Patent ID: 6491250
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
A feeder for storing a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and supplying the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, the feeder comprising:a tape-feeding mechanism which engages a tape carrying the circuit components and unwinds and feeds the tape from a reel to the component-supply portion; an elongate frame which is adapted to be held by a table such that the elongate frame extends in a substantially horizontal direction and includes a central portion in said substantially horizontal direction, and which includes the component-supply portion, supports the tape-feeding mechanism, and additionally includes a tape-guide portion which guides the tape fed from the reel to the component-supply portion, along a tape-guide path a portion of which extends in a lengthwise direction of the elongate frame; and a reel-holding portion which is connected to, and pendent from, the elongate frame so as to be mounted independently of the table, and which holds the reel around which the tape is wound, such that all of the reel is vertically positioned below the elongate frame and a majority of the reel is within vertical planes defined by opposite end portions of the elongate frame.