Patent Publication Number: US-11388850-B2

Title: Processing method for tip end of tape

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2017/027918, filed Aug. 1, 2017, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a processing method for a tip end of a tape, a jig for processing a tip end of a tape, and a processing device for a tip end of a tape, the processing method, the jig, and the processing device being used to process a tip end of a component storage tape storing components therein. 
     Background Art 
     A component mounter for mounting (packaging) electronic components (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as “components”) on a board, such as a printed wiring board, is equipped with a component feeding device that supplies a component to a component take-out position. As the component feeding device, a device that uses a component storage tape storing components therein is known. The component storage tape is composed of a carrier tape having component storage portions in which components are stored, and a cover tape that is pasted on the carrier tape in such a way as to cover the component storage portions. 
     According to the component feeding device, an insertion member is inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape of the component storage tape, which is sent off in a given tape send-off direction, to open a component storage portion. This exposes a component in the component storage portion of the component storage tape so that the component can be taken out. 
     The component storage tape is wound around a reel and, consequently, a part of the component storage tape is kept in curl. Because of this curled part, in some cases, the insertion member is not inserted certainly between the cover tape and the carrier tape at a tip end of the component storage tape. As a technique for solving such a problem, techniques of processing the tip end of the component storage tape before attaching the component storage tape to the component feeding device are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5991907 and Japanese Patent No. 5913047. 
     According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5991907, processing of a tip end of a tape is carried out as a process of separating a part of the cover tape from the carrier tape at the tip end of the component storage tape. According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5913047, processing of a tip end of a tape is carried out as a process of folding the tip end of the component storage tape upward. 
     However, the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5991907 and Japanese Patent No. 5913047 raise a concern that the insertion member may not be inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape because of vibrations of the component storage tape being traveling forward, the shape of the insertion member, or a material making up the component storage tape. Such a case leads to a failure in exposing the component in the component storage portion of the component storage tape, thus resulting in a drop in the component feeding performance of the component feeding device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and therefore, the present disclosure provides a processing method for a tip end of a tape, a jig for processing a tip end of a tape, and a processing device for a tip end of a tape, the processing method, the jig, and the processing device being used to process a tip end of a component storage tape, in order to facilitate insertion of an insertion member between a cover tape and a carrier tape, and allow a component feeding device to perform steady component feeding. 
     A processing method for a tip end of a tape according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method of processing on a component storage tape including a carrier tape having a plurality of component storage portions storing components therein, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals, and a cover tape having both ends in a width direction joined to the carrier tape such that the cover tape covers the component storage portions, and is a method of processing a tip end of the component storage tape before attaching the component storage tape to a component feeding device. The processing method for a tip end of a tape includes a lifting step of lifting a tip end of the cover tape off the carrier tape such that at the tip end of the component storage tape, a part of a tip edge of the cover tape at least having one end in the width direction joined to an upper surface of the carrier tape is separated from the carrier tape, and a folding step of folding the lifted tip end of the cover tape along a fold to form a triangular fold piece. 
     A jig for processing a tip end of a tape according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a jig being used to process a tip end of a component storage tape including a carrier tape having a plurality of component storage portions storing components therein, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals, and a cover tape having both ends in a width direction joined to the carrier tape such that the cover tape covers the component storage portions. The jig for processing a tip end of a tape has a jig body of a plate-like shape that is inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape at the tip end of the component storage tape, and a front end projection continuous with a front end of a peripheral edge of the jig body, the front end being located on a lowermost downstream side in an insertion direction. The jig body includes a triangular sloped portion sloping down from a central line toward outside, and a flat portion extending from a lower edge side of the sloped portion toward the outside, the sloped portion and the flat portion being formed on an upper surface of the jig body, the upper surface coming in contact with an inner surface of the cover tape. The edge side serving as a boundary between the sloped portion and the flat portion, has a linearly extending mark that serves as a reference mark for forming a fold on a tip end of the cover tape. 
     A processing device for a tip end of a tape according to still another aspect of the present disclosure is a processing device being used to process a tip end of a component storage tape including a carrier tape having a plurality of component storage portions storing components therein, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals, and a cover tape having both ends in a width direction joined to the carrier tape such that the cover tape covers the component storage portions. The processing device for a tip end of a tape includes a body housing, the above jig for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig being attached detachably to the body housing, and a pre-processing mechanism mounted to the body housing, the pre-processing mechanism cutting a tip end of the cover tape or separating the tip end of the cover tape from the carrier tape. 
     Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be clarified through the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a component mounter that mounts a component on a board, the component being stored in a component storage tape to which a processing method for a tip end of a tape according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a component feeding device having the component storage tape attached thereto; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show configuration diagrams of the component storage tape used in the component feeding device; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a state of a tip end of the component storage tape; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of a tape send-off unit seen in a tape send-off direction, the tape send-off unit being included in the component feeding device; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a configuration of a tape traveling path forming unit included in the component feeding device; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a configuration of a component exposing unit included in the component feeding device; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a configuration of a cover tape pre-processing portion of the component exposing unit; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a configuration of a cover tape lifting portion of the component exposing unit; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a configuration of a cover tape post-processing portion of the component exposing unit; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the cover tape post-processing portion; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the cover tape post-processing portion; 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XIII-XIII section line; 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XIV-XIV section line; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XV-XV section line; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XVI-XVI section line; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a tape traveling guide unit included in the component feeding device; 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the tape traveling guide unit of  FIG. 17 , the sectional view being taken along a XVIII-XVIII section line; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the tape traveling guide unit; 
         FIG. 20  is a chart of steps making up the processing method for a tip end of a tape according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C  show diagrams for explaining steps making up the processing method for a tip end of a tape; 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  show diagrams for explaining a first feature of fold pieces formed on a tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIGS. 23A and 23B  show diagrams for explaining the first feature of the fold pieces formed on the tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIGS. 24A and 24B  show diagrams for explaining a second feature of the fold pieces formed on the tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIGS. 25A and 25B  show diagrams for explaining a third feature of the fold pieces formed on the tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIG. 26  shows diagrams for explaining a fourth feature of the fold pieces formed on the tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIG. 27  shows diagrams for explaining a fifth feature of the fold pieces formed on the tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIG. 28  shows diagrams for explaining a sixth feature of the fold pieces formed on the tip end of the cover tape; 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of a processing device for a tip end of a tape according to the one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view of the processing device for a tip end of a tape of  FIG. 29 , the sectional view being taken along a XXX-XXX section line; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a jig for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig being included in the processing device for a tip end of a tape; 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the jig for processing a tip end of a tape; 
         FIG. 33A  is a diagram for explaining an operation that is carried out when a lifting process of lifting the cover tape is executed using the jig for processing a tip end of a tape; 
         FIG. 33B  is a diagram for explaining an operation that is carried out when the lifting process of lifting the cover tape is executed using the jig for processing a tip end of a tape; 
         FIG. 33C  is a diagram for explaining an operation that is carried out when the lifting process of lifting the cover tape is executed using the jig for processing a tip end of a tape; 
         FIG. 33D  is a diagram for explaining an operation that is carried out when a folding process of folding the cover tape is executed using the jig for processing a tip end of a tape; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a component exposing unit of a cover tape separating type. 
         FIG. 35  is a chart of steps making up a processing method for a tip end of a tape, the processing method being applied to a component storage tape attached to a component feeding device including the component exposing unit of the cover tape separating type; 
         FIGS. 36A, 36B and 36C  show diagrams for explaining steps making up the processing method for a tip end of a tape of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a component exposing unit used for a component storage tape with a small width; and 
         FIG. 38  is a diagram for explaining a processing method for a tip end of a tape, the processing method being applied to the component storage tape with a small width. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to processing of a tip end of a tape, which is a process executed on a tip end of a component storage tape storing components therein. Before description of this processing of a tip end of a tape, a component feeding device using the component storage tape on which the processing of a tip end of a tape is executed, and a component mounter will be described with reference to drawings. In the following description, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis in the rectangular coordinate system are used to explain directional relations. The X-axis direction is the direction parallel with a horizontal plane, the Y-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. One side of the X-axis direction is referred to as “+X-side”, and the other side of the same that is opposite to the one side is referred to as “−X-side”. One side of the Y-axis direction is referred to as “+Y-side”, and the other side of the same that is opposite to the one side is referred to as “−Y-side”. One side, i.e., the upper side of the Z-axis direction is referred to as “+Z-side”, and the other side, i.e., the lower side of the same that is opposite to the one side is referred to as “−Z-side”. 
     [Configuration of Component Mounter] 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a component mounter  10 . The component mounter  10  is an apparatus that mounts (packages) components on a board E 1  to manufacture an electronic circuit board (component-carrying board). The component mounter  10  includes a component feeding section  10 A, in which a plurality of component feeding devices  1  are arranged in the X-axis direction, a body frame  11 , a mobile frame  12 , conveyors  13 , a head unit  14 , first drive mechanisms  15 , and a second drive mechanism  16 . 
     The body frame  11  is a structure in which units making up the component mounter  10  are arranged. The body frame  11  is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view in the Z-axis direction. The conveyors  13  extend in the X-axis direction and are arranged in the body frame  11 . The conveyors  13  transfer the board E 1  in the X-axis direction. The board E 1  on the conveyors  13  is transferred by the conveyors  13  to a given work location (component mounting location where a component is mounted on the board E 1 ), where the board E 1  is positioned. 
     The mobile frame  12  extends in the X-axis direction, and is supported by the body frame  11  such that the mobile frame  12  is allowed to move in a given direction (Y-axis direction). The mobile frame  12  carries the head unit  14 . The head unit  14  is mounted on the mobile frame  12  such that the head unit  14  is allowed to move in the X-axis direction. In other words, the head unit  14  can be moved in the Y-axis direction as a result of movement of the mobile frame  12  in the Y-axis direction and can independently move in the X-axis direction along the mobile frame  12 . The head unit  14  can move between the component feeding device  1  and the given work location to which the board E 1  is transferred by the conveyors  13 . The head unit  14  takes out a component, which is supplied to a component take-out position by the component feeding device  1 , and mounts (packages) the taken out component on the board E 1 . 
     The head unit  14  has a suction nozzle, which is a holder capable of sucking and holding the component to be mounted on the board E 1 . The suction nozzle can communicate with any one of a negative pressure generator, a positive pressure generator, and the fresh air, via an electric selector valve. Specifically, supplying a negative pressure to the suction nozzle allows the nozzle to suck/hold the component (to take out the component). Afterward, supplying a positive pressure to the suction nozzle causes the nozzle to release the component. According to this embodiment, a holder different from the suction nozzle may be adopted. For example, a chuck that grips and holds a component may be used in place of the suction nozzle. 
     The first drive mechanisms  15  are disposed on a +X-side end and a −X-side end of the body frame  11 , respectively. The first drive mechanisms  15  are mechanisms that move the mobile frame  12  in the Y-axis direction. Each first drive mechanisms  15  includes a drive motor, a ball screw shaft extending in the Y-axis direction and connected to the drive motor, and a ball nut disposed on the mobile frame  12  and screwed on the ball screw shaft. According to the first drive mechanism  15  configured in this manner, as a result of the rotation of the ball screw shaft caused by the drive motor, the ball nut moves back and forth along the ball screw shaft, which causes the mobile frame  12  to move in the Y-axis direction. 
     The second drive mechanism  16  is disposed on the mobile frame  12 . The second drive mechanism  16  is a mechanism that moves the head unit  14  in the X-axis direction along the mobile frame  12 . Similar to the first drive mechanism  15 , the second drive mechanism  16  includes, for example, a drive motor, a ball screw shaft extending in the X-axis direction and connected to the drive motor, and a ball nut disposed on the head unit  14  and screwed on the ball screw shaft. According to the second drive mechanism  16  configured in this manner, as a result of the rotation of the ball screw shaft caused by the drive motor, the ball nut moves back and forth along the ball screw shaft, which causes the head unit  14  to move in the X-axis direction. 
     [Configuration of Component Feeding Device] 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a component feeding device  1  included in the component mounter  10 . The component feeding device  1  is a device that executes a component feeding method of sending off a component storage tape  100 , which stores components therein, in a tape send-off direction H 1  to supply a component to a component take-out position  21 . The component supplied to the component take-out position  21  by the component feeding device  1  is taken out from the component storage tape  100  by the head unit  14  included in the component mounter  10 , and then is mounted on the board E 1 . 
     Before description of a configuration of the component feeding device  1 , the component storage tape  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show configuration diagrams of the component storage tape  100  used in the component feeding device  1 .  FIG. 3A  is a sectional view showing a section of the component storage tape  100  cut along the tape send-off direction H 1 .  FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the component storage tape  100 . 
     The component storage tape  100  includes a carrier tape  101  and a cover tape  102 , and is attached to the component feeding device  1 . The carrier tape  101  is a tape having a plurality of component storage portions  101   a  storing components E 2  therein, the component storage portions  101   a  being arranged at given intervals. The carrier tape  101  has holes  101   b  arranged at given intervals on its both ends in a width direction. These holes  101   b  are fitted to teeth of first sprockets  311 , second sprockets  321 , and third sprockets  331  of a tape send-off unit  3 , which will be described later. “The holes  101   b  of the component storage tape  100  are fitted to the teeth of the first sprockets  311 , the second sprockets  321 , and the third sprockets  331 ” indicates a state in which the teeth are fitted in the holes  101   b  to allow sending off the component storage tape  100  in a motion interlocked with the rotation of the first sprockets  311 , the second sprockets  321 , and the third sprockets  331 . 
     The cover tape  102  is a tape pasted on the carrier tape  101  in such a way as to cover the component storage portions  101   a . The cover tape  102  is pasted on the carrier tape  101  by joining both ends in the width direction of the cover tape  102  to the carrier tape  101 . As a result, on the component storage tape  100 , joined portions  103 , which result from the cover tape  102  being joined to the carrier tape  101 , are formed respectively on both ends in the width direction of an upper surface of the carrier tape  101  such that the joined portions  103  extend linearly along edges in the width direction of the cover tape  102 . In the width direction of the carrier tape  101 , the joined portions  103  are located inward relative to the holes  101   b.    
     According to the component storage tape  100  configured in the above manner, a length K 1  between the joined portions  103  formed respectively on both ends in the width direction of the carrier tape  101  is substantially equal to a length in the width direction of the cover tape  102 . A length K 2  in the width direction (tape width) of the component storage tape  100  is equal to a length in the width direction of the carrier tape  101 . The component storage tape  100  is a tape with a large width, having the tape width K 2  of, for example, 32 mm or more. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , before being attached to the component feeding device  1 , the component storage tape  100  has its tip end  100 T subjected to processing of a tip end of a tape. On the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 , the tip end  100 T having been subjected to the processing of a tip end of a tape, a pair of triangular fold pieces  102 F are formed by lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  and folding the lifted cover tape  102 . The processing of a tip end of a tape will be described in detail later. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the component feeding device  1  includes a device body  2 , the tape send-off unit  3 , a tape traveling path forming unit  4 , a component exposing unit  6 , a tape traveling guide unit  7 , a lid member  8 , and a tape ejection guide unit  9 . The device body  2  is an enclosure in which units making up the component feeding device  1  are housed. To the device body  2 , an operation unit  22  is annexed. The operation unit  22  is a unit to which an instruction to cause the component feeding device  1  to operate is input by an operator. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a configuration of the tape send-off unit  3  included in the component feeding device  1 , showing a view of the tape send-off unit  3  seen in the tape send-off direction H 1 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a configuration of the tape traveling path forming unit  4  included in the component feeding device  1 . 
     The tape send-off unit  3  executes a tape send-off step of a component feeding process to send off the component storage tape  100 , which has the cover tape  102  located on its upper surface side, in the given tape send-off direction H 1  along the direction of arrangement of the component storage portions  101   a , toward the component take-out position  21 . The tape send-off direction H 1 , in which the component storage tape  100  is sent off by the tape send-off unit  3  toward the component take-out position  21 , is the direction of heading from the −Y-side to the +Y-side. The tape send-off unit  3  intermittently sends off the component storage tape  100  in the tape send-off direction H 1  so that the component storage portions  101   a  reach the component take-out position  21  one by one at given time intervals. The tape send-off unit  3  is configured to be capable of executing a loading operation of sending off the component storage tape  100  in the tape send-off direction H 1  toward the component take-out position  21  and an unloading operation of sending off the component storage tape  100  in a direction of heading from the +Y-side to the −Y-side, which is opposite to the tape send-off direction H 1 . 
     The tape traveling path forming unit  4  forms a traveling path through which the component storage tape  100  sent off by the tape send-off unit  3  travels to reach the component take-out position  21 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the tape traveling path forming unit  4  includes a pair of guide walls  41 . 
     The pair of guide walls  41  are a pair of walls arranged counter to each other across a given gap in the X-axis direction and extending in the Y-axis direction in the device body  2 . The component storage tape  100  sent off by the tape send-off unit  3  has lower surface ends  100 UE (see  FIG. 4 ), which are both ends in a tape width direction H 2  (X-axis direction) of a lower surface of the component storage tape  100 . These lower surface ends  100 UE are guided respectively by guide surfaces  5 , which are upper end faces of the pair of guide walls  41 . In other words, the traveling path for the component storage tape  100  is formed along the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 . From the pair of guide walls  41 , areas are cut out, the areas being occupied by a pair of second sprockets  321  of a second tape send-off portion  32  of the tape send-off unit  3  and a pair of third sprockets  331  of a third tape send-off portion  33  of the same. These second and third sprockets  321  and  331  will be described later. 
     A distance K 3  between respective inner surfaces of the pair of guide walls  41 , the inner surfaces being counter to each other, is determined to be substantially equal with the length K 1  between joined portions  103  of the component storage tape  100 . A distance K 4  between respective outer surfaces of the pair of guide walls  41  is determined to be substantially equal with the tape width K 2  of the component storage tape  100 . 
     Each of the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 , the guide surfaces  5  guiding the lower surface ends  100 UE of the component storage tape  100 , includes a first guide surface portion  51 , a second guide surface portion  52 , and a third guide surface portion  53 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The first guide surface portion  51  of the guide surface  5  makes up a sloped portion of a curved shape. The first guide surface portion  51  is formed into a curved shape in which a lowermost downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  is located on the lower side (−Z-side) relative to an uppermost upstream end. The first guide surface portion  51  has a first curved area  511  on the uppermost upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , a second curved area  512  continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first curved area  511 , and a third curved area  513  continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the second curved area  512 . 
     The first curved area  511  of the first guide surface portion  51  is formed into an upward curved shape in a view in the X-axis direction. The second curved area  512  of the first guide surface portion  51  is formed into a downward curved shape in a view in the X-axis direction. The third curved area  513  of the first guide surface portion  51  is formed into an upward curved shape in a view in the X-axis direction. In this third curved area  513 , a lowermost downstream end  513 E in the tape send-off direction H 1  is located on the lower side (−Z-side) relative to an uppermost upstream end  511 E in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first curved area  511  and is at the same height in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) as the height of the component take-out position  21 . 
     The second guide surface portion  52  of the guide surface  5  is continuous with the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first guide surface portion  51 . According to this embodiment, the second guide surface portion  52  is formed in such a way as to extend horizontally from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . 
     The third guide surface portion  53  of the guide surface  5  is continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first guide surface portion  51 , and extends to reach the component take-out position  21 . According to this embodiment, the third guide surface portion  53  has a horizontal area  531  and a sloped area  532 . The horizontal area  531  is an area that is continuous with the lowermost downstream end  513 E of the third curved area  513  of the first guide surface portion  51  and that extends horizontally along the tape send-off direction H 1 . A downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the horizontal area  531  of the third guide surface portion  53  matches the component take-out position  21  in the tape send-off direction H 1 . In this manner, the component take-out position  21  is located in the horizontal area  531 , which is the horizontal area of the third guide surface portion  53 . This configuration improves the accuracy of a process of taking out a component E 2  from the component storage tape  100  at the component take-out position  21 . The sloped area  532  is an area that is continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the horizontal area  531  and that slopes downward in the forward direction. 
     A configuration of the tape send-off unit  3  will be described specifically with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . The tape send-off unit  3  includes a first tape send-off portion  31 , a second tape send-off portion  32 , and a third tape send-off portion  33 . 
     The first tape send-off portion  31  is disposed on upstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the second guide surface portions  52  of the guide surfaces  5 . The first tape send-off portion  31  sends off the component storage tape  100  with its tip end provided as a free end, thereby causing the component storage tape  100  to travel on the second guide surface portions  52  and the first guide surface portions  51 . The first tape send-off portion  31  includes the pair of first sprockets  311 , a pair of first worm wheel  312 , a pair of first worms  313 , a first servomotor  314 , a first belt  315 , and a first tension roller  316 . 
     The pair of first sprockets  311  are disc-shaped sprockets that are supported on the device body  2  in such a way as to be capable of rotating respectively around an axis extending in the X-axis direction (tape width direction H 2 ). The pair of first sprockets  311  have a plurality of teeth  311   a  arranged circumferentially at given intervals. Respective sets of teeth  311   a  of the pair of first sprockets  311  can be fitted in respective groups of holes  101   b  formed on both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the carrier tape  101  of the component storage tape  100 . The pair of first sprockets  311  each have a built-in one-way clutch that transmits a torque in one direction only. 
     The pair of first worm wheels  312  are worm gears that are arranged coaxial respectively with the pair of first sprockets  311 . The pair of first worms  313  are screw gears that engage respectively with the pair of first worm wheels  312 . 
     The first servomotor  314  is a driving source that generates a driving force that causes the pair of first sprockets  311  to rotate. The first servomotor  314  has a motor output shaft  314   a  that outputs the driving force. The first belt  315  is an endless belt which is stretched with a tension between the motor output shaft  314   a  and the pair of first worms  313 . The first belt  315  runs through a looped path as a result of the rotation of the first servomotor  314 . The first tension roller  316  is a roller that is in contact with the peripheral surface of the first belt  315  to give a tension to the first belt  315 . 
     According to the first tape send-off portion  31  configured in the above manner, the rotation driving force of the first servomotor  314  is transmitted to the pair of first worm wheels  312  via the first belt  315  and the pair of first worms  313 , thus causing the pair of first worm wheels  312  to rotate. When the pair of first worm wheels  312  rotate, their rotation causes the pair of first sprockets  311  to rotate in an interlocked motion. As the pair of first sprockets  311  rotate, the first sprockets  311  send off the component storage tape  100  including the carrier tape  101  having the holes  101   b  in which the teeth  311   a  of the first sprockets  311  are fitted. 
     The second tape send-off portion  32  is disposed on the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first tape send-off portion  31 . The second tape send-off portion  32  is disposed on downstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 , that is, disposed on upstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the third guide surface portions  53 . The second tape send-off portion  32  receives the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  to travel on the first guide surface portions  51 , and sends off the component storage tape  100  toward the component take-out position  21 . The second tape send-off portion  32  thus causes the component storage tape  100  to travel on the third guide surface portions  53 . 
     Similar to the first tape send-off portion  31 , the second tape send-off portion  32  includes the pair of second sprockets  321 , a pair of second worm wheel  322 , a pair of second worms  323 , a second servomotor  324 , a second belt  325 , and a second tension roller  326 . 
     The pair of second sprockets  321  are disc-shaped sprockets that are supported on the device body  2  in such a way as to be capable of rotating respectively around an axis extending in the X-axis direction (tape width direction H 2 ). The pair of second sprockets  321  have a plurality of teeth  321   a  arranged circumferentially at given intervals. On the pair of second sprockets  321 , teeth  321   a  located on the +Z-side in the Z-axis direction are exposed from the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 . Respective sets of teeth  321   a  of the pair of second sprockets  321  can be fitted in respective groups of holes  101   b  formed on both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the carrier tape  101  of the component storage tape  100 . 
     The pair of second worm wheels  322  are worm gears that are arranged coaxial respectively with the pair of second sprockets  321 . The pair of second worms  323  are screw gears that engage respectively with the pair of second worm wheels  322 . 
     The second servomotor  324  is a driving source that generates a driving force that causes the pair of second sprockets  321  to rotate. The second servomotor  324  has a motor output shaft  324   a  that outputs the driving force. The second belt  325  is an endless belt which is stretched with a tension between the motor output shaft  324   a  and the pair of second worms  323 . The second belt  325  runs through a looped path as a result of the rotation of the second servomotor  324 . The second tension roller  326  is a roller that is in contact with the peripheral surface of the second belt  325  to give a tension to the second belt  325 . 
     According to the second tape send-off portion  32  configured in the above manner, the rotation driving force of the second servomotor  324  is transmitted to the pair of second worm wheels  322  via the second belt  325  and the pair of second worms  323 , thus causing the pair of second worm wheels  322  to rotate. When the pair of second worm wheels  322  rotate, their rotation causes the pair of second sprockets  321  to rotate in an interlocked motion. As the pair of second sprockets  321  rotate, the second sprockets  321  send off the component storage tape  100  including the carrier tape  101  having the holes  101   b  in which the teeth  321   a  of the second sprockets  321  are fitted. 
     When the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  reaches the pair of second sprockets  321  and, at the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 , the holes  101   b  of the carrier tape  101  are fitted to the teeth  321   a  of the pair of second sprockets  321 , the first servomotor  314  comes to a stop. When the first servomotor  314  stops in this manner, a rotating shaft of the first sprockets  311  stops. However, the one-way clutch interposed between the rotating shaft and each of the first sprockets  311  allows the first sprockets  311  to rotate in a motion interlocked with the travel of the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the rotation of the pair of second sprockets  321 , even when the rotating shaft does not rotate. 
     The third tape send-off portion  33  is disposed on downstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the horizontal areas  531  of the third guide surface portions  53  of the guide surfaces  5 . In other words, the third tape send-off portion  33  is disposed close to the component take-out position  21  on the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the second tape send-off portion  32 . The third tape send-off portion  33  sends off the component storage tape  100  as the third tape send-off portion  33  makes an interlocked motion with the second tape send-off portion  32 . The third tape send-off portion  33  receives the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the second tape send-off portion  32  to travel on the third guide surface portions  53 , and sends off the component storage tape  100  to cause it to pass the component take-out position  21 . In the above configuration in which the third tape send-off portion  33  is disposed close to the component take-out position  21  and receives the component storage tape  100  in such a location, the component storage tape  100  can be sent off in a state in which the component storage tape  100  is positioned highly accurately relative to the component take-out position  21 . 
     The third tape send-off portion  33  includes the pair of third sprockets  331 , and a pair of third worm wheels  332 . The above expression “the third tape send-off portion  33  is disposed close to the component take-out position  21 ” means that, in a view in the X-axis direction, the third tape send-off portion  33  is disposed such that the component take-out position  21  is in an area occupied by the pair of third sprockets  331  in the tape send-off direction H 1 . In a view in the X-axis direction, the component take-out position  21  may be directly above the top (uppermost end) of the pair of third sprockets  331  or may be at a position shifted in the Y-axis direction from the position directly above the top of the pair of third sprockets  331 . When the component take-out position  21  is determined to be a position shifted in the Y-axis direction from the position directly above the top of the pair of third sprockets  331 , it is preferable that the component take-out position  21  be shifted not toward the downstream side but toward the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . The reason for preferring this arrangement is that, at the position shifted toward the upstream side, an area of component storage tape  100  that passes the component take-out position  21 , the component storage tape  100  being sent off by the pair of third sprockets  331  of the third tape send-off portion  33 , is in a state of being pulled and therefore hardly deforms, in which case the component storage tape  100  is positioned highly accurately relative to the component take-out position  21 . 
     The pair of third sprockets  331  are disc-shaped sprockets that are supported on the device body  2  in such a way as to be capable of rotating respectively around an axis extending in the X-axis direction (tape width direction H 2 ). The pair of third sprockets  331  have a plurality of teeth  331   a  arranged circumferentially at given intervals. On the pair of third sprockets  331 , teeth  331   a  located on the +Z-side are exposed from the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 . Respective sets of teeth  331   a  of the pair of third sprockets  331  can be fitted in respective groups of holes  101   b  formed on both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the carrier tape  101  of the component storage tape  100 . 
     The pair of third worm wheels  332  are worm gears that are arranged coaxial respectively with the pair of third sprockets  331 . The pair of third worm wheels  332  engage respectively with the pair of second worms  323 . 
     According to the third tape send-off portion  33  configured in the above manner, which operates in the same manner as the second tape send-off portion  32  does, the rotation driving force of the second servomotor  324  is transmitted to the pair of third worm wheels  332  via the second belt  325  and the pair of second worms  323 , thus causing the pair of third worm wheels  332  to rotate. When the pair of third worm wheels  332  rotate, their rotation causes the pair of third sprockets  331  to rotate in an interlocked motion. As the pair of third sprockets  331  rotate, the third sprockets  331  send off the component storage tape  100  including the carrier tape  101  having the holes  101   b  in which the teeth  331   a  of the third sprockets  331  are fitted. 
     The component feeding device  1  can be equipped with a plurality of reels (not depicted) around which component storage tapes  100  are wound respectively. A component feeding operation by the component feeding device  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 , as follows. An operator, as preparation work, first attaches a reel around which a component storage tape  100  preceding in component feeding by the component feeding device  1  (preceding component storage tape) is wound, to the component feeding device  1 . The operator then fits a tip end of the preceding component storage tape  100  to the first sprockets  311 . Subsequently, the operator operates the operation unit  22  to enter an instruction to rotate the first sprockets  311 . As a result, the preceding component storage tape  100  is sent off and its tip end is fitted to the second sprockets  321 . 
     At a point at which the above preparation work is over, the component feeding device  1  starts its component feeding operation. In the component feeding device  1 , the second sprockets  321  rotate, thus sending off the preceding component storage tape  100 . At this time, the first sprockets  311  are left idling. The rotating second sprockets  321  thus send off the preceding component storage tape  100 . 
     In a state in which the preceding component storage tape  100  is sent off by the second sprockets  321 , the operator operates a tape switching device  400 , which is disposed on the uppermost upstream side of the guide surfaces  5 , to cause a part of preceding component storage tape  100  that is on the upstream side to shift its position downward (toward the −Z-side). As a result, the preceding component storage tape  100  is disengaged from the first sprockets  311 . At this point of time, the preceding component storage tape  100  is already fitted to the second sprockets  321 . When disengaged from the first sprockets  311 , therefore, the preceding component storage tape  100  is kept sent off by the second sprockets  321 . 
     In a state in which the preceding component storage tape  100  is sent off by the second sprockets  321 , the operator attaches a reel around which a component storage tape  100  that follows the preceding component storage tape  100 , i.e., following component storage tape  100  is wound, to the component feeding device  1 . The operator then fits a tip end of the following component storage tape  100  to the first sprockets  311 . In this manner, before components in the preceding component storage tape  100  are all taken out, the reel around which the following component storage tape  100  is wound can be attached to the component feeding device  1 . Subsequently, at a point of time at which the preceding component storage tape  100  is completely reeled out, sending off the following component storage tape  100  is automatically started. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a configuration of the component exposing unit  6  included in the component feeding device  1 . The component exposing unit  6  carries out a component exposing process of lifting the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off as its lower surface ends  100 UE are guided by the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 , along the joined portions  103  serving as starting points, the joined portions  103  joining the cover tape  102  to the carrier tape  101 , and pushing lifted parts of the cover tape  102  to outside of the side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the component storage tape  100  while folding the lifted parts downward (toward the −Z-side) to expose the component E 2  stored in the component storage portion  101   a , thereby executing a component exposing step of the component feeding process. The component exposing unit  6  includes a cover tape lifting portion  61 , a cover tape pre-processing portion  62 , and a cover tape post-processing portion  63 . 
     The cover tape lifting portion  61  is disposed between the pair of guide walls  41  such that the cover tape lifting portion  61  corresponds to the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 . The cover tape lifting portion  61  carries out a lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  such that an extent of lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  increases continuously on the component storage tape  100 , which travels as its lower surface ends  100 UE are guided by the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 . The cover tape lifting portion  61  carries out the lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102 , thereby executing a lifting step included in the component exposing step of the component feeding process. 
     The cover tape pre-processing portion  62  is disposed between the pair of guide walls  41  such that the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  corresponds to the second guide surface portions  52  of the guide surfaces  5 . Before the cover tape lifting portion  61  carries out the lifting process, the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  carries out pre-processing of cutting the cover tape  102 . The cover tape pre-processing portion  62  carries out the pre-processing on the cover tape  102 , thereby executing a pre-processing step included in the component exposing step of the component feeding process. 
     The cover tape post-processing portion  63  is disposed on the upper side (+Z-side) relative to the cover tape lifting portion  61  such that the cover tape post-processing portion  63  corresponds to the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 . The cover tape post-processing portion  63  carries out post-processing of pushing lifted parts of the cover tape  102  lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  61  to outside of respective side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the component storage tape  100  while folding the lifted parts downward (toward the −Z-side) to make the component storage portion  101   a  open to the outside. The cover tape post-processing portion  63  carries out the post-processing on the cover tape  102 , thereby executing a post-processing step included in the component exposing step of the component feeding process. 
     A configuration of the component exposing unit  6  included in the component feeding device  1  will then be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIGS. 8 to 16 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a configuration of the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  of the component exposing unit  6 .  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a configuration of the cover tape lifting portion  61  of the component exposing unit  6 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a configuration of the cover tape post-processing portion  63  of the component exposing unit  6 .  FIG. 11  is a side view of the cover tape post-processing portion  63 .  FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the cover tape post-processing portion  63 .  FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion  63  of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XIII-XIII section line.  FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion  63  of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XIV-XIV section line.  FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion  63  of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XV-XV section line.  FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the cover tape post-processing portion  63  of  FIG. 12 , the sectional view being taken along a XVI-XVI section line. Positions at which the cover tape post-processing portion  63  is cut to take the sectional views of  FIGS. 13 to 16  are in the order of heading from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , that is,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 16  represent the sectional views taken in order at those positions. 
     As described above, the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  is disposed between the pair of guide walls  41  such that the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  corresponds to the second guide surface portions  52  of the guide surfaces  5 . Before the cover tape lifting portion  61  carries out the lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102 , the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  carries out the pre-processing of cutting the cover tape  102  on the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  and travels on the second guide surface portions  52  as the tip end of the component storage tape  100  is provided as a free end. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  includes an insertion member  621 , a cover tape cutting portion  622 , and a support portion  623 . 
     The insertion member  621  is a member that is inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  of the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  and travels on the second guide surface portions  52  as the tip end of the component storage tape  100  is provided as a free end. The insertion member  621  is formed into a plate-like shape. The insertion member  621  has a base portion  6211 , and an insertion front end  6212  continuous with an upstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the base portion  6211 . To a downstream end  6211   a  in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 , a lid member  8 , which will be described later, is connected. 
     In the insertion member  621 , the insertion front end  6212  slopes upward against the base portion  6211  such that the insertion front end  6212  tilts upward (toward the +Z-side) from its part connected to the base portion  6211  toward a front edge  6212   a , which is an upstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1 . In other words, in a state in which the insertion member  621  is inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 , the base portion  6211  is substantially parallel with the cover tape  102 , and the insertion front end  6212  slopes upward in such a way as to separate from the carrier tape  101  across a gap and head to the cover tape  102 . 
     The insertion front end  6212  of the insertion member  621  is made into the above sloped structure. This prevents a case where when the component storage tape  100  with the insertion member  621  being inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31 , the insertion front end  6212  comes in contact with a storage portion connection area located between adjacent component storage portions  101   a  of the carrier tape  101 . As a result, smooth traveling of the component storage tape  100  is maintained to allow efficient transfer of the component E 2  to the component take-out position  21 . 
     The insertion front end  6212  of the insertion member  621  is formed into a tapered shape such that the insertion front end  6212  tapers off toward its front edge  6212   a  to reduce in width. On the component storage tape  100  in which the insertion member  621  is inserted, triangular fold pieces  102 F are formed on a tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . These fold pieces  102 F facilitate insertion of the insertion member  621  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 . 
     The insertion member  621  is supported by the support portion  623 . According to this embodiment, the support portion  623  is disposed on an upper surface of the lid member  8  (which will be described later) connected to the downstream end  6211   a  in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 , and is fixed to the device body  2 . In this configuration, the support portion  623  supports the insertion member  621  via the lid member  8 . 
     The cover tape cutting portion  622  cuts the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  and travels on the second guide surface portions  52  as the tip end of the component storage tape  100  is provided as a free end. The cover tape cutting portion  622  cuts the cover tape  102  at a given position (e.g., central position) between both ends in the width direction of the cover tape  102 . A cut part  102   a  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the cover tape  102  cut by the cover tape cutting portion  622  extends linearly along the guide surfaces  5 . 
     The cover tape cutting portion  622  includes a cutter  6221  that cuts the cover tape  102 , and a holding portion  6222 . The holding portion  6222  has a holding surface  6222   a  that holds the cutter  6221  in such a way as to expose its cutter edge. 
     The cover tape cutting portion  622  is supported by the support portion  623  via the lid member  8  such that, in an area  6222   b  of the holding portion  6222 , the area  6222   b  at least being on the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , a surface opposite to the holding surface  6222   a  is in contact with an upper surface  6211   b  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 . On the cover tape cutting portion  622 , the cutter  6221  held by the holding surface  6222   a  of the holding portion  6222  faces upward (the +Z-side). According to this configuration, when the component storage tape  100  traveling on the second guide surface portions  52  passes the cover tape cutting portion  622 , the insertion member  621  is interposed between an upstream end  6222   c  of the cover tape cutting portion  622  and the carrier tape  101 . This prevents the upstream end  6222   c  of the cover tape cutting portion  622  from coming in contact with the component E 2  stored in the component storage portion  101   a  of the carrier tape  101 . A case where the component E 2  is damaged by the cover tape cutting portion  622  coming in contact therewith, therefore, is prevented. 
     It is preferable that on the holding portion  6222  of the cover tape cutting portion  622 , the holding surface  6222   a  be a sloped surface sloping downward from the downstream side to the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . In this configuration, when the component storage tape  100  travels on the second guide surface portions  52  and passes the cover tape cutting portion  622 , the component storage tape  100  is guided along the holding surface  6222   a  of the holding portion  6222 , the holding surface  6222   a  being formed as a sloped surface. As a result, traveling resistance that arises when the component storage tape  100  passes the cover tape cutting portion  622  can be reduced. 
     The insertion member  621  may be supported by the support portion  623  via the lid member  8  such that the insertion member  621  can be rocked around a given axis J 1  extending in the X-axis direction (tape width direction H 2 ). To allow the cover tape cutting portion  622  to rock in a motion interlocked with the rocking of the insertion member  621 , the area  6222   b  of the holding portion  6222 , the area  6222   b  at least being on the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , is set in contact with the upper surface  6211   b  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 . Because of this configuration, for example, when the component storage tape  100  with a warp travels on the guide surfaces  5 , the insertion member  621  and the cover tape cutting portion  622 , which are inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 , are allowed to rock in response to the warp of the component storage tape  100 . Thus, the case where the insertion front end  6212  of the insertion member  621  comes in contact with the storage portion connection area of the carrier tape  101  can be prevented in a steady manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the cover tape lifting portion  61  is disposed between the pair of guide walls  41  such that the cover tape lifting portion  61  corresponds to the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 . On the component storage tape  100  traveling on the first guide surface portions  51 , the cover tape lifting portion  61  comes in contact with the cut part  102   a  of the cover tape  102  cut by the cover tape cutting portion  622 , thereby lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101 . The cover tape lifting portion  61  includes a lifting start portion  611  and a lifting extent adjusting portion  612 . 
     The lifting start portion  611  makes up an upstream part in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the cover tape lifting portion  61 . The lifting start portion  611  has a contact starting point P 1  at which contact with the cover tape  102  starts, and starts lifting of the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  from the contact starting point P 1 . The cover tape lifting portion  61  is disposed such that the contact starting point P 1  of the lifting start portion  611  is located at the midpoint between the pair of guide walls  41 . In other words, the contact starting point P 1  of the lifting start portion  611  is on the cut part  102   a  of the cover tape  102  cut by the cover tape cutting portion  622 . On the cover tape lifting portion  61 , the lifting start portion  611  is fixed to the lid member  8  described later. 
     On the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , the tip end  102 T being in contact with the contact starting point P 1  of the lifting start portion  611 , the triangular fold pieces  102 F are formed, as shown in  FIG. 4 . This helps the lifting start portion  611  smoothly start the lifting of the cover tape  102 . 
     On the cover tape lifting portion  61 , the lifting extent adjusting portion  612  is continuous with a downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the lifting start portion  611 . The lifting extent adjusting portion  612  continuously increases an extent of lifting of the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  as the component storage tape  100  travels on the first guide surface portions  51 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the lifting extent adjusting portion  612  is composed of a pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122 . Each of the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  is a plate-like member that extends from a connection part, where the lifting adjusting piece is connected to the lifting start portion  611 , to approach each of the guide walls  41 . Downstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  are in contact respectively with the joined portions  103  where the cover tape  102  is joined to the carrier tape  101 , the joined portions  103  being formed on both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the cover tape  102 . 
     On the lifting extent adjusting portion  612 , a separation distance between the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  in the tape width direction H 2  increases gradually from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . It is understood by referring to  FIGS. 13 to 15  that the separation distance between the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  in the order of a separation distance W 1  ( FIG. 13 ), a separation distance W 2  ( FIG. 14 ), and a separation distance W 3  ( FIG. 15 ). The pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  making up the lifting extent adjusting portion  612  allow the continuous increase of the extent of lifting of the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101 . 
     As described above, the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 , the first guide surface portions  51  bearing the cover tape lifting portion  61  placed thereon, are of curved shapes. Because of this, compared with a case of placing the cover tape lifting portion  61  on guide surfaces extending horizontally along the tape send-off direction H 1 , for example, the traveling distance of the component storage tape  100  that travels along the first guide surface portions  51  and passes the cover tape lifting portion  61  is increased. Besides, on the first guide surface portions  51 , the lowermost downstream ends  513 E in the tape send-off direction H 1  are located below the uppermost upstream ends  511 E. As a result, on the cover tape  102  having been subjected to the lifting process by the cover tape lifting portion  61 , the development of a tensile stress acting in a direction of heading from the downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  to the contact starting point P 1  of the lifting start portion  611  is inhibited. Thus, buckling/deformation of the carrier tape  101  caused by the tensile stress of the cover tape  102  is prevented when the cover tape lifting portion  61  carries out the lifting process on the cover tape  102 . As a result, smooth traveling of the component storage tape  100  is maintained to allow efficient transfer of the component E 2  to the component take-out position  21 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , each of the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  making up the lifting extent adjusting portion  612  has a first adjusting piece  6123  and a second adjusting piece  6124  connected to a downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first adjusting piece  6123  via a connection member  613 . The second adjusting piece  6124  is connected to the first adjusting piece  6123  in such a way as to be capable of rocking on the connection member  613 . The pair of the lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  each having the first adjusting piece  6123  and the second adjusting piece  6124  are thus capable of rocking in response to a change in traveling behavior of the component storage tape  100  on the first guide surface portions  51 . Thus, a drop in the steadiness of the lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  by the pair of the lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  is prevented. 
     As described above, the first guide surface portions  51 , on which the cover tape lifting portion  61  is placed, have the first curved areas  511  on the uppermost upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , the second curved areas  512  continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first curved areas  511 , and the third curved areas  513  continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the second curved areas  512 . 
     In a view in the X-axis direction (tape width direction H 2 ), the curve of the first guide surface portions  51  in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) in the first curved areas  511  and the same in the second curved areas  512  are different from each other. The sign of a curvature, therefore, changes in these curved areas  511  and  512 . When the component storage tape  100  travels along such first guide surface portions  51 , a force of causing the component storage tape  100  to warp in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) acts on the component storage tape  100  and this force acts in opposite directions respectively in the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  when the component storage tape  100  passes these curved areas. For this reason, for example, when the cover tape lifting portion  61  is placed on the first guide surface portions  51  to lie across the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512 , it raises a possibility that the steadiness of the lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  by the cover tape lifting portion  61  may drop. 
     To prevent such a case, the cover tape lifting portion  61  is disposed such that the contact starting point P 1  of the lifting start portion  611  is located on a boundary S 1  between the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  or located close to the boundary S 1 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . In such a configuration, the cover tape lifting portion  61  has the contact starting point P 1  located on the boundary S 1  between the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  or located close to the boundary S 1 , the contact starting point P 1  being the uppermost upstream end of the cover tape lifting portion  61 . The cover tape lifting portion  61 , therefore, does not lie across the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  but lies on the second curved areas  512 . Thus, a drop in the steadiness of the lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  by the cover tape lifting portion  61  is prevented. On the cover tape lifting portion  61 , the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  extend across the second curved areas  512  and the third curved areas  513  of the first guide surface portions  51  in the tape send-off direction H 1 . 
     When traveling on the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51 , the component storage tape  100  warps while traveling. The component storage tape  100  travels on the first guide surface portions  51  in a case where the component storage tape  100  is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  disposed on the upstream side of the first guide surface portions  51  and in another case where the component storage tape  100  is sent off by the second tape send-off portion  32  disposed on the downstream side of the first guide surface portions  51 . In both cases, the direction of warp of the component storage tape  100  during traveling changes when the component storage tape  100  passes a point of curvature change, i.e., a boundary between the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512 , and, consequently, traveling behavior of the component storage tape  100  on the first guide surface portions  51  changes. Specifically, the component storage tape  100  sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  warps upward (toward the +Z-side) on the first curved areas  511  and warps downward (toward the −Z-side) on the second curved areas  512 . The component storage tape  100  sent off by the second tape send-off portion  32 , on the other hand, warps downward (toward the −Z-side) on the first curved areas  511  and warps upward (toward the +Z-side) on the second curved areas  512 . 
     As described above, according to the cover tape lifting portion  61  of this embodiment, only the lifting start portion  611  is fixed to the lid member  8 , which will be described later, and the second adjusting pieces  6124  are connected to the first adjusting pieces  6123  in such a way as to be capable of rocking on the connection members  613 , respectively. Because of this configuration, the cover tape lifting portion  61  can rock in response to a change in traveling behavior of the component storage tape  100  on the first guide surface portions  51 . Thus, a drop in the steadiness of the lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  by the cover tape lifting portion  61  is prevented. 
     On the first guide surface portions  51 , the third curved areas  513  continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the second curved areas  512 , on which the cover tape lifting portion  61  is placed, are formed into upward curved shapes. On the lowermost downstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the third curved areas  513 , as described above, the second tape send-off portion  32  having the pair of second sprockets  321  is disposed. The third curved areas  513  are formed into the upward curved shapes so that when the holes  101   b  of the carrier tape  101  are fitted to the teeth  321   a  of the pair of second sprockets  321  on the tip end of the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off by the first tape send-off portion  31  and travels on the third curved areas  513 , fitting the holes  101   b  to the teeth  321   a  is facilitated. 
     The lid member  8  included in the component feeding device  1  will then be described. The lid member  8  is a member that covers at least a part of each of openings of the component storage portions  101   a  of the component storage tape  100  having been subjected to the exposing process by the component exposing unit  6 , the exposing process being carried out to expose the component E 2  in the component storage portion  101   a . In a configuration in which the component feeding device  1  includes the lid member  8 , the lid member  8  prevents the component E 2  from leaping out of the component storage portion  101   a  when the component storage tape  100  having been subjected to the exposing process is sent off by the tape send-off unit  3 . The component feeding device  1 , therefore, is allowed to steadily perform transfer of the component to the component take-out position  21 . 
     According to this embodiment, the lid member  8  extends from the downstream end  6211   a  in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621  to the component take-out position  21  along the guide surfaces  5 . The lid member  8 , which is connected to the downstream end  6211   a  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 , is inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  of the component storage tape  100  sent off by the tape send-off unit  3 . In this state, the lid member  8  covers the component storage portion  101   a  along the guide surfaces  5 . The lid member  8  thus has a function of guiding the component storage tape  100  in its traveling, the component storage tape  100  being sent off by the tape send-off unit  3 , while being inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 . 
     As mentioned above, when the component storage tape  100  travels on the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51 , the component storage tape  100  warps while traveling. This raises a possibility that, on the component storage tape  100  traveling on the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51 , a frictional force created by contact between the lid member  8 , which covers the component storage portion  101   a , and the carrier tape  101  may increase. 
     It is therefore preferable that the lid member  8  be a member having flexibility. In a configuration in which the lid member  8  is a flexible member, when the component storage tape  100  warps while traveling on the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51 , the lid member  8  warps in response to the warp of the component storage tape  100 . As a result, on the component storage tape  100  traveling on the first curved areas  511  and the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51 , an increase in the frictional force created by contact between the lid member  8 , which covers the component storage portion  101   a , and the carrier tape  101  can be suppressed. Traveling resistance that arises when the component storage tape  100  travels on the guide surfaces  5 , therefore, can be reduced. It is also preferable that the lid member  8  be made of a metal so that no static electricity is generated by the lid member  8 . The lid member  8  may be of a structure in which a conductive layer is formed on the surface of a base material made of plastic or the like. 
     On the component exposing unit  6 , the cover tape post-processing portion  63  is disposed on the upper side (+Z-side) relative to the cover tape lifting portion  61 . The cover tape post-processing portion  63  pushes lifted parts of the cover tape  102  lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  61  to outside of respective side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the component storage tape  100  while folding the lifted parts downward (toward the −Z-side) to make the component storage portion  101   a  open to the outside. As shown in  FIGS. 10 to 16 , the cover tape post-processing portion  63  includes an upper regulating portion  631  and side regulating portions  632 . 
     On the cover tape post-processing portion  63 , the upper regulating portion  631  is set above and face to the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5  across a gap. The upper regulating portion  631  carries out first post-processing of regulating the upward movement of lifted parts of the cover tape  102  lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  61  while pushing the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  to outside of respective side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the component storage tape  100  to make the component storage portion  101   a  open to the outside. The gap between the upper regulating portion  631  and the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5  is determined such that the gap becomes narrower as it extends from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction HE It is understood by referring to  FIGS. 14 to 16  that the gap between the upper regulating portion  631  and the first guide surface portions  51  becomes narrower to take three forms of gaps L 1  ( FIG. 14 ), L 2  ( FIG. 15 ), and L 3  ( FIG. 16 ) in the size decreasing order as the gap extends from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . In this configuration, the upper regulating portion  631  can push the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  to the outside such that an extent of outward movement of the lifted parts toward respective side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the cover tape  102  increases in response to a continuous increase in an extent of lifting by the lifting extent adjusting portion  612 . As a result, the component storage portion  101   a  can be opened to the outside effectively, which facilitates taking out the component E 2  at the component take-out position  21 . 
     The upper regulating portion  631  has an upper regulation starting point P 2  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), which serves as a point of starting regulation of the upward movement of the cover tape  102  lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  61 . On the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , the tip end  102 T coming in contact with the upper regulation starting point P 2  of the upper regulating portion  631 , the triangular fold pieces  102 F (see  FIG. 4 ) are formed, as shown in  FIG. 14 . This allows the upper regulating portion  631  to smoothly push outward the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  61 . 
     According to this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the upper regulating portion  631  has a first upper regulating area  6311  and a second upper regulating area  6312 . The first upper regulating area  6311  is counter to the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51  and extends from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , as a downward slope. The second upper regulating area  6312  is continuous with the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the first upper regulating area  6311 . The second upper regulating area  6312  is counter to the third curved areas  513  of the first guide surface portions  51  and extends horizontally along the tape send-off direction H 1 . In this configuration, a gap between the first upper regulating area  6311  of the upper regulating portion  631  and the second curved areas  512  of the first guide surface portions  51  becomes narrower in correspondence to the downward slope of the first upper regulating area  6311 . A gap between the second upper regulating area  6312  of the upper regulating portion  631  and the third curved areas  513  of the first guide surface portions  51 , on the other hand, becomes narrower in correspondence to the upward curved shapes of the third curved areas  513 . In other words, the gap between the upper regulating portion  631  and the first guide surface portions  51  can be determined such that the gap becomes narrower as it extends from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . 
     On a lower surface (surface counter to the first guide surface portions  51 ) of the second upper regulating area  6312  of the upper regulating portion  631 , a pair of lifting extent adjusting auxiliary pieces  633  are formed as projections on a downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1 , as shown in  FIGS. 11, 12, and 16 . The pair of lifting extent adjusting auxiliary pieces  633  are plate-like projections that project from downstream ends of the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  to approach the pair of guide walls  41 , respectively, while extending from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . A separation distance between the pair of lifting extent adjusting auxiliary pieces  633  along the tape width direction H 2  increases gradually as the lifting extent adjusting auxiliary pieces  633  extend from the upstream side to the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 . A separation distance W 4  between the pair of lifting extent adjusting auxiliary pieces  633  ( FIG. 16 ) is larger than a separation distance W 3  between the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122  on their downstream side ( FIG. 15 ). On the downstream side of the pair of lifting adjusting pieces  6121  and  6122 , the pair of lifting extent adjusting auxiliary pieces  633  continuously increase the extent of lifting of the cover tape  102 . 
     On the cover tape post-processing portion  63 , the side regulating portions  632  are extended downward from both ends in the width direction of the upper regulating portion  631 , respectively, such that the side regulating portions  632  face the side end faces of the component storage tape  100 , respectively, from the outside of the pair of guide walls  41  in the tape width direction H 2 . The side regulating portions  632  carry out second post-processing of regulating the sidewise movement of the lifted parts of the cover tape  102 , the lifted parts being pushed to outside of respective side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the component storage tape  100  by the upper regulating portion  632 , while folding the lifted parts downward. 
     When the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  pushed outward by the upper regulating portion  631  are folded downward by the side regulating portions  632 , the carrier tape  101  may possibly buckle or deform. To prevent such a case, the cover tape post-processing portion  63  is configured such that a side regulating starting point P 3  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), which serves as a point of starting the downward folding of the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  by the side regulating portions  632 , is located in the second upper regulating area  6312  of the upper regulating portion  631 , the second upper regulating area  6312  extending horizontally in the tape send-off direction H 1 . This inhibits the buckling or deformation of the carrier tape  101  when the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  are folded downward from the side regulating starting point P 3 . 
     On the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , the tip end  102 T coming in contact with the side regulating starting point P 3  of the side regulating portions  632 , the triangular fold pieces  102 F are formed, as shown in  FIG. 15  (see  FIG. 4 ). This allows the side regulating portions  632  to smoothly fold the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  downward, the lifted parts being pushed to outside of respective side edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the component storage tape  100  by the upper regulating portion  631 . 
     The tape traveling guide unit  7  included in the component feeding device  1  will then be described with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 19 .  FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the tape traveling guide unit  7 .  FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the tape traveling guide unit  7  of  FIG. 17 , the sectional view being taken along a XVIII-XVIII section line.  FIG. 19  is a side view of the tape traveling guide unit  7 . 
     At the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the component exposing unit  6 , the tape traveling guide unit  7  is disposed on the horizontal areas  531  of the third guide surface portions  53  of the guide surfaces  5 . In other words, the tape traveling guide unit  7  is located close to the component take-out position  21 . The tape traveling guide unit  7  guides the component storage tape  100  having been subjected to the component exposing process by the component exposing unit  6  to help the component storage tape  100  in traveling on the third guide surface portions  53  toward the component take-out position  21 . The tape traveling guide unit  7  includes a guide body  71  and opening width defining members  72 . 
     On the tape traveling guide unit  7 , the guide body  71  makes up the body of the tape traveling guide unit  7 , and has an opening  711  and a cover tape path demarcating portion  712 . On the component storage tape  100  traveling on the third guide surface portions  53 , the opening  711  faces the component storage portion  101   a  made open to the outside by the component exposing process by the component exposing unit  6 . The opening  711  is formed into a rectangular shape having a given length in the tape send-off direction H 1 . The opening  711  is located underneath the component take-out position  21 . In other words, the head unit  14  of the component mounter  10  takes out the component E 2 , which is transferred to the component take-out position  21  by the component feeding device  1 , through the opening  711 . 
     The cover tape path demarcating portion  712  of the guide body  71  is disposed outside the opening  711  in the tape width direction H 2 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , on the component storage tape  100  that travels on the third guide surface portions  53  after being subjected to the component exposing process by the component exposing unit  6 , the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  defines cover tape paths through which the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  travel, the lifted parts being pushed outward in the tape width direction H 2  along the joined portions  103 , serving as starting points, where the cover tape  102  is joined to the carrier tape  101 , and folded downward. The cover tape path demarcating portion  712  has upper counter portions  7121 , which are counter to the cover tape  102  from a location above the third guide surface portions  53  of the pair of guide walls  41 , and side counter portions  7122 , which are counter to the cover tape  102  from a location outside the pair of guide walls  41  in the tape width direction H 2 . The upper counter portions  7121  are plate-like structures extending outward horizontally from both opening edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the opening  711 . The side counter portions  7122  are plate-like structures extending downward from outside edges of the upper counter portions  7121 . 
     On the tape traveling guide unit  7 , the opening width defining members  72  are fitted respectively to both opening edges in the tape width direction H 2  of the opening  711  of the guide body  71 , and define the opening width in the tape width direction H 2  of the opening  711 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , on the component storage tape  100  that travels on the third guide surface portions  53 , each opening width defining member  72  comes in contact with a first specific area  101 AA of the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 , the first specific area  101 AA being between the component storage portion  101   a  and the joined portion  103  in the tape width direction H 2 . Each opening width defining member  72  thus applies a downward pressure to the first specific area  101 AA of the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 . 
     Specifically, each opening width defining member  72  has a base  721  and an extended piece  722  extended downward from the base  721 . The base  721  is formed into a rectangular plate-like shape extending along the opening edge in the tape width direction H 2  of the opening  711 , and is fitted to the upper counter portion  7121 . In a top plan view, an inner edge in the tape width direction H 2  of the base  721  is located within the opening  711 . The extended piece  722  is formed into a rectangular plate-like shape, whose one long side is connected to the inner edge in the tape width direction H 2  of the base  721 . The extended piece  722  is extended downward from the inner edge of the base  721  and is inserted in the opening  711 . In a state in which the extended piece  722  is inserted in the opening  711 , a surface (surface located inside in the tape width direction H 2 ) of the extended piece  722  serves as a defining surface  7221  (see  FIG. 18 ) that defines the opening width in the tape width direction H 2  of the opening  711 . In the state in which the extended piece  722  is inserted in the opening  711 , a lower surface of the extended piece  722  serves as a pressure-applying surface  7222  (see  FIG. 18 ) that applies a pressure to the first specific area  101 AA of the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 . The extended piece  722  has also a function of regulating the inward displacement of the cover tape  102  in the tape width direction H 2 . 
     On the component storage tape  100  that travels on the third guide surface portions  53  after being subjected to the component exposing process by the component exposing unit  6 , as described above, the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  are pushed outward in the tape width direction H 2  relative to the carrier tape  101  and are folded downward. Because the cover tape  102  is in this state, when the component storage tape  100  traveling on the third guide surface portions  53  passes the tape traveling guide unit  7 , a force that causes the cover tape  102  to rise acts on the tape traveling guide unit  7 . When the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  of the guide body  71  applies an excessive force to the cover tape  102  to prevent it from rising, it may impair the steadiness of traveling of the component storage tape  100  on the third guide surface portions  53  and may also create a resistive force against traveling, which raises a possibility that the traveling performance of the component storage tape  100  may deteriorate. 
     To avoid such a case, on the tape traveling guide unit  7 , each opening width defining member  72 , which defines the opening width of the opening  711  serving as the opening for taking out the component E 2 , applies a downward pressure to the first specific area  101 AA of the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 . This ensures that the component storage tape  100  travels steadily on the third guide surface portions  53 . Meanwhile, on the tape traveling guide unit  7 , the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  of the guide body  71  does not put constraint on the cover tape  102  but rather allows the cover tape  102  to rise to some extent, thereby demarcating a path that embraces the cover tape  102 . This reduces the traveling resistance that arises when the component storage tape  100  travels on the third guide surface portions  53 , and improves the traveling performance of the component storage tape  100 . 
     On the component storage tape  100 , the length of the component storage portion  101   a  in the tape width direction H 2  is determined in accordance with the size of the component E 2  stored in the component storage portion  101   a . In other words, on the component storage tape  100 , the length of the component storage portion  101   a  in the tape width direction H 2  varies depending on the size of the component E 2  even when the tape width K 2  remains the same. For this reason, it is necessary for each opening width defining member  72  to define the opening width of the opening  711  in accordance with the length of the component storage portion  101   a  in the tape width direction H 2 . To meet this requirement, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the base  721  of each opening width defining member  72  is fitted to the upper counter portion  7121  via fitting portions  7211  of elongated holes extending in the tape width direction H 2 . These fitting portions  7211  allow changing the position of the defining surface  7221  of the extended piece  722 , which is extended downward from the base  721 , in the tape width direction H 2 . Thus, the opening width defining member  72  can define the opening width of the opening  711  in accordance with the length of the component storage portion  101   a  in the tape width direction H 2 , using the defining surface  7221  of the extended piece  722 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the tape traveling guide unit  7  further includes a pair of tape guide-in portions  73  and a pair of tape guide-out portions  74 . Each of the pair of tape guide-in portions  73  is a bar-like member extending along the tape send-off direction H 1 . The pair of tape guide-in portions  73  are fitted to a part of guide body  71  that is on the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the opening  711  such that the tape guide-in portions  73  are separated in the tape width direction H 2  across a gap. Each of the pair of tape guide-in portions  73  comes in contact with a second specific area  101 AB located inward in the tape width direction H 2  relative to the first specific area  101 AA with which the pressure-applying surface  7222  of the extended piece  722  comes in contact, the second specific area  101 AB being an area of the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 . In this configuration, each of the pair of tape guide-in portions  73  guides the lifted part of the cover tape  102  into the cover tape path defined by the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  while regulating the inward displacement of the cover tape  102  in the tape width direction H 2 . 
     Each of the pair of tape guide-out portions  74  is a bar-like member extending along the tape send-off direction H 1 . The pair of tape guide-out portions  74  are fitted to a part of guide body  71  that is on the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the opening  711  such that the tape guide-out portions  74  are separated in the tape width direction H 2  across a gap. Each of the pair of tape guide-out portions  74  comes in contact with the second specific area  101 AB of the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 . In this configuration, each of the pair of tape guide-out portions  74  guides the lifted part of the cover tape  102  out of the cover tape path defined by the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  while regulating the inward displacement of the cover tape  102  in the tape width direction H 2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , each opening width defining member  72  further has a first projection  723  projecting from an upstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the extended piece  722 , and a second projection  724  projecting from a downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the extended piece  722 . The first projection  723  extends slantly toward a downstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the tape guide-in portion  73 . The second projection  724  extends slantly toward an upstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the tape guide-out portion  74 . 
     On the component storage tape  100  having traveled on the third guide surface portions  53  and passed the pair of tape guide-in portions  73 , the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  come in contact with respective first projections  723  of the opening width defining members  72  and are guided into the cover tape paths defined by the cover tape path demarcating portion  712 . In this manner, the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100  having passed the pair of tape guide-in portions  73  are guided smoothly into the cover tape path demarcating portion  712 . 
     Then, on the component storage tape  100  traveling on the third guide surface portion  53 , the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  having passed through the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  come in contact with respective second projections  724  of the opening width defining members  72  and are guided to the tape guide-out portions  74 . In this manner, the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  having passed through the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  can smoothly be guided out of the cover tape path demarcating portion  712 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the tape traveling guide unit  7  further includes a coupling mechanism  75  that couples the guide body  71  to the pair of guide walls  41  such that the guide body  71  can shift in position vertically (in the Z-axis direction). The coupling mechanism  75  has a first coupling portion  751  and a second coupling portion  752 , and a third coupling portion  753  and a fourth coupling portion  754 . The first coupling portion  751  and the second coupling portion  752  couple both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the guide body  71 , the ends being on the upstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , to the pair of guide walls  41 , respectively. The third coupling portion  753  and the fourth coupling portion  754  couple both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the guide body  71 , the ends being on the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1 , to the pair of guide walls  41 , respectively. 
     Each of the first coupling portion  751 , the second coupling portion  752 , the third coupling portion  753 , and the fourth coupling portion  754  has an upper limit stopper  761 , a lower limit stopper  762 , and a biasing member  763 . The upper limit stopper  761  is fitted to each of the pair of guide walls  41  and determines an upper limit position of the guide body  71  that shifts in position vertically (in the Z-axis direction). The lower limit stopper  762  is fitted to each of the pair of guide walls  41  in such a way as to be under the upper limit stopper  761  and determines a lower limit position of the guide body  71  that shifts in position vertically (in the Z-axis direction). The fitting position of the lower limit stopper  762  on each of the pair of guide walls  41  in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is determined so that the component storage tape  100  is allowed to travel on the third guide surface portions  53  as the upper surface of the carrier tape  101  is kept in contact with the extended pieces  722 , the first projections  723 , the second projections  724 , the tape guide-in portions  73 , and the tape guide-out portions  74 . In other words, in a state in which the guide body  71  is stopped at its lower limit position by the lower limit stopper  762 , a gap slightly larger than the thickness of the carrier tape  101  is formed between the extended pieces  722 , the first projections  723 , the second projections  724 , the tape guide-in portions  73 , and the tape guide-out portions  74  and the third guide surface portions  53 . 
     The biasing member  763  is disposed between the upper limit stopper  761  and the lower limit stopper  762  and applies a downward pressure to the guide body  71  to allow it to shift in position vertically (in the Z-axis direction). The biasing member  763  is provided as, for example, a compression coil spring. The biasing member  763  has one end fixed to the upper limit stopper  761  and the other end fixed to a pressurized portion  7123  of the guide body  71 . The pressurized portion  7123  is a projection projecting inward from a lower edge of the side counter portion  7122  of the cover tape path demarcating portion  712  of the guide body  71 . The pressurized portion  7123  is disposed between the upper limit stopper  761  and the lower limit stopper  762  and receives a pressure applied by the biasing member  763 . 
     On the tape traveling guide unit  7 , the guide body  71  is coupled to the pair of guide walls  41  via the coupling mechanism  75  such that the guide body  71  can shift in position vertically. In this configuration, it is ensured that the component storage tape  100  travels steadily on the third guide surface portions  53  as the upper surface of the carrier tape  101  is kept in contact with the extended pieces  722 , the first projections  723 , the second projections  724 , the tape guide-in portions  73 , and the tape guide-out portions  74 . 
     When the component E 2  transferred to the component take-out position  21  is taken out by the head unit  14  through the opening  711  of the guide body  71 , the component storage tape  100  is ejected out of the component feeding device  1 . The component storage tape  100  having passed through the tape traveling guide unit  7  droops down when ejected out of the component feeding device  1 . At this time, the component storage tape  100  is folded at the storage portion connection area between adjacent component storage portions  101   a  of the carrier tape  101  and droops down as a consequence. In this manner, the component storage tape  100  folded at the area between adjacent component storage portions  101   a  shows a tendency to bulge upward. 
     It is difficult to suppress an upward bulging motion of the component storage tape  100  by the downward pressure that the opening width defining members  72  of the tape traveling guide unit  7  applies to the carrier tape  101 . Given this fact, it is possible that the upward bulging of the component storage tape  100  ejected out of the component feeding device  1  may lift the guide body  71  up. It is conceivable that to regulate such an upward positional shift of the guide body  71  caused by the upward bulging of the component storage tape  100 , the downward pressure that the pressure-applying members  763  of the coupling mechanism  75  apply to the guide body  71  may be increased. In this case, however, the increased downward pressure creates traveling resistance that hampers traveling of the component storage tape  100  on the third guide surface portions  53 . 
     To avoid such a case, according to this embodiment, the component storage tape  100  is ejected out of the component feeding device  1  through the tape ejection guide unit  9 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , on the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the tape traveling guide unit  7 , the tape ejection guide unit  9  is fitted to downstream ends in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the pair of guide walls  41 . The tape ejection guide unit  9  guides the component storage tape  100  having passed the tape traveling guide unit  7  to eject the component storage tape  100  on the downstream side. The tape ejection guide unit  9  includes an upper surface regulating portion  91  and side surface regulating portions  92 . 
     On the tape ejection guide unit  9 , the upper surface regulating portion  91  comes in contact with the upper surface of the component storage tape  100  having passed the tape traveling guide unit  7 , thereby regulating an upward motion of the component storage tape  100 . On the tape ejection guide unit  9 , the side surface regulating portions  92  come in contact with side end faces of the component storage tape  100  having passed the tape traveling guide unit  7 , thereby regulating a lateral motion of the component storage tape  100 . In this manner, the upward bulging of the component storage tape  100  ejected out of the component feeding device  1  is suppressed. 
     [Processing Method for Tip End of Tape] 
     The component storage tape  100 , which is attached to the above component feeding device  1 , has its tip end  100 T subjected to the processing of a tip end of a tape. This processing of a tip end of a tape will be described in detail.  FIG. 20  is a chart of steps making up a processing method for a tip end of a tape according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 21A to 21C  show diagrams for explaining steps making up the processing method for a tip end of a tape. The processing method for a tip end of a tape includes a lifting step s 1  and a folding step s 2 . 
     At the lifting step s 1 , a lifting process of lifting the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  is carried out at the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  such that in a state in which at least one of ends in the width direction (tape width direction H 2 ) of the cover tape  102  is jointed to the upper surface of the carrier tape  101 , a part of a tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  is separated from the carrier tape  101 . According to this embodiment, the lifting process of lifting the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  is carried out in a state in which both ends in the tape width direction H 2  of the cover tape  102  are joined to the carrier tape  101 . 
     The lifting step s 1  includes a cutting stage s 11  and a lifting stage s 12 . At the cutting stage s 11 , the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  is cut along a longitudinal direction H 3 , from a given position (e.g., central position) between both ends in the tape width direction H 2 , the given position being on the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102 . As a result, a pair of cut parts  102 C are formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , the cut parts  102 C being divided parts formed on both sides in the tape width direction H 2  across a cut line CL (see  FIG. 21A ). At the cutting stage s 11 , the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  is cut from the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  to a position that is separated by a given distance from a tip-end-side opening edge  101   a A of the second component storage portion  101   a  coming second in counting from the tip end of the carrier tape  101 , toward the rear end side H 1 B of the cover tape  102 . At the lifting stage s 12 , the pair of cut parts  102 C are lifted such that respective tip edges  102 TS of the cover tape  102  of the cut parts  102 C are separated upward from the carrier tape  101 . A pair of cut/lifted parts  102 U are thus formed (see  FIG. 21B ). 
     Subsequently, at the folding step s 2 , the pair of cut/lifted parts  102 U are each folded along a fold FL. This creates a pair of triangular fold pieces  102 F each formed of the tip edge  102 TS, the cut line CL, and the fold FL serving as three sides (see  FIG. 21C ). 
     By the above processing of a tip end of a tape, the pair of right-triangular fold pieces  102 F each having the fold FL serving as an oblique side are formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  as a result of lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  and folding lifted parts of the cover tape  102 . On the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , end points FLB on the rear end side H 1 B of respective folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F coincide to form a single end point FLB located at a midpoint in the tape width direction H 2 . In contrast, end points FLT on the tip end side H 1 T of respective folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F are separated from each other in the tape width direction H 2  and are located slightly offset to the midpoint to be closer to both ends in the tape width direction H 2 . The folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F extend linearly from the end points FLT on the tip end side H 1 T to the end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B in such a way as to be inwardly diagonal in the tape width direction H 2  relative to a longitudinal direction H 3 . 
     Before attachment of the component storage tape  100  to the component feeding device  1 , the above processing of a tip end of a tape is carried out on the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  to form the pair of triangular fold pieces  102 F on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . In this state, insertion of the insertion member  621  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  is facilitated. Forming the pair of fold pieces  102 F on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  allows the lifting start portion  611  to start lifting the cover tape  102  smoothly. Forming the pair of fold pieces  102 F on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  also allows the upper regulating portion  631  to smoothly pushes the lifted parts of the cover tape  102  outward, and allows the side regulating portions  632  to smoothly fold the outwardly pushed lifted parts of the cover tape  102  downward. Thus, the component feeding device  1  is able to perform steady component feeding. 
     The pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  by the above processing of a tip end of a tape have six features. Each of the features of the pair of fold pieces  102 F will hereinafter be described. 
     &lt;First Feature&gt; 
       FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23A and 23B  are diagrams for explaining a first feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . As shown in  FIG. 22A , the first feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is that an angle θ 1  made by respective folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is an acute angle.  FIG. 23A , on the other hand, shows a case where an angle θ 2  made by respective folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is an obtuse angle. 
     When the insertion member  621  is inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  on the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 , which is sent off in the tape send-off direction H 1 , a contact force F of the insertion member  621  acts on the pair of fold pieces  102 E In the case where the angle θ 1  made by the folds FL is an acute angle, a component F 1  of the contact force F, the component F 1  being perpendicular to the fold FL, is smaller than a component F 1  in the case where the angle θ 2  is an obtuse angle (see  FIGS. 22A and 23A ). 
     When the angle θ 2  made by the folds FL is an obtuse angle, in which case the component F 1  perpendicular to the fold FL is large, it raises a concern that the insertion member  621  may climb over the pair of fold pieces  102 F to cause a failure in inserting the insertion member  621  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  (see  FIG. 23B ). By determining the angle θ 1  made by respective folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F to be an acute angle, in contrast, the insertion member  621  is certainly inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  (see  FIG. 22B ). 
     &lt;Second Feature&gt; 
       FIGS. 24A and 24B  show diagrams for explaining a second feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The second feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is that the end points FLT on the tip end side H 1 T of the folds FL are at a position separated by a given distance D 1  from the tip end edge  102 TS toward the rear end side H 1 B of the cover tape  102  in its longitudinal direction H 3  (see  FIG. 24A ). In this configuration, the insertion member  621  is certainly inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  without climbing over the pair of fold pieces  102 F (see  FIG. 24B ). 
     &lt;Third Feature&gt; 
       FIGS. 25A and 25B  shows diagrams for explaining a third feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The third feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is that the end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B of the folds FL is at a position separated by a given distance D 2  from the tip-end-side opening edge  101   a A of the second component storage portion  101   a  coming second in counting from the tip end of the carrier tape  101 , toward the rear end side H 1 B of the cover tape  102  in its longitudinal direction H 3  (see  FIG. 25A ). In this case, a length D 3  from the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  to the end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B of the folds FL is larger than the length D 4  in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 . This configuration prevents a case where the insertion front end  6212  of the insertion member  621  comes in contact with a storage portion connection area between the first component storage portion  101   a  and the second component storage portion  101   a , the first and second component storage portions  101   a  coming first and second, respectively, in counting from the tip end of the carrier tape  101  (see  FIG. 25B ). 
     &lt;Fourth Feature&gt; 
       FIG. 26  shows diagrams for explaining a fourth feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The fourth feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is that a maximum height T 1  of the pair of fold pieces  102 F from the carrier tape  101  is larger than a maximum height T 2  of the insertion front end  6212  from the base portion  6211  of the insertion member  621 . In this state, insertion of the insertion member  621  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  is facilitated. 
     &lt;Fifth Feature&gt; 
       FIG. 27  shows diagrams for explaining a fifth feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The fifth feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is that a separation distance D 5  in the tape width direction H 2  between the end points FLT on the tip end side H 1 T of the folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is larger than a maximum width D 6  of the front edge  6212   a  of the insertion front end  6212  of the insertion member  621 . In this state, insertion of the insertion member  621  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  is facilitated. 
     &lt;Sixth Feature&gt; 
       FIG. 28  shows diagrams for explaining a sixth feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The sixth feature of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is that the angle θ 1  made by respective folds FL of the pair of fold pieces  102 F is equal to or smaller than a taper angle θ 3  of the insertion front end  6212  of the insertion member  621 . In this state, insertion of the insertion member  621  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  is facilitated. 
     [Processing Device for Tip End of Tape] 
       FIG. 29  is a front view of a processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape according to the one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 30  is a sectional view of the processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape of  FIG. 29 , the sectional view being taken along a XXX-XXX section line. The processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape is a device that carries out the processing of a tip end of a tape on the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 . The processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape includes a body housing  201 , a jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, and a pre-processing mechanism  203 . 
     The body housing  201  makes up the body of the processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape. The body housing  201  has a tape tip end insertion path  204 , which is a path extending linearly in a given direction. The tape tip end insertion path  204  is formed into a path that is sizable enough to allow the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  to be inserted therein. 
     The pre-processing mechanism  203  carries out pre-processing of cutting the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  or separating the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  from the carrier tape  101  at the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  inserted in the tape tip end insertion path  204 . According to this embodiment, the pre-processing mechanism  203  is a mechanism that cuts the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , and includes a support portion  2031 , a holding portion  2032 , a cutter  2033 , and a pressure-applying member  2034 . 
     The cutter  2033  cuts the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The cutter  2033  is held by the holding portion  2032  such that a cutter edge is exposed. The holding portion  2032  is fixed to the support portion  2031 . In other words, the holding portion  2032  holding the cutter  2033  is fixed to the support portion  2031 . To the support portion  2031 , the pressure-applying member  2034  is fitted. The support portion  2031  is capable of moving vertically, and is supported on the body housing  201  such that the support portion  2031  is allowed to slide in a direction in which the tape tip end insertion path  204  extends. 
     An operator can cut the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , using the pre-processing mechanism  203 , according to the following operation procedures. First, the operator inserts the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  into the tape tip end insertion path  204 . In this state, the operator applies a pressure to the support portion  2031 , thereby moving the support portion  2031  downward against a pressure applied by the pressure-applying member  2034 . This action brings the edge of the cutter  2033  into contact with the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The operator then causes the support portion  2031  to slide while keeping applying the pressure to the support portion  2031 . As a result, the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  is cut along the longitudinal direction H 3 , from a given position (e.g., central position) between both ends in the tape width direction H 2 , the given position being on the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102 . 
     [Jig for Processing Tip End of Tape] 
     The jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape is attached detachably to the body housing  201 . The jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape is a jig for forming the pair of triangular fold pieces  102 F on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . The jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape will be described with reference to  FIGS. 31 and 32 .  FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig  202  being included in the processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape.  FIG. 32  is a side view of the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape. 
     The jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape includes a jig body  2020 , a front end projection  2022 , and a grip  2023 . The grip  2023  is a portion that the operator grips when carrying out the processing of a tip end of a tape, using the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape. 
     On the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig body  2020  is a portion inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  at the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  and is formed into a plate-like shape. On the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, the front end projection  2022  is a portion continuous with a front end  202 S of a peripheral edge  202 G of the jig body  2020 , the front end  202 S being on the lowermost downstream side in an insertion direction HH. 
     The jig body  2020  has an upper surface  2021  that comes in contact with an inner surface of the cover tape  102  when the jig  202  is inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 , and the upper surface  2021  includes a pair of triangular sloped portions  202 A and a flat portion  202 B. Each of the pair of sloped portions  202 A has a sloped surface sloping downward from a center line toward the outside. The flat portion  202 B has flat surfaces extending outward respectively from lower edge sides of the pair of sloped portions  202 A. The jig body  2020  has linearly extending marks  202 C formed respectively on edge sides  202 AA serving as boundaries between the pair of sloped portions  202 A and the flat portion  202 B. These marks  202 C are used as reference marks when the folds FL are formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . 
     Procedures for carrying out the processing of a tip end of a tape, using the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, will be described with reference to  FIGS. 33A to 33D .  FIGS. 33A ,  33 B, and  33 C are diagrams for explaining an operation that is carried out when a lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  is executed using the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape.  FIG. 33D  is a diagram for explaining an operation that is carried out when a folding process of folding the cover tape  102  is executed using the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape. 
     When the cover tape  102  is cut by the pre-processing mechanism  203  of the processing device  200  for a tip end of a tape, a pair of cut parts  102 C are formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , the cut parts  102 C being divided parts formed on both sides in the tape width direction H 2  across a cut line CL (see  FIG. 33A ). In this state, the operator inserts the front end projection  2022  of the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 , and moves the jig body  2020  inward in the insertion direction HH while rocking the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape on the front end projection  2022  (see  FIGS. 33A and 33B ). The operator is thus able to insert the jig body  2020  between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  by inserting the front end projection  2022  first (see  FIG. 33C ). 
     When the front end projection  2022  and the jig body  2020  are inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101 , the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  is lifted off the carrier tape  101  along the pair of sloped portions  202 A of the jig body  2020  to form a pair of cut/lifted parts  102 U (see  FIG. 33C ). 
     The operator then pushes the pair of cut/lifted parts  102 U outward, thereby forming the folds FL along the marks  202 C on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 . As a result, the pair of triangular fold pieces  102 F are formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  (see  FIG. 33D ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 31 , on the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, end points  202 C 1  of the marks  202 C, the end points  202 C 1  being on the upstream side in the insertion direction HH, are at a position separated by a given distance D 7  from an edge  202 AB of the upper surface  2021  of the jig body  2020 , the edge  202 AB being on the upstream side in the insertion direction HH, toward the downward side in the insertion direction HH. The operator forms the folds FL on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , using such marks  202 C as the reference marks, thereby forming the pair of fold pieces  102 F on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , the fold pieces  102 F having the feature (second feature) shown in  FIG. 24A . On the pair of fold pieces  102 F formed in this manner, the end points FLT on the tip end side H 1 T of the folds FL are at the position separated by the given distance D 1  from the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  toward the rear end side H 1 B in the longitudinal direction H 3  of the cover tape  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 31 , on the jig  202  for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig body  2020  tapers off toward its front end to reduce in the width direction H. The front end projection  2022  tilts upward relative to the jig body  2020 . This structure facilitates insertion of the jig body  2020  when it is inserted between the cover tape  102  and the carrier tape  101  by inserting the front end projection  2022  at the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 . 
     The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The present disclosure is, however, not limited to this embodiment but may be embodied as the following modified embodiments. 
     First Modified Embodiment 
     In the embodiment described above, the component exposing unit  6  of the component feeding device  1 , the component exposing unit  6  being of the cover tape cutting type, includes the cover tape pre-processing portion  62  that cuts the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100 . The present disclosure is, however, not limited to this configuration. As shown in  FIG. 34 , the component feeding device may include a component exposing unit  60  of a cover tape separating type. On a component feeding device  1 AA shown in  FIG. 34 , the component exposing unit  60  lifts the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100 , which travels as it is guided by the guide surfaces  5  of the pair of guide walls  41 , along the joined portion  103 , serving as a starting point, on one end in the tape width direction and pushes a lifted part of the cover tape  102  outward in the tape width direction while folding the lifted part downward to expose the component E 2  in the component storage portion  101   a.    
     The component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type includes a cover tape lifting portion  601 , a cover tape pre-processing portion  602 , and a cover tape post-processing portion  603 . 
     The cover tape lifting portion  601  is disposed between the pair of guide walls  41  such that the cover tape lifting portion  601  corresponds to the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 . The cover tape lifting portion  601  carries out a lifting process of lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  such that an extent of lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  increases continuously on the component storage tape  100 , which travels as it is guided by the first guide surface portions  51 . An upstream end in the tape send-off direction H 1  of the cover tape lifting portion  601  is fixed to the lid member  8 . The cover tape lifting portion  601  extends from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the tape send-off direction H 1  in such a way as to head from one side to the other side in the tape width direction. In other words, on the cover tape lifting portion  601 , a point of starting contact with the cover tape  102  is located on one end on one side in the tape width direction. On the cover tape lifting portion  601 , a lowermost downstream end, which is a point of ending contact with the cover tape  102 , is located on the other end on the other side in the tape width direction. 
     The cover tape pre-processing portion  602  is disposed between the pair of guide walls  41  such that the cover tape pre-processing portion  602  corresponds to the second guide surface portions  52  of the guide surfaces  5 . Before the cover tape lifting portion  601  carries out the lifting process, the cover tape pre-processing portion  602  carries out pre-processing of separating the joined portion  103  where the cover tape  102  is joined to the carrier tape  101 , the joined portion  103  being on the one end on the one side in the tape width direction of the cover tape  102 . 
     The cover tape post-processing portion  603  is disposed on the upper side relative to the cover tape lifting portion  601  such that the cover tape post-processing portion  603  corresponds to the first guide surface portions  51  of the guide surfaces  5 . The cover tape post-processing portion  603  carries out post-processing of pushing a lifted part of the cover tape  102  lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  601  to outside of a side edge in the tape width direction of the component storage tape  100 , the side edge being on the side opposite to the side on which the cover tape  102  is separated by the cover tape pre-processing portion  602 , while folding the lifted part downward to make the component storage portion  101   a  open to the outside. 
     According to the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100 , which travels along the guide surfaces  5 , is separated by the cover tape pre-processing portion  602 , is lifted by the cover tape lifting portion  601 , and is pushed outward by the cover tape post-processing portion  603 . This exposes the component E 2  in the component storage portion  101   a  of the component storage tape  100  so that the component E 2  can be taken out. 
     Processing of a tip end of a tape, the processing being carried out on the component storage tape  100  attached to the component feeding device  1 AA including the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, will be described with reference to  FIGS. 35 to 36C .  FIG. 35  is a chart of steps making up a processing method for a tip end of a tape, the processing method being applied to the component storage tape  100  attached to the component feeding device  1 AA including the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type.  FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C  show diagrams for explaining steps making up the processing method for a tip end of a tape of  FIG. 35 . In the following description, the processing method for a tip end of a tape, the processing method being applied to the component storage tape  100  attached to the component feeding device  1 AA including the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, will be referred to as “processing method for a tip end of a tape of the cover tape separating type”. The processing method for a tip end of a tape of the cover tape separating type includes a lifting step a 1  and a folding step a 2 . 
     At the lifting step a 1 , the lifting process of lifting the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  is carried out at the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100  such that a part of the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  is separated from the carrier tape  101 . 
     The lifting step a 1  includes a separating stage a 11  and a lifting stage a 12 . At the separating stage a 11 , the joined portion  103  where the cover tape  102  is joined to the carrier tape  101 , the joined portion  103  being on the one end in the tape width direction H 2  of the cover tape  102 , is separated. As a result, a separated part  102 H is formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  (see  FIG. 36A ). At the separating stage a 11 , the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  is separated along the joined portion  103 , from the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  to a position separated by a given distance from the tip-end-side opening edge  101   a A of the second component storage portion  101   a  coming second in counting from the tip end of the carrier tape  101 , toward the rear end side H 1 B of the cover tape  102 . At the lifting stage a 12 , the separated part  102 H is lifted such that the tip edge  102 TS of the cover tape  102  on the separated part  102 H is separated upward from the carrier tape  101 . A separated/lifted part  102 HU is thus formed (see  FIG. 36B ). 
     Subsequently, at the folding step a 2 , the separated/lifted part  102 HU is folded along a fold FL to form a triangular fold piece  102 F having the tip edge  102 TS, a separation line HL, and the fold FL serving as three sides (see  FIG. 36C ). 
     By the above processing of a tip end of a tape, the right-triangular fold piece  102 F having the fold FL serving as an oblique side is formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102  as a result of lifting the cover tape  102  off the carrier tape  101  and folding lifted parts of the cover tape  102 . On the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 , an end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B of the fold FL of the fold piece  102 F is on the joined portion  103  on the one end side in the tape width direction H 2 . An end point FLT on the tip end side H 1 T of the fold FL of the fold piece  102 F, on the other hand, is at a position shifted toward the one end side from the midpoint in the tape width direction H 2 . The fold FL of the fold piece  102 F extends linearly from the end point FLT on the tip end side H 1 T to the end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B in such a way as to be outwardly diagonal in the tape width direction H 2  relative to the longitudinal direction H 3 . An angle θ 11  made by the fold FL of the fold piece  102 F and the joined portion  103  is an acute angle. 
     Before attachment of the component storage tape  100  to the component feeding device  1 AA including the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, the above processing of a tip end of a tape is carried out on the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 . This allows the component exposing unit  60  to execute the component exposing process preferably. Thus, the component feeding device  1 AA is able to perform steady component feeding. 
     Second Modified Embodiment 
     In the embodiment described above, the component feeding device that feeds components using the component storage tape  100  with a large width of 32 mm or more has been described. According to the present disclosure, the configuration of the component feeding device is not limited to this. The component feeding device, for example, may be configured such that it feeds components using a component storage tape with a small width of less than 32 mm (e.g., 12 mm, 16 mm, or 24 mm).  FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a component exposing unit included in a component feeding device  1 AB that uses a component storage tape  100 A with a small width. 
     The component storage tape  100 A with a small width includes a carrier tape  101 A and a cover tape  102 A. The carrier tape  101 A, which is similar to the carrier tape  101  of the component storage tape  100  with a large width, is a tape having a plurality of component storage portions in which components are stored, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals. The carrier tape  101 A has holes  101   b A that are formed only on one end on one side in the width direction of the carrier tape  101 A at given intervals. The cover tape  102 A is a tape pasted on the carrier tape  101 A in such a way as to cover the component storage portions. The cover tape  102 A is pasted on the carrier tape  101 A by joining both ends in the width direction of the cover tape  102 A to the carrier tape  101 A. As a result, on the component storage tape  100 A, joined portions  103 A, which result from the cover tape  102 A being joined to the carrier tape  101 A, are formed respectively on both ends in the width direction of an upper surface of the carrier tape  101 A such that the joined portions  103 A extend linearly along edges in the width direction of the cover tape  102 A. 
     In the tape send-off unit  3  that is included in the above component feeding device  1  using the component storage tape  100  with a large width, the first tape send-off portion  31 , the second tape send-off portion  32 , and the third tape send-off portion  33  each include a pair of sprockets. In a tape send-off unit that is included in the component feeding device  1 AB using the component storage tape  100 A with a small width, in contrast, a first tape send-off portion, a second tape send-off portion, and a third tape send-off portion each include a sprocket that is disposed on the side on which the sprocket corresponds to the holes  101   b A formed on the component storage tape  100 A. Each sprocket of the first tape send-off portion, the second tape send-off portion, and the third tape send-off portion, which are included in the component feeding device  1 AB, rotates as the teeth of the sprocket are fitted in the holes  101   b A of the component storage tape  100 A, thereby sending off the component storage tape  100 A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 37 , the component feeding device  1 AB using the component storage tape  100 A with a small width includes the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, which has been described above as the first modified embodiment. On the component exposing unit  60  of the component feeding device  1 AB, the cover tape pre-processing portion  602  separates the cover tape  102 A of the component storage tape  100 A along the joined portion  103 A opposite to the side on which the holes  101   b A are formed. The cover tape lifting portion  601  lifts the separated cover tape  102 A. Then, the cover tape post-processing portion  603  pushes the lifted part of the cover tape  102 A to outside of the side edge opposite to the side on which the cover tape  102 A is separated by the cover tape pre-processing portion  602  and folds the lifted part of the cover tape  102 A downward. This exposes the component in the component storage portion of the component storage tape  100 A so that the component can be taken out. 
     The width of the cover tape  102 A of the component storage tape  100 A with a small width is smaller than the width of the cover tape  102  of the component storage tape  100  with a large width. When the component exposing process is carried out on the component storage tape  100 A with a tape width of 12 mm or 16 mm, using the component exposing unit  6  of the cover tape cutting type included in the component feeding device  1 , it is difficult to push the lifted part of the cover tape  102 A outward to an extent that the lifted part is located outside the carrier tape  101 A. It is preferable, for this reason, that the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type be adopted as the component exposing unit that carries out the component exposing process on the component storage tape  100 A with a small tape width of 12 mm or 16 mm. As the component exposing unit that carries out the component exposing process on the component storage tape  100 A with a tape width of 24 mm, either the component exposing unit  6  of the cover tape cutting type or the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type may be used. 
     Processing of a tip end of a tape, the processing being carried out on the component storage tape  100 A with a small width attached to the component feeding device  1 AB including the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, will be described with reference to  FIG. 38 . The processing of a tip end of a tape applied to the component storage tape  100 A with a small width is the same as the processing of a tip end of a tape of the cover tape separating type, which has been described in the above first modified embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 38 , by the processing of a tip end of a tape of the cover tape separating type, the right-triangular fold piece  102 F having the fold FL serving as an oblique side is formed on the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 A as a result of lifting the cover tape  102 A off the carrier tape  101 A and folding a lifted part of the cover tape  102 A. On the tip end  102 T of the cover tape  102 A, the end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B of the fold FL of the fold piece  102 F is on the joined portion  103  on the one end side in the tape width direction H 2 . An end point FLT on the tip end side H 1 T of the fold FL of the fold piece  102 F, on the other hand, is at a position shifted toward the one end side from the midpoint in the tape width direction H 2 . The fold FL of the fold piece  102 F extends linearly from the end point FLT on the tip end side H 1 T to the end point FLB on the rear end side H 1 B in such a way as to be outwardly diagonal in the tape width direction H 2  relative to the longitudinal direction H 3 . An angle θ 11  made by the fold FL of the fold piece  102 F and the joined portion  103  is an acute angle. 
     Before attachment of the component storage tape  100 A with a small width to the component feeding device  1 AB including the component exposing unit  60  of the cover tape separating type, the above processing of a tip end of a tape is carried out on the tip end  100 T of the component storage tape  100 A. This allows the component exposing unit  60  to execute the component exposing process preferably. Thus, the component feeding device  1 AB is able to perform steady component feeding. 
     The above specific embodiments include aspects of the disclosure that offer various configurations in the following manner. 
     A processing method for a tip end of a tape according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method of processing on a component storage tape including a carrier tape having a plurality of component storage portions storing components therein, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals, and a cover tape having both ends in a width direction joined to the carrier tape such that the cover tape covers the component storage portions, and is a method of processing a tip end of the component storage tape before attaching the component storage tape to a component feeding device. The processing method for a tip end of a tape includes a lifting step of lifting a tip end of the cover tape off the carrier tape such that at the tip end of the component storage tape, a part of a tip edge of the cover tape at least having one end in the width direction joined to an upper surface of the carrier tape is separated from the carrier tape, and a folding step of folding the lifted tip end of the cover tape along a fold to form a triangular fold piece. 
     According to the processing method for a tip end of a tape, before attachment of the component storage tape to the component feeding device, the processing of a tip end of a tape is carried out on the tip end of the component storage tape to form the triangular fold piece on the tip end of the cover tape. This facilitates insertion of an insertion member, which is included in the component feeding device, between the cover tape and the carrier tape. Thus, the component feeding device is able to perform steady component feeding. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, an end point on the tip end side of the fold is at a position separated by a given distance from the tip edge toward a rear end side of the cover tape in a longitudinal direction of the cover tape. 
     In this aspect, the insertion member is inserted certainly between the cover tape and the carrier tape without climbing over the fold piece. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, an end point on a rear end side of the fold is at a position separated by a given distance from a tip-end-side opening edge of the component storage portion coming second in counting from the tip end of the carrier tape, toward a rear end side of the cover tape in a longitudinal direction of the cover tape. 
     In this aspect, when the insertion member is inserted at the tip end of the component storage tape, the insertion member can be prevented from coming in contact with a storage portion connection area between the first component storage portion and the second component storage portion, the first and second component storage portions coming first and second, respectively, in counting from the tip end of the carrier tape. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, the lifting step includes a cutting stage of cutting the tip end of the cover tape along a longitudinal direction, from a given position between both ends in a width direction of the tip edge of the cover tape to form a pair of cut parts being divided parts formed on both sides in the width direction across a cut line, and a lifting stage of lifting the pair of cut parts to form a pair of cut/lifted parts. At the folding step, the pair of cut/lifted parts are each folded along a fold to form a pair of right-triangular fold pieces each having the fold serving as an oblique side. 
     In this aspect, the tip end of the cover tape is cut along the longitudinal direction to form the pair of cut parts at the cutting stage, and the pair of cut parts are lifted to form the pair of cut/lifted parts at the lifting stage. Then, at the folding step, the pair of cut/lifted parts are each folded along the fold to form the pair of fold pieces on the tip end of the cover tape. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, an angle made by respective folds of the pair of fold pieces is an acute angle. 
     In this aspect, the insertion member is inserted certainly between the cover tape and the carrier tape without climbing over the pair of fold pieces. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, the component feeding device includes an insertion member that is a member inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape, from a tip end side of the component storage tape, and that includes a base portion of a plate-like shape and an insertion front end extending from the base portion in such a way as to slope upward. A maximum height of the pair of fold pieces from the carrier tape is larger than a maximum height of the insertion front end from the base portion. 
     In this aspect, insertion of the insertion member between the cover tape and the carrier tape is facilitated. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, the insertion front end of the insertion member is formed into a tapered shape such that the insertion front end tapers off toward a front edge thereof to reduce in a width direction. On the pair of fold pieces, a separation distance in a width direction between end points on a tip end side of the folds is larger than a maximum width of a front edge of the insertion front end, and an angle made by the folds is equal to or smaller than a taper angle of the insertion front end. 
     In this aspect, insertion of the insertion member between the cover tape and the carrier tape is facilitated. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, the lifting step includes a separating stage of separating a joined portion on one end in a width direction of the cover tape to form a separated part on the tip end of the cover tape, the joined portion being a portion where the cover tape is joined to the carrier tape, and a lifting stage of lifting the separated part to form a separated/lifted part. At the folding step, the separated/lifted part is folded along a fold to form a right-triangular fold piece having the fold serving as an oblique side. 
     In this aspect, the joined portion, where the cover tape is joined to the carrier tape, is separated on the one end in the width direction of the cover tape to form the separated part at the separating stage, and the separated part is lifted to form the separated/lifted part at the lifting stage. Then, at the folding step, the separated/lifted part is folded along the fold to form the fold piece on the tip end of the cover tape. 
     According to the above processing method for a tip end of a tape, an angle made by the fold of the fold piece and the joined portion is an acute angle. 
     In this aspect, the insertion member is inserted certainly between the cover tape and the carrier tape without climbing over the fold piece. 
     A jig for processing a tip end of a tape according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a jig being used to process a tip end of a component storage tape including a carrier tape having a plurality of component storage portions storing components therein, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals, and a cover tape having both ends in a width direction joined to the carrier tape such that the cover tape covers the component storage portions. The jig for processing a tip end of a tape has a jig body of a plate-like shape that is inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape at the tip end of the component storage tape, and a front end projection continuous with a front end of a peripheral edge of the jig body, the front end being located on a lowermost downstream side in an insertion direction. The jig body includes a triangular sloped portion sloping down from a central line toward outside, and a flat portion extending from a lower edge side of the sloped portion toward the outside, the sloped portion and the flat portion being formed on an upper surface of the jig body, the upper surface coming in contact with an inner surface of the cover tape. The edge side serving as a boundary between the sloped portion and the flat portion, has a linearly extending mark that serves as a reference mark for forming a fold on a tip end of the cover tape. 
     According to the jig for processing a tip end of a tape, when the jig body is inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape by inserting the front end projection first, the tip end of the cover tape is lifted off the carrier tape along sloped portions of the jig body. In this state, the folds are formed on the tip end of the cover tape along the marks. As a result, triangular fold pieces are formed on the tip end of the cover tape. 
     On the jig for processing a tip end of a tape, an end point of the mark, the end point being on an upstream side in the insertion direction, is at a position separated by a given distance from an edge of the upper surface of the jig body, the edge being on the upstream side in the insertion direction, toward a downward side in the insertion direction. 
     In this aspect, the folds are formed on the tip end of the cover tape along the marks as the jig body is inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape by inserting the front end projection first. This action forms a pair of fold pieces on the tip end of the cover tape, the fold pieces having the following features. On the pair of fold pieces formed in this manner, the end points on the tip end side of the folds are at a position separated by a given distance from a tip edge toward the rear end side of the cover tape in its longitudinal direction. 
     On the jig for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig body tapers off toward a front end thereof to reduce in a width direction, and the front end projection tilts upward relative to the jig body. 
     In this aspect, insertion of the jig body is facilitated when it is inserted between the cover tape and the carrier tape by inserting the front end projection first at the tip end of the component storage tape. 
     A processing device for a tip end of a tape according to still another aspect of the present disclosure is a processing device being used to process a tip end of a component storage tape including a carrier tape having a plurality of component storage portions storing components therein, the component storage portions being arranged at given intervals, and a cover tape having both ends in a width direction joined to the carrier tape such that the cover tape covers the component storage portions. The processing device for a tip end of a tape includes a body housing, the above jig for processing a tip end of a tape, the jig being attached detachably to the body housing, and a pre-processing mechanism mounted to the body housing, the pre-processing mechanism cutting a tip end of the cover tape or separating the tip end of the cover tape from the carrier tape. 
     According to the processing device for a tip end of a tape, the pre-processing mechanism cuts or separates the tip end of the cover tape. A cut part or a separated part is thus formed on the tip end of the cover tape. Then, the jig for processing a tip end of a tape is detached from the body housing, and a triangular fold piece is formed on the tip end of the cover tape, using the jig for processing a tip end of a tape. 
     As described above, the present disclosure provides the processing method for a tip end of a tape, the jig for processing a tip end of a tape, and the processing device for a tip end of a tape, the processing method, the jig, and the processing device being used to process the tip end of the component storage tape, in order to facilitate insertion of the insertion member between the cover tape and the carrier tape, and allow the component feeding device to perform steady component feeding.