manually set into the feeder 100 by an operator.

[0079] In the following, the reel support 15 is assumed to be rotatable around a rotation axis 15b extending in the Y direction relative to the feeder set table 10, and the reel R is assumed to be loaded into the feeder 100 by the loading unit 80 together with the carrier tape T after the carrier tape T has been made ready to be loaded into the feeder 100 by the carrier tape forming unit 70.

[0080] The third cutting section 41 is a section that cuts off the leading end portion of the carrier tape T to which the fixing tape F has been attached after the fixing tape F has been peeled off from the reel R on which the carrier tape T has been wound by a third leading section 42 described later. The third cutting section 41 is a cutting unit 72 of the carrier tape forming unit 70 described later. As shown in Figure 36, the third cutting section 41 has a boundary detection section 41a and a cutter 41b.

[0081] The boundary detection unit 41 a is a part that detects the boundary between the portion of the carrier tape T where the cover tape has not been peeled and the portion where the cover tape has been peeled, while the carrier tape T is being pulled out from the reel R by the third leading unit 42. The boundary detection unit 41 a is, for example, a proximity sensor that outputs a signal in a non-contact manner according to the presence or absence of the boundary in the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third leading unit 42.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 37 , the boundary detection unit 41a is held by the detection moving unit 41c. The detection moving unit 41c is a portion that can move in the Z direction relative to the reel support 15. The detection moving unit 41c is disposed in the Y+ direction relative to the reel R supported by the reel support shaft 15a, and is disposed above the height position of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third leading unit 42. The detection moving unit 41c moves between an upper end position on the Z+ direction side and a lower end position on the Z- direction side, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder. The detection moving unit 41c has a portion that contacts the upper surface of the carrier tape T at the lower end position and clamps the carrier tape T between the cutter 41b or the Z-direction movable unit 41d. The boundary detection unit 41a moves in the Z direction relative to the reel support 15 as the detection moving unit 41c moves in the Z direction.

[0083] When the detection moving unit 41c is located at the upper end position, the boundary detection unit 41a is spaced upward from the upper surface of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third leading unit 42. When the detection moving unit 41c is located at the lower end position, the boundary detection unit 41a approaches close enough to come into contact with the upper surface of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third leading unit 42.

[0084] 35, 37, and 38, the boundary detection unit 41a may have a pair of sensors 41a1, 41a2. In this case, the pair of sensors 41a1, 41a2 are arranged side by side in the tape width direction of the carrier tape T in the detection movement unit 41c. Specifically, the first sensor 41a1 is arranged on the cavity portion Tc side of the carrier tape T, and the second sensor 41a2 is arranged on the sprocket hole Ts side of the carrier tape T.

[0085] The first sensor 41a1 outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the fixing tape F or the cover tape Tb located on the cavity portion Tc side of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third leading portion 42. The second sensor 41a2 outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the base tape Ta located on the sprocket hole Ts side of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third leading portion 42.

[0086] When the fixed tape F is attached to the tape tip of the cover tape Tb by the above-mentioned fixed tape attachment unit 50 and fixed to the reel R, the tape stored on the reel R will be, starting from the tape tip, "only the fixed tape F" → "only the cover tape Tb" → "carrier tape with the cover tape Tb and base tape Ta attached."

[0087] In the process in which the third leading portion 42 grasps the fixed tape F and pulls out the carrier tape T, first, when the fixed tape F or the cover tape Tb has not yet passed below the boundary detection portion 41a, both sensors 41a1 and 41a2 output an OFF signal indicating that no tape is present. Next, when the fixed tape F or the cover tape Tb passes below the boundary detection portion 41a, the first sensor 41a1 outputs an ON signal indicating that tape is present, while the second sensor 41a2 outputs an OFF signal indicating that no tape is present. Then, after the boundary between the portion of the carrier tape T where the cover tape has not yet been peeled and the portion where the cover tape has been peeled passes below the boundary detection portion 41a, both sensors 41a1 and 41a2 output an ON signal indicating that tape is present.

[0088] When the state changes from one in which the first sensor 41a1 outputs an ON signal and the second sensor 41a2 outputs an OFF signal to one in which both sensors 41a1 and 41a2 output ON signals, the third cutting unit 41 determines that the boundary between the unpeeled portion of the cover tape and the peeled portion of the cover tape of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R has passed below the boundary detection unit 41a, and identifies position C of the boundary on the carrier tape T. A location on the carrier tape T corresponding to position C of the identified boundary is moved by movement of moving unit 42b to above the third cutting unit 41. Then, the third cutting unit 41 cuts the carrier tape T with cutter 41b at a location corresponding to position C of the identified boundary.

[0089] The cutter 41b is a member having a cutting blade for cutting the carrier tape T. The cutter 41b can cut the carrier tape T when the detection moving unit 41c reaches the bottom end position and the boundary detection unit 41a is close enough to come into contact with the top surface of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R.

[0090] The cutting position of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the third cutting unit 41 is a position based on the boundary between a cover tape unseparated portion of the carrier tape T where the cover tape Tb has not been peeled off from the base tape Ta and a cover tape peeled portion where the cover tape Tb has been peeled off from the base tape Ta. For example, this cutting position may be position C (see FIG. 6 ) itself of the boundary between the cover tape unseparated portion and the cover tape peeled portion, or a position of the boundary between a portion of the cavity Tc where a component D is accommodated and a portion where a component D is not accommodated, which is separated from position C of the boundary by a predetermined length (specifically, the amount of misalignment between the predetermined peeling position and the component removal position P in the feeder 100).

[0091] The cutter 41b is held by a Z-direction movable part 41d. The Z-direction movable part 41d is a part that is movable in the Z direction relative to the reel support 15. The Z-direction movable part 41d is disposed in the Y+ direction relative to the reel R supported by the reel support shaft part 15a, and is disposed below the height position of the carrier tape T that is pulled out from the reel R by the third leading part 42. The Z-direction movable part 41d moves between an upper end position on the Z+ direction side and a lower end position on the Z- direction side due to the pressing force of a cylinder, for example. The cutter 41b moves in the Z direction in conjunction with the movement of the Z-direction movable part 41d in the Z direction.

[0092] When the Z-direction movable part 41d is located at the lower end position, the cutter 41b is located below the carrier tape T being pulled out from the reel R by the third leading part 42. When the Z-direction movable part 41d is located at the upper end position, the cutter 41b is located close enough to come into contact with the carrier tape T being pulled out from the reel R by the third leading part 42.

[0093] The cutter 41b is supported relative to the Z-direction movable part 41d so as to be movable back and forth in the Z direction. The cutter 41b extends vertically, i.e., in the Z direction. When the carrier tape T has been pulled out from the reel R to a predetermined pull-out position by the third leading part 42 and the Z-direction movable part 41d is at its upper end position, the cutter 41b rises in the +Z direction from the reference height position to cut the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R. Hereinafter, the leading end portion of the carrier tape T to which the fixing tape F has been affixed and which has been cut off from the carrier tape T will be referred to as the waste leading end tape TFh (see FIG. 6).

[0094] A peripheral portion of the cutter 41b, which is different from the cutting blade, or a Z-direction movable portion 41d, is provided with a portion that contacts the lower surface of the carrier tape T at the upper end position and clamps the carrier tape T between the detection moving portion 41c. When the carrier tape T is cut by the cutter 41b, the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R is clamped and supported by the detection moving portion 41c and the peripheral portion of the cutter 41b or the Z-direction movable portion 41d.

[0095] The third leading portion 42 is a portion that leads the waste leading edge tape TFh that has been cut off from the carrier tape T by the third cutting portion 41 to the dust box 11. The third leading portion 42 is a tape pulling-out unit 71 of the carrier tape forming unit 70, which will be described later. As shown in Figures 31 to 36, the third leading portion 42 has a chuck portion 42a, a moving portion 42b, and a rotating portion 42c.

[0096] The chuck portion 42a is a gripping member that grips the fixing tape F attached to both the leading end of the carrier tape T wound on a new or partially used reel R supported by the reel support shaft portion 15a and the reel R, and pulls out the carrier tape T. The chuck portion 42a is formed, for example, in a claw shape.

[0097] The moving unit 42b is a moving body that moves along a rail or the like relative to the reel support 15 between a reel-side position near the reel R supported by the reel support shaft 15a and a dust-side position above the dust box 11. The moving unit 42b moves, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder. The chuck 42a is disposed on the moving unit 42b. The moving unit 42b moves the chuck 42a between the reel-side position and the dust-side position. The moving unit 42b moves the chuck 42a in the Y direction or Z direction, for example, and can move close to the reel R until the tip of the chuck 42a comes into contact with the reel R and can move above the dust box 11.

[0098] The rotating portion 42c is a rotating body that is rotatably supported on the moving portion 42b. As shown in Figures 31 to 35, the rotating portion 42c can rotate approximately 90 degrees around an axis extending in the Z direction on the moving portion 42b. The chuck portion 42a is held by the rotating portion 42c. The rotating portion 42c rotates around the Z direction on the moving portion 42b together with the chuck portion 42a. The direction that the chuck portion 42a faces with respect to the reel R supported by the reel support 15 can be changed.

[0099] Before cutting by the third cutting unit 41, the chuck unit 42a grips the fixed tape F attached to the reel R and peels it off from the reel R, and in this gripped state pulls out the carrier tape T, and after cutting by the third cutting unit 41, the moving unit 42b moves the waste tip tape TFh to above the dust box 11. Then, after reaching above the dust box 11, the chuck unit 42a releases its grip, causing the waste tip tape TFh to drop into the dust box 11.

[0100] When facing in the Y-direction, the chuck portion 42a is capable of peeling off the fixed tape F attached to the outer peripheral surface of the carrier tape T wound on the reel R, and when facing in the X-direction, it is capable of peeling off the fixed tape F attached to the side of the reel R that winds the carrier tape T, i.e., the outer surface of the flange plate portion Rb.

[0101] When peeling off the fixed tape F attached to the outer peripheral surface of the carrier tape T or the fixed tape F attached to the side of the reel R, the chuck portion 42a grasps and peels off a portion of the fixed tape F (specifically, the non-adhesive surface F2 at the other end) other than the portion attached to the tape tip of the carrier tape T (specifically, one end), leaving one end of the fixed tape F attached to the tape tip of the carrier tape T.

[0102] The fixed tape joining unit 50 is a unit that, in order to realize the fixed tape joining function, fixes the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb from which the discard cover tape Tbh has been cut off to the reel R using the fixed tape F. In particular, when the reel R set in the feeder 100 is partially used and is removed, the fixed tape joining unit 50 handles and fixes to the reel R the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb that has been peeled off from the base tape Ta by the second discarding unit 30 and from which the discard cover tape Tbh has been cut off.

[0103] As shown in Figures 13, 14, 19-25, 29, and 30, the fixed tape application unit 50 has a first chuck portion 51, a tape end holding portion 52, a leading end detection portion 53, a fixed tape suction portion 54, a second chuck portion 55, a base tape cutting portion 57, a rewinding portion 58, and an suction movement portion 59.

[0104] The first chuck portion 51 is a portion that grips the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb from which the disposal cover tape Tbh has been separated by cutting by the second cutting portion 32 of the second disposal unit 30. The first chuck portion 51 is composed of a pair of rollers that can clamp the cover tape Tb. The pair of rollers can change their state between a non-clamping state in which a gap is left between the rollers and a clamping state in which the gap is closed.

[0105] The first chuck unit 51, in a non-clamping state, causes the cover tape Tb extending from a predetermined peeling position in the feeder 100 to enter between the pair of rollers, and then enters a clamping state in which it clamps the cover tape Tb. The first chuck unit 51 is capable of moving in the Z direction relative to the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10, and is capable of raising the tape leading end of the clamped cover tape Tb from the gripping start position to a predetermined holding position on the +Z direction side.

[0106] The tape end holding portion 52 is a portion that holds the tape tip portion of the cover tape Tb that has been gripped by the first chuck portion 51 and moved to a predetermined holding position. The tape end holding portion 52 holds the tape tip portion so that it can be positioned before the fixing tape F is attached to the tape tip portion of the cover tape Tb, and fixes and holds the tape tip portion when the fixing tape F is attached to the tape tip portion of the cover tape Tb. The tape end holding portion 52 has a holding base 52a and a holding mechanism 52b.

[0107] The holding base 52a is a standing wall portion that contacts the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb and holds the tape leading end so as to be able to position the tape leading end. The holding base 52a is formed to extend in the Z direction. The holding base 52a has a holding surface that extends in the Z direction and faces the Y- direction. A notch 52a1 is provided in the holding base 52a. The notch 52a1 penetrates the holding base 52a in the Y direction and opens in the X+ direction so that the second chuck portion 55 can grasp and remove the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb from a held state.

[0108] The holding mechanism 52b is a mechanism that generates a force that holds the tape tip of the cover tape Tb on the holding base 52a. This force holds the tape tip of the cover tape Tb in contact with the holding surface of the holding base 52a while allowing the tape tip to move in the Z direction along the holding surface of the holding base 52a. The holding mechanism 52b holds the tape tip of the cover tape Tb by, for example, introducing negative pressure through a number of small holes formed in the holding surface of the holding base 52a.

[0109] The first chuck unit 51 temporarily moves the tape leading end of the clamped cover tape Tb above a predetermined holding position by the tape end holding unit 52. During this movement, the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb is held under negative pressure by the tape end holding unit 52, but when the height position at which the pair of rollers of the first chuck unit 51 clamps the cover tape Tb becomes higher than the upper end position to which the cover tape Tb can move, the cover tape Tb thereafter slides between the pair of rollers while the first chuck unit 51 is rising, and eventually the cover tape Tb comes off the pair of rollers and is released from clamping.

[0110] Immediately after the clamping by the first chuck portion 51 is released as described above, the tape end of the cover tape Tb is in a state where it has slipped out above the predetermined holding position by the tape end holding portion 52. In this state, the feeder 100 then executes a return operation to rotate the sprocket 105 in a direction to rewind the carrier tape T including the cover tape Tb onto the reel R so that the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb is held by the holding base 52a of the tape end holding portion 52. When this return operation is executed, the cover tape Tb moves in a direction to be rewound onto the reel R while being held by the tape end holding portion 52, and moves in the Z-direction relative to the holding surface of the holding base 52a.

[0111] The leading edge detection unit 53 is a component that detects the leading edge of the cover tape Tb held by the tape end holding unit 52. The leading edge detection unit 53 is, for example, a proximity sensor that outputs a signal in response to the presence or absence of the cover tape Tb in the tape end holding unit 52 in a non-contact manner. The leading edge detection unit 53 is disposed on the holding base 52a of the tape end holding unit 52 itself or in the vicinity of the holding base 52a. The leading edge detection unit 53 distinguishes between the presence and absence of the cover tape Tb while the cover tape Tb is held by the holding base 52a of the tape end holding unit 52 and moves in the Z-direction relative to the holding surface of the holding base 52a. The leading edge detection unit 53 then detects the leading edge of the cover tape Tb by detecting the timing at which the cover tape Tb changes from being present to being absent.

[0112] The first chuck portion 51, tape end holding portion 52, and leading edge detection portion 53 are mounted on a first mounting base 65. The first mounting base 65 is supported on the feeder set table 10 so as to be movable in the X direction. The first mounting base 65 is disposed on a side of the feeder set table 10 (for example, the left side, which is the X- direction side). The first mounting base 65 moves relative to the feeder set table 10 between a retracted position on the X- direction side and an advanced position on the X+ direction side by, for example, the pressing force of a cylinder. When the first mounting base 65 is in the advanced position, the first chuck portion 51, tape end holding portion 52, and leading edge detection portion 53 are located above the path along which the peeled cover tape Tb travels from the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 to the cover tape recovery portion 110.

[0113] The first mounting base 65 is formed to extend in the Z direction. A Z-direction movable part 65a is attached to the first mounting base 65. The Z-direction movable part 65a is a part that is movable in the Z direction relative to the first mounting base 65. The Z-direction movable part 65a moves between an upper end position on the +Z direction side and a lower end position on the -Z direction side due to the pressing force of a cylinder, for example.

[0114] The first chuck portion 51, tape end holding portion 52, and leading edge detection portion 53 move in the X direction in association with the movement of the first mounting base 65 in the X direction relative to the feeder set table 10, and move toward and away from the feeder 100. The first chuck portion 51 is held by a Z-direction movable portion 65a. The first chuck portion 51 moves in the Z direction in association with the movement of the Z-direction movable portion 65a in the Z direction relative to the feeder set table 10, and is able to lift the tape leading edge of the cover tape Tb that it is holding in the +Z direction.

[0115] The fixed tape suction unit 54 is a part that adsorbs the fixed tape F and moves the fixed tape F until one end of the fixed tape F adheres to the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb held by the holding base 52a of the tape end holding unit 52. The fixed tape suction unit 54 is movable relative to the feeder set table 10. The fixed tape suction unit 54 is movable from near the fixed tape supply device that is the supply source of the fixed tape F to near the tape end holding unit 52 that holds the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb.

[0116] The fixed tape suction portion 54 has a pad 54a. The pad 54a is provided at a portion of the fixed tape suction portion 54 that comes into contact with the fixed tape F, and is capable of sucking and holding the fixed tape F by applying negative pressure. Note that a plurality of pads 54a may be provided parallel to the holding surface of the holding base 52a and aligned, for example, in the Z direction along the tape longitudinal direction of the cover tape Tb held on the holding surface.

[0117] The fixed tape suction unit 54 sucks the fixed tape F supplied from the fixed tape supply device with the pad 54a, and while maintaining this sucked state, moves the fixed tape F based on the position of the leading end of the cover tape Tb detected by the leading end detection unit 53 (see FIG. 21 ). Then, the fixed tape suction unit 54 presses the fixed tape F against the leading end of the cover tape Tb held by the tape end holding unit 52 (see FIG. 22 ). When pressed in this manner, one end of the fixed tape F is attached to the leading end of the cover tape Tb held by the tape end holding unit 52.

[0118] The second chuck portion 55 is a portion that grips and moves the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb to which one end of the fixing tape F is affixed. The second chuck portion 55 is movable relative to the feeder set table 10. The portion of the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb that is gripped by the second chuck portion 55 is located on the opposite side of the tape leading end from the portion to which one end of the fixing tape F is affixed. The second chuck portion 55 is composed of a pair of rollers that can clamp the cover tape Tb. The pair of rollers can change their state between a non-clamping state with a gap between them and a clamping state with a closed gap between them.

[0119] The second chuck unit 55, in a non-clamped state, inserts the tape tip of the cover tape Tb, to which one end of the fixed tape F adsorbed by the fixed tape adsorption unit 54 is affixed, between the pair of rollers, and then clamps the tape (see FIG. 23). The second chuck unit 55 can move in the Y direction and the X direction relative to the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10, and can move the clamped cover tape Tb from the gripping start position in directions including the Y- direction and the X+ direction. The second chuck unit 55 moves the cover tape Tb to a predetermined position located on the Y- direction side and the X+ direction side of the gripping start position (see FIG. 24). Note that this predetermined position may be close to the reel storage unit 101 of the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10, and therefore close to the reel R.

[0120] The fixed tape suction portion 54 and the second chuck portion 55 are mounted on a second pedestal 66. The second pedestal 66 is a horizontal, plate-shaped table member. Like the first pedestal 31 of the second disposal unit 30, the second pedestal 66 is disposed on the feeder set table 10 to the right of the feeder 100 so as to be movable in the Y direction relative to the feeder set table 10 and thus the feeder 100, and moves in the Y direction along two rails 12. The second pedestal 66 is disposed on the Y-direction side of the first pedestal 31. The first pedestal 31 and the second pedestal 66 can move along the rails 12 without interfering with each other. Note that the first pedestal 31 and the second pedestal 66 may move independently on the rails 12, or may move integrally with each other.

[0121] A second mounting base 66a extending in the Z direction is fixed integrally to the second pedestal 66. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , a Z-direction movable part 66b is attached to the second mounting base 66a. The Z-direction movable part 66b is a part that is movable in the Z direction relative to the second pedestal 66 and the second mounting base 66a. The Z-direction movable part 66b moves between an upper end position on the +Z direction side and a lower end position on the -Z direction side, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder. An X-direction movable part 66c is attached to the Z-direction movable part 66b. The X-direction movable part 66c moves in the Z direction in conjunction with the movement of the Z-direction movable part 66b in the Z direction, and is also movable in the X direction relative to the Z-direction movable part 66b. The X-direction movable part 66c moves between a retracted position on the +X direction side and an advanced position on the -X direction side, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder.

[0122] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, an XY-direction movable part 66d and a swivel movable part 66e are attached to the X-direction movable part 66c. The XY-direction movable part 66d is a part that can move in the X and Y directions (i.e., in the direction on the XY plane that intersects both the X and Y directions) relative to the X-direction movable part 66c. The swivel movable part 66e is a part that swivels around a predetermined axis relative to the X-direction movable part 66c. The second chuck part 55 is held by the XY-direction movable part 66d. The second chuck part 55 moves relative to the feeder set table 10 in accordance with the movement of the XY-direction movable part 66d in the X and Y directions. The fixed tape suction part 54 is held by the swivel movable part 66e. The fixed tape suction part 54 swivels around the predetermined axis in accordance with the rotation of the swivel movable part 66e.

[0123] The above-mentioned predetermined axis is an axis that rotates the swivel movable part 66e between a first rotation position where the fixed tape adsorption part 54 can attach the fixed tape F to the tape tip of the cover tape Tb on the holding base 52a of the tape end holding part 52, and a second rotation position where the fixed tape adsorption part 54 can attach the fixed tape F, attached to the tape tip of the cover tape Tb, to the side surface of the reel R of the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10. Note that this predetermined axis may extend in a direction that intersects any of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction.

[0124] The Y-direction position of the second pedestal 66 when the fixed tape suction portion 54 attaches the fixed tape F to the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb on the holding base 52a of the tape end holding portion 52 may be different from the Y-direction position of the second pedestal 66 when the fixed tape suction portion 54 attaches the fixed tape F attached to the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb to the side surface of the reel R of the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10. Furthermore, the timing at which the swivel movable portion 66e swivels from the first swivel position to the second swivel position may be limited to after the XY-direction movable portion 66d has retracted the second chuck portion 55 to retracted positions on the X+ direction side and the Y- direction side.

[0125] The control unit 90 has an operation control unit 91. The operation control unit 91 executes an operation to remove the cover tape Tb from the tape guide 106 of the feeder 100 after the tape tip of the cover tape Tb has been gripped by the second chuck unit 55 and before or after the cover tape Tb has reached the predetermined position.

[0126] Specifically, with the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb gripped by the second chuck unit 55, the operation control unit 91 issues a rewind command to rotate the sprocket 105 of the feeder 100 in a rewinding direction in which the carrier tape T is rewound onto the reel R. When this rewind command is issued, a force to rewind onto the reel R acts on the carrier tape T, which is guided by the tape guide 106 and engaged with the sprocket 105, causing the carrier tape T to be rewound onto the reel R, and at the same time, the cover tape Tb, which has been peeled off from the base tape Ta at the predetermined peeling position of the feeder 100, advances through the slit 106c of the tape guide 106 and is pulled out above the tape guide 106.

[0127] In addition, in order to make the cover tape Tb enter the slit 106c of the tape guide 106 and pull it out above the tape guide 106, the operation control unit 91 may issue, in addition to or instead of the above return command, a command to move the second base 66 on which the second chuck portion 55 is mounted in the Y-direction or a command to move the Z-direction movable portion 66b and the X-direction movable portion 66c of the second base 66 in the Z direction and the X direction.

[0128] The base tape cutting unit 57 is a part that cuts the base tape Ta engaged with the sprocket 105 on the tape upstream side (i.e., on the Y-direction side) of the tape guide 106 after the cover tape Tb is pulled out of the slit 106c of the tape guide 106 and released from the tape guide 106 under the control of the operation control unit 91. The portion of the base tape Ta that is cut by the base tape cutting unit 57 is a portion to which the cover tape Tb is not attached. The base tape cutting unit 57 is mounted on the first mounting base 65, and moves in the X direction in association with the movement of the first mounting base 65 in the X direction relative to the feeder set table 10, thereby moving toward and away from the feeder 100.

[0129] The base tape cutting unit 57 may not only cut the base tape Ta from which the cover tape Tb corresponding to the partially used reel R of the B feeder 100B has been peeled off, but may also cut the carrier tape T in which the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb are integrated together and which corresponds to the partially used reel R of the A feeder 100A. If the base tape cutting unit 57 can cut the carrier tape T corresponding to the partially used reel R of the A feeder 100A, after the carrier tape T from which the waste tape Th has been cut off is rewound onto the reel R, it will be possible to remove the reel R from the reel accommodating unit 101 of the feeder 100 and store it.

[0130] 26 , the base tape cutting unit 57 has scissors 57a extending in the X direction (specifically, the X+ direction) from a fulcrum on the first mounting base 65. The scissors 57a move in the X direction relative to the feeder set table 10 as the first mounting base 65 moves in the X direction. When the first mounting base 65 is in the retracted position, the scissors 57a cannot pinch a predetermined portion of the base tape Ta extending from the reel R in the feeder 100 to the tape guide 106, but when the first mounting base 65 is in the advanced position, the scissors 57a can pinch a predetermined portion of the base tape Ta. When the scissors 57a move forward in the X+ direction with the first mounting base 65 in the advanced position, the base tape Ta is cut.

[0131] When the base tape Ta is cut by the base tape cutting unit 57, the base tape Ta remaining on the reel R and the base tape Ta engaging with the sprocket 105 are generated. The base tape Ta engaging with the sprocket 105 is pulled out from the carrier tape discharge port 107 of the feeder 100 and discharged to the outside of the feeder 100 as the above-mentioned waste tape Th.

[0132] The rewinding unit 58 is a section that rewinds the carrier tape T, including the base tape Ta that has been cut by the base tape cutting unit 57 and remains on the reel R, onto the reel R. The rewinding unit 58 is provided separately from the sprocket 105 of the feeder 100. As shown in FIG. 27 , the rewinding unit 58 has a rotating roller 58a, a motor 58b, and a reel flange holding unit 58c. The rewinding unit 58 is mounted on the mounting base 67.

[0133] The rotating roller 58a is a rotating body whose outer circumferential surface contacts the outer edge of the reel R (specifically, its flange plate portion Rb) supported by the reel support portion 102. The rotating roller 58a is positioned so that its outer circumferential surface can contact the outer edge of the reel R supported by the reel support portion 102. The rotating roller 58a has a rotation axis that extends in the same direction as the rotation axis of the reel R supported by the reel support portion 102. The rotating roller 58a applies a force to the reel R that rotates the reel R by rotating with its outer circumferential surface in contact with the outer edge of the reel R.

[0134] The motor 58b is a drive source that rotates the rotating roller 58a. The motor 58b is electrically connected to the rotating roller 58a, and is capable of rotating the rotating roller 58a in a direction that returns the carrier tape T to the reel R.

[0135] The reel flange holding portion 58c is a holding body that prevents the flange plate portion Rb from being pressed radially inward and deformed by the rotating roller 58a when the rotating roller 58a comes into contact with the outer edge of the reel R to rotate the reel R. The reel flange holding portion 58c is disposed near the outer circumferential surface of the rotating roller 58a.

[0136] The mounting base 67 is supported on the feeder set table 10 so as to be movable in the X direction. The mounting base 67 is located on a side of the feeder set table 10 (for example, on the left side, which is the X- direction side), and is located on the Y- direction side of the first mounting base 65. The mounting base 67 moves between a retracted position on the X- direction side and an advanced position on the X+ direction side relative to the feeder set table 10, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder. The rewinding section 58 moves in the X direction as the mounting base 67 moves in the X direction.

[0137] A Z-direction movable part 67a is attached to the mounting base 67. The Z-direction movable part 67a is a part that is movable in the Z direction relative to the mounting base 67. The Z-direction movable part 67a moves between an upper end position on the +Z direction side and a lower end position on the -Z direction side, for example, by the pressing force of a cylinder. The rotating roller 58a and the reel flange holding part 58c are held by the Z-direction movable part 67a, and move in the Z direction as the Z-direction movable part 67a moves in the Z direction.

[0138] When the mounting base 67 is in the retracted position, the rotating roller 58a is away from the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 in the X-direction. Also, when the mounting base 67 moves between the retracted position and the advanced position, the Z-direction movable part 67a is at the upper end position. When the mounting base 67 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, the rotating roller 58a approaches the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 from the X-direction and enters a space radially outward and above the outer edge of the reel R exposed from the reel accommodating part 101.

[0139] Then, after the mounting base 67 reaches the forward position, when the Z-direction movable part 67a moves down in the negative Z-direction, the rotating roller 58a moves in the negative Z-direction and comes into contact with the outer edge of the reel R. When the rotating roller 58a rotates in the direction of rewinding the carrier tape T onto the reel R while in contact with the outer edge of the reel R, the reel R rotates in the rewinding direction and the carrier tape T is rewound onto the reel R.

[0140] The suction movement unit 59 is a part that moves the fixed tape suction unit 54 while adsorbing the fixed tape F until the other end of the fixed tape F sticks to the side of the reel R after the second chuck unit 55 is retracted to a retracted position by the XY direction movable unit 66d and the tape tip of the cover tape Tb is released from the holding base 52a of the tape end holding unit 52 and moved to a predetermined position.

[0141] 29 and 30 , the suction-moving unit 59 is a rotary cylinder having a rotation axis 59a that serves as the predetermined axis of the swivel-movable unit 66e. The suction-moving unit 59 is held by the X-direction movable unit 66c. The suction-moving unit 59 moves in the Y direction in response to the movement of the second base 66 in the Y direction, moves in the Z direction in response to the movement of the Z-direction movable unit 66b in the Z direction, and moves in the X direction in response to the movement of the X-direction movable unit 66c in the X direction, and rotates about the rotation axis 59a. The swivel-movable unit 66e is attached and fixed to the rotation axis 59a of the suction-moving unit 59, and rotates in response to the rotation of the rotation axis 59a.

[0142] The carrier tape forming unit 70 is a unit that, when a new or partially used reel R on which carrier tape T is wound and whose leading end is fixed with a fixing tape is set in the feeder 100, prepares the carrier tape T wound on the reel R in a state ready to be loaded into the feeder 100. In particular, the carrier tape forming unit 70 prepares the carrier tape T from which the leading end, to which the fixing tape F is attached, has been cut off in the third disposal unit 40 so that it can be loaded into the feeder 100. As shown in FIGS. 31 to 41 , the carrier tape forming unit 70 has a tape drawing unit 71, a cutting unit 72, an extension tape supply unit 73, and an application unit 74.

[0143] The tape pull-out unit 71 is a unit that grips and peels off the fixing tape F that fixes the tape tip of the carrier tape T to the reel R, from the reel R that is rotatably supported by the reel support 15 and around which the carrier tape T is wound, to pull out the carrier tape T. The tape pull-out unit 71 corresponds to the third leading portion 42 described above, and has a chuck portion 42a, a moving portion 42b, and a rotating portion 42c, as shown in Figures 31 to 36.

[0144] The cutting unit 72 is a unit that cuts the carrier tape T based on the position C of the boundary between the unpeeled portion of the cover tape and the peeled portion of the cover tape of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the tape pull-out unit 71. The cutting unit 72 corresponds to the third cutting unit 41 described above, and has a boundary detection unit 41a and the cutter 41b described above, as shown in Figure 36.

[0145] The extension tape supply unit 73 is a unit that supplies extension tape E having a tape length that corresponds to the type of feeder 100 into which the carrier tape T is loaded. The extension tape supply unit 73 is provided on the feeder set table 10, and is arranged near the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, and is arranged close to or adjacent to the reel support 15.

[0146] The extension tape supply unit 73 may supply extension tape E of a predetermined length (see FIG. 41; hereinafter referred to as extension tape supply unit 73A), or may cut a roll of supply tape at a location corresponding to the required length of extension tape E each time extension tape E is supplied (see FIG. 42; hereinafter referred to as extension tape supply unit 73B). Also, an extension tape supply unit 73A may be provided for each type of feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, i.e., for each length of extension tape E, or multiple types of extension tape supply units 73A may be arranged side by side.

[0147] In the extension tape supply unit 73A, for example, a supply reel RH on which a strip-shaped supply backing H having a plurality of extension tapes E attached at a predetermined pitch is wound is prepared. As shown in Figure 41, this extension tape supply unit 73A has a supply reel support part 73A1 and a backing drawer part 73A2. The supply reel support part 73A1 and the backing drawer part 73A2 are held by a support body 73A3.

[0148] The supply reel support portion 73A1 is a portion that protrudes horizontally from the vertical wall of the support body 73A3 and rotatably supports the supply reel RH. The mount pull-out portion 73A2 is a portion that pulls out the supply mount H from the supply reel RH supported by the supply reel support portion 73A1 and supplies the extension tape E on the supply mount H to a predetermined destination. The mount pull-out portion 73A2 is composed of, for example, a motor, a reducer, a guide roller, a belt conveyor, etc.

[0149] In the extension tape supply unit 73B, for example, a supply reel RG is prepared on which a strip-shaped supply tape G having approximately the same tape width as the carrier tape T (more specifically, the cover tape Tb) is wound. As shown in FIG. 42, the extension tape supply unit 73B has a supply reel support portion 73B1, a supply tape pull-out portion 73B2, and an extension tape production portion 73B3. The supply reel support portion 73B1, the supply tape pull-out portion 73B2, and the extension tape production portion 73B3 are held by a support member 73B4.

[0150] The supply reel support portion 73B1 is a portion that protrudes horizontally from the upright wall of the support body and rotatably supports the supply reel RG. The supply tape pull-out portion 73B2 is a portion that pulls out the supply tape G from the supply reel RG supported by the supply reel support portion 73B1 and supplies the supply tape G on the supply reel RG to a predetermined supply destination. The supply tape pull-out portion 73B2 is composed of, for example, a motor, a reducer, a guide roller, a belt conveyor, etc.

[0151] The extension tape generating unit 73B3 is a unit that generates extension tape E from the supply reel RG. The extension tape generating unit 73B3 cuts the leading end of the supply tape G pulled out from the supply reel RG to a length corresponding to the tape length depending on the type of feeder 100. The extension tape generating unit 73B3 has a measuring unit that measures the amount of supply tape G pulled out from the supply reel RG, a clamping unit that clamps the supply tape G and extension tape E before and after cutting, and a cutter that cuts the supply tape G. When the amount of supply tape G pulled out by the measuring unit reaches the tape length depending on the feeder type, the extension tape generating unit 73B3 cuts the supply tape G with the cutter while clamping the supply tape G etc. in the clamping unit.

[0152] The joining unit 74 is a unit that joins the extension tape E, which has been supplied to a predetermined destination by the extension tape supply unit 73, to the leading end of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T after it has been cut by the cutting unit 72. As shown in Figures 39 to 42, the joining unit 74 has a carrier tape moving unit 74a and an extension tape joining unit 74b.

[0153] The carrier tape moving unit 74a is a part that moves the leading end of the carrier tape T to a joining position after the waste leading end tape TFh has been cut by the cutting unit 72. This joining position is a position where the extension tape E is joined to the leading end of the cut carrier tape T. The joining position is forward of the cutting position by the cutting unit 72 in the direction in which the carrier tape T is pulled out, and may be a predetermined position, for example, the position of a base 76 (see FIG. 40 ) that supports the underside of the carrier tape T.

[0154] The carrier tape moving section 74a has a chuck section 74a1. The chuck section 74a1 is a section that clamps and moves the leading end of the carrier tape T after it has been cut. The chuck section 74a1 is held by a support body 75. The support body 75 may be integrated with the Z-direction movable section 41d that holds the cutter 41b. The support body 75 may also be movable in the X direction relative to the reel support body 15 that holds the reel R. The chuck section 74a1 has a rotation shaft 74a2 and a roller shaft 74a3.

[0155] The rotating shaft 74a2 is a shaft that rotates to move the leading end of the carrier tape T after it has been cut. The rotating shaft 74a2 is rotated by the drive of the motor 74a4. The roller shaft 74a3 is a shaft that forms a pair with the rotating shaft 74a2. The rotating shaft 74a2 and the roller shaft 74a3 each extend in the X-direction from the support 75. The rotating shaft 74a2 and the roller shaft 74a3 hold the leading end of the carrier tape T at their shaft tips. When the rotating shaft 74a2 rotates with the leading end of the carrier tape T held between the rotating shaft 74a2 and the roller shaft 74a3, frictional force moves the leading end of the carrier tape T toward the joining position.

[0156] The roller shaft 74a3 is disposed below the rotating shaft 74a2. The roller shaft 74a3 is held by a rod of a roller shaft cylinder 74a5. The roller shaft cylinder 74a5 is attached to a support 75, and the roller shaft 74a3 can be moved in the Z direction relative to the support 75. The roller shaft 74a3 is normally positioned below and away from the rotating shaft 74a2, and is unable to sandwich the carrier tape T between itself and the rotating shaft 74a2 (see FIG. 40A). When movement of the carrier tape T to the joining position is required, the roller shaft 74a3 is raised by the operation of the roller shaft cylinder 74a5, and sandwiches the carrier tape T between itself and the rotating shaft 74a2. After sandwiching the carrier tape T, the leading end of the carrier tape T moves to the joining position as the rotating shaft 74a2 rotates (see FIG. 40B).

[0157] The extension tape application section 74b is a section that moves the extension tape E supplied by the extension tape supply unit 73 to a predetermined destination and presses it against the upper surface of the leading end of the carrier tape T that has been moved to the application position, thereby applying the extension tape E to the cover tape Tb. The extension tape application section 74b is movable relative to the supports 73A3, 73B4 and the reel support 15, including at least in the Z direction. The extension tape application section 74b is movable from the vicinity of the extension tape supply unit 73, which is the supply source of the extension tape E, to the vicinity of the application position.

[0158] The extension tape application portion 74b has a pad 74b1 provided at a portion that comes into contact with the extension tape E. The pad 74b1 is provided at a portion of the extension tape application portion 74b that comes into contact with the extension tape E, and is capable of holding the extension tape E by negative pressure suction. Note that a plurality of pads 74b1 may be provided lined up along the tape longitudinal direction of the extension tape E.

[0159] The extension tape applying unit 74b holds the extension tape E, which has been supplied to a predetermined destination by the extension tape supply unit 73, with the pad 74b1, and while maintaining this holding state, moves the extension tape E above the leading end of the carrier tape T, which has been moved to the applying position by the carrier tape moving unit 74a. Then, the extension tape applying unit 74b presses the extension tape E against the upper surface of the leading end of the carrier tape T (see FIG. 40(C)). When pressed in this manner, the extension tape E is applied to the upper surface of the leading end of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T.

[0160] The loading unit 80 is a loading section that loads the carrier tape T containing the components D into the feeder 100. The loading unit 80 is provided on the feeder set table 10. The loading process by the loading unit 80 includes a reel transfer process and a reel attachment process. The reel transfer process is a process of transferring the reel R from the reel holder to the reel support 15, which will be described later. The reel attachment process is a process of attaching the reel R around which the carrier tape T is wound to the feeder 100 after the carrier tape forming unit 70 has made the carrier tape T ready to be loaded into the feeder 100. The loading unit 80 has a reel transfer device 81 and a reel attachment device 82.

[0161] The reel transfer device 81 transfers new or partially used reels R from the reel holder 83 to the reel support 15. The reel holder 83 is a member that holds a stack of multiple (e.g., 20) reels R in a horizontal position before they are loaded into the feeder 100. The reel holder 83 can be set on a base 17 disposed laterally (in the X+ direction) relative to the feeder set table 10 and can be inserted and removed along a pair of guide plates 17a on the base 17. The reel holder 83 has a horizontal disk-shaped holding plate 83a and a round rod-shaped holding shaft 83b. The reel R is placed on the holding plate 83a with its center hole inserted into the holding shaft 83b. The reel holder 83 can hold reels R with their center holes aligned, even when reels R with different diameters and widths are mixed.

[0162] Based on the work instruction data, the worker procures multiple reels R and stacks them on the holding plate 83a of the reel holder 83. The work instruction data instructs the loading process to be performed by the loading unit 80. The work instruction data associates type information of multiple reels R that are required in sequence as the production progresses in the component mounting machine with type information of multiple feeders 100 that can be used with those reels R.

[0163] The reel support 15 is a member that rotatably supports the reel R at the reel support shaft 15a. The reel support 15 is disposed adjacent to the base 17. The reel support 15 is rotatable relative to the feeder set table 10 around a rotation shaft 15b extending in the Y direction. The reel support 15 can be positioned between a horizontally laid position in which the surface on which the reel support shaft 15a is provided is horizontally extended, and a vertically laid position in which the surface is vertically laid. As shown in FIG. 45 , the reel transfer device 81 transfers the reel R from the reel holder 83 to the reel support 15 when the reel support 15 is in the horizontally laid position. Furthermore, the carrier tape forming unit 70 prepares the carrier tape T for loading into the feeder 100 when the reel support 15 is in the vertically laid position.

[0164] The reel transfer device 81 is disposed at the bottom of the base 17. The reel transfer device 81 has a support 81a, an arm 81b, and a collection unit 81c. The support 81a stands vertically upward from the base 17. The arm 81b is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the support 81a. The arm 81b is rotatable in a horizontal plane around a rotation axis 81d provided at a location close to the support 81a.

[0165] The collection unit 81c detachably collects the reel R. The collection unit 81c is extendable relative to the arm 81b. The collection unit 81c is attached and detached while holding the reel R horizontally. The collection unit 81c is configured, for example, with a gripping mechanism that grips claws formed on the reel R or the periphery of the reel R, or a suction mechanism that suctions the reel R using negative pressure. The collection unit 81c may employ the same collection method as the collection unit 82c of the reel attachment device 82 and the collection unit 85c of the reel removal unit 85, or may employ a different method. The collection unit 81c may be provided with a code reader (not shown) that reads the identification code of the top reel R stacked on the reel holder 83. This code reader may also be located in a different position from the collection unit 81c.

[0166] The reel transfer device 81 removes a reel R from the reel holder 83 by operating the arm 81b and the collection unit 81c. The reel transfer device 81 sequentially picks up the multiple reels R stacked on the reel holder 83 from the top. Furthermore, each time the reel transfer device 81 picks up a reel R, it places the removed reel R in a horizontal position on the reel support body 15, which is also in a horizontal position, by operating the arm 81b and the collection unit 81c.

[0167] The reel support 15 supports the reel R on the reel support shaft 15a in a horizontal position, and then changes its position from the horizontal position to a vertical position around the rotation shaft 15b. With the reel support 15 rotatably supporting the reel R in the vertical position, the carrier tape forming unit 70 prepares the carrier tape T wound on the reel R to be loaded into the feeder 100 as described above.

[0168] The reel attachment device 82 is a device that attaches, to the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, a reel R that winds a carrier tape T that can be loaded into the feeder 100. The reel attachment device 82 is disposed to the side (X+ direction) of the feeder set table 10. The reel attachment device 82 has a moving table 82a, a pair of guide rails 82b, a collection section 82c, and an attachment material 82d.

[0169] The movable base 82a is a base that moves the reel R, which has the carrier tape T wound thereon and can be loaded into the feeder 100, in the X direction. The movable base 82a is mounted across the upper side of a pair of guide rails 82b. The pair of guide rails 82b are rails for moving the movable base 82a in the X direction. The pair of guide rails 82b extend in the X direction so as to move toward and away from the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10, and are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The movable base 82a can move back and forth along the guide rails 82b between an attachment position on the reel support part 102 side in the X direction with respect to the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10, and a preparation position on the +X direction side of that attachment position.

[0170] The collection portion 82c is a member that detachably collects a reel R that winds a carrier tape T that can be loaded into the feeder 100. The attachment member 82d is a member that holds the collection portion 82c. The attachment member 82d is formed in a rod shape and holds the collection portion 82c at its upper end. The attachment member 82d is disposed laterally with respect to the feeder set table 10 and is provided upright on the movable table 82a. The collection portion 82c faces directly in the X direction the reel support portion 102 of the feeder 100 that is set on the feeder set table 10.

[0171] The reel support 15 is provided between a pair of guide rails 82b and is housed between the pair of guide rails 82b in a horizontal position. In a vertically placed position, the reel support 15 is located between the reel support portion 102 of the feeder 100 and the collection portion 82c when the movable table 82a is in the standby position, and faces the reel support portion 102 in the X- direction and the collection portion 82c in the X+ direction. When the reel support 15 is in the vertically placed position, the reel R supported by the reel support 15 faces the collection portion 82c.

[0172] After the carrier tape T is made ready to be loaded into the feeder 100 by the carrier tape forming unit 70 with the reel R supported on the reel support 15 in a vertical position, the collection unit 82c collects the reel R from the reel support 15. When the collection unit 82c collects the reel R, the reel support 15 changes position from the vertical position to a horizontal position, and then the movable table 82a and the collection unit 82c move in the X-direction from the preparation position to the attachment position as shown in FIG. 46 , and the reel R is supported by the reel support unit 102 of the feeder 100.

[0173] The reel removal unit 85 is a reel removal section that removes a reel R from the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10. The reel removal unit 85 is provided on the feeder set table 10. After removing a reel R from the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10, the reel removal unit 85 transfers the reel R to the reel stock section 14 or the dust box 11 via the chute 13 (see FIG. 1). The reel removal unit 85 has a moving table 85a, a guide rail 85b, a collection section 85c, and a removal material 85d.

[0174] The movable table 85a is a base that moves in the Y- direction to pick up the reel R loaded on the feeder 100 and moves in the Y+ direction after picking up the reel R. The movable table 85a is mounted below the guide rail 85b. The guide rail 85b is a rail for moving the movable table 85a in the Y direction. The guide rail 85b extends in the Y direction so as to move toward and away from the reel support portion 102 of the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10. The movable table 85a can move back and forth along the guide rail 85b between a picking position on the reel support portion 102 side in the Y direction relative to the feeder 100 of the feeder set table 10 and a standby position on the Y+ side of the picking position.

[0175] The collection unit 85c is a member that collects the reel R loaded in the feeder 100. The extraction member 85d is a member that holds the collection unit 85c. The collection unit 85d is formed in a rod-like shape that extends in a direction intersecting the Y direction and is provided on the movable base 85a so as to extend further than the movable base 85a. The collection unit 85d is rotatable between a horizontal position and a vertical position hanging downward around a rotation axis 85e that extends in the Y direction. The collection unit 85d holds the collection unit 85c at its tip on the side away from the rotation axis 85e. The collection unit 85c detachably collects the reel R. The collection unit 85c faces the reel support unit 102 of the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 in the collection position of the movable base 85a in the X direction.

[0176] The control unit 90 is a control device mainly configured by a computer. The control unit 90 performs various controls in the automatic tape kitting device 1, specifically, performs tape loading and tape removal operations, and also performs controls to realize the above-mentioned (1) carrier tape disposal function, (2) cover tape disposal function, (3) disposal function during installation function, (4) fixing tape attachment function, and (5) carrier tape formation function during installation function.

[0177] Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the driving of the first disposal unit 20, the second disposal unit 30, the third disposal unit 40, the fixed tape application unit 50, the carrier tape forming unit 70, the loading unit 80, and the reel take-out unit 85. The driving of these units includes the driving control of the sprocket 105 of the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 and the driving control of the winding gear unit 111.

[0178] Driving the first disposal unit 20 includes, for example, driving the drawer 21, the first cutting unit 22, and the first leading unit 23. Driving the second disposal unit 30 includes, for example, driving the first base 31, the X-direction movable unit 31a, the tilting unit 31b, the second cutting unit 32, the second leading unit 33, and the open / close cover opening unit 34. Driving the third disposal unit 40 includes, for example, driving the third cutting unit 41 and the third leading unit 42.

[0179] Driving the fixed tape applying unit 50 includes driving the first chuck portion 51, tape end holding portion 52, first mounting base 65, Z-direction movable portion 65a, fixed tape suction portion 54, second chuck portion 55, second pedestal 66, Z-direction movable portion 66b, X-direction movable portion 66c, XY-direction movable portion 66d, pivotable portion 66e, base tape cutting portion 57, rewinding portion 58, mounting base 67, Z-direction movable portion 67a, suction moving portion 59, etc. Driving the carrier tape forming unit 70 includes driving the tape drawing unit 71 (third leading portion 42), cutting unit 72 (third cutting portion 41), extension tape supply unit 73, applying unit 74, etc.

[0180] 5. Operation of the Automated Tape Kitting Apparatus Next, the operation of the automated tape kitting apparatus 1 will be described. The control unit 90 is communicatively connected to the feeder control unit of the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, and also communicatively connected to a host control unit installed in a factory or the like. This host control unit stores an identification code including the type of feeder 100, an identification code of the reel R, and an identification code of the extension tape E, in association with each other. It also stores the status of the feeder 100 or the status of the reel R, i.e., the number of components D in the reel R, the length of the carrier tape T wound on the reel R, and whether the reel R is new, partially used, or out of components. The control unit 90 obtains work instruction data from the host control unit before starting processing of the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 or the reel R on the reel support 15. The control unit 90 may have a code reader that reads the identification codes of the feeder 100 or the reel R, and may obtain data by querying the host control unit for the read identification codes.

[0181] When a feeder 100 is set on the feeder setting table 10, the control unit 90 first acquires the identification code of the feeder 100 and transmits the acquired identification code to the upper control unit. When a reel R is supported on the reel support 15, the control unit 90 first acquires the identification code of the reel R and transmits the acquired identification code to the upper control unit. The control unit 90 then acquires work instruction data instructed by the upper control unit, specifies the operation to be performed by the automatic tape kitting device 1, and causes the operation to be performed according to the type of feeder 100 set on the feeder setting table 10 or the type of reel R supported on the reel support 15.

[0182] In particular, when a reel R is supported on the reel support 15, the control unit 90 first uses the discrimination unit 92 to determine whether the feeder 100 belongs to a predetermined type that requires the attachment of the extension tape E to the tape tip of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T (specifically, whether it is a feeder in which a new reel R will be set) based on information about the reel R (specifically, information about whether the reel R is new or partially used) and information about the type of feeder 100 into which the reel R is to be set. Then, if it is determined that the feeder 100 belongs to the predetermined type, the operation instruction unit 93 instructs the operation of each of the units 71, 72, 73, and 74 of the carrier tape forming unit 70.

[0183] (1) Carrier tape disposal function When the rear end of a carrier tape T that has run out of components comes off the hook portion of the reel R in the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10, or when the partially used carrier tape T is cut upstream of the sprocket 105 in the tape transport direction, the sprocket 105 of the feeder 100 first disengages from the carrier tape T and rotates to guide the carrier tape T from which components D have been removed from the cavity portion Tc to the carrier tape discharge port 107 (step S100 in the routine shown in Figure 47).

[0184] After the carrier tape T is released from the sprocket 105, the pull-out section 21 pulls the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape outlet 107 out of the feeder 100, and the first cutting section 22 cuts the carrier tape T at predetermined lengths, while the first leading section 23 sucks up the waste tape Th cut off from the carrier tape T and guides it to the dust box 11. The above-described cutting of the carrier tape T by the first cutting section 22 is performed every time the length of the carrier tape T drawn out from the carrier tape outlet 107 reaches a predetermined length (e.g., 80 mm), and continues until the total cut length reaches a predetermined length (e.g., 560 mm).

[0185] Specifically, when the carrier tape T comes off the sprocket 105, first, the pull-out section 21 of the first disposal unit 20 advances in the Y- direction from the retracted position (step S110). As this advancement occurs, the roller section 21a comes into contact with the carrier tape T that has been discharged from the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 and is exposed at the front surface of the feeder 100 body. Next, the drive motor 21b rotates a predetermined amount (e.g., one rotation) to pull out the carrier tape T from the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 by a predetermined length (e.g., 80 mm) (step S120). Thereafter, the cutter 22a of the first cutting section 22 advances in the Y+ direction and then retreats in the Y- direction to cut the carrier tape T (step S130).

[0186] The drawing of the carrier tape T by the drawing unit 21 and the cutting of the carrier tape T by the first cutting unit 22 are repeated until the discharge of the carrier tape T from the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 of the feeder 100 is completed. The control unit 90 has a detection unit that detects that the discharge of the carrier tape T from the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 is completed.

[0187] Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the number of times the carrier tape T has been drawn out by the draw-out unit 21 and the number of times the carrier tape T has been cut by the first cutting unit 22 (e.g., the number of times the carrier tape T has been cut by the first cutting unit 22) has reached a predetermined number (e.g., seven times) or whether the number of rotations of the motor by the draw-out unit 21 has reached a predetermined number (step S140). If it is determined that the number has not reached the predetermined number, the process of step S120 is then performed, and the drawing process and cutting process of the carrier tape T are each intermittently repeated until the number of times reaches the predetermined number. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of times has reached the predetermined number, the drawing of the carrier tape T from the feeder 100 is terminated, and the draw-out unit 21 is retracted in the Y+ direction from the advanced position toward the retracted position (step S150).

[0188] Furthermore, the pull-out section 21, the first cutting section 22, and the first leading section 23 may be configured to operate not only after the carrier tape T has come off the sprocket 105, but also when the carrier tape T is guided to the carrier tape discharge port 107 by the rotation of the sprocket 105.

[0189] Furthermore, when the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 has completed discharging the carrier tape T as described above (step S200 in the routine shown in FIG. 48 ), the reel R set on the feeder 100 is removed. Specifically, first, the movable carriage 85a of the reel removal unit 85 advances along the guide rail 85b from the standby position to the collection position (step S210). After the movable carriage 85a reaches the collection position, the collection section 85c is activated to collect the reel R set on the feeder 100 and remove it from the reel storage section 101 (step S220). Then, the movable carriage 85a retreats along the guide rail 85b from the collection position to the standby position (step S230). When the movable carriage 85a reaches the standby position, the collection state of the reel R in the collection section 85c is released, and the reel R is stored in the dust box 11 or the reel stock section 14.

[0190] (2) Cover Tape Disposal Function When the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 is the B feeder 100B that is to remove a used or partially used reel R, first, the second cutting section 32 and the second leading section 33 of the second disposal unit 30 move to a predetermined position relative to the feeder 100. Then, the second cutting section 32 cuts the cover tape Tb that has been peeled off from the base tape Ta at a predetermined peeling position on the feeder 100. Immediately after this cutting, the discarded cover tape Tbh on the cover tape recovery section 110 side is held by being sandwiched between the take-up gear section 111, and the cover tape Tb from which the discarded cover tape Tbh has been cut off is held by being sandwiched between the tension section 112.

[0191] Next, the open-close cover opening unit 34 releases the restriction on opening the open-close cover unit 113 by the locking mechanism 114, moving the open-close cover unit 113 to the open position, and the second leading unit 33 sucks in the waste cover tape Tbh on the cover tape recovery unit 110 side and guides it to the dust box 11. When the waste cover tape Tbh is guided to the dust box 11, the release arm may release the meshing between the drive gear and driven gear of the winding gear unit 111 to assist in the disposal of the waste cover tape Tbh into the dust box 11.

[0192] (3) Disposal Function During Setting When a new or partially used reel R to be set in the feeder 100 is rotatably supported on the reel support shaft 15a of the reel support body 15, first, the tape pull-out unit 71 of the carrier tape forming unit 70 (i.e., the third leading portion 42 of the third disposal unit 40) grasps the fixing tape F that fixes the leading end of the carrier tape T to the reel R, peels it off from the reel R, and pulls out the carrier tape T. Then, the boundary detection portion 41a detects the boundary between the portion of the carrier tape T where the cover tape has not been peeled and the portion where the cover tape has been peeled, and the boundary of the carrier tape T is moved above the third cutting portion 41.

[0193] When the boundary portion of the carrier tape T is moved above the third cutting portion 41, the third cutting portion 41 cuts the leading end portion of the carrier tape T wound around the reel R, to which the fixing tape F is affixed. When the carrier tape T is cut by this third cutting portion 41, the carrier tape T is separated into a portion that remains on the reel R and a waste leading end tape TFh. Then, the chuck portion 42a of the third leading portion 42, while still gripping the waste leading end tape TFh, moves above the dust box 11 by the movement of the moving portion 42b, and then the grip of the chuck portion 42a is released, and the waste leading end tape TFh is guided into the dust box 11.

[0194] (4) Fixed Tape Application Function When the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 is the B feeder 100B from which a partially used reel R is to be removed, the second cutting section 32 of the second disposal unit 30 cuts the cover tape Tb by the cover tape disposal function as described above, and then the first chuck section 51 of the fixed tape application unit 50 grasps the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb, from which the discarded cover tape Tbh has been cut off and which is held by the tension section 112, and moves it to a predetermined holding position. Then, the tape end holding section 52 holds the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb that has been moved to the predetermined holding position by applying negative pressure.

[0195] Next, the fixed tape suction unit 54 adsorbs the fixed tape F based on the position of the tip of the tape tip of the cover tape Tb held by the tape end holding unit 52 detected by the tip detection unit 53, moves the fixed tape F until one end of the fixed tape F adheres to the tape tip of the cover tape Tb held by the tape end holding unit 52, and presses the fixed tape F against the tape tip of the cover tape Tb to adhere it. Then, the second chuck unit 55 grips the tape tip of the cover tape Tb to which one end of the fixed tape F has been adhered, and moves it to a predetermined position in directions including the Y- direction and the X+ direction.

[0196] During this movement process, the tape is released from the tape end holding unit 52, and the first mounting base 65, which includes the tape end holding unit 52, the first chuck unit 51, and the leading edge detection unit 53, retracts to a retracted position in the X-direction. Also, during this movement process, the sprocket of the feeder 100 rotates in the rewinding direction of the carrier tape T, causing the carrier tape T to rewind onto the reel R, and the cover tape Tb, which had been peeled off from the base tape Ta, advances through the slit 106c of the tape guide 106 and is pulled out above the tape guide 106. Once the cover tape Tb has been released from the tape guide 106 in this way, the base tape cutting unit 57 then cuts the base tape Ta, which is engaged with the sprocket 105, upstream of the tape guide 106 (i.e., in the Y-direction).

[0197] When the base tape Ta is cut by the base tape cutting unit 57 as described above, the base tape Ta downstream of the cut point is separated from the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb that are wound around the reel R and integrated together, so movement of the leading edge of the cover tape Tb is no longer restricted, making it easier to handle. In this case, the base tape Ta downstream of the cut point remains in the feeder 100. The portion of the base tape Ta from the cut point to the point where it engages with the sprocket 105 and is pulled out from the carrier tape outlet 107 is discarded in the dust box 11 by the carrier tape disposal function described above.

[0198] When the tape tip of the cover tape Tb gripped by the second chuck portion 55 is moved to the above-mentioned specified position, the fixed tape suction portion 54 then releases its grip on the fixed tape F while still adsorbing it, i.e., while still holding the tape tip of the cover tape Tb to which one end of the fixed tape F is attached, and the second chuck portion 55 moves to a retracted position by the XY-direction movement of the XY-direction movable portion 66d.

[0199] Furthermore, after the base tape Ta is cut by the base tape cutting unit 57 as described above, the rotation of the sprocket 105 of the feeder 100 is not enough to rewind the base tape Ta and cover tape Tb, which are wound around the reel R and integrated together, onto the reel R. Therefore, the rewinding unit 58 is then moved until the rotating roller 58a contacts the outer edge of the reel R, and the rotating roller 58a rotates while in contact with the outer edge of the reel R, thereby rewinding the carrier tape T onto the reel R. Then, when the second chuck unit 55 has completed moving the leading end of the cover tape Tb, to which one end of the fixing tape F has been affixed, to the predetermined position, the rotation of the rotating roller 58a is stopped, and the rewinding unit 58 is retracted to the retracted position.

[0200] Then, when the rewinding section 58 retracts to the retracted position, the suction movement section 59 moves the fixed tape suction section 54 while it is adsorbing the fixed tape F until the other end of the fixed tape F adheres to the side surface of the reel R. As a result, the fixed tape F adhering to the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb adheres to the side surface of the reel R, and the tape leading end of the cover tape Tb is fixed to the reel R via the fixed tape F.

[0201] After the tape tip of the cover tape Tb is fixed to the reel R via the fixing tape F, the reel R is removed from the reel storage section 101 of the feeder 100 on the feeder set table 10 by the reel removal unit 85 as a used reel R corresponding to the B feeder 100B, carried to the chute 13 (see Figure 1), stored in the used reel stock section 14 (see Figure 1), and then transported to the reel warehouse.

[0202] The chute 13 may be a divided chute that not only transports the reels R received from the reel take-out unit 85 to the reel stock section 14 but also to a dedicated dust box or the above-mentioned dust box 11. That is, the chute 13 may have a ridge 13a (see FIG. 1) that forms a downward slope on the reel stock section 14 side and the dust box 11 side. In this case, the reel take-out unit 85 may determine whether the reel R taken out from the reel storage section 101 of the feeder 100 is a partially used reel or an out-of-part reel, and change the position to which the reel is transported to the chute 13 (specifically, the drop position) depending on the determination result.

[0203] Furthermore, the chute 13 and reel stock section 14 may be provided separately for feeder A 100A and feeder B 100B, and the reel removal unit 85 may determine whether the reel R removed from the reel storage section 101 of the feeder 100 is for feeder A 100A or feeder B 100B, and change the position to which the reel is brought to the chute 13 depending on the determination result, thereby changing the reel stock section 14 that stores the partially used reel R.

[0204] (5) Carrier tape forming function at the time of setting When a new or partially used reel R to be set in the feeder 100 is rotatably supported on the reel support shaft portion 15a of the reel support body 15, as described above, the third cutting portion 41 of the third disposal unit 40 cuts off the tip portion of the carrier tape T pulled out from the reel R by the disposal function at the time of setting, and then the extension tape E is attached to the carrier tape T remaining on the side of the reel R from which the disposal tip tape TFh was cut off.

[0205] Specifically, after the carrier tape T is cut, the extension tape supply unit 73 supplies the extension tape E, having a tape length according to the type of feeder 100 into which the carrier tape T wound around the reel R on the reel support 15 is loaded, to a predetermined supply destination, and the carrier tape moving section 74a of the application unit 74 moves the leading end of the cut carrier tape T to an application position. Then, the extension tape application section 74b holds and moves the extension tape E at the predetermined supply destination and presses it against the top surface of the leading end of the carrier tape at the application position. As a result, the extension tape E is applied to the leading end of the cover tape Tb of the carrier tape T, and the carrier tape T becomes ready to be loaded into the feeder 100.

[0206] When the carrier tape T is ready to be loaded into the feeder 100 as described above (step S300 in the routine shown in FIG. 49 ), the carrier tape T and the reel R around which the carrier tape T is wound are picked up from the reel support 15 by the picking up portion 82c of the reel mounting device 82, and the reel cover portion 103 is moved to the open position by the reel cover attaching / detaching mechanism, and the movable table 82a including the picking up portion 82c and the reel R advances from the ready position to the mounting position (step S310). As a result, the reel R is accommodated in the reel accommodating portion 101 of the feeder 100, and the carrier tape T is loaded into the feeder 100 so as to be transportable (step S320). Then, when the loading of the reel R and the carrier tape T into the feeder 100 is completed, the movable table 82a retreats from the mounting position to the ready position, and the reel cover portion 103 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the reel cover attaching / detaching mechanism (step S330).

[0207] In this way, according to the automated tape kitting device 1, the carrier tape disposal function can automatically discard out-of-part carrier tape T, which extends from the engagement position with the sprocket 105 in the feeder 100 to the carrier tape outlet 107 and is discharged from the carrier tape outlet 107, into the dust box 11 outside the feeder 100. In addition, the cover tape disposal function can automatically cut off used cover tape Tb collected in the cover tape collection unit 110 of the B feeder 100B and discard it into the dust box 11. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for an operator to dispose of the waste tape Th and waste cover tape Tbh of the carrier tape T.

[0208] Furthermore, the out-of-part carrier tape T that extends from the engagement position with sprocket 105 in feeder 100 to carrier tape discharge outlet 107 and is discharged from carrier tape discharge outlet 107 can be cut into small pieces at predetermined lengths, and the entire carrier tape T from the engagement position with sprocket 105 to carrier tape discharge outlet 107 can be cut into small pieces and discarded in dust box 11. This makes it possible to prevent tape clogging in dust box 11 and vacuum hose 23a when disposing of carrier tape T that is discharged from carrier tape discharge outlet 107 of feeder 100.

[0209] Furthermore, the dust box into which the carrier tape T is disposed by the carrier tape disposal function and the dust box into which the cover tape Tb outside the feeder 100 is disposed by the cover tape disposal function are the same dust box 11. This makes it possible to reduce the number of dust boxes 11 and the space required for their placement, thereby reducing the number of steps required for collecting the dust boxes 11 and improving the work efficiency of workers.

[0210] Furthermore, according to the automatic tape kitting device 1, the discard-at-setting function can automatically cut off the leading end of the carrier tape T, which is wound around a new or partially used reel R to be set in the feeder 100 and has its leading end fixed to the reel R by the fixing tape F, and discard it in the dust box 11 outside the feeder 100. Therefore, it is not necessary for an operator to discard the waste leading end tape TFh including the fixing tape F before setting the reel R in the feeder 100.

[0211] Furthermore, the dust box into which the leading end of the carrier tape T is discarded by the discard function upon setting is also the above-mentioned common dust box 11. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of dust boxes 11 and the space required for their placement, thereby reducing the number of steps required for collecting the dust boxes 11 and further improving the work efficiency of workers.

[0212] Furthermore, according to the automatic tape kitting device 1, the fixed tape joining function can automatically fix the leading end of the cover tape Tb from which the discard cover tape Tbh has been cut off in the B feeder 100B to the side of the reel R using the fixed tape F. Therefore, when removing the reel R from the feeder 100 with the carrier tape T loaded in the feeder 100, the operator does not need to handle the carrier tape T and rewind it onto the reel R, which simplifies the operator's work.

[0213] Furthermore, since the fixing of the tape tip of the cover tape Tb to the reel R using the fixing tape F can be standardized to fixing the tape tip to the side of the reel R, it is possible to facilitate or simplify the attachment of the reel R to the feeder 100 the next time it is used.

[0214] Furthermore, according to the automatic tape kitting device 1, the carrier tape formation function at the time of setting can automatically peel off the fixing tape F from a new or partially used reel R to be set in the feeder 100, cut off the leading end portion of the carrier tape T including the fixing tape F, and attach the extension tape E to the leading end of the cover tape Tb of the cut carrier tape T, thereby making the carrier tape T ready to be loaded into the feeder 100. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for an operator to prepare the carrier tape T wound on the reel R ready to be loaded before setting the reel R in the feeder 100.

[0215] Furthermore, the extension tape E attached to the leading end of the cover tape Tb has a length selected according to the type of feeder 100 into which the carrier tape T is loaded. That is, to prepare the carrier tape T for loading into the feeder 100, an extension tape E having an appropriate length corresponding to the type of feeder 100 is attached to the leading end of the cover tape Tb. This allows the carrier tape T extending from the reel R to be easily prepared for loading into the feeder 100 without transporting the carrier tape T, and allows the reel R to be set into the feeder 100 according to various feeder types. Then, the loading unit 80 can load the reel R and carrier tape T into the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10.

[0216] Furthermore, when the reel R of the feeder 100 set on the feeder set table 10 is out of parts or is half-used and needs to be dispensed, the reel R can be taken out from the feeder 100 by the reel take-out unit 85.

[0217] 6. Modifications In the above embodiment, the automated tape kitting apparatus 1 includes all of the first disposal unit 20, the second disposal unit 30, the third disposal unit 40, the fixed tape application unit 50, and the carrier tape forming unit 70. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the automated tape kitting apparatus 1 may include at least the first disposal unit 20 and the second disposal unit 30, or may further include the fixed tape application unit 50. Furthermore, the automated tape kitting apparatus 1 may include at least the third disposal unit 40 and the carrier tape forming unit 70.

[0218] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when executing the carrier tape disposal function of discarding the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 of the feeder 100, the control unit 90 counts the number of times the carrier tape T is drawn out by the drawing unit 21 and the number of times the carrier tape T is cut by the first cutting unit 22 (for example, the number of times the carrier tape T is cut by the first cutting unit 22), and detects that the discharge of the carrier tape T from the carrier tape discharge outlet 107 has been completed based on whether the count value has reached a predetermined number.

[0219] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and for example, a sensor for detecting the carrier tape T passing through the carrier tape outlet 107 may be placed near the carrier tape outlet 107 of the feeder 100, and the control unit 90 may detect that the carrier tape T is no longer detected based on a signal from the sensor, thereby detecting that the discharge of the carrier tape T from the carrier tape outlet 107 has been completed.

[0220] In the above embodiment, the pull-out unit 21 that pulls out the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape outlet 107 of the feeder 100 includes the roller unit 21a and the drive motor 21b that drives the roller unit 21a. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The pull-out unit 21 may also include a chuck unit that serves as a clamping unit that grips and pulls out the leading end of the carrier tape T discharged from the carrier tape outlet 107 of the feeder 100, like the chuck unit 42a of the third leading unit 42. The chuck unit may also clamp the carrier tape T between itself and an opposing surface, such as the front end or the support end 21d of the feeder 100 main body. The pull-out unit 21 may also suck the carrier tape T by negative pressure and pull out the carrier tape T from the carrier tape outlet 107 of the feeder 100.

[0221] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, this specification 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 obtained by appropriately combining the matters set forth in the claims.

[0222] 1: automatic tape kitting device, 10: feeder set table, 11: dust box, 12: rail, 20: first disposal unit, 21: drawer section, 21a: roller section, 22: first cutting section, 23: first leading section, 23a: first vacuum hose, 30: second disposal unit, 32: second cutting section, 33: second leading section, 33a: second vacuum hose, 34: opening / closing cover opening section, 40: third disposal unit, 41: third cutting section , 41a: boundary detection section, 41b: cutter, 42: third leading section, 42a: chuck section, 50: fixed tape application unit, 51: first chuck section, 52: tape end holding section, 53: leading edge detection section, 54: fixed tape suction section, 55: second chuck section, 57: base tape cutting section, 58: rewinding section, 58a: rotating roller, 58b: motor, 59: suction movement section, 70: carrier tape forming unit, 71: tape drawing unit 72: cutting unit, 73: extension tape supply unit, 73B1: replenishing reel support section, 73B3: extension tape producing section, 74: application unit, 74a: carrier tape moving section, 74b: extension tape application section, 80: loading unit, 85: reel take-out unit, 90: control section, 91: operation control section, 92: discrimination section, 93: operation instruction section, 100: feeder, 100A: A feeder, 100B: B feeder, 105: Sprocket, 106: tape guide, 106c: slit, 107: carrier tape outlet, 110: cover tape recovery section, 111: winding gear section, 112: tension section, 113: open / close cover section, 114: locking mechanism, T: carrier tape, Ta: base tape, Tb: cover tape, Th: waste tape, Tbh: waste cover tape, TFh: waste tip tape, F: fixing tape, E: extension tape, R: reel.

Claims

1. A tape automatic kitting device comprising a drawing-out part for drawing out a carrier tape discharged from a carrier tape discharge port of a feeder, and a loading part for loading a carrier tape containing components into the feeder.

2. The tape automatic kitting device according to claim 1, wherein the drawing-out part draws out the carrier tape that has been previously loaded when the loading part loads a new carrier tape.

3. The tape automatic kitting device according to claim 1, wherein the drawing-out part has a clamping part for clamping and drawing out the carrier tape.

4. The tape automatic kitting device according to claim 1, wherein the loading part and the drawing-out part are provided on a feeder setting table on which the feeder is set.

5. The tape automatic kitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection part for detecting that the discharge of the carrier tape from the carrier tape discharge port of the feeder has ended.

6. The tape automatic kitting device according to claim 5, wherein the drawing-out part ends the drawing-out process of the carrier tape when the detection part detects that the discharge has ended.

7. The tape automatic kitting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a reel taking-out part for taking out a reel mounted on the feeder from the feeder.

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