Tape feeder

Abstract

A tape feeder according to one embodiment disclosed herein comprises: a first reel inlet; a second reel inlet below the first reel inlet; a component pickup unit in which a component is exposed; a first transfer path connected from the first reel inlet to the component pickup unit; a second transfer path connected from the second reel inlet to the component pickup unit; and a path changing unit for changing a transfer path of a reel on the first transfer path from the first transfer path to the second transfer path, wherein the path changing unit includes a guide member supporting the lower end of the reel, a pressing member extending perpendicular to the reel, and a driving member which is connected to the guide member and the pressing member and moves the guide member and the pressing member.

Description

tape feeder

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tape feeder. The present disclosure relates to a tape feeder that changes the transport path of a reel by moving a moving guide member and a pressing member.

[0002] A component mounting device or chip mounter includes a tape feeder that supplies components to a pickup position of a nozzle. The tape feeder moves a reel containing components in synchronization with the component mounting timing to supply components to a pickup position of a nozzle.

[0003] The tape feeder has multiple transfer paths so that multiple reels can be supplied continuously and smoothly. When the parts contained in the reel are in a state where they can be picked up by the head, that is, when the reel begins to be transported by the supply sprocket, the transfer path of the existing reel is changed to feed a new reel and keep it waiting.

[0004] Previously, changing the reel's transport path relied on free fall due to the reel's own weight. However, this is not sufficient to stably change the transport path. In addition, due to the narrow width of the tape feeder, there is a problem where the reel gets caught between two transport paths when changing the reel's transport path, preventing the reel's transport path from changing stably.

[0005] There are cases where the operator manually changes the transport path of the reel, but there is a problem where the operator's fatigue increases due to the thickness of the reel, etc.

[0006] Meanwhile, previously, when feeding a new reel into the tape feeder, the operator manually inserted the tip of the new reel to a certain position within the transfer path. Consequently, there was a problem of overfeeding the new reel and causing interference with the existing reels in use.

[0007] Another problem was that, previously, when a new reel was fed into the tape feeder, the teeth of the transfer sprocket did not engage stably with the pitch hole of the reel, causing the reel to fall downward.

[0008] The aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a tape feeder that changes the transport path of a reel by moving a moving guide member and a pressing member, and is equipped with a reel tip detection unit and a rotation position detection unit.

[0010] However, these problems are exemplary and the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited thereto. Problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a tape feeder comprising a first reel input port, a second reel input port located below the first reel input port, a part pickup section in which a part is exposed, a first transfer path connecting the first reel input port to the part pickup section, a second transfer path connecting the second reel input port to the part pickup section, and a path changing section for changing the transfer path of a reel on the first transfer path from the first transfer path to the second transfer path, wherein the path changing section comprises a guide member supporting the lower end of the reel, a pressing member extending vertically to the reel, and a driving member connected to the guide member and the pressing member to move the guide member and the pressing member.

[0012] The above driving member can change the transport path of the reel from the first transport path to the second transport path by moving the guide member to remove part of the supporting force acting on the reel and moving the pressing member to apply force to the reel in the first direction.

[0013] The guide member includes a fixed guide member that supports the lower end of one side of the reel and a movable guide member that supports the lower end of the other side of the reel opposite the fixed guide member with the reel in between and can move in the width direction of the reel, and the driving member can move the movable guide member in a direction away from the fixed guide member.

[0014] It may include a transfer sprocket that transfers the reel inserted into the first reel input port to the part pickup unit, and a reel tip detection unit located on one side of the transfer sprocket that detects the tip of the reel.

[0015] When the tip of the reel is detected by the reel tip detection unit, the transfer sprocket can be operated to move the tip of the reel to a first position and then stop.

[0016] It may further include a transfer sprocket having a plurality of teeth that transfers the reel inserted into the first reel input port to the part pickup unit, and a rotation position sensing unit that detects the rotation position of the transfer sprocket.

[0017] The first transfer path includes a new reel waiting path separated from the second transfer path and one end of which is connected to the first reel input port, and a common path that is connected to the part pickup section and is common to the second transfer path, and the rotational position sensing unit may include a tooth angle sensing unit that measures the angle formed by the height direction of the first tooth closest to the perpendicular line drawn from the center axis of the transfer sprocket to the new reel waiting path among the plurality of teeth and the perpendicular line.

[0018] If the angle measured by the above tooth angle detection unit is not 0, the transfer sprocket can be rotated so that the angle becomes 0.

[0019] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following specific details, claims, and drawings for implementing the invention.

[0020] In the tape feeder according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, as the physical force applied to the reel is changed by the movement of the moving guide member and the pressing member, the reel's transport path can be reliably changed from a first transport path to a second transport path without problems such as the reel jamming. In addition, since the moving guide member and the pressing member move automatically according to the movement of the driving member and the reel's transport path is automatically changed, the increase in fatigue caused by manual operation can be prevented.

[0021] In the tape feeder according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the leading edge of the reel stops after being automatically moved to a first position by the reel leading edge detection unit, thereby reducing the inconvenience of a worker manually moving the leading edge of the reel to a certain position, and by stopping before the leading edge of the reel reaches an intersection point, the problem of the reel being excessively fed and causing interference with an existing reel on a second transfer path can be prevented.

[0022] The tape feeder according to the embodiments of the present disclosure ensures that the teeth of the transfer sprocket and the pitch hole are stably coupled by a rotational position sensing unit, and prevents problems such as the reel deviating from the new reel waiting path or the reel being crushed when the teeth of the transfer sprocket press against the upper surface of the reel.

[0023] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a component mounting device including a tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a component mounting device viewed from a different side of Figure 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a tape feeder according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of A in FIG. 3, showing a reel transfer section according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a path changing section according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 6a and 6b are drawings illustrating the process of a moving guide member moving by a driving member according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 7a and 7b are drawings illustrating the process of a pressing member being moved by a driving member according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 8a to 8c are drawings illustrating the process of changing the transport path of a reel by the movement of a guide member and a pressing member according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 9a and 9b are drawings illustrating the operation process of a reel tip detection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a transfer sprocket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are drawings showing the state in which the first tooth of a transfer sprocket is perpendicular to a new reel waiting path by means of a tooth angle sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGS. 12a, FIGS. 12b, FIGS. 12c and FIGS. 12d are drawings illustrating the process of a first reel, a second reel and a third reel moving in sequence within a tape feeder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] One embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a tape feeder comprising a first reel input port, a second reel input port located below the first reel input port, a part pickup section in which a part is exposed, a first transfer path connecting the first reel input port to the part pickup section, a second transfer path connecting the second reel input port to the part pickup section, and a path changing section for changing the transfer path of a reel on the first transfer path from the first transfer path to the second transfer path, wherein the path changing section comprises a guide member supporting the lower end of the reel, a pressing member extending vertically to the reel, and a driving member connected to the guide member and the pressing member to move the guide member and the pressing member.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be understood by referring to the description of the invention and the drawings. The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in other forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the features of each of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with one another in whole or in part. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or in relation to one another. The described embodiments are provided as examples to ensure that the present disclosure is complete and complete, and are intended to fully convey the spirit of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The present disclosure is subject to all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Accordingly, processes, elements, and technologies that are not necessary to a person skilled in the art for a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure may not be described.

[0038] Throughout the attached drawings and specifications, unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals, letters, or combinations thereof denote the same components, so redundant descriptions are omitted. Additionally, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention.

[0039] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The use of hatching and / or shading in the attached drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not indicate the preferred form or requirements for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between figure elements, and / or other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc., of the elements unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional examples, which are schematic examples of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Accordingly, the shapes in the drawings may vary, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely examples to illustrate embodiments according to the concept of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the shapes of the illustrated areas and include, for example, variations in shape due to manufacturing.

[0041] The areas depicted in the drawings are by nature schematic, and their shapes are not intended to exemplify or limit the actual shapes of the device areas. Furthermore, as recognized by a person skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Numerous specific details are presented in the specification to provide a complete understanding of the various embodiments. However, the various embodiments may be implemented without these specific details or with one or more details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0043] To facilitate explanation and to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as illustrated in the drawings, spatially relative terms such as "below," "above," "lower," and "upper" may be used. Spatially relative terms are intended to include various directions of the device in use or operation in addition to the directions depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, another element or feature described as "below" or "lower" will face "above" the other element or feature. Thus, as exemplary terms, "below" and "lower" may include both upper and lower directions. The device may face other directions (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and spatially relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Likewise, if it is stated that a first part is positioned "above" a second part, this means that the first part is positioned on the upper or lower side of the second part.

[0044] Additionally, the expression “viewed in plan” means the case where the object is viewed from above, and the expression “in a schematic section” means the case where a schematic section is taken by cutting the object vertically. The term “viewed in side” means that the first object may be above, below, or to the side of the second object, and vice versa. Furthermore, the terms “overlap” or “superimposition” may include layer, stack, plane, extension, cover, or partial cover, or any other suitable term that a person skilled in the art understands and can understand. The expression “not overlapping” may include meanings such as “away from” or “separated from” and any other suitable equivalents recognized and understood by a person skilled in the art. The terms “plane” and “surface” may mean that the first object may face the second object directly or indirectly. Where a third object is present between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object may be understood as facing each other but indirectly opposing each other.

[0045] When an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed," "connected," or "combined" to another element, layer, region, or component, it may be formed directly on the element, layer, region, or component, formed on the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed, connected, or combined to the other element, layer, region, or component. Additionally, "formed," "connected," or "combined" may collectively refer to direct or indirect combinations or connections of elements, layers, regions, or components, as well as integral or non-integral combinations or connections, so that one or more elements, layers, regions, or components may exist. For example, when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically combined" to another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or combined to the other element, layer, region, or component, or the other element, layer, region, or component may exist. However, the terms "direct connection" or "direct coupling" mean that one component directly connects or combines with another component without an intermediate component, or is located on another component. Furthermore, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, guide plate, etc. is formed on another part, the direction of formation is not limited to the upward direction, but includes cases where the part is formed on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, guide plate, etc. is formed "below" another part, it includes not only cases where the part is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part between the part and the other part. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between," "immediately between," "adjacent to," and "immediately adjacent to," may be interpreted similarly.Also, when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element between the two elements or layers, or there may be other elements in between.

[0046] For the purposes of this specification, expressions such as “at least one” or “any one” do not limit the order of individual elements. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z”, “at least one of X, Y, or Z”, and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may 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” may include A, B, or A and B. In this specification, the term “and / or” generally includes any combination of one or more related list items. For example, expressions such as “A and / or B” may include A, B, or A and B.

[0047] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but such elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Describing an element as the "first" element does not require or imply the existence of the second element or other elements. Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For clarity, terms such as "first," "second," etc. may each denote "first category (or first set)," "second category (or second set)," etc.

[0048] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, singular expressions are intended to include plural expressions, and plural expressions are intended to include the singular form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “include,” “comprising,” and “have” mean to specify the presence of the features, integers, and steps specified herein. These expressions do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other functions, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Where one or more embodiments may be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0050] The terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and mean satisfying the range of implied deviation of the measured or calculated value (e.g., the range of deviation due to the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the specified value.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that meaning in the context of the relevant technology and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0052] A tape feeder (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12d.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a component mounting device (1) including a tape feeder (10) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a component mounting device (1) viewed from another side of FIG. 1.

[0054] A component mounting device (1) is a device for mounting various components on a substrate (S). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the component mounting device (1) 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 may include a semiconductor chip or a small electronic product.

[0055] The main body (2) can support other components of the component mounting device (1) (e.g., component supply device (3), gantry (4), head (5), component camera (6) and tape feeder (10)). For example, the main body (2) has a square frame or square box shape, and the component supply device (3), gantry (4), head (5) and component camera (6) can be supported on the main body (2).

[0056] The parts supply device (3) is a device for supplying parts to the head (5) and may be detachable from the main body (2). The parts supply device (3) may include a plurality of tape feeders (10) and a guide bar (11) that supports the plurality of tape feeders (10). The parts supply device (3) can be moved to the main body (2) by means of a movable cart, etc., and each tape feeder (10) included in the parts supply device (3) can be individually separated and replaced. Detailed information regarding the tape feeders (10) will be described later.

[0057] The gantry (4) is located on the main body (2) and can receive a substrate (S) from an external transfer 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 Y-axis direction of FIG. 1) and may be connected to an external transfer device. The conveyor (41) can move the substrate (S) to a mounting position after receiving the substrate (S) from the external transfer device. For example, the conveyor (41) may include a belt or a roller, etc. The mounting position may be located at the center of the main body (2). The first frame (42) extends in the width direction of the main body (2) (or the X-axis direction of FIG. 1), and the second frame (43) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the main body (2) (or the Y-axis direction of 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).

[0058] The head (5) can perform a pick-and-place operation. The head (5) can support a component from the tape feeder (10) and then mount it on the substrate (S). The head (5) includes a plurality of nozzles (51), each nozzle (51) can support a component using adsorption or an electromagnetic method.

[0059] One or more component cameras (6) are provided on the main body (2) or the gantry (4) and can detect the supply status and / or mounting status of the component. Information detected by the component camera (6) can be transmitted to the component supply device (3) and the head (5).

[0060] A tape feeder (10) may be included in a component mounting device (1). The tape feeder (10) may supply a reel (R) that holds and supports components to be mounted on a substrate (S) to the component mounting device (1). For example, the component mounting device (1) may include a plurality of tape feeders (10). A plurality of tape feeders (10) may be loaded onto a movable cart or the like and mounted on the component mounting device (1). Additionally, a tape feeder (10) that is no longer in use may be removed from the component mounting device (1) and replaced with a new tape feeder (10).

[0061] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a tape feeder (10) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of A in FIG. 3, showing a reel transfer unit (300) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] The tape feeder (10) may include a part pickup unit (100), a reel input unit (200), a reel transfer unit (300), and a control unit (400).

[0063] The part pickup unit (100) may expose a part. The part exposed in the part pickup unit (100) may be picked up by the head (5) described above and mounted on the substrate (S). The part pickup unit (100) may include a supply sprocket (110). The supply sprocket (110) may transport the reel (R) so that the part contained in the reel (R) fed into the tape feeder (10) can be continuously supplied to the head (5).

[0064] The reel input section (200) can serve as an entrance through which the reel (R) enters the interior of the tape feeder (10). In other words, the reel input section (200) can be the starting point of the transfer path described later. The reel input section (200) may include a first reel input port (210) and a second reel input port (220).

[0065] The first reel inlet (210) can be used when a new reel (R) is fed into the tape feeder (10). The first reel inlet (210) may be an inlet into which reels (R) being transferred to the first transfer path (310) are continuously fed. The first reel inlet (210) may be connected to the first transfer path (310) described later. That is, reels (R) fed into the first reel inlet (210) may be transferred to the first transfer path (310).

[0066] The second reel inlet (220) may be an inlet into which a reel (R) is continuously fed into the tape feeder (10) when the reel (R) is transported by the supply sprocket (110). The second reel inlet (220) may be an inlet into which a reel (R) being transported to the second transport path (320) is continuously fed. The second reel inlet (220) may be connected to the second transport path (320) described later. That is, a reel (R) fed into the second reel inlet (220) may be transported to the second transport path (320). Referring to FIG. 3, the second reel inlet (220) may be located below the first reel inlet (210). When the Z-axis direction is the height direction, the second reel inlet (220) may be located in the opposite direction of the Z-axis to the first reel inlet (210).

[0067] The reel transfer unit (300) can transfer the reel (R) fed into the reel input unit (200) to the part pickup unit (100). The reel transfer unit (300) may include a first transfer path (310), a second transfer path (320), a transfer sprocket (330), a path changing unit (340), a reel tip detection unit (350), and a rotation position detection unit (360).

[0068] The first transfer path (310) may be a path in which a new reel (R) waits while a part contained in an existing reel (R) is picked up at the part pickup unit (100), or in which a new reel (R) is transferred to the part pickup unit (100) following the existing reel (R). The first transfer path (310) may be connected from the first reel input port (210) to the part pickup unit (100). The first transfer path (310) may include a new reel waiting path (311) and a common path (313).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, one end of the new reel waiting path (311) may be connected to the first reel inlet (210). The new reel waiting path (311) may extend from the first reel inlet (210) to the intersection (N). The intersection (N) may be the point where the first transfer path (310) and the second transfer path (320) meet. One end of the common path (313) may be connected to the part pickup unit (100). The common path (313) may extend from the intersection (N) to the part pickup unit (100).

[0070] The new reel waiting path (311) may not be shared by the first transfer path (310) and the second transfer path (320) described later. That is, the new reel waiting path (311) may be separated from the second transfer path (320). Meanwhile, the common path (313) may be shared with the second transfer path (320). That is, the common path (313) may be a path shared by the first transfer path (310) and the second transfer path (320) described later. In other words, the common path (313) may be identical to a part of the second transfer path (320).

[0071] The new reel waiting path (311) may be a straight path in part or in whole. The common path (313) may be a straight path in part or in whole. Two imaginary straight lines containing the new reel waiting path (311) and the common path (313), respectively, may not be parallel to each other. That is, the direction of the path of the first transport path (310) may change at the intersection point (N).

[0072] The second transfer path (320) may be a transfer path of an existing reel (R) being transferred by a supply sprocket (110). The second transfer path (320) may be a modified transfer path of an existing reel (R) that was being transferred on the first transfer path (310) for the smooth supply of a new reel (R). The second transfer path (320) may be connected from the second reel input port (220) to the part pickup unit (100). The second transfer path (320) may be separated from the first transfer path from the second reel input port (220) to the intersection point (N). The second transfer path (320) may be identical to the first transfer path (310) from the intersection point (N) to the part pickup unit (100).

[0073] The transfer sprocket (330) can transfer the reel (R) fed into the first reel input port (210) to the part pickup unit (100). The transfer sprocket (330) may have a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth engage with the pitch hole (H) (see FIG. 12) provided in the reel (R), and as the transfer sprocket (330) rotates, the reel (R) can be transferred.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a path changing member (340) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are drawings showing the process in which a moving guide member (343b) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is moved by a driving member (341). FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are drawings showing the process in which a pressing member (345) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is moved by a driving member (341). FIG. 8a to FIG. 8c are drawings showing the process in which the transport path of a reel (R) is changed by the movement of the guide member (343) and the pressing member (345) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] The path changing unit (340) can change the transfer path of the reel (R) on the first transfer path (310) from the first transfer path (310) to the second transfer path (320). Referring to FIG. 4, the path changing unit (340) may be positioned at the bottom of the transfer sprocket (330). The path changing unit (340) may include a driving member (341), a guide member (343), and a pressing member (345).

[0076] The driving member (341) can move the guide member (343) and the pressing member (345) to be described later. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7b, the driving member (341) may include a body (341a) and a rack (341b). A rack (341b) may be provided on one side of the body (341a). The rack (341b) may be connected to a pinion gear (not shown). The rack (341b) moves in the X-axis direction by the rotation of the pinion gear, and accordingly, the body (341a) can also move in the X-axis direction.

[0077] The guide member (343) can support the lower end of the reel (R). The guide member (343) can be positioned along the new reel waiting path (311), which is the first transfer path (310). That is, the reel (R) can move along the new reel waiting path (311) or wait on the new reel waiting path (311) by the guide member (343).

[0078] The guide member (343) may include a fixed guide member (343a) and a movable guide member (343b). The fixed guide member (343a) may support the lower end of one side of the reel (R). The movable guide member (343b) may support the lower end of the other side of the reel (R). The movable guide member (343b) may face the fixed guide member (343a) with the reel (R) in between. Referring to FIGS. 8a through 8c, the movable guide member (343b) may move in the width direction of the reel (R).

[0079] The pressing member (345) may be extended perpendicularly to the reel (R). The pressing member (345) may be moved in a first direction (D) by the driving member (341). The first direction (D) may be a direction that is perpendicular to the reel (R) and faces downward when viewed from the X-axis direction (see FIG. 8a to FIG. 8c). Accordingly, the pressing member (345) may apply force to the reel (R) in the first direction (D).

[0080] The driving member (341) can be connected to the guide member (343) and the pressing member (345). Additionally, the driving member (341) can move the guide member (343) and the pressing member (345). Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7b, the following is a detailed description.

[0081] The first joint (341c) can be fixed vertically to the body (341a). There may be at least one first joint (341c). The first joint (341c) can be inserted into a first groove (343c) that is vertically connected to the movable guide member (343b). Accordingly, the driving member (341) and the movable guide member (343b) can be connected to each other.

[0082] The first groove (343c) can be positioned at a location corresponding to the first joint (341c). The first groove (343c) can form a trajectory such that when the body (341a) moves in the X-axis direction, the movement guide member (343b) can move in the Y-axis direction by the first joint (341c).

[0083] The second joint (341d) may be fixed at a predetermined location in the housing (not shown) or the tape feeder (10). There may be at least one second joint (341d). The second joint (341d) may pass through the first hole (341e) provided in the body (341a).

[0084] The first hole (341e) may extend in the X-axis direction on the body (341a). By means of the second joint (341d) and the first hole (341e), the body (341a) may only move in the X-axis direction or in the opposite direction of the X-axis.

[0085] The second joint (341d) can pass through the first hole (341e) and simultaneously pass through the second hole (345a) provided in the pressing member (345). Accordingly, the driving member (341) and the pressing member (345) can be connected to each other.

[0086] The second hole (345a) can be positioned at a location corresponding to the second joint (341d). When the body (341a) moves in the X-axis direction, the pressing member (345) can form a trajectory so that it can move in the first direction (D) by means of the second joint (341d).

[0087] The third joint (341f) can be vertically protruded and fixed to one side of the body (341a). The third joint (341f) can pass through the third hole (345b) provided in the pressing member (345).

[0088] The third hole (345b) may extend in the Z-axis direction on the pressing member (345). By means of the third joint (341f) and the third hole (345b), the pressing member (345) can move only in the X-axis direction along the body (341a) when the body (341a) moves in the X-axis direction. That is, the direction of movement of the pressing member (345) relative to the body (341a) may be limited to the Z-axis direction or the direction opposite to the Z-axis.

[0089] The pressing member (345) can move in the first direction (D) by means of the second joint (341d), the second hole (345a), the third joint (341f) and the third hole (345b).

[0090] In another embodiment, the driving member (341) may be connected to the moving guide member (343b) and the pressing member (345) by a cross link method and may move the moving guide member (343b) and the pressing member (345).

[0091] As the driving member (341) moves the moving guide member (343b) and the pressing member (345), the transfer path of the reel (R) on the first transfer path (310) can be changed from the first transfer path (310) to the second transfer path (320). This is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 6a to 8c as follows.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8a, before the driving member (341) moves, not only the fixed guide member (343a) but also the moving guide member (343b) can support the lower end of the reel (R). Accordingly, the reel (R) can be transported along the new reel waiting path (311) or wait on the new reel waiting path (311).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 8b, the driving member (341) can move the guide member (343) to remove a portion of the supporting force acting on the reel (R). Specifically, the driving member (341) can remove the force that the moving guide member (343b) was supporting the reel (R) by moving the moving guide member (343b) away from the fixed guide member (343a). At this time, the housing forming the outer perimeter of the tape feeder (10) may be provided with a hole (K) through which the moving guide member (343b) can pass so as to ensure a moving space for the moving guide member (343b).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8c, the driving member (341) can move the pressing member (345) to apply force to the reel (R) in a first direction (D).

[0095] The reel (R) that was on the new reel waiting path (311), which is the first transfer path (310), can fall to the second transfer path (320) as the force supported by the moving guide member (343b) is removed and the force is received in the first direction (D). Accordingly, the transfer path of the reel (R) can be changed from the first transfer path (310) to the second transfer path (320).

[0096] As the physical force applied to the reel (R) changes (removal of support force and generation of pressing force) due to the movement of the moving guide member (343b) and the pressing member (345), the transfer path of the reel (R) can be reliably changed from the first transfer path (310) to the second transfer path (320) without problems such as the reel (R) being jammed. In addition, as the moving guide member (343b) and the pressing member (345) move automatically according to the movement of the driving member (341), the transfer path of the reel (R) is automatically changed, thereby preventing an increase in fatigue due to manual operation.

[0097] FIGS. 9a and 9b are drawings illustrating the operation process of a reel tip detection unit (350) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The reel tip detection unit (350) can detect the tip (Ra) of the reel. The reel tip detection unit (350) may be located on one side of the transfer sprocket (330). When the tip (Ra) of the reel is detected by the reel tip detection unit (350), the transfer sprocket (330) can be operated to move the tip (Ra) of the reel to a first position (P) and then stop. The first position (P) is on the new reel waiting path (311) and may be any point before reaching the intersection (N). As the tip (Ra) of the reel is automatically moved to the first position (P) by the reel tip detection unit (350) and then stops, the inconvenience of the operator manually moving the tip (Ra) of the reel to a certain position is reduced, and by stopping the tip (Ra) of the reel before reaching the intersection point (N), the problem of the reel (R) being excessively fed and causing interference with the existing reel (R) on the second transfer path (320) can be prevented.

[0099] The method by which the reel tip detection unit (350) detects the tip (Ra) of the reel is as follows. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the reel tip detection unit (350) may include a detection body (351), a detection rod (353), and a dog (355). When the tip (Ra) of the reel comes into contact with the dog (355) and the detection rod (353) rotates, the detection body (351) can detect the rotation of the detection rod (353) to detect the tip (Ra) of the reel. The detection body (351) can transmit the reel tip (Ra) detection signal to the control unit (400) to be described later.

[0100] In another embodiment, the reel tip detection unit (350) may include an encoder of a motor that drives the transfer sprocket (330) (not shown). The reel tip detection unit (350) can recognize that the tip of the reel (Ra) is engaged when it detects a certain degree of rotation of the transfer sprocket (330) by the encoder. In yet another embodiment, the reel tip detection unit (350) may include a sensor that directly detects a certain degree of rotation of the transfer sprocket (330) (not shown). When the sensor detects a certain degree of rotation of the transfer sprocket (330), the reel tip detection unit (350) can recognize that the tip of the reel (Ra) is engaged.

[0101] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a transfer sprocket (330) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b are drawings showing a state in which the first tooth (T1) of the transfer sprocket (330) is perpendicular to the new reel waiting path (311) by means of a rotational position sensing unit (360) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] The rotational position detection unit (360) can detect the rotational position of the transfer sprocket (330). Referring to FIG. 4, the rotational position detection unit (360) may be located on one side of the transfer sprocket (330). By the rotational position detection unit (360) detecting the rotational position of the transfer sprocket (330), the tape feeder (10) can adjust the rotational position of the transfer sprocket (330) so that the first tooth (T1) is perpendicular to the new reel waiting path (311). The first tooth (T1) is the tooth among the plurality of teeth closest to the perpendicular line drawn from the center axis (C) of the transfer sprocket to the new reel waiting path (311).

[0103] The rotational position detection unit (360) may include a tooth angle detection unit (not shown). Referring to FIG. 10, the tooth angle detection unit (not shown) can measure the angle (G) formed by the height direction of the first tooth (T1) and the perpendicular line. If the angle (G) measured by the tooth angle detection unit is not 0, the transfer sprocket (330) can be rotated so that the angle (G) becomes 0. Accordingly, the first tooth (T1) can be in a state perpendicular to the new reel waiting path (311).

[0104] Meanwhile, the front part of the reel (R) can be cut so that the tip (Ra) of the reel is positioned within the range of the pitch hole (H). Referring to FIG. 11a, the middle part of the first pitch hole (H1) can be cut so that the tip (Ra) of the reel is positioned within the range of the pitch hole (H). Referring to FIG. 11b, at the same time, as described above, the tape feeder (10) may be in a state where the first tooth (T1) is perpendicular to the new reel waiting path (311) by the rotation position detection unit (360) before the new reel (R) is fed.

[0105] Accordingly, when the reel (R) is inserted into the first reel insertion port (210) until the tip (Ra) of the reel contacts the transfer sprocket (330), the pitch hole (H) and the teeth of the transfer sprocket (330) can be stably coupled. That is, a part of the first pitch hole (H1) can be stably contacted with the first tooth (T1), and at the same time, the second tooth (T2) can also be stably inserted into the second pitch hole (H2). That is, by adjusting the position of the first tooth (T1) by the rotation position detection unit (360), the teeth of the transfer sprocket (330) and the pitch hole (H) are stably coupled, and problems such as the reel (R) deviating from the new reel waiting path (311) or the reel (R) being crushed can be prevented by the teeth of the transfer sprocket (330) pressing on the upper surface of the reel (R).

[0106] The control unit (400) can control the overall operation of the tape feeder (10). The control unit (400) can control the operation of the supply sprocket (110), the transfer sprocket (330), the path changer (340), the reel tip detection unit (350), and the rotational position detection unit (360). The control unit (400) can be electrically connected to the supply sprocket (110), the transfer sprocket (330), the driving member (341), the reel tip detection unit (350), and the rotational position detection unit (360).

[0107] The control unit (400) can operate the driving member (341) at a predetermined time to change the transfer path of the reel (R) from the first transfer path (310) to the second transfer path (320). The predetermined time may include the time when the reel (R) is engaged with the supply sprocket (110) and begins to be transferred by the supply sprocket (110). However, this is merely an example and the predetermined time is not limited thereto.

[0108] The control unit (400) can receive a signal of the tip of the reel (Ra) detected from the reel tip detection unit (350). Upon receiving the signal of the tip of the reel (Ra) detected, the control unit (400) can operate the transfer sprocket (330) to move the tip of the reel (Ra) to a first position (P) and then stop it.

[0109] The control unit (400) can receive the rotational position of the transfer sprocket (330) from the rotational position detection unit (360). Upon receiving the measurement value, the control unit (400) can adjust the rotational position of the transfer sprocket (330) so that the first tooth (T1) is perpendicular to the new reel waiting path (311).

[0110] The control unit (400) can receive a measurement value of the angle (G) formed by the height direction of the first tooth (T1) and the perpendicular line from the tooth angle detection unit (not shown). The control unit (400) that receives the measurement value can rotate the transfer sprocket (330) so that the angle (G) becomes 0 if the angle (G) measured by the tooth angle detection unit is not 0.

[0111] FIGS. 12a, FIGS. 12b, FIGS. 12c and FIGS. 12d are drawings illustrating the process of moving the first reel (R1), the second reel (R2), and the third reel (R3) in sequence within a tape feeder (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] The operation sequence of the tape feeder (10) is briefly explained as follows.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 12a, the first reel (R1) is transported along the second transport path (320) by the supply sprocket (110), and the parts contained in the first reel (R1) can be picked up by the head (5). Before the second reel (R2) is fed into the tape feeder (10), the control unit (400) can operate the rotational position detection unit (360) and adjust the rotational position of the transport sprocket (330) so that the first tooth (T1) is perpendicular to the new reel waiting path (311).

[0114] Meanwhile, the operator or the reel (R) preparation device can cut the front part of the second reel (R2) so that the tip (R2a) of the second reel is positioned within the range of the pitch hole (H) of the second reel (R2), and then insert the tip (R2a) of the second reel into the first reel input port (210). When the reel tip detection unit (350) transmits a detection signal of the tip (R2a) of the second reel to the control unit (400), the control unit (400) can move the tip (R2a) of the second reel to the first position (P) and then stop it.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 12b, when the rear end (R1b) of the first reel passes the intersection (N) and passes a predetermined position, the control unit (400) can operate the transfer sprocket (330) so that the second reel (R2) is transferred along the first transfer path (310). Accordingly, the front end (R2a) of the second reel is transferred following the rear end (R1b) of the first reel, so that the head (5) can continuously mount components on the substrate (S) without rest.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 12c, all parts contained in the first reel (R1) are consumed, and parts contained in the second reel (R2) can be exposed to the parts pickup unit (100). When the second reel (R2) begins to be transported by the supply sprocket (110), the control unit (400) can operate the driving member (341) to change the transport path of the second reel (R2) from the first transport path (310) to the second transport path (320).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 12d, the control unit (400) can adjust the rotational position of the transfer sprocket (330) by operating the rotational position detection unit (360) in the same or similar manner as described in FIG. 12a, and the operator or the reel (R) preparation device can insert the tip (R3a) of the third reel into the first reel input port (210). When the reel tip detection unit (350) transmits a detection signal of the tip (R3a) of the third reel to the control unit (400), the control unit (400) can move the tip (R3a) of the third reel to the first position (P) and then stop it.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will fully understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible from the embodiments. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims.

[0119] The specific technical details described in the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the embodiments. To make the description of the invention concise and clear, descriptions of general prior art and configurations may be omitted. Furthermore, the connections of lines or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented by various additional functional, physical, or circuit connections in actual devices. Additionally, unless specifically stated with terms such as "essential" or "importantly," a component may not be strictly necessary for the application of the present invention.

[0120] The term "the above" or similar designations in the description of the invention and claims may refer to both singular and plural forms unless specifically limited otherwise. Furthermore, where a range is described in the embodiments, it is considered to include the invention with respect to individual values ​​within said range (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting said range in the description of the invention. Additionally, regarding the steps constituting the method according to the embodiments, the steps may be performed in a suitable order unless explicitly stated or otherwise stated. The embodiments are not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the embodiments is merely for the purpose of describing the embodiments in detail, and the scope of the embodiments is not limited by said examples or exemplary terms unless otherwise limited by the claims. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and changes may be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or equivalents to which they are added.

[0121] The present invention can be used in the tape feeder industry.

Claims

1. First reel input port; A second reel inlet located below the first reel inlet; Part pickup section where parts are exposed; A first transfer path connecting the first reel input port to the part pickup unit; A second transfer path connecting the second reel input port to the part pickup unit; and A path changing unit that changes the transfer path of a reel on the first transfer path from the first transfer path to the second transfer path; is included, The above path change section A guide member supporting the lower end of the above reel; A pressing member extending vertically to the above reel; and A tape feeder comprising: a driving member connected to the guide member and the pressing member to move the guide member and the pressing member.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above driving member is By moving the above guide member, a portion of the supporting force acting on the reel is removed, and A tape feeder in which the transfer path of the reel is changed from the first transfer path to the second transfer path by moving the pressing member to apply force to the reel in a first direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above guide member is A fixed guide member supporting the lower end of one side of the above reel; and A movable guide member that supports the lower end of the other side of the reel opposite the fixed guide member with the reel in between and is capable of moving in the width direction of the reel; The above driving member is A tape feeder that moves the above-mentioned moving guide member in a direction away from the above-mentioned fixed guide member.

4. In Paragraph 1, A transfer sprocket for transferring the reel fed into the first reel input port to the part pickup unit; and A tape feeder comprising: a reel tip detection unit located on one side of the transfer sprocket and detecting the tip of the reel.

5. In Paragraph 4, A tape feeder that, when the tip of the reel is detected by the reel tip detection unit, operates the transfer sprocket to move the tip of the reel to a first position and then stops it.

6. In Paragraph 1, A transfer sprocket having a plurality of teeth for transferring the reel fed into the first reel input port to the part pickup unit; and A tape feeder further comprising a rotational position sensing unit that detects the rotational position of the above-mentioned transfer sprocket.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above first transfer path is A new reel waiting path, one end of which is connected to the first reel input port and separated from the second transfer path; and One end is connected to the above-mentioned part pickup unit and includes a common path that is common with the above-mentioned second transfer path; and The above rotational position detection unit A tape feeder comprising: a tooth angle sensing unit that measures the angle formed by the height direction of the first tooth closest to the perpendicular line drawn from the center axis of the transfer sprocket to the new reel waiting path among the plurality of teeth, and the perpendicular line.

8. In Paragraph 7, A tape feeder that rotates the transfer sprocket so that the angle becomes 0 if the angle measured by the above-mentioned tooth angle detection unit is not 0.

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