Tape Feeder Movable Sprocket Mechanism for Thickness Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tape feeder systems face issues with stable conveyance of subsequent tapes when their thickness differs from that of preceding tapes, leading to potential jams and operational disruptions during the splicingless method.
Innovation Solution
The tape feeder incorporates a second tape conveying mechanism with a sprocket, first urging mechanism, and a tape stopper that prohibits and permits the entry of subsequent tapes based on the position change after the trailing end of the preceding tape passes, ensuring stable conveyance regardless of thickness variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-position second urging mechanism is used to prevent subsequent tape entry, then tape entry control is achieved, but tapes with thickness variations cannot be conveyed stably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the second urging mechanism movable instead of fixed. The mechanism moves in the tape conveying direction to adapt to different tape thicknesses. When a subsequent tape is inserted, the second urging mechanism can shift position to accommodate the thickness variation, preventing the leading end from being caught while maintaining proper engagement with the sprocket. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable conveyance and adaptability to thickness variations.
2Productivity
If the subsequent tape is inserted between the preceding tape and the second urging mechanism, then splicingless operation is achieved, but thick subsequent tapes get caught at the second urging mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second urging mechanism allows the system to maintain continuous productivity while preventing conveyance instability. As subsequent tapes of varying thicknesses are inserted, the mechanism dynamically adjusts its position to accommodate each tape, ensuring smooth conveyance without catching or jamming. This enables uninterrupted component supply while maintaining reliable tape transport.
3Ease of operation
If a splicingless method is used to reduce operation load, then operator workload is reduced, but thickness variations cause conveyance troubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the ease of operation provided by the splicingless method while resolving the reliability issue through the movable second urging mechanism. The mechanism automatically adapts to thickness variations of subsequently inserted tapes, eliminating conveyance troubles without requiring operator intervention or tape splicing operations. This preserves the low operation load benefit while ensuring stable conveyance.
Data Source
AI summary
A second tape conveying mechanism 20B includes a sprocket 21B allowed to rotate freely only in a first rotating direction corresponding to a tape conveying direction, and a first urging member 30 which urges and causes a carrier tape 14 to engage the sprocket 21B. When a preceding tape 14(1) engages the sprocket 21B and a subsequent tape 14(2) is inserted, the second tape conveying mechanism 20B abuts against a leading end of the subsequent tape 14(2) to prohibit entry of the subsequent tape 14(2). After the preceding tape 14(2) passes a tape stopper 35a, a position of the second tape conveying mechanism 20B is changed from a tape entry prohibition position to a tape entry permission position.