Patent ID: 8489220
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
1. A variable tape feeder for feeding a tape including a carrier tape, a plurality of components packaged on the carrier tape, and a cover tape disposed over the components, the variable tape feeder comprising: a frame including a transfer path that transfers the carrier tape along a transferring direction; a transfer path width adjuster that is installed perpendicular to a bottom of the transfer path and directly on the bottom of the transfer path to adjust a width of the transfer path according to a width of the carrier tape; a transfer path width sensor that detects a width adjustment of the transfer path width adjuster under the transfer path width adjuster; and a controller that receives a signal indicative of the detected width adjustment from the transfer path width sensor and outputs the width adjustment in response to the signal, wherein the transfer path width adjuster includes a first position determining member that determines a position of the transfer path width adjuster according to the width adjustment, and wherein the first position determining member is pivotable relative to the frame, and includes: a first positioning protrusion extending in the transferring direction on one side of the first position determining member and in contact with the transfer path width adjuster, and a first elastic member providing elasticity disposed on another side of the first position determining member to keep the transfer path width adjuster positioned.