Reel management system

Abstract

A reel management system according to the present invention manages reels between which a carrier tape is rewound using a tape rewinding device that rewinds a carrier tape that is wound on a reel and accommodates a plurality of components onto another reel. The tape rewinding device has two reel holding parts that removably hold respective reels and an operation part that performs replacement processing that rewinds the carrier tape between the two reels that are held by the two reel holding parts. The reel management system comprises a processing unit that, when the operation part rewinds the carrier tape from a source reel that is a reel that is held by one reel holding part and has the carrier tape wound thereon to a first rewinding reel that is a reel that is held by the other reel holding part, assigns a unique first identification code that is different from a source identification code of the source reel to the first rewinding reel and records the first identification code at a data recording unit.

Description

Reel Management System

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

[0002] A device is known that divides a carrier tape wound on one reel into multiple pieces and rewinds the divided pieces onto multiple reels, each carrying the required number of components (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The carrier tape generally houses multiple components and has cavities for housing the components and tape feed holes located on one side of the cavities in the tape width direction. Therefore, if such a carrier tape is simply rewound between two reels once, the winding direction of the rewound carrier tape will be reversed from the normal direction in terms of the arrangement of the cavities and tape feed holes in the tape width direction relative to the tape pull-out direction.

[0003] Therefore, the device described in Patent Document 1 includes a source reel holding unit that holds a source reel around which carrier tape is wound, an intermediate reel holding unit that holds an intermediate reel around which carrier tape is not initially wound, and a take-up reel holding unit that holds a take-up reel around which carrier tape is not initially wound. The carrier tape on the source reel is temporarily wound onto the intermediate reel, either entirely or by a set number of required components, and then taken up onto the take-up reel. Then, the take-up reel in the take-up reel holding unit is replaced, and the carrier tape is rewound in the same manner as described above. This configuration makes it possible to generate multiple take-up reels around which carrier tape is wound in the normal winding direction from a single source reel.

[0004] Utility Model Registration No. 3098658

[0005] After the carrier tape rewinding process is performed as described above, the take-up reel is set on a tape feeder, and the tape feeder is installed in a component mounting machine. In this regard, when using a take-up reel to produce boards, it is necessary to manage the number of components stored on the carrier tape wound on the take-up reel using a management device such as a host computer. Furthermore, for example, there may be cases where it is desired to rewind all of the carrier tape from the original reel onto an intermediate reel, then temporarily rewind only a portion of the carrier tape from the intermediate reel onto the take-up reel, while leaving the remaining carrier tape on the intermediate reel, and then later rewind the carrier tape from the intermediate reel onto another take-up reel when needed. In this case, it is necessary to manage the number of components on the intermediate reel using a management device.

[0006] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to say that the reels are properly managed after the carrier tape has been rewound.

[0007] An object of the present specification is to provide a reel management system that can appropriately manage reels after rewinding the carrier tape.

[0008] This specification discloses a reel management system that manages reels on which a carrier tape has been rewound using a tape rewinding device that rewinds a carrier tape wound around a reel and containing a plurality of components onto another reel, wherein the tape rewinding device has two reel holding units that detachably hold the reel, respectively, and an operating unit that executes a rewinding process to rewind the carrier tape between the two reels held in the two reel holding units, and the reel management system is further equipped with a processing unit that, when the operating unit rewinds the carrier tape from an original reel, which is the reel held in one of the reel holding units and on which the carrier tape is wound, to a first rewinding reel, which is the reel held in the other reel holding unit, assigns a unique first identification code, which is different from the original identification code of the original reel, to the first rewinding reel and records the first identification code in a data recording unit.

[0009] According to the disclosed configuration, the reels can be appropriately managed after the carrier tape has been rewound.

[0010] In addition, this specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the reel management system described in claim 2" to "the reel management system described in any one of claims 2 to 4" in claim 5 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the reel management system described in claim 2" to "the reel management system described in any one of claims 2 to 5" in claim 6 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the reel management system described in claim 2" to "the reel management system described in any one of claims 2 to 6" in claim 7 as originally filed, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the reel management system described in claim 8" to "the reel management system described in claim 8 or 9" in claim 10 as originally filed.

[0011] 1 is a configuration diagram of a reel management system of an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a carrier tape and a reel; FIG. 3 is a side view of a tape feeder on which the carrier tape is set; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a feeder set table of a component mounting machine on which the tape feeder is equipped; FIG. 5 is a front view of a tape rewinding device that rewinds the carrier tape; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure for rewinding the carrier tape using the tape rewinding device; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the identification code of a reel R recorded in a data recording unit and the number of components accommodated therein; FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed in a reel management system from recording an identification code to updating the number of components; FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed when managing reels based on identification codes in a reel management system.

[0012] 1. Overview of the Reel Management System The reel management system 1 according to the embodiment is a system that manages reels when a carrier tape containing multiple components is rewound from one reel to another using a tape rewinding device (described later) (see FIG. 1). The reel management system 1 is incorporated, for example, as a complement to a board production system that mounts components to produce boards. As will be described in detail later, the reel management system 1 is realized, for example, using a host computer in a board production factory.

[0013] 2. Carrier Tape and Reel Configuration The carrier tape T is a tape that accommodates multiple components P. The components P are electronic components, such as transistors, capacitors, and resistors, that are mounted on a substrate. The components P vary in size, from tiny components such as 0201 size (0.2 mm x 0.1 mm) to large components such as capacitors. The carrier tape T is formed in a long strip from a flexible material such as resin. The tape width of the carrier tape T is generally determined in advance as a standard, for example, between 4 mm and 24 mm. The carrier tape T holds multiple components P aligned in a line along the length of the tape. It is preferable that one type of component P is accommodated on one carrier tape T.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the carrier tape T has cavities TC that house components P and tape feed holes TH for feeding the carrier tape T. The cavities TC are provided at a first predetermined pitch in the tape longitudinal direction. The tape feed holes TH are provided at a second predetermined pitch in the tape longitudinal direction. The tape feed holes TH are arranged along the side edge of the carrier tape T on one side in the tape width direction relative to the cavities TC. The carrier tape T is composed of a base tape in which the cavities TC and tape feed holes TH are provided, and a cover tape that covers the cavities TC of the base tape.

[0015] The carrier tape T is an embossed tape, a paper tape, or the like. There are multiple types of carrier tape T, each differing in the size of the cavities TC and the pitch between the cavities TC. For example, there are types of carrier tape T, such as one with medium-sized cavities TC at a pitch of about 4 mm, one with large cavities TC at a pitch of about 8 mm, and one with small cavities TC at a pitch of about 1 mm.

[0016] The carrier tape T is wound around a reel R. The carrier tape T is transported while wound around the reel R, and is attached to and detached from a tape rewinding device or a tape feeder, which will be described later. The carrier tape T is then loaded into the tape feeder while wound around the reel R, and transported.

[0017] 2, the reel R has a boss portion RB and a pair of reel flange portions RF. The boss portion RB is a columnar or cylindrical axial center portion formed with a holding hole for holding the reel R in a tape winding device or a tape feeder. The pair of reel flange portions RF are disk-shaped flange members connected to both ends of the boss portion RB.

[0018] A label L is provided on the reel R. The label L is, for example, a seal member with an identification code that identifies the individual reel R. The label L is affixed to the outer surface of the reel flange portion RF. A plurality of types of reels R are provided corresponding to the material and tape width of the carrier tape T, the width of the reel R, etc. The identification code of the reel R is associated with information such as the type and material of the carrier tape T, the tape width, the size and reel width of the reel R, etc. Furthermore, the identification code of the reel R is associated with information such as the size, number, type, mass, and shape of the components P accommodated in the cavities TC of the carrier tape T.

[0019] The identification code attached to the label L can be read by a code reader communicatively connected to a host computer and installed at various locations. The code reader may automatically read the identification code while the reel R is being transported or held, or may read the identification code manually by an operator. The identification code read by this code reader is sent to the host computer 50, which will be described in detail later, and is collated. Information associated with the identification code of the reel R is recorded in the host computer 50.

[0020] Instead of a label L such as a sticker bearing the identification code of the reel R, a tag for use with RFID or the like may be built into the reel R. This tag is located either exposed on the outer surface of the reel flange portion RF or inside the reel flange portion RF. This tag stores an identification code that identifies the individual reel R as information.

[0021] 3. Configuration of Tape Feeder and Component Mounting Machine The tape feeder 10 is a feeder that feeds and conveys a carrier tape T containing components P from the upstream side to the downstream side of the tape feeder 10 in the X direction, sequentially supplying the components P to a predetermined supply position S. The tape feeder 10 unwinds the carrier tape T from a reel R in the X direction. The tape feeder 10 may be configured to accommodate multiple types of reels R and carrier tapes T, or multiple types may be provided corresponding to the types of reels R and carrier tapes T. The tape feeder 10 is detachably mounted on a component mounting machine 20, which will be described later.

[0022] There are various types of tape feeders 10, such as a semi-peel type that partially peels the cover tape from the base tape and, after components are removed from the cavities TC, returns the cover tape to contact the base tape and discharges it integrally with the base tape, and a full-peel type that completely peels the cover tape from the base tape and, after components are removed from the cavities TC, discharges the cover tape independently via a route separate from the base tape. The tape feeder 10 is a cassette-type feeder that can accommodate a reel R, as shown in Figure 3. The tape feeder 10 may also be a feeder that holds the reel R on the outside.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the tape feeder 10 has a feeder main body 11, a reel holding section 12, a tape guide 13, a feeding mechanism 14, and a disposal mechanism 15. The feeder main body 11 is a thin plate-like member in which a transport path is formed that transports and supports the carrier tape T. The reel holding section 12 is a section that houses and holds the reel R in a detachable and rotatable manner. The tape guide 13 is a member that guides the carrier tape T transported in the tape feeder 10 mainly from above.

[0024] The feed mechanism 14 is a mechanism that feeds and conveys the carrier tape T from the upstream side to the downstream side of the feeder body 11 and then returns and conveys it in the opposite direction. The feed mechanism 14 has an electric motor that generates power using electricity and a sprocket that rotates when driven by the electric motor to apply power to the carrier tape T. The disposal mechanism 15 is a mechanism that discards the used portion of the carrier tape T from which the components P have been removed. The disposal mechanism 15 has, for example, a guide member that guides the used portion of the carrier tape T that is discharged to the outside, and a waste storage section that is provided within the tape feeder 10 and stores the used portion of the carrier tape T.

[0025] The component mounting machine 20 is a device that is arranged on a production line installed in a circuit board production factory and mounts components P onto circuit boards. Note that a large number of component mounting machines 20 may be installed in the circuit board production factory. The component mounting machine 20 is made up of a board transport device that transports the boards, a component supply device including tape feeders 10 that supply components, and a component transfer device that transfers components from the tape feeders 10 side to the board side. The component mounting machine 20, together with a warehouse that stores the reels R that accommodate the carrier tape T, the tape feeders 10, etc., and a transport device that transports them, constitutes a circuit board production system.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the component mounting machine 20 has a feeder set table 21. The feeder set table 21 is a base on which multiple tape feeders 10 can be set. The feeder set table 21 has slots 22 into which the tape feeders 10 are detachably inserted. A plurality of slots 22 (e.g., 20 slots) are arranged side by side on the feeder set table 21. Corresponding to each slot 22, the feeder set table 21 has a clamp groove 23 into which the tape feeder 10 fits, a connector 24 to which the power line and signal line of the tape feeder 10 are connected, and a tape discharge port 25 for discharging the used portion of the carrier tape 2.

[0027] 4. Configuration of the Reel Management System The reels R managed by the reel management system 1 include reels R produced by the tape rewinding device 30. The tape rewinding device 30 is a device that rewinds the carrier tape T wound on a reel R onto another reel R. The tape rewinding device 30 is installed, for example, in an off-site setup area away from the component mounting machine 20. As shown in FIG. 5 , the tape rewinding device 30 has two reel holding units 31 and 32 and an operating unit 33.

[0028] In the following description, the reel R on which the carrier tape T is wound in the normal winding direction (the winding direction shown in FIG. 2) and which feeds the carrier tape T will be referred to as the original reel R0. The reel R on which the carrier tape T is to be wound or has been wound in the opposite winding direction to the normal winding direction (the opposite winding direction to the winding direction shown in FIG. 2) and which receives the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 will be referred to as the first rewinding reel R1. Furthermore, the reel R on which the carrier tape T is to be wound or has been wound in the normal winding direction and which receives the carrier tape T from the first rewinding reel R1 will be referred to as the second rewinding reel R2.

[0029] The above-mentioned "normal winding direction" refers to a winding direction in which the carrier tape T can be loaded into the tape feeder 10 and pulled out from the reel R, with respect to the positional relationship in the tape width direction between the cavities TC and the tape feed holes TF relative to the tape pull-out direction (so-called normal winding). Also, the above-mentioned "reverse winding direction to the normal" refers to a winding direction in which the carrier tape T cannot be loaded into the tape feeder 10 and cannot be pulled out from the reel R, with respect to the positional relationship in the tape width direction between the cavities TC and the tape feed holes TF relative to the tape pull-out direction (so-called reverse winding).

[0030] Each of the two reel holding portions 31, 32 is a portion that detachably holds a reel R. Each of the reel holding portions 31, 32 has a shaft that protrudes from a main body portion 34 that serves as a base for the tape rewinding device 30. The reel holding portions 31 and 32 are arranged side by side at a predetermined distance in the main body portion 34 with their shafts parallel to each other. Each of the reel holding portions 31, 32 is capable of rotatably supporting a reel R.

[0031] 5 on the main body 34, the reel holding portion 31 and the reel holding portion 32 will be referred to as the left reel holding portion 31 and the reel holding portion 32 will be referred to as the right reel holding portion 32, as appropriate. The main reel R0 may be held by either the left reel holding portion 31 or the right reel holding portion 32, but hereinafter, the main reel R0 will be referred to as the left reel holding portion 31, and accordingly, the first reel R1 will be held by the right reel holding portion 32, and the second reel R2 will be held by the left reel holding portion 31.

[0032] The operating unit 33 is a part that performs a rewinding process in which the carrier tape T is rewound between the two reels R held by the two reel holding units 31, 32. The rewinding process by the operating unit 33 is performed using an electric motor 33a. The operating unit 33 rotates the reel R by rotating each of the reel holding units 31, 32. The operating unit 33 has a sprocket 33b that applies tension to the carrier tape T extending between the reel R of the left reel holding unit 31 and the reel R of the right reel holding unit 32. The sprocket 33b has external teeth that engage with the tape feed holes TF of the carrier tape T.

[0033] For example, the operating unit 33 may rotate the shaft of the right reel holding unit 32 when rewinding the carrier tape T from the reel R held by the left reel holding unit 31 to the reel R held by the right reel holding unit 32, and may rotate the shaft of the left reel holding unit 31 when rewinding the carrier tape T from the reel R held by the right reel holding unit 32 to the reel R held by the left reel holding unit 31. Preferably, the operating unit 33 uses separate electric motors 33a when rotating the shaft of the right reel holding unit 32 and when rotating the shaft of the left reel holding unit 31.

[0034] The tape rewinding device 30 also has a parts counter 35 that counts the number of components P contained in the carrier tape T that is rewound between reels R. The parts counter 35 counts the number of components P using, for example, a camera or a sensor. Note that instead of directly detecting each component P using a physical member such as a camera or a sensor, the parts counter 35 may indirectly detect each component P based on the pitch between the cavities TC of the target carrier tape T and the payout length of the carrier tape T that is rewound between reels R. The parts counter 35 has a first counting unit 35a and a second counting unit 35b.

[0035] The first counting unit 35a is a unit that counts the number of components P moving from the source reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1 during the rewinding process by the operating unit 33. The second counting unit 35b is a unit that counts the number of components P moving from the first rewinding reel R1 to the second rewinding reel R2 during the rewinding process by the operating unit 33. The first counting unit 35a and the second counting unit 35b do not necessarily count simultaneously, but may count using a common camera or the like. In this case, the first counting unit 35a and the second counting unit 35b may selectively count based on the moving direction of the carrier tape T.

[0036] The tape rewinding device 30 calculates the number of components P that has increased on the first rewinding reel R1 and the number of components P that has decreased on the original reel R0 based on the count value obtained by the first counting unit 35a. The tape rewinding device 30 also calculates the number of components P that has increased on the second rewinding reel R2 and the number of components P that has decreased on the first rewinding reel R1 based on the count value obtained by the second counting unit 35b.

[0037] The tape rewinding device 30 also has a display unit 36 ​​and an operation unit 37. The display unit 36 ​​is a unit that displays the count value of the parts counter 35, the set number of parts P to be moved in the rewinding process, etc. The operation unit 37 is a unit that allows, for example, an operator to turn on the power and input the set number of parts P to be moved.

[0038] The tape rewinding device 30 performs the rewinding process of the carrier tape T in accordance with the following steps [A] to [F] (see FIG. 6).

[0039] [A] The master reel R0 is held by the left reel holding portion 31, and the first rewinding reel R1, which is empty of carrier tape T, is held by the right reel holding portion 32. Then, the carrier tape T pulled out from the master reel R0 is engaged with the sprocket 33b of the operating portion 33 of the tape rewinding device 30, and the leading end of the carrier tape T is attached and fixed to the boss portion RB of the first rewinding reel R1.

[0040] [B] Next, the operating unit 33 rotates the shaft of the right reel holding unit 32 clockwise. In this case, the carrier tape T is rewound from the original reel R0 of the left reel holding unit 31 to the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32. In this case, the winding direction of the first rewinding reel R1 is opposite to the normal winding direction. This rewinding of the carrier tape T continues until the carrier tape T on the original reel R0 runs out. When the rewinding of the carrier tape T is complete, the rotation by the operating unit 33 is stopped.

[0041] [C] Next, in place of the original reel R0, the second rewinding reel R2, which is empty of carrier tape T, is held by the left reel holding portion 31. Then, the carrier tape T pulled out from the first rewinding reel R1 is engaged with the sprocket 33b of the operating portion 33 of the tape rewinding device 30, and the leading end of the carrier tape T is attached and fixed to the boss portion RB of the second rewinding reel R2.

[0042] [D] Next, the operating unit 33 rotates the shaft of the left reel holding unit 31 counterclockwise. In this case, the carrier tape T is rewound from the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32 to the second rewinding reel R2 of the left reel holding unit 31. In this case, the winding direction of the second rewinding reel R2 is the normal winding direction. This rewinding of the carrier tape T is continued until a predetermined number of components P have been moved. When the rewinding of the carrier tape T is complete, the rotation by the operating unit 33 is stopped.

[0043] (E) Then, when rewinding the carrier tape T onto another second rewinding reel R2, first, the carrier tape T extending from the second rewinding reel R2 on which rewinding of the carrier tape T has been completed is cut. Then, the second rewinding reel R2 is removed from the left reel holding section 31, and a new second rewinding reel R2 that is empty of carrier tape T is held by the left reel holding section 31, and the above processes [C] and [D] are repeated. When rewinding the carrier tape T onto yet another second rewinding reel R2, the same processes as above are carried out.

[0044] (F) Finally, after rewinding is completed, the second rewinding reel R2 is removed from the left reel holding portion 31, and the first rewinding reel R1 is removed from the right reel holding portion 32.

[0045] Furthermore, instead of rewinding the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 onto the first rewinding reel R1 until the carrier tape T on the original reel R0 runs out, it may be continued until the carrier tape T on the first rewinding reel R1 is full, or until the required number of components P to be stored on the second rewinding reel R2 has been moved.

[0046] Furthermore, the processes [A] to [F] above are processes in which the carrier tape T on one original reel R0 is distributed to multiple second rewinding reels R2 via one first rewinding reel R1. However, instead of the distribution process described above, the rewinding process of the carrier tape T may be a process in which the carrier tape T on multiple original reels R0 is spliced ​​and rewound onto one first rewinding reel R1, and then gathered onto one second rewinding reel R2. Furthermore, the rewinding process of the carrier tape T may be a process in which the carrier tape T is rewound from one original reel R0 onto one original reel R0 serving as the second rewinding reel R2 via the first rewinding reel R1, simply for the purpose of counting the number of components P contained in the carrier tape T wound on the original reel R0.

[0047] The reel management system 1 can manage reels R on which the carrier tape T has been rewound using the tape rewinding device 30. Reel management by the reel management system 1 includes, for example, associating information on the components P accommodated in the carrier tape T wound on each reel R with the identification codes of the original reel R0, the first rewinding reel R1, and the second rewinding reel R2, storing each of these reels R in a reel warehouse, and, based on this associated information, dispensing and transporting each of the reels R between a reel warehouse 60 (described later) and a kitting device 40 or tape rewinding device 30 (described later), etc.

[0048] Kitting device 40 is a device that kits reel R and therefore carrier tape T to tape feeder 10. Specifically, with tape feeder 10 set, kitting device 40 performs a loading operation in which reel R is set in tape feeder 10 and carrier tape T is pulled out from reel R and loaded into tape feeder 10, and also performs a removal operation in which carrier tape T loaded into tape feeder 10 is rewound onto reel R and the reel R is removed from tape feeder 10.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, the reel management system 1 includes a host computer 50, a reel warehouse 60, a dispensing unit 70, a reel transport unit 80, and an automatic setting unit 90. The host computer 50 is a management device installed in a circuit board production factory or the like. The host computer 50 is communicatively connected to the tape rewinding device 30. The tape rewinding device 30 transmits information on the count values ​​counted by the first counting unit 35a and the second counting unit 35b to the host computer 50, in association with the identification code of the reel R. This transmission of information based on the count values ​​is performed after the rewinding process is performed by the operating unit 33 of the tape rewinding device 30.

[0050] The information transmitted from the tape rewinding device 30 to the host computer 50 includes first reel component information based on the count value by the first counting unit 35a at the time when tape rewinding from the original reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1 is completed, and second reel component information based on the count value by the second counting unit 35b at the time when tape rewinding from the first rewinding reel R1 to the second rewinding reel R2 is completed. The first reel component information includes the number of components P accommodated on the first rewinding reel R1. The second reel component information includes the number of components P accommodated on the second rewinding reel R2. The first reel component information and the second reel component information may be transmitted together after tape rewinding from the first rewinding reel R1 to the second rewinding reel R2 is completed, or each piece of information may be transmitted as it is obtained.

[0051] When the host computer 50 receives the information transmitted from the tape rewinding device 30, it records the number of components P accommodated on the carrier tape T that has been rewound between reels R in the tape rewinding device 30 in association with the identification code of the reel R. Thereafter, the host computer 50 grasps the status of each reel R based on the recorded information and performs dispensing processing as described below.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 50 includes a processing unit 51, a data recording unit 52, and a management unit 53.

[0053] When the operation unit 33 of the tape rewinding device 30 executes the rewinding process, the processing unit 51 generates unique identification codes corresponding to the first rewinding reel R1 and the second rewinding reel R2, and records these identification codes in the data recording unit 52. The generation of the identification code for each reel R and the recording of it in the data recording unit 52 are performed before the operation unit 33 executes the rewinding process. Note that, instead of before the operation unit 33 executes the rewinding process, the generation and recording may be performed when new labels L are affixed to the first rewinding reel R1 and the second rewinding reel R2 in the tape rewinding device 30 during the execution of the rewinding process by the operation unit 33.

[0054] Specifically, when the operation unit 33 rewinds the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 of the left reel holding unit 31 to the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32, the processing unit 51 assigns a unique identification code (hereinafter referred to as the first identification code) to the first rewinding reel R1 that is different from the identification code of the original reel R0 (hereinafter referred to as the original identification code), and records the first identification code in the data recording unit 52. Furthermore, when the operation unit 33 rewinds the carrier tape T from the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32 to the second rewinding reel R2 of the left reel holding unit 31, the processing unit 51 assigns a unique identification code (hereinafter referred to as the second identification code) to the second rewinding reel R2 that is different from the original identification code of the original reel R0 and different from the first identification code of the first rewinding reel R1, and records the second identification code in the data recording unit 52.

[0055] Hereinafter, it is assumed that a label L0 is affixed to the primary reel R0, a label L1 is affixed to the first rewinding reel R1, and a label L2 is affixed to the second rewinding reel R2. As shown in Figure 6, the primary reel R0 and the second rewinding reel R2 are wound in the normal winding direction, and the labels L0, L2 affixed to the primary reel R0 and the second rewinding reel R2 are disposed on the outer surface of the reel flange portion RF on the cavity TC side in the tape width direction. On the other hand, the first rewinding reel R1 is wound in the reverse winding direction, and the label L1 affixed to the first rewinding reel R1 is disposed on the outer surface of the reel flange portion RF on the tape sprocket hole TH side in the tape width direction.

[0056] The data recording unit 52 is a database that records various types of data. The data recording unit 52 records the identification code of each reel R, and can record, for each identification code of the reel R, the type of the reel R, the type of carrier tape T wound on the reel R, the type and number of components P accommodated on the carrier tape T, and the like, in association with each other. That is, the data recording unit 52 can record, in association with each other, the identification code of the reel R and component information, including the number of components P accommodated thereon. The data recording unit 52 also records, in association with each other, the identification code of the reel R and information specifying whether the winding direction is the normal winding direction or the reverse winding direction.

[0057] In addition to information related to the identification code of the reel R, the data recording unit 52 may also record information for each tape feeder 10, information for each component mounting machine 20, and information on the production plan for the boards to be produced using the component mounting machine 20.

[0058] Before the rewinding process is performed by the tape rewinding device 30, information on the number of components housed in the original reel R0, together with the type of components P and the like, is recorded in the data recording unit 52 in association with the identification code of the original reel R0, and the identification codes of the first rewinding reel R1 and the second rewinding reel R2, each of which is empty of carrier tape T, are also recorded. After the rewinding process is performed by the tape rewinding device 30, the information on the number of components housed in each reel R recorded in the data recording unit 52 is updated and recorded.

[0059] The management unit 53 is a component that manages the reels R based on the identification codes recorded in the data recording unit 52. Specifically, the management unit 53 allows each reel R to be held in the tape rewinding device 30 based on the identification codes in the data recording unit 52. However, the original reel R0, which has the original identification code attached thereto, and the second rewinding reel R2, which has the second identification code attached thereto, are allowed to be held in the left reel holding unit 31, and the first rewinding reel R1, which has the first identification code attached thereto, are allowed to be held in the right reel holding unit 32. Furthermore, the management unit 53 allows the original reel R0 and the second rewinding reel R2 to be set in the tape feeder 10, but restricts the first rewinding reel R1 from being set in the tape feeder 10.

[0060] The reel warehouse 60 is a warehouse that stores reels R. The reel warehouse 60 can hold a large number of reels R in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. Addresses are set in advance for storage locations in the reel warehouse 60. When a reel R is stored in the reel warehouse 60, the identification code of the reel R and the address of the storage location where the reel R is stored are associated with each other.

[0061] The reel warehouse 60 is located away from the component mounting machine 20, the tape rewinding device 30, and the kitting device 40, and is installed in an off-site setup area or the like. Note that the reel warehouse 60 may be provided integrally with a feeder warehouse that stores the tape feeders 10.

[0062] The payout unit 70 is a part that executes a payout process to pay out the reel R from the reel warehouse 60. The payout unit 70 extracts the reel R from the storage in the reel warehouse 60 and moves it to the entrance / exit. The payout unit 70 is disposed in the reel warehouse 60 and is configured by a moving device such as a robot or an elevator. The payout unit 70 is communicatively connected to the host computer 50. The data recording unit 52 of the host computer 50 records the address of the storage location of each reel R stored in the reel warehouse 60 in association with its identification code.

[0063] The host computer 50 determines whether or not the conditions for executing the payout of each reel R are met based on a production plan or the like. When the conditions for executing the payout of a specific reel R are met, the host computer 50 commands the payout unit 70 to execute the payout of the reel R. In accordance with the command from the host computer 50, the payout unit 70 executes a payout process for paying out a reel R with a specific identification code from a specific storage position in the reel warehouse 60.

[0064] The reel transport unit 80 is a part that transports the reel R between the reel warehouse 60 and the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40. The reel transport unit 80 is configured by, for example, a cart or a transfer robot. The reel transport unit 80 may be capable of transporting multiple reels R at once. When the reel transport unit 80 is a cart, rails 81 on which the reel transport unit 80 can run are installed between the reel warehouse 60, the tape rewinding device 30, and the kitting device 40. When the dispensing unit 70 dispenses the reel R to the entrance / exit of the reel warehouse 60, the reel transport unit 80 holds the reel R and executes a dispensing process to dispense the reel R to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40.

[0065] The reel transport unit 80 is communicatively connected to the host computer 50. The host computer 50 specifies the destination of the reel R dispensed by the dispensing unit 70 based on a production plan or the like. When the reel R to be dispensed is the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2, the host computer 50 determines whether the reel R is a reel to be rewound by the tape rewinding device 30 or a reel to be kitted by the kitting device 40. If the reel R is a rewinding reel, the host computer 50 sets the destination of the reel R to the tape rewinding device 30, and if the reel R is a kitting reel, the host computer 50 sets the destination of the reel R to the kitting device 40. Furthermore, when the reel R to be dispensed is the first rewinding reel R1, the host computer 50 sets the destination of the reel R to the tape rewinding device 30.

[0066] When the host computer 50 sets the transport destination of the reel R, it commands the reel transport unit 80 to transport the reel R. The reel transport unit 80 performs transport processing of the reel R in accordance with the command from the host computer 50. Specifically, when the reel R to be dispensed is the first rewinding reel R1, the reel transport unit 80 transports the first rewinding reel R1 to the tape rewinding device 30, and when the reel R to be dispensed is the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2, the reel transport unit 80 transports the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2 to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40 depending on the set transport destination.

[0067] The automatic setting unit 90 is a part that executes a setting process of setting the reel R that has been carried out to the tape rewinding device 30 by the reel transport unit 80 into the tape rewinding device 30. The automatic setting unit 90 is configured by, for example, a transfer robot. First, when the reel R reaches the specific transfer position M on the rail 81 by the reel transport unit 80 and is carried out to the tape rewinding device 30, the automatic setting unit 90 sucks or grips the reel R and causes it to be held by the reel holding units 31, 32 of the tape rewinding device 30.

[0068] The automatic setting unit 90 is communicatively connected to the host computer 50. The host computer 50 specifies the holding destination of the reel R that has been sent out to the tape rewinding device 30 by the reel transport unit 80 based on a production plan or the like. When the reel R to be sent out is the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2, the host computer 50 sets the holding destination of that reel R to the left reel holding unit 31, and when the reel R to be sent out is the first rewinding reel R1, the host computer 50 sets the holding destination of that reel R to the right reel holding unit 32.

[0069] Once the host computer 50 has set the holding destination of the reel R, it commands the automatic setting unit 90 to move the reel R to the reel holding units 31, 32. The automatic setting unit 90 performs the process of moving the reel R to the reel holding units 31, 32 in accordance with the command from the host computer 50. Specifically, when the reel R to be carried out is the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2, the automatic setting unit 90 causes the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2 to be held in the left reel holding unit 31, and when the reel R to be carried out is the first rewinding reel R1, it causes the first rewinding reel R1 to be held in the right reel holding unit 32.

[0070] The automatic setting unit 90 also causes the primary reel R0 to be held by the left reel holding unit 31 and the first rewinding reel R1 to be held by the right reel holding unit 32, and then attaches the leading end of the carrier tape T wound on the primary reel R0 to the boss portion RB of the first rewinding reel R1. For example, the automatic setting unit 90 grasps the leading end of the carrier tape T on the primary reel R0 and attaches and fixes it to the boss portion RB of the first rewinding reel R1.

[0071] After the tape rewinding device 30 has performed the rewinding process of the carrier tape T between the original reel R0 and the first rewinding reel R1 following the above-described setting process, the automatic setting unit 90 replaces the reel R in the left reel holding unit 31 from the original reel R0 to the second rewinding reel R2 while maintaining the first rewinding reel R1 in the right reel holding unit 32. That is, the automatic setting unit 90 removes the original reel R0, whose tape rewinding onto the first rewinding reel R1 has been completed, from the left reel holding unit 31 and returns it to the reel transport unit 80, then sucks or grips the empty second rewinding reel R2 and holds it in the left reel holding unit 31, and grips the trailing end of the carrier tape T on the first rewinding reel R1 and attaches and fixes it to the boss portion RB of the second rewinding reel R2.

[0072] After the above-described setting process, the tape rewinding device 30 performs a process of rewinding the carrier tape T between the first rewinding reel R1 and the second rewinding reel R2, and then the automatic setting unit 90 returns the reel R in the reel holding units 31, 32 to the reel transport unit 80. Then, the reel transport unit 80 performs a carry-in process of carrying the reel R that has been rewound from the tape rewinding device 30 to the reel warehouse 60. In this case, the rewinded reel R is returned to the reel warehouse 60 and stored, and then carried out to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40 when needed.

[0073] The kitting device 40 performs a loading operation in which the reel R, which has been carried out to the kitting device 40 by the reel transport unit 80, is set in the tape feeder 10, and the carrier tape T is pulled out and loaded into the tape feeder 10. When the loading of the carrier tape T on the reel R is completed, the tape feeder 10 is removed from the kitting device 40 in this loaded state, and thereafter the tape feeder 10 is stored in a feeder warehouse or is installed in the component mounting machine 20.

[0074] Furthermore, when the tape feeder 10 is removed from the feeder set table 21 of the component mounting machine 20 because, for example, a component shortage occurs when the tape feeder 10 is mounted on the component mounting machine 20, the tape feeder 10 is set in the kitting device 40. With the tape feeder 10 set, the kitting device 40 performs a removal operation in which the carrier tape T is released from the tape feeder 10 and the reel R is removed from the tape feeder 10. The reel R that has run out of components is discarded, and the tape feeder 10 from which the reel R has been removed is stored in a feeder warehouse or the like.

[0075] 5. Operation and Function of the Reel Management System For example, in order to efficiently manage reels R based on a substrate production plan, it may be desired to divide the carrier tape T wound on one original reel R0 into smaller pieces and rewind it onto multiple second rewinding reels R2, or conversely, to gather the carrier tape T wound on multiple original reels R0 and rewind it onto one second rewinding reel R2. Furthermore, after rewinding the carrier tape T wound on one original reel R0 onto the reverse-winding first rewinding reel R1, it may be desired to rewind a portion of the carrier tape T wound on the first rewinding reel R1 onto the normally wound second rewinding reel R2 while leaving the other portion of the carrier tape T on the reverse-winding first rewinding reel R1.

[0076] When the rewinding process of the carrier tape T is performed by the tape rewinding device 30, the reel management system 1 records and manages not only the original identification code of the original reel R0, but also the first identification code of the first rewinding reel R1 and the second identification data of the second rewinding reel R2 in the data recording unit 52.

[0077] According to this configuration, when the carrier tape T is rewound from the original reel R0 onto a different first rewinding reel R1 or second rewinding reel R2, the first rewinding reel R1 or second rewinding reel R2 can be assigned a unique identification code different from that of the original reel R0 for management purposes. Therefore, the reels R can be appropriately managed after the carrier tape T has been rewound.

[0078] In particular, in the reel management system 1, the identification code of a reel R and the number of components P contained on that reel R are associated with each other and recorded in the data recording unit 52 (step S100 shown in FIG. 8). Then, when the rewinding process is performed by the tape rewinding device 30 (a positive determination is made in step S110), the number of components P moved from the original reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1 is counted based on the count value by the first counting unit 35a of the parts counter 35, and the number of components P moved from the first rewinding reel R1 to the second rewinding reel R2 is counted based on the count value by the second counting unit 35b. Then, the number of components P recorded in the data recording unit 52 is updated based on the number of components P at the time the rewinding process by the tape rewinding device 30 is completed (step S120).

[0079] That is, the number of components P obtained by subtracting the number of components P moved to the first rewinding reel R1 by the rewinding process from the number of components P on the original reel R0 before the rewinding process is associated with the original identification code as original reel component information and recorded in the data recording unit 52. Similarly, the number of components P obtained by an increase or decrease on the first rewinding reel R1 is associated with the first identification code as first reel component information and recorded in the data recording unit 52, and the number of components P obtained by an increase on the second rewinding reel R2 is associated with the second identification code as second reel component information and recorded in the data recording unit 52.

[0080] According to this configuration, the number of components stored in each of the original reel R0, the first rewinding reel R1, and the second rewinding reel R2 involved in the rewinding process by the tape rewinding device 30 can be managed by relating the number of components stored in each of them to the identification code and recording it in the data recording unit 52. Therefore, after the rewinding process of the carrier tape T, each reel R can be transported to the tape feeder 10 or the tape rewinding device 30 and used while taking into consideration the number of components stored therein, thereby enabling the reels R to be managed appropriately.

[0081] Furthermore, in the reel management system 1, the management unit 53 of the host computer 50 can identify whether the winding direction of the reel R is the normal winding direction or the opposite winding direction to the normal winding direction, i.e., whether the reel R is the original reel R0, the second rewinding reel R2, or the first rewinding reel R1, based on the identification code of each reel R recorded in the data recording unit 52. The management unit 53 then allows the original reel R0 and the second rewinding reel R2 to be set in the tape feeder 10, while restricting the first rewinding reel R1 from being set in the tape feeder 10.

[0082] According to this configuration, the carrier tape T on the original reel R0 and the second rewinding reel R2, each of which has a normal winding direction, can be properly fed in the tape feeder 10 to supply the components P to the predetermined supply position S, and the carrier tape T on the first rewinding reel R1, which has an opposite winding direction to the normal direction, can be prevented from being erroneously set in and fed by the tape feeder 10. Therefore, even when reels R with normal and opposite winding directions are stored together in the reel warehouse 60, the reels R can be managed taking into account the winding direction of the carrier tape T, and tape feeding in the tape feeder 10 can be properly performed.

[0083] Furthermore, in the reel management system 1, after the original reel R0, first rewinding reel R1, and second rewinding reel R2 are stored in the reel warehouse 60, when a condition for dispensing any one of the reels R from the reel warehouse 60 based on a production plan or the like is met (a positive determination is made in step S200 shown in FIG. 9), the host computer 50 commands the dispensing unit 70 to execute a dispensing process for dispensing the reel R from a specific storage location in the reel warehouse 60 based on the identification code of the reel R. The dispensing unit 70 executes the dispensing process for the reel R in accordance with the command from the host computer 50 (step S210).

[0084] Specifically, after the original reel R0, the first rewinding reel R1, and the second rewinding reel R2 are stored in the reel warehouse 60, the dispensing unit 70 executes a dispensing process to dispense the original reel R0 based on the original identification code, the first rewinding reel R1 based on the first identification code, and the second rewinding reel R2 based on the second identification code from the reel warehouse 60. Note that this dispensing process of the reel R not only targets the reel R after the carrier tape T has been rewound by the tape rewinding device 30, but may also target the reel R before the tape rewinding.

[0085] According to this configuration, after the original reel R0, the first rewinding reel R1, and the second rewinding reel R2 are stored in the reel warehouse 60 and the identification codes attached to these reels R are recorded in the data recording unit 52, when any of the reels R needs to be removed from the reel warehouse 60 for use in the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40, the reel R can be identified based on the identification code and removed from the reel warehouse 60. Therefore, the reel R can be automatically removed from the reel warehouse 60 based on the identification code of the reel R, and the number of steps required for the tape rewinding operation between reels R by the tape rewinding device 30 can be reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, in the reel management system 1, when the host computer 50 issues a command to the dispensing unit 70 to perform the dispensing process, it also issues a command to the reel transport unit 80 to execute a transport process to transport the reel R dispensed from the reel warehouse 60 to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40. This command includes information on the type of reel R (specifically, whether it is the original reel R0, the first rewinding reel R1, or the second rewinding reel R2) and its transport destination. The reel transport unit 80 executes the transport process for the reel R in accordance with the command from the host computer 50 (step S220).

[0087] Specifically, when the discharging unit 70 dispenses the first rewinding reel R1 from the reel warehouse 60, the reel transport unit 80 carries out a carry-out process of discharging the dispensed first rewinding reel R1 to the tape rewinding device 30, and when the discharging unit 70 dispenses the original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2 from the reel warehouse 60, the reel transport unit 80 carries out a carry-out process of discharging the dispensed original reel R0 or the second rewinding reel R2 to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40. Note that this carry-out process of the reel R may be performed not only on the reel R after the carrier tape T has been rewound by the tape rewinding device 30, but also on the reel R before the tape rewinding.

[0088] According to this configuration, the reel R dispensed from the reel warehouse 60 by the dispenser 70 can be transported to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40 using the reel transport unit 80. Therefore, the reel R can be automatically transported from the reel warehouse 60 to the tape rewinding device 30 or the kitting device 40 based on the identification code of the reel R, and the number of steps required for the tape rewinding operation between reels R by the tape rewinding device 30 can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, in the reel management system 1, when the host computer 50 issues a command to the reel transport unit 80 to perform the carry-out process, it issues a command to the automatic setting unit 90 to hold the reel R that has been carried out to the tape rewinding device 30 in the reel holding units 31, 32 and to execute a setting process to attach the end of the carrier tape T of one reel R to the other reel R. This command includes information on the type of reel R and the reel holding units 31, 32 that will hold that reel R. The automatic setting unit 90 executes the setting process for the reel R in accordance with the command from the host computer 50 (step S230).

[0090] Specifically, when the reel transport unit 80 transports the original reel R0 to the tape rewinding device 30, the automatic setting unit 90 causes the left reel holding unit 31 to hold the transported original reel R0, and when the reel transport unit 80 transports the first rewinding reel R1 to the tape rewinding device 30, the automatic setting unit 90 causes the right reel holding unit 32 to hold the transported first rewinding reel R1, and then performs a setting process to attach the tape leading end of the carrier tape T wound around the original reel R0 to the boss portion RB of the first rewinding reel R1. After the setting process has been performed, the operation unit 33 of the tape rewinding device 30 rewinds the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 of the left reel holding unit 31 onto the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32.

[0091] According to this configuration, the automatic setting unit 90 can be used to hold the original reel R0 and the first rewinding reel R1 that have been carried out to the tape rewinding device 30 by the reel transport unit 80 in the reel holding units 31, 32 of the tape rewinding device 30, and set so that the carrier tape T can be rewound from the original reel R0 onto the first rewinding reel R1. Therefore, based on the identification code of the reel R, the original reel R0 and the first rewinding reel R1 can be automatically held from the reel transport unit 80 to the reel holding units 31, 32 of the tape rewinding device 30, and the carrier tape T can be automatically passed between the two held reels R, thereby reducing the number of steps required for the tape rewinding operation between the original reel R0 and the first rewinding reel R1 by the tape rewinding device 30.

[0092] After the tape rewinding from the original reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1 is completed as described above, the automatic setting unit 90 removes the original reel R0 from the left reel holding unit 31 and transfers it to the reel transport unit 80, causes the second rewinding reel R2 transported to the tape rewinding device 30 to be held by the left reel holding unit 31, and then performs a setting process to attach the tape rear end of the carrier tape T wound on the first rewinding reel R1 held by the right reel holding unit 32 to the boss portion RB of the second rewinding reel R2. After this setting process is performed, the operation unit 33 of the tape rewinding device 30 rewinds the carrier tape T from the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32 to the second rewinding reel R2 of the left reel holding unit 31.

[0093] According to this configuration, after the rewinding of the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 onto the first rewinding reel R1 is completed, the automatic setting unit 90 can be used to hold the second rewinding reel R2, which has been carried out to the tape rewinding device 30 by the reel transport unit 80, in the left reel holding unit 31 in place of the original reel R0, so that the carrier tape T can be rewound from the first rewinding reel R1 onto the second rewinding reel R2. Therefore, based on the identification code of the reel R, the second rewinding reel R2 can be automatically held from the reel transport unit 80 to the left reel holding unit 31 of the tape rewinding device 30, and the carrier tape T can be automatically passed between the second rewinding reel R2 and the first rewinding reel R1, thereby reducing the number of steps required for the tape rewinding operation between the first rewinding reel R1 and the second rewinding reel R2 by the tape rewinding device 30.

[0094] When the tape rewinding device 30 has completed rewinding the tape between the first rewinding reel R1 and the second rewinding reel R2, the automatic setting unit 90 replaces the second rewinding reel R2 held by the left reel holding unit 31 as necessary to execute the above-described setting process, and the operating unit 33 rewinds the carrier tape T from the first rewinding reel R1 of the right reel holding unit 32 onto the second rewinding reel R2 of the left reel holding unit 31. With this configuration, the rewinding of the carrier tape T onto a plurality of second rewinding reels R2 can be automated, thereby reducing the number of steps required.

[0095] Furthermore, when the tape rewinding between the reels R by the tape rewinding device 30 is completed (a positive determination is made in step S240), the automatic setting unit 90 removes the reel R from the reel holding units 31, 32 and transfers it to the reel transport unit 80. When the reel R is transferred from the tape rewinding device 30 to the reel transport unit 80, the host computer 50 commands the reel transport unit 80 to execute a carry-in process to carry the reel R, for which tape rewinding by the tape rewinding device 30 has been completed, from the tape rewinding device 30 to the reel warehouse 60. The reel transport unit 80 executes the carry-in process for the reel R in accordance with the command from the host computer 50 (step S250). Then, the reel R carried into the reel warehouse 60 by the reel transport unit 80 is stored in a storage position associated with the identification code.

[0096] Furthermore, when the host computer 50 issues a command to perform the unloading process using the reel transport unit 80, it may issue a command to the kitting device 40 to execute a process to load the reel R that has been unloaded into the kitting device 40 into the tape feeder 10 set in the kitting device 40, and after the process is completed, it may issue a command to store the tape feeder 10 loaded with the reel R in a feeder warehouse or the like.

[0097] According to this configuration, the reel R for which the tape rewinding by the tape rewinding device 30 has been completed can be carried into the reel warehouse 60 using the reel transport unit 80. Therefore, the reel R can be automatically carried into the reel warehouse 60 from the tape rewinding device 30 based on the identification code of the reel R, and the number of steps required for the tape rewinding operation between reels R by the tape rewinding device 30 (specifically, the operation of storing the reel R in the reel warehouse 60 after the tape rewinding) can be reduced.

[0098] In addition, when rewinding the tape from a plurality of original reels R0 to a single second rewinding reel R2 via a first rewinding reel R1, it is possible to perform the same process as the process for rewinding the tape from a single original reel R0 to a plurality of second rewinding reels R2 via a first rewinding reel R1 described above. In this case as well, the number of steps required for rewinding the tape between reels R by the tape rewinding device 30 can be reduced.

[0099] 6. Modified Embodiments In the above embodiment, when finally rewinding the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 to the second rewinding reel R2 in which the winding direction of the carrier tape T is the normal winding direction, the processing unit 51 of the host computer 50 handles the tape rewinding from the original reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1, and also handles the tape rewinding from the first rewinding reel R1 to the second rewinding reel R2. That is, the processing unit 51 assigns a unique first identification code to the first rewinding reel R1 that is different from the original identification code of the original reel R0 and records the first identification code in the data recording unit 52, and assigns a unique second identification code to the second rewinding reel R2 that is different from the original identification code of the original reel R0 and different from the first identification code of the first rewinding reel R1, and records the second identification code in the data recording unit 52.

[0100] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and when rewinding the carrier tape T from the original reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1, which has a winding direction opposite to the normal direction, it is sufficient for the processing unit 51 of the host computer 50 to handle the rewinding of the tape from the original reel R0 to the first rewinding reel R1. That is, it is sufficient for the processing unit 51 to assign a unique first identification code, different from the original identification code of the original reel R0, to the first rewinding reel R1 and record the first identification code in the data recording unit 52.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the process of unloading the reel R from the reel warehouse 60 and the process of carrying the reel R into the reel warehouse 60 are performed automatically using the reel transport unit 80. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the unloading and carrying processes may be performed manually by an operator.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the setting process of the reel R in the tape rewinding device 30 is performed automatically using the automatic setting unit 90. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the setting process may be performed manually by an operator.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the processing unit 51 of the reel management system 1 is provided in the host computer 50. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the processing unit 51 may be provided in the tape rewinding device 30.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 1: Reel management system, 10: Tape feeder, 20: Component mounting machine, 30: Tape rewinding device, 31: Left reel holding unit, 32: Right reel holding unit, 33: Operating unit, 35: Parts counter, 35a: First counting unit, 35b: Second counting unit, 40: Kitting device, 50: Host computer, 51: Processing unit, 52: Data recording unit, 53: Management unit, 60: Reel warehouse, 70: Dispensing unit, 80: Reel transport unit, 90: Automatic setting unit, R: Reel, R0: Original reel, R1: First rewinding reel, R2: Second rewinding reel, L: Label, T: Carrier tape, TC: Cavity, TH: Tape feed hole, P: Part, S: Predetermined supply position.

Claims

1. A reel management system that manages reels on which carrier tape has been rewound using a tape rewinding device that rewinds a carrier tape wound around a reel and containing a plurality of components onto another reel, wherein the tape rewinding device has: two reel holding units that detachably hold the reels, respectively; and an operating unit that executes a rewinding process to rewind the carrier tape between the two reels held in the two reel holding units; and the reel management system includes a processing unit that, when the operating unit rewinds the carrier tape from an original reel, which is the reel held in one of the reel holding units and on which the carrier tape is wound, to a first rewinding reel, which is the reel held in the other reel holding unit, assigns a unique first identification code, which is different from the original identification code of the original reel, to the first rewinding reel, and records the first identification code in a data recording unit.

2. A reel management system as described in claim 1, wherein when the operating unit further rewinds the carrier tape from the first rewinding reel held by the other reel holding unit and on which the carrier tape has been rewound, to a second rewinding reel held by one of the reel holding units, the processing unit assigns to the second rewinding reel a unique second identification code that is different from the original identification code of the original reel and different from the first identification code of the first rewinding reel, and records the second identification code in the data recording unit.

3. A reel management system as described in claim 2, wherein the original identification code is associated with original reel component information in the carrier tape wound on the original reel, the first identification code is associated with first reel component information in the carrier tape wound on the first rewind reel, and the second identification code is associated with second reel component information in the carrier tape wound on the second rewind reel, and each is recorded in the data recording unit.

4. The reel management system according to claim 3, comprising: a first counting unit that counts the number of parts that move from the original reel to the first rewinding reel during the rewinding process by the operating unit; and a second counting unit that counts the number of parts that move from the first rewinding reel to the second rewinding reel during the rewinding process by the operating unit, wherein the original reel part information and the first reel part information are the number of parts based on the count value by the first counting unit at the time when the operating unit has completed rewinding of the tape from the original reel to the first rewinding reel, and the second reel part information is the number of parts based on the count value by the second counting unit at the time when the operating unit has completed rewinding of the tape from the first rewinding reel to the second rewinding reel.

5. A reel management system as described in claim 2, wherein the original identification code, the first identification code, and the second identification code are rewritably written on a tag built into the reel or attached to the surface of a label affixed to the reel.

6. A reel management system as described in claim 2, wherein the carrier tape has cavities arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the tape for accommodating the components, and tape feed holes arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the tape on one side of the cavities in the tape width direction, and the reel management system comprises a management unit that allows the original reel to which the original identification code is attached and the second rewind reel to which the second identification code is attached to be set in a tape feeder based on the identification code recorded in the data recording unit, and regulates the first rewind reel to which the first identification code is attached to be set in the tape feeder.

7. A reel management system as described in claim 2, further comprising an ejection unit that executes an ejection process to eject the original reel based on the original identification code, the first rewinding reel based on the first identification code, and the second rewinding reel based on the second identification code from the reel warehouse after the original reel with the original identification code attached, the first rewinding reel with the first identification code attached, and the second rewinding reel with the second identification code attached are stored in the reel warehouse.

8. A reel management system as described in claim 7, further comprising a reel transport unit that performs a transport process to transport the first rewinding reel, which has been removed from the reel warehouse by the removal unit, to the tape rewinding device, and to transport the original reel and the second rewinding reel, which have been removed from the reel warehouse by the removal unit, to the tape rewinding device or a kitting device for setting the second rewinding reel in a tape feeder.

9. A reel management system as described in claim 8, wherein the reel management system includes an automatic setting unit that, when the original reel is transported to the tape rewinding device by the reel transport unit, holds the original reel in one of the reel holding units and performs a setting process to attach the tape tip of the carrier tape wound on the original reel to the center of the axis of the first rewinding reel held in the other reel holding unit, and the operating unit performs the rewinding of the carrier tape from the original reel in one of the reel holding units to the first rewinding reel in the other reel holding unit after the setting process is performed by the automatic setting unit.

10. A reel management system as described in claim 8, wherein the reel transport unit further executes an import process to import the original reel with the original identification code, the first rewinding reel with the first identification code, and the second rewinding reel with the second identification code from the tape rewinding device to the reel warehouse.

Images