Tape feeder

Abstract

A tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a housing; an accommodation space partitioned inside the housing; a cover tape transfer device for supplying, to the accommodation space, a cover tape separated from a carrier tape; an air-spraying device, which is inside the housing and sprays air into the accommodation space; and a door, which is at the rear of the accommodation space, and opens the accommodation space when the pressure of the accommodation space increases.

Description

Tape feeder

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tape feeder.

[0002] A component placement device or chip mounter includes a tape feeder that supplies components to the pickup position of a nozzle. The tape feeder moves the component feeding tape, which supports the components, in synchronization with the component mounting timing, thereby supplying the components to the pickup position of the nozzle. Typically, the component feeding tape consists of a carrier tape that holds and supports the components and a cover tape that protects the components and prevents them from being removed from the carrier tape. The cover tape is separated by a scraper or the like on the tape feeder before being sent to the component pickup position.

[0003] Conventional tape feeders either discharge the separated cover tape to the outside of the tape feeder or store the cover tape in the internal space of the tape feeder to prevent the separated cover tape from interfering with the transport of components. In the case of a structure that discharges the separated cover tape to the outside of the tape feeder, the cover tape is discharged to a separate cover tape collection device through the rear of the tape feeder to shorten the work time to remove the cover tape. However, since this cover tape collection device is mounted at the end of the tape feeder, it is easy for the cover tape to interfere with the tape feeder during the separation process when a problem occurs in the tape feeder during the operation of the component mounting device. This causes inconvenience, such as having to disassemble and re-mount the tape feeder to avoid interference with the cover tape mounted on the tape feeder.

[0004] Additionally, when the separated cover tape is stored within the tape feeder's internal space, the cover tape stored within becomes increasingly longer as the component mounting process progresses. This causes the cover tapes to become tangled when discharged, making the discharge process time-consuming.

[0005] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0006] A tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a tape feeder that can easily discharge a cover tape by spraying air after storing a certain amount of separated cover tape inside.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0008] A tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing, a storage space partitioned inside the housing, a cover tape transport device for supplying a cover tape separated from a carrier tape to the storage space, an air injection device located inside the housing for injecting air into the storage space, and a door located at the rear of the storage space for opening the storage space when the pressure in the storage space increases.

[0009] The air injection device is located at the upper portion of the storage space, and air injected from the air injection device can be injected to the upper portion of the storage space.

[0010] The air injection device includes an inlet for air intake, an outlet communicating with the storage space, and an air path connecting the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet can communicate with the upper portion of the storage space.

[0011] The outlet may be closer to the top than the bottom of the storage space in the height direction of the tape feeder, and the outlet may be near the center of the storage space in the length direction of the tape feeder.

[0012] The air injection surface of the above outlet can be inclined downward toward the rear of the storage space.

[0013] The air passage may include a first portion connected to the inlet and inclined downward from the inlet, a second portion extending parallel to the length direction of the tape feeder from the first portion and protruding into the interior of the storage space, and a third portion connected to the second portion and the outlet and protruding further toward the interior of the storage space than the second portion.

[0014] The above outlet may be spaced downward from the top of the storage space.

[0015] The tape feeder may further include a controller that controls the flow of air ejected from the air ejection device in conjunction with at least one of the rotation speed of the reel on which the carrier tape is wound, the transport speed of the carrier tape, and the amount of cover tape supplied to the storage space.

[0016] The controller can control the air supply device included in the tape feeder to control the flow of air supplied to the air blasting device, or can control an air tank located outside the tape feeder to supply air to the air blasting device through an air gun.

[0017] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0018] The tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure can easily discharge the cover tape stored inside the housing out of the tape feeder using an air jet device. Therefore, the cover tape can be discharged quickly, reducing the time required to discharge the cover tape, and improving convenience by eliminating the need to disassemble the tape feeder to discharge the cover tape.

[0019] The tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure can pressurize the cover tape stored in the upper portion of the storage space toward the rear of the storage space without the cover tape being buckled or tangled by the air ejected from the air ejector, so that the entire bundle of cover tapes can naturally move toward the door.

[0020] The following drawings, attached to this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description of the invention described below, serve to facilitate understanding of the technical concepts of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the matters described in the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a component mounting device including a tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a front view of the component mounting device of Fig. 1.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a reel according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the overall appearance of a tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an air injection device of a tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the periphery of the air injection device of Fig. 5.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a tape feeder including an air supply device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8 shows a tape feeder that receives air from the outside.

[0029] Figures 9 to 12 show a state in which the cover tape is stored and discharged inside the tape feeder.

[0030] A tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing, a storage space partitioned inside the housing, a cover tape transport device for supplying a cover tape separated from a carrier tape to the storage space, an air injection device located inside the housing for injecting air into the storage space, and a door located at the rear of the storage space for opening the storage space when the pressure in the storage space increases.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them can be more easily understood by referring to the detailed description of the embodiments together with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments can be variously modified and implemented in different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, each feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other, in whole or in part, and various technically related and operational aspects are possible. Each embodiment can be implemented independently or in combination. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure can be complete and fully convey the spirit of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents, and substitutions are possible within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, processes, components, and techniques that are not necessary for a person skilled in the art to fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure may not be described.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals, letters, or combinations thereof throughout the attached drawings and their descriptions represent identical components, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments, irrelevant parts may not be depicted in the drawings for clarity.

[0033] The areas depicted in the drawings are schematic and their shapes do not illustrate or limit the actual shape of the device area. The relative sizes of elements, layers, and areas in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, the use of hatching and / or shading in the attached drawings may generally serve to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not imply a preference or requirement for any particular material, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or characteristics.

[0034] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional examples that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. For example, the shapes of the drawings may vary as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely examples for illustrating embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be construed as not being limited to the shapes of the illustrated regions, but rather to include variations in shape due to manufacturing processes, etc.

[0035] Specific details may be presented in the specification to facilitate understanding of various embodiments. Alternatively, various embodiments may be practiced without specific details or with one or more of the details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0036] To facilitate discussion herein, spatially relative terms such as "below," "above," "lower," "top," and the like may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings were flipped over, another element or feature described as "below" or "lower" would face "above" the other element or feature. Thus, as exemplary terms, "below" and "lower" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, if it is described that a first part is disposed "above" a second part, this means that the first part is disposed above or below the second part.

[0037] Also, the expression "in plan view" means when an object is viewed from above, and the expression "in schematic cross-section" means when a schematic cross-section is taken by cutting the object vertically or horizontally. The term "in side view" means that the first object can be above, below, or to the side of the second object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term "overlapping" or "superimposing" can include layer, laminate, plane, extension, covering, or partially covering, or any other suitable term that a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand and understand. The expression "does not overlap" can include meanings such as "away from" or "spaced from", and any other suitable equivalents that a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize and understand. The terms "plane" and "surface" can mean that the first object can directly or indirectly face the second object. When a third object is between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object can be understood as facing each other but indirectly opposing each other.

[0038] When an element, layer, region, or component (hereinafter also referred to as an “element, etc.”) is referred to as being “formed with,” “connected with,” or “coupled to” another element, etc., this includes that it can be formed directly with the element, formed with another element, etc., or indirectly formed with, connected to, or coupled to another element, etc. In addition, “formed with,” “connected with,” or “coupled with” can collectively refer to direct or indirect combinations or connections, or integral or non-integral combinations or connections, of the elements, etc., such that one or more elements, etc. can be present. For example, when an element, etc. is referred to as being “electrically connected with” or “electrically coupled to” another element, etc., this includes that it can be directly electrically connected to or coupled with another element, etc., or that other elements, etc. can be present. However, “direct connection” or “direct coupling” means that one element, etc. is directly connected or coupled to another element, etc., without any intermediate elements, etc., or is present in another element, etc. In addition, when a part of a layer, film, region, guide plate, etc. in the present specification is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upper direction, and includes the part being formed on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, guide plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, it includes not only the case where the part is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. Meanwhile, other expressions that describe the relationship of elements, etc., such as "between," "directly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to" can be interpreted similarly. In addition, when an element, etc. is mentioned as being between two elements, etc., it can be the only element, etc. between the two elements, etc., or there can be another element, etc. between them.

[0039] Expressions such as "at least one or more" or "either" do not limit the order of the individual elements. For example, expressions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," or "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can include X alone, Y alone, Z alone, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" can include A, B, or A and B. In general, the term "and / or" herein includes any combination of one or more associated list items. For example, expressions such as "A and / or B" can include A, B, or A and B.

[0040] Although terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, etc., such elements, etc. are not limited by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, etc. from other elements, etc. Accordingly, a first element, etc. described below may be referred to as a second element, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements, etc. For clarity, terms such as "first," "second," etc. may represent "a first category (or first set)," "a second category (or second set)," etc., respectively.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms may also include the plural forms, and the plural forms may also include the singular form, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," and "have," when used herein, are meant to specify the presence of specified features, integers, or steps. These expressions do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other functions, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0042] If one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order from the described order.

[0043] The terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not degree, and imply that the measured or calculated value satisfies the inherent range of variation (e.g., variation due to limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" could mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, for example, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context of this specification, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a component mounting device (1) including a tape feeder (10) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a front view of the component mounting device (1) of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a view showing a reel (R) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the overall appearance of a tape feeder (10) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of an air injection device (300) of a tape feeder (10) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the air injection device (300) of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a view showing a tape feeder (10) including an air supply device (300) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a view showing a tape feeder (10) supplied with air from the outside, and FIGS. 9 to 12 show a state in which a cover tape (CT2) is stored and discharged inside the tape feeder (10).

[0046] A component mounting device (1) is a device for mounting various components (C) on a substrate (S), and may include a main body (2), a component supply device (3), a gantry (4), a head (5), and a component camera (6). For example, the substrate (S) may include a printed circuit board, and the components (C) may include semiconductor chips or small electronic products.

[0047] The main body (2) can support other components of the component mounting device (1) (e.g., a component supply device (3), a gantry (4), a head (5), a component camera (6), and a tape feeder (10)). For example, the main body (2) has a square frame or square box shape, and the component supply device (3), the gantry (4), the head (5), and the component camera (6) can be supported on the main body (2). In addition, the main body (2) can include a waste box (7) in which separated cover tapes (CT2) are loaded.

[0048] The parts supply device (3) is a device for supplying parts (C) to the head (5) and may be detachably attached to the main body (2). The parts supply device (3) may include a plurality of tape feeders (10) and a guide bar (11) supporting the plurality of tape feeders (10). The parts supply device (3) may be moved to the main body (2) by a movable cart or the like, and each tape feeder (10) included in the parts supply device (3) may be individually detached and replaced. Details of the tape feeder (10) will be described later.

[0049] The gantry (4) is located on the main body (2) and can receive a substrate (S) from an external transport device and move the head (5) and the component camera (6). For example, the gantry (4) may include a conveyor (41), a first frame (42), and a second frame (43). The conveyor (41) extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body (2) (or the X-axis direction or the first direction in FIG. 1) and may be connected to an external transport device. The conveyor (41) can receive a substrate (S) from the external transport device and then move the substrate (S) to a mounting position. For example, the conveyor (41) may include a belt or a roller, etc. The mounting position may be at the center of the main body (2). The first frame (42) may extend in the width direction of the main body (2) (or the Y-axis direction or the second direction in FIG. 1), and the second frame (43) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the main body (2) (or the X-axis direction or the first direction in FIG. 1). The second frame (43) supports the head (5) and can move along the length direction of the first frame (42) on the first frame (42).

[0050] The head (5) can perform a pick-and-place operation. The head (5) can support a component (C) from a tape feeder (10) and then mount it on a substrate (S). The head (5) includes a plurality of nozzles (51), and each nozzle (51) can support a component (C) using suction or electromagnetic methods.

[0051] One or more component cameras (6) are provided on the main body (2) or the gantry (4), and can detect the supply status of the component (C), the alignment status of the component (C), the head (5), and the substrate (S), and / or the mounting status. Information detected by the component camera (6) can be transmitted to the component supply device (3) and the head (5).

[0052] The disposal box (7) is located inside the main body (2) and can store the cover tape (CT2) separated from the tape feeder (10). For example, when the door (500) of the tape feeder (10) is opened by the air injection device (300), the cover tape (CT2) discharged from the storage space (200) can be stored in the disposal box (7).

[0053] A tape feeder (10) is included in a component mounting device (1) and can supply a tape (T) that holds and supports a component (C) to be mounted on a substrate (S) to the component mounting device (1). For example, the component mounting device (1) includes a plurality of tape feeders (10), and the plurality of tape feeders (10) can be loaded onto a movable cart or the like and mounted on the component mounting device (1). In addition, a used tape feeder (10) can be removed from the component mounting device (1) and replaced with a new tape feeder (10). Each tape feeder (10) can separate a cover tape (CT2) from a carrier tape (CT1) that holds and supports a component (C) by rotating a reel (R).

[0054] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a tape (T) is wound around a reel (R), and as the reel (R) rotates by a tape feeder (10), the tape (T) wound around the reel (R) is unwound and supplied to the head (5). The tape (T) may include a carrier tape (CT1) that holds and supports a plurality of parts (C) and a cover tape (CT) that covers the plurality of parts (C). The carrier tape (CT1) includes a plurality of grooves (G) in which the plurality of parts (C) are accommodated, and may include a plurality of pitch holes (H) on both sides in the width direction so that the carrier tape (CT1) is transported by the tape feeder (10) (e.g., the driving device (700)).

[0055] For example, a sprocket included in a driving device (700) can rotate to transport a carrier tape (CT1) at an interval corresponding to a pitch hole (H). A cover tape (CT2) is separated by a separation device (600), and a nozzle (51) of a head (5) can adsorb a component (C) held and supported on the carrier tape (CT1) and mount it on a substrate (S). The separated cover tape (CT2) can be stored in a storage space (200) of a tape feeder (10) and then discharged to a waste box (7).

[0056] The tape feeder (10) may include a housing (100), a storage space (200), an air injection device (300), a cover tape transport device (400), a door (500), a tape separation device (600), and a tape transport device (700).

[0057] The housing (100) can hold and support other components of the tape feeder (10) (e.g., a storage space (200), an air injection device (300), a cover tape transport device (400), a door (500), a tape separation device (600), and a tape transport device (700)). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a reel (R) can be rotatably mounted inside the housing (100). A tape transport device (700) can be rotatably mounted inside the housing (100) to transport the tape (T) unwound from the reel (R) to the cover tape transport device (400) and the tape separation device (600). The cover tape (CT2) separated by the tape separation device (600) mounted on the housing (100) can be transported to the storage space (200) via the cover tape transport device (400) inside the housing (100). The storage space (200) can be partitioned inside the housing (100) (e.g., inside the rear). A door (500) is rotatably mounted on the rear of the housing (100) to open and close the storage space (200), and an air injection device (300) can be provided inside the housing (100) with its outlet facing the storage space (200).

[0058] The housing (100) may include a handle (110) and a lower room (120).

[0059] The handle (110) may be located at the rear upper portion of the housing (100) corresponding to the storage space (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the handle (110) may be provided above the air injection device (300). The lower room (120) may contain a reel (R) and may be partitioned at the lower portion of the housing (100). The reel (R) may be rotatably mounted inside the lower room (120).

[0060] The housing (100) may further include a first locking mechanism (130).

[0061] The first locking mechanism (130) can keep the door (500) closed until the internal pressure of the storage space (200) is lower than a predetermined pressure. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first locking mechanism (130) can be located at the rear of the housing (100) to correspond to the second locking mechanism (510) of the door (500). When the internal pressure of the storage space (200) exceeds the predetermined pressure, the fastening between the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510) is released, allowing the door (500) to rotate and the storage space (200) to open. For example, the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510) can include magnets. The first locking mechanism (130) may be accommodated inside the upper part of the door (500), and the second locking mechanism (510) may be accommodated inside the housing (100) to correspond to the first locking mechanism (130). Alternatively, the first locking mechanism (130) may include a leaf spring.

[0062] The storage space (200) stores the cover tape (CT2) separated from the tape (T), and can be partitioned inside the housing (100). The tape (T) unwound from the reel (R) can be transferred to the tape separation device (600) via the tape transport device (700). The tape separation device (600) separates the cover tape (CT2) covering the carrier tape (CT1) of the tape (T), and the component (C) held and supported by the carrier tape (CT1) can be picked up by the head (5). Then, the separated cover tape (CT2) can be transferred to the storage space (200) via the cover tape transport device (400). The storage space (200) can be partitioned between the cover tape transport device (400) and the door (500). For example, the storage space (200) can be inclined downward from the cover tape transport device (400), so that the cover tape (CT2) can be naturally transferred to the storage space (200). The rear of the storage space (200) is open and can be opened and closed by a door (500).

[0063] The air injection device (300) may be located at the top of the storage space (200) and inside the housing (100). When air is injected from the air injection device (300) while the door (500) is closed at the rear of the storage space (200), the internal pressure of the storage space (200) gradually increases. When the internal pressure becomes greater than the fastening force of the door (500) (or the fastening force of the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510)), the door (500) may rotate to open the storage space (200).

[0064] The air injection device (300) can inject air drawn in from the outside into the storage space (200), thereby moving the cover tape (CT2) stored in the storage space (200) toward the door (500) and discharging it to the outside of the door (500). For example, the air injection device (300) can be located at the top of the storage space (200). The air injection device (300) is located in a partitioned area inside the housing (100) and can receive air from the air supply device (900) or an external air tank (AT) and inject it into the storage space (200).

[0065] The air injection device (300) may include an inlet (310), an air path (320), and an outlet (330).

[0066] The inlet (310) is an inlet through which air flows in and may be formed in the housing (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the inlet (310) may be formed at the rear of the housing (100). The inlet (310) may be located above the door (500) and adjacent to the handle (110). Air flowing in through the inlet (310) may be discharged through the outlet (330) via the air passage (320).

[0067] The air passage (320) is partitioned inside the housing (100) and can connect the inlet (310) and the outlet (330). The air passage (320) is partitioned in the housing (100) corresponding to the upper portion of the storage space (200) and can protrude toward the interior of the storage space (200).

[0068] The air path (320) may include a first portion (321), a second portion (322), and a third portion (323).

[0069] The first part (321) is connected to the inlet (310) and can be inclined downward from the inlet (310) toward the second part (322). The second part (322) is between the first part (321) and the third part (323) and can extend straight in the longitudinal direction of the tape feeder (10) (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 5). The second part (322) can extend downwardly from the housing (100) toward the storage space (200). The third part (323) is connected to the outlet (330) and can be inclined downwardly from the second part (322) toward the storage space (200).

[0070] The outlet (330) is a portion through which air drawn in through the inlet (310) is discharged into the storage space (200), and may protrude toward the storage space (200). The outlet (330) communicates with the storage space (200) and may face the door (500). Therefore, the air discharged from the outlet (330) may move the cover tape (CT2) toward the rear of the housing (100), i.e., toward the door (500).

[0071] For example, the lower end of the outlet (330) can be spaced apart from the upper end of the storage space (200) by a distance L1. Accordingly, by spaced downward from the upper surface of the storage space (200), the air discharged from the outlet (330) can be smoothly sprayed to the target area. For example, when the cover tape (CT2) is transported to the storage space (200), the cover tape (CT2) made of a flexible material is loaded into the storage space (200) in a state in which it is bent and repeatedly folded. Then, due to the weight of the cover tape (CT2), the cover tape (CT2) is stored more densely in the lower end of the storage space (200), and the cover tape (CT2) is stored more loosely in the upper end of the storage space (200).

[0072] If the air injection device (300) is located at a position corresponding to the lower part of the storage space (200), the densely packed cover tapes (CT2) may become entangled with each other or the cover tapes (CT2) may not easily move toward the door (500) due to their weight. In addition, if the air injection device (300) is directly attached to the upper part of the storage space (200) to inject air, the upper part of the storage space (200) may have an area where the density of the cover tapes (CT2) is excessively low or there may be an area not occupied by the cover tapes (CT2), and thus the cover tapes (CT2) may not be transferred toward the door (500).

[0073] To solve this problem, the air injection device (300) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be located in the housing (100) in an area corresponding to the upper portion, rather than the lower portion, of the storage space (200). Therefore, by injecting air from the upper portion where the cover tape (CT2) is stored at a lower density than the lower portion, the cover tape (CT2) can be moved stably. In addition, the outlet (330) may be inclined. That is, the outlet (330) may not be injected in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 5) or a horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 5), but may have a shape in which the air outlet surface is inclined with respect to the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the outlet (330) (the air injection surface of the outlet (330)) can be inclined at an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction. The air discharged from the outlet (330) can move downwardly toward the rear of the storage space (200). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the air discharged from the outlet (330) can be uniformly injected from the upper part to the central part of the storage space (200) without being concentrated at the upper or lower part of the storage space (200). The cover tape (CT2) in this area has a lower density than the cover tape (CT2) laid down underneath, but has a density sufficient to drag the cover tape (CT2) laid down underneath while being moved by the air. Therefore, the cover tape (CT2) can be easily moved toward the door (500) by the air injected from the air injection device (300) without being buckled or tangled.

[0075] The angle θ can be 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. If the angle θ is less than 10 degrees, most of the exhausted air is sprayed in a horizontal direction, which may prevent the cover tape (CT2) from moving properly. If the angle θ exceeds 45 degrees, the vertical component of the exhausted air is excessive, which may press the cover tape (CT2) downward, causing the cover tape (CT2) to buckle or become tangled, which may prevent the cover tape (CT2) from moving properly. For example, the angle θ can be 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less.

[0076] The outlet (330) may be closer to the top than the bottom of the storage space (200) in the height direction of the tape feeder (10) (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 5). For example, the distance L1 between the outlet (330) and the top of the storage space (200) may be shorter than the distance L2 between the outlet (330) and the bottom of the storage space (200).

[0077] The air injection device (300) may be located between the center and the rear end of the storage space (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the inlet (310) of the air injection device (300) may start at the rear end of the storage space (200), and the outlet (330) may be located near the center in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 5) of the air injection device (300). If the outlet (330) is provided close to the front end of the storage space (200), the injected air may experience resistance from the cover tape (CT2) throughout the longitudinal direction of the storage space (200), and thus the cover tape (CT2) may not move properly. If the outlet (330) is provided close to the rear end of the storage space (200), the amount of the cover tape (CT2) affected by the injected air may be small, and thus the entire cover tape (CT2) may not move properly toward the door (500). Therefore, since the outlet (330) is provided at the center of the storage space (200), the cover tape (CT2) can move smoothly by the air sprayed from the outlet (330).

[0078] The outlet (330) of the air injection device (300) may be closer to the rear end of the housing (100) than the inclined surface of the storage space (200). For example, the outlet (330) may correspond to a flat area of ​​the storage space (200). If the outlet (330) is provided at a position corresponding to the inclined surface, the outlet (330) may be blocked by the cover tape (CT2) loaded on the inclined surface of the storage space (200), or an excessive amount of cover tape (CT2) may be affected by the air injected from the outlet (330).

[0079] The angle of the air ejected from the outlet (330) can be varied. For example, the air ejection device (300) may further include an angle-adjustable nozzle at the outlet (330). The angle of the nozzle may be adjusted manually by the operator or by receiving a control signal from the controller (800). Therefore, the air ejection angle can be flexibly adjusted depending on the amount and density of the loaded cover tape (CT2) during the tape feeding operation, thereby stably discharging the cover tape (CT2).

[0080] The outlet (330) of the air injection device (300) may include a plurality of outlets (330). The outlets (330) may be located at least one on the side as well as the upper side of the housing (100). The air path (320) of the air injection device (300) may be respectively connected to the plurality of outlets (330). Accordingly, air is injected to the entire area of ​​the storage space (200) so that the cover tape (CT2) is not biased to one side, thereby increasing the discharge speed of the cover tape (CT2) and improving the reliability of the discharge operation.

[0081] The cover tape transport device (400) can transport the cover tape (CT2) separated by the tape separation device (600) to the storage space (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the cover tape transport device (400) is located inside the housing (100) and can be located at the entrance (or front end) of the storage space (200). The cover tape transport device (400) can include a pair of rollers or sprockets.

[0082] The door (500) can open and close the storage space (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the door (500) can be rotatably mounted on the rear of the housing (100). When the internal pressure of the storage space (200) is lower than a predetermined pressure, the door (500) can keep the rear end of the storage space (200) closed to close the storage space (200). When the cover tape (CT2) is stored in the storage space (200) and air is injected from the air injection device (300) so that the pressure in the storage space (200) becomes higher than the predetermined pressure, the door (500) can rotate to open the storage space (200). For example, the door (500) can be fastened to the housing (100) by a magnet or a spring.

[0083] The door (500) may include a second locking mechanism (510). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second locking mechanism (510) may be paired with the first locking mechanism (130) of the housing (100). For example, the second locking mechanism (510) may be a magnet provided on the inside or outside of the door (500). When the internal pressure of the storage space (200) becomes greater than the magnetic force between the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510), the connection between the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510) is released, causing the door (500) to rotate, thereby opening the storage space (200). Alternatively, the second locking mechanism (510) may be a spring (e.g., a plate spring) supported by the housing (100). When the internal pressure of the storage space (200) becomes greater than the elastic force of the first locking mechanism (130) and / or the second locking mechanism (510), the locking between the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510) is released, causing the door (500) to rotate, thereby opening the storage space (200).

[0084] The tape separation device (600) is provided in the housing (100) and can receive the tape (T) transported by the tape transport device (700) and separate the cover tape (CT2) from the carrier tape (CT1). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the tape separation device (600) is located at the upper portion of the housing (100) and may include a scraper or the like. The tape (T) can be separated into the carrier tape (CT1) and the cover tape (CT2) while passing through the tape separation device (600). The component (C) held and supported by the carrier tape (CT1) is picked up by the head (5) and mounted on the substrate (S), and the cover tape (CT2) can be transported to the storage space (200) by the cover tape transport device (400).

[0085] The tape transport device (700) is located inside the housing (100) and can transport the tape (T) released from the reel (R). For example, the tape transport device (700) may include a sprocket.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the tape feeder (10) may further include a controller (800) and an air supply device (900).

[0087] The controller (800) can control the tape transport operation, tape separation operation, and air injection operation of the tape feeder (10). For example, the controller (800) can communicate with the component mounting device (1) and control the tape feeder (10) by receiving a control signal from the component mounting device (1). For example, the controller (800) can control the transport cycle and speed of the tape (T) in conjunction with the component mounting operation of the component mounting device (1). In addition, the controller (800) can control the flow of air, such as the timing and amount of air supplied to the air injection device (300). For example, when the amount of cover tape (CT2) stored in the storage space (200) exceeds a predetermined amount, the controller (800) can control the air supply device (900) to supply air to the air injection device (300). For example, the controller (800) can control the air supply device (900) based on information about the rotation speed of the reel (R), the rotation speed, or the component mounting speed of the component mounting device (1). Alternatively, the housing (100) can further include a sensor capable of measuring the weight of the cover tape (CT2) stored in the storage space (200). The controller (800) can control the air supply device (900) based on information about the weight detected by the sensor.

[0088] The controller (800) may utilize a direct circuit structure that executes each control function through one or more microprocessors or other control devices, such as memory, processors, logic circuits, look-up tables, etc. The controller (800) may be implemented as a part of a module, program, or code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing a specific logic function. The controller (800) may include or be implemented by a processor, such as a central processing unit, that executes each function or a microprocessor, etc. The controller (800) may include a communication device that can transmit and receive data with an external device, etc. The communication device may include one or more combinations of a digital modem, an RF modem, an antenna circuit, a Wi-Fi chip, and related software and / or firmware.

[0089] Air supplied from the air supply device (900) can be supplied to the air injection device (300) via the valve (V). Here, the air supply device (900) can be an air tank built into or connected to the tape feeder (10) when the tape feeder (10) uses pneumatic pressure. The valve (V) can be a type of valve that allows the controller (800) to control the flow of air from the air supply device (900) to the air injection device (300), such as a solenoid valve.

[0090] Alternatively, if the tape feeder (10) does not include a separate pneumatic device, the tape feeder (10) may utilize an external air tank (AT). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the tape feeder (10) does not include an air supply device (900), and instead, the controller (800) may control a separate air tank (AT) located outside the tape feeder (10) to supply air to the air injection device (300). For example, if the controller (800) opens the air tank (AT), the user may directly inject air into the inlet (310) of the air injection device (300) using an air gun (AG).

[0091] The operation of the tape feeder (10) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is described below.

[0092] As described above, as the reel (R) rotates, the released tape (T) is transported to the tape separation device (600) via the tape transport device (700), and the cover tape (CT2) is separated from the tape separation device (600). The separated cover tape (CT2) is moved to the storage space (200) by the cover tape transport device (400) (see FIG. 9).

[0093] As the amount of cover tape (CT2) stored in the storage space (200) increases, the cover tape (CT2) sinks to the bottom of the storage space (200) due to its own weight. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, the cover tape (CT2) is densely packed at the bottom of the storage space (200), and the density of the cover tape (CT2) decreases as it goes upward.

[0094] Afterwards, when the amount of cover tape (CT2) reaches a predetermined amount, air is injected from the air injection device (300) into the storage space (200). As described above, the timing at which the air injection device (300) injects air can be controlled by the controller (800) in conjunction with the number of rotations or rotation speed of the reel (R), the number of parts (C) picked up by the head (5), the weight of the cover tape (CT2) moved to the storage space (200), etc.

[0095] The controller (800) controls the air supply device (900) or the air tank (AT) to supply air to the air injection device (300). The air injected from the outlet (330) of the air injection device (300) pressurizes the cover tape (CT2) toward the door (500). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when air is injected from the outlet (330) of the air injection device (300), the cover tape (CT2) is pressed toward the door (500). As described above, the outlet (330) may be located at the upper portion of the storage space (200) and may be spaced lower than the upper end of the storage space (200). In addition, the outlet (330) is located at the center in the longitudinal direction of the storage space (200), and the surface through which the air is injected is inclined. Accordingly, the cover tapes (CT2) do not become entangled with each other as they buckle, and the upper part of the cover tape (CT2) bundle moved to the door (500) by the injected air can naturally drag the lower part.

[0096] As the amount of cover tape (CT2) stored in the storage space (200) and the amount of air injected into the storage space (200) increase, the internal pressure of the storage space (200) increases. When the internal pressure of the storage space (200) becomes greater than the fastening force of the door (500) (e.g., the fastening force between the first locking mechanism (130) and the second locking mechanism (510), the door (500) rotates backward and opens. Then, the cover tape (CT2) stored in the storage space (200) can be naturally discharged to the outside of the tape feeder (10) by the injected air and then discharged to the waste box (7).

[0097] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible based on the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims.

[0098] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in industries related to tape feeders.

Claims

1. Housing; A storage space partitioned inside the above housing; A cover tape transport device that supplies a cover tape separated from a carrier tape to the storage space; An air injection device located inside the housing and injecting air into the storage space; and A tape feeder comprising a door located at the rear of the storage space and opening the storage space when the pressure in the storage space increases.

2. In paragraph 1, The above air injection device is located at the upper part of the storage space, A tape feeder in which air injected from the above air injection device is injected into the upper part of the storage space.

3. In paragraph 1, The above air injection device Inlet through which air flows in; an outlet communicating with the above storage space; and An air path connecting the inlet and the outlet; The above outlet is a tape feeder that communicates with the upper part of the above storage space.

4. In paragraph 3, The above outlet is closer to the top than the bottom of the storage space in the height direction of the above tape feeder, A tape feeder wherein the outlet is located near the center of the storage space in the longitudinal direction of the tape feeder.

5. In paragraph 3, The air injection surface of the above outlet is inclined downward toward the rear of the above storage space, tape feeder.

6. In paragraph 3, The above air flow path is A first part connected to the inlet and inclined downward from the inlet; A second portion extending parallel to the length direction of the tape feeder in the first portion and protruding into the interior of the storage space; and A tape feeder comprising a third portion connected to the second portion and the outlet and protruding further toward the inside of the storage space than the second portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The above outlet is a tape feeder spaced downward from the top of the above storage space.

8. In paragraph 1, A tape feeder, wherein the tape feeder further includes a controller that controls the flow of air ejected from the air ejection device in conjunction with at least one of the rotation speed of the reel on which the carrier tape is wound, the transport speed of the carrier tape, and the amount of cover tape supplied to the storage space.

9. In paragraph 8, A tape feeder wherein the controller controls the air supply device included in the tape feeder to control the flow of air supplied to the air blasting device, or controls an air tank located outside the tape feeder to supply air to the air blasting device through an air gun.

Images