Compact Component Supply Device with Automatic Tape Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automatic replenishing unit for component supply tapes is too large, reducing the number of component supply devices that can be set on a component mounting device and limiting the types of electronic components that can be prepared.
Innovation Solution
A component supply device that allows for the movement of the component supply tape only, eliminating the need to move the reel during replenishment, resulting in a more compact structure and preventing device stoppage without reducing the number of types of electronic components prepared.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the automatic replenishing unit is designed to move the reel during replenishment, then the replenishment function is achieved, but the device size becomes too large, reducing the number of component supply devices that can be set on a component mounting device
Solution Approach 1:
The replenishing unit is divided into two independent functional parts: a reel holding portion for storing reels and a standby portion for holding and moving only the component supply tape. This segmentation allows the reel to remain stationary while the tape is automatically replenished, significantly reducing the device size and enabling more component supply devices to be arranged on the mounting device.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement function is extracted from the reel and assigned to a separate transportation mechanism in the standby portion. Only the component supply tape is moved by this dedicated transportation mechanism, while the reel itself remains stationary in the reel holding portion. This extraction of the movement function resolves the contradiction between automation and device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device size is reduced to fit more component supply devices, then the number of component types that can be prepared increases, but the automatic replenishment function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the replenishing unit into a stationary reel holding portion and a compact standby portion with dedicated transportation mechanism, the invention maintains full automatic replenishment functionality while minimizing the space required. This allows multiple component supply devices to be arranged on the mounting device, increasing the number of component types that can be prepared simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the reel is moved during replenishment, then the component supply tape can be replenished, but the device structure becomes complex and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation mechanism for the component supply tape is extracted as a separate, dedicated component in the standby portion, independent of the reel handling system. This dedicated mechanism simplifies the overall structure by focusing on moving only the tape rather than the entire reel assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for tape replenishment.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention is characterized in that a component supply device loaded with a component supply tape for exposing and supplying an electronic component from the component supply tape with respect to a component mounting device mounting the electronic component on a substrate includes a replenishing unit performing replenishment of a new component supply tape when a preceding component supply tape is exhausted and a sensor sensing exhaustion of the preceding component supply tape, while a confluent portion where a channel for the preceding component supply tape and a channel for the new component supply tape join with each other is formed between the sensor and the replenishing unit, and a buckling prevention mechanism moving in response to an operation of the preceding component supply tape or the new component supply tape for preventing buckling when the new component supply tape is transported to the component supply device by the replenishing unit is arranged on the confluent portion. Thus, buckling of the tape on the portion where the channel for the preceding component supply tape and the channel for a newly supplied component supply tape join with each other can be prevented.