Tape Feeder Cavity Positioning via Leading End Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tape feeders for electronic component mounting machines, the feeding of electronic components is unstable after carrier tape loading, leading to component wastage and supply errors due to incorrect positioning of cavities at the supply section.
Innovation Solution
A tape feeder with a detection sensor and control device that adjusts the carrier tape's leading end to a regulated length, ensuring the first cavity is positioned correctly, preventing component wastage and stabilizing the supply process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conveyance is continued after the leading end of the carrier tape has passed through the supply section to stabilize feeding, then electronic component supply stability is improved, but electronic components housed in passed cavities are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensor detects the leading end of the carrier tape before it reaches the supply section, and the control device calculates the required conveyance distance in advance. This preliminary detection and calculation enable the carrier tape to be conveyed by the exact required distance, positioning the first cavity at the supply section without over-conveyance that would cause component wastage.
2Ease of manufacture
If empty cavities are provided near the leading end of the carrier tape, then carrier tape structure is simplified, but empty cavities may be positioned at the supply section resulting in supply errors
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensor provides feedback on the position of the leading end of the carrier tape, and the control device uses this feedback to calculate and control the conveyance distance. This feedback mechanism ensures that even if empty cavities are present near the leading end, the system can accurately position the first cavity containing an electronic component at the supply section, preventing supply errors.
3Device complexity
If the carrier tape is not preadjusted to a regulated length, then loading process is simplified, but the first cavity cannot be positioned accurately at the supply section
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier tape is preadjusted to a regulated length before loading, which is a preliminary action that simplifies the subsequent control process. By pre-adjusting the length, the system ensures that when the leading end is detected and the calculated conveyance distance is applied, the first cavity will be accurately positioned at the supply section.
Data Source
AI summary
The control device of a tape feeder, during the loading processing, in a case in which carrier tape that is preadjusted such that a length from a first cavity, which houses the electronic component and which is first from the leading end of the carrier tape among the multiple cavities, to the leading end of the carrier tape is a regulated length is inserted into the insertion section, starts conveyance of the carrier tape and makes a position of the first cavity a specified position in the feeder main body in accordance with a detection result of the detection sensor.