Multi-row Tape Feeder Holding Device for Component Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic circuit component mounting machines face limitations in the number of tape feeders that can be mounted due to width constraints, leading to increased equipment costs and reduced efficiency due to the need for multiple machines and complex raising and lowering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A feeder holding device that arranges tape feeders in multiple rows within a single plane, eliminating the need for raising and lowering mechanisms, allowing more feeders to be mounted without increasing equipment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tape feeders are mounted to supply various kinds of components, then the number of component kinds increases, but the feeder holding device width becomes limited and cannot accommodate more feeders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row linear arrangement of tape feeders to a multi-row two-dimensional arrangement. The feeder holding device now supports feeders in multiple rows (first row, second row, third row) along the width direction, effectively utilizing the width dimension to accommodate more feeders without increasing the overall device width. This dimensional change allows the system to supply more component kinds while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If feeder tables are arranged in tiers in up and down direction, then more tape feeders can be mounted, but raising and lowering device is required which complicates construction and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging feeder tables in vertical tiers requiring raising and lowering mechanisms, the patent arranges multiple rows of feeders horizontally along the width direction of the feeder holding device. This horizontal multi-row arrangement eliminates the need for complex vertical movement mechanisms while still accommodating a large number of feeders. The component supply portions are positioned at substantially the same height, allowing simultaneous access by the component mounting machine.
3Ease of operation
If multi-tier feeder tables are moved upward and downward, then component supply portion can be positioned at component supply position, but additional time is required which lowers mounting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions component supply portions of multiple feeders at substantially the same height level, arranged in multiple rows along the width direction. This eliminates the need for vertical movement of feeder tables to position components at the correct height. The component mounting machine can access all component supply portions simultaneously without waiting for raising or lowering operations, thereby maintaining high mounting efficiency while achieving proper component positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of tape feeders are held by a feeder holding device in a state in which component supply portions of the respective tape feeders are arranged in a plurality of rows each extending along a plurality of straight lines parallel to each other in one plane. Each of the plurality of tape feeders is separable into first portions and second portions, the first portions include: a reel holding portion configured to hold a reel on which a taped component is wound; the component supply portion; a taped-component guide portion configured to guide, to the component supply portion, the taped component drawn from the reel, the second portions respectively including taped-component feeding devices each for feeding the taped component to the component supply portion.