Patent Description:
A tape loading device is a device for automatically loading a carrier tape into a feeder for supplying a component in a component mounter for producing a board product (refer to Patent Literature <NUM>). The loading of the carrier tape into the feeder is executed, for example, as part of a setup change before a mounting process by the component mounter is executed. At this time, a collation operation for collating identification information of the feeder and identification information of a reel on which the carrier tape is wound is executed so that an appropriate carrier tape is loaded on a feeder to be used in the mounting process. Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM> and Patent Literature <NUM> provide further tape loading devices according to the prior art.

Here, when executing the setup change, a large number of feeders and reels are placed around the tape loading device. In such a case, after it is determined that the respective identification information is suitable by the collation operation, when setting each of the feeder and the reel in the tape loading device, there is a possibility that either the feeder or the reel may be misrecognized. When the misrecognition of the feeder or the reel occurs, the carrier tape is loaded on the feeder in a state different from the combination used for the collation operation.

It is an object of the present description to provide a tape loading device capable of improving an accuracy of the loading of the carrier tape into the feeder and improving a loading efficiency.

The present description discloses a tape loading device including: a feeder holding stand configured to hold a feeder; an acquisition section configured to acquire identification information of the feeder held by the feeder holding stand and identification information of a reel on which a carrier tape accommodating multiple components is wound; a loading section configured to load the carrier tape unwound from the reel into the feeder; and a control device configured to be communicably connected to a management device configured to manage each of the feeder and the reel with the identification information, and to control an operation of the loading section based on a determination result of whether the carrier tape is loadable into the feeder by the management device characterized in that when setting each of the feeder and the reel in the tape loading device, the feeder holding stand is configured to hold the feeder which is a target of the loading process, such that the feeder holding stand is electrically connected to a connector of the set feeder.

With such a configuration, since the feeder, which is an acquisition target of the identification information, is in a state of being held in a feeder holding stand, it is possible to prevent another carrier tape from being erroneously loaded in the feeder after acquiring a determination result as to whether the loading is permissible from a management device. As a result, the accuracy of the loading can be improved. In addition, since the tape loading device directly communicates with the management device, it is possible to improve the loading efficiency.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tape loading device <NUM> sets feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> and assists a loading of carrier tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM> or automatically loads carrier tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM>. Feeder <NUM> is set in component mounter <NUM> and is used to supply component <NUM>. Configurations of carrier tape <NUM> and feeder <NUM> will be described later. Tape loading device <NUM> is used, for example, for setup change before a mounting process of component <NUM> by component mounter <NUM> is executed. In order to load carrier tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM>, it is required that appropriate carrier tape <NUM> is combined with feeder <NUM> used in the mounting process to be executed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, carrier tape <NUM> includes base tape <NUM> and cover tape <NUM>. Base tape <NUM> has multiple feeding holes <NUM> formed at equal intervals in a conveyance direction (longitudinal direction of the carrier tape) and multiple cavities <NUM> for accommodating component <NUM>. Cover tape <NUM> is bonded to an upper surface of base tape <NUM> to close cavity <NUM>. Hereinafter, the carrier tape will also be referred to, simply, as a "tape".

Tape <NUM> is stored in a state of being wound on reel <NUM>. Code <NUM> indicating identification information unique to tape <NUM> (hereinafter, also referred to as a "reel ID") is attached to reel <NUM>. Code <NUM> is, for example, a bar code or a 2D code. Tape <NUM> is managed by management device <NUM> such that reel information indicating a type of tape <NUM>, a type, a remaining number, a use expiration date, a producer, or the like of component <NUM> to be accommodated are associated with the reel ID.

Feeder <NUM> is a tape feeder that is set in component mounter <NUM> and supplies component <NUM> accommodated in loaded tape <NUM> to supply position Ps. In supplying process of component <NUM>, feeder <NUM> feeds and moves tape <NUM> unwound from reel <NUM> from insertion position Pi to supply position Ps (refer to <FIG>). In the present embodiment, feeder <NUM> peels cover tape <NUM> from base tape <NUM> so that cavity <NUM> is opened at supply position Ps, and feeds and moves cover tape <NUM> along predetermined discharge path Te from peeling position Pp to discharge position Pe.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, feeder <NUM> includes feeder main body <NUM>, reel accommodation section <NUM>, feed driving section <NUM>, tape guide <NUM>, discharge device <NUM>, and feeder control section <NUM>. Feeder main body <NUM> is formed in a flat box shape. Tape conveyance path <NUM> for guiding tape <NUM> to be fed and moved from insertion position Pi to supply position Ps is formed in feeder main body <NUM>. Reel accommodation section <NUM> accommodates reel <NUM> on which tape <NUM> is wound.

Feed driving section <NUM> pitch-feeds tape <NUM> pulled out from reel <NUM>. Feed driving section <NUM> is disposed below tape conveyance path <NUM> at supply position Ps. Feed driving section <NUM> includes sprocket <NUM> and motor <NUM>. Sprocket <NUM> is rotatably provided on feeder main body <NUM>. External teeth of sprocket <NUM> engage with feeding hole <NUM> of tape <NUM>. Motor <NUM> rotationally drives sprocket <NUM>. In the present embodiment, motor <NUM> is a stepping motor, and outputs a driving force to sprocket <NUM> via a deceleration mechanism (not illustrated).

Tape guide <NUM> guides tape <NUM> above feed driving section <NUM>. Tape guide <NUM> is attached to feeder main body <NUM>. Peeling section <NUM> serving as a fulcrum when cover tape <NUM> peeled off from base tape <NUM> is pulled toward the rear of feeder <NUM> is formed on tape guide <NUM>. Opening section <NUM> through which component <NUM> can be picked up from cavity <NUM> is formed on the upper surface of tape guide <NUM>. A position of peeling section <NUM> and a position of opening section <NUM> in feeder <NUM> correspond to peeling position Pp and supply position Ps.

Discharge device <NUM> discharges cover tape <NUM> peeled off from base tape <NUM> to the outside. In the present embodiment, discharge device <NUM> operates in synchronization with feed driving section <NUM> to feed and move cover tape <NUM> peeled off from base tape <NUM> along predetermined discharge path Te from peeling position Pp to discharge position Pe. According to such a configuration, cover tape <NUM> is fed and moved to discharge position Pe, and is discharged toward below feeder <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, a state in which tape <NUM> is loaded on feeder <NUM> is a state in which component <NUM> can be supplied at supply position Ps by driving of feed driving section <NUM>. Specifically, a state in which tape <NUM> unwound from reel <NUM> extends from insertion position Pi to supply position Ps, and top tape <NUM> peeled off from base tape <NUM> can be discharged by driving of discharge device <NUM> is referred to as a loading state of tape <NUM>. At this time, a part or all of the section from peeling position Pp to discharge position Pe may be a temporary tape connected to cover tape <NUM>.

As the tape feeder, in addition to the type in which cover tape <NUM> is peeled off over the entire area in a width direction so as to separate cover tape <NUM> from base tape <NUM> as described above, there are a partial peeling type in which only a part of cover tape <NUM> in the width direction is peeled off, and a cutting type in which cover tape <NUM> is cut along the longitudinal direction. In the partial peeling type and the cutting type, cover tape <NUM> is bent at a position closer to insertion position Pi than supply position Ps so that cavity <NUM> is opened.

In addition, tape feeder includes an auto loading feeder that is provided with a feed driving section in the vicinity of insertion position Pi, and that automatically feeds and moves a starting end of tape <NUM> to supply position Ps when the starting end of tape <NUM> is inserted. In any type of feeder, the loading state of tape <NUM> is a state in which feeder feeds and moves tape <NUM> by its own function so that component <NUM> can be supplied to supply position Ps.

Feeder control section <NUM> controls operations of feed driving section <NUM> and discharge device <NUM>. In a conveyance process for feeding and moving tape <NUM>, feeder control section <NUM> executes control to rotate sprocket <NUM> by supplying power to motor <NUM> of feed driving section <NUM> and to convey tape <NUM> to a predetermined position. At this time, feeder control section <NUM> executes control that the operation of discharge device <NUM> to be synchronized with the operation of feed driving section <NUM>.

When feeder <NUM> is set in an external device such as tape loading device <NUM> or component mounter <NUM>, electric power is supplied from the external device through a connector. As a result, feeder control section <NUM> is in a state capable of communicating with the external device. Feeder control section <NUM> executes the conveyance process based on a control command by the external device or the like. In addition, feeder control section <NUM> sends identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a "feeder ID") unique to feeder <NUM> to the external device in response to a request from the external device.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tape loading device <NUM> includes device main body <NUM> to be installed on a floor of a production facility or the like. Tape insertion port <NUM> into which the starting end of tape <NUM>, which is a loading target, is inserted is formed in device main body <NUM>. Tape loading device <NUM> includes feeder holding stand <NUM>. Feeder holding stand <NUM> is provided at a center portion of device main body <NUM> in the width direction. Feeder holding stand <NUM> holds feeder <NUM> which is a target of the loading process. Feeder holding stand <NUM> is electrically connected to the connector of set feeder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tape loading device <NUM> includes acquisition section <NUM>. Acquisition section <NUM> acquires identification information (feeder ID) of feeder <NUM> held in feeder holding stand <NUM> and identification information (reel ID) of reel <NUM>. In the present embodiment, acquisition section <NUM> acquires feeder ID by communication with feeder <NUM> which is in a state of being held in feeder holding stand <NUM>. In addition, acquisition section <NUM> acquires the reel ID by reading code <NUM> attached to reel <NUM>.

The reel ID is read by an operation of an operator using reader <NUM>. In a case where reel <NUM> is accommodated in a predetermined position of tape loading device <NUM>, a reader for automatically reading code <NUM> with the setting of reel <NUM> may be provided. Acquisition section <NUM> sends the feeder ID and the reel ID to control device <NUM> to be described later at the time of acquiring each of them.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tape loading device <NUM> includes loading section <NUM>. Loading section <NUM> loads carrier tape <NUM> unwound from reel <NUM> into feeder <NUM>. In the present embodiment, loading section <NUM> grips the starting end of tape <NUM> inserted into tape insertion port <NUM> by gripping claw <NUM> in the loading process, and pulls tape <NUM> to a position corresponding to supply position Ps. Loading section <NUM> peels off cover tape <NUM> from base tape <NUM> by a predetermined length from the starting end of tape <NUM>.

Further, loading section <NUM> connects the starting end of cover tape <NUM> to a rear end of a temporary tape (not illustrated) that has been previously routed in a shape along discharge path Te. Finally, loading section <NUM> delivers tape <NUM> integrated with the temporary tape to feeder <NUM> from the side of feeder <NUM>. In this way, loading section <NUM> is in a state in which base tape <NUM> is fed and moved from insertion position Pi to supply position Ps in the loading process. In addition, loading section <NUM> is in a state in which cover tape <NUM> peeled off from base tape <NUM> extends along discharge path Te from the peeling position to discharge position Pe via the temporary tape.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, tape loading device <NUM> includes display device <NUM>. Display device <NUM> is provided above device main body <NUM> and displays various information so as to be visualized by the operator. Display device <NUM> displays various notifications by control device <NUM> to be described later. In addition, display device <NUM> may include a touch panel capable of receiving an operation by the operator.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tape loading device <NUM> includes control device <NUM>. Control device <NUM> is mainly made up of a CPU, various types of memories, and a control circuit. Control device <NUM> controls the operation of loading section <NUM> in the loading process based on information output from acquisition section <NUM> and various sensors. In addition, control device <NUM> instructs display device <NUM> to display various information, and acquires information corresponding to the operation in a case in which display device <NUM> receives the operation of the operator.

Here, when executing the loading process, a collation operation for collating the feeder ID and the reel ID is executed such that appropriate tape <NUM> is loaded on feeder <NUM> to be used in the mounting process. In a conventional tape loading device, after the collation operation is executed by using an external dedicated device, corresponding feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> are set to execute the loading process. The dedicated device for the collation operation is communicably connected to management device <NUM> which manages feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> with the respective identification information (feeder ID and reel ID).

As illustrated in <FIG>, management device <NUM> generally manages production line <NUM> including board work machine such as tape loading device <NUM>, multiple component mounters <NUM>, or the like. Storage section <NUM> of management device <NUM> stores production plan M1, device management information M2, or the like. Production plan M1 is information indicating the type, number, and production order of board products to be produced. Device management information M2 is information indicating feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> assigned to the mounting process, which is executed based on production plan M1 by identification information (feeder ID and reel ID).

When the feeder ID and the reel ID are acquired, management device <NUM> determines whether the loading of tape <NUM> into corresponding feeder <NUM> is permitted based on device management information M2. Then, management device <NUM> outputs a determination result as to whether the loading is permissible. Here, in a case where tape <NUM> is loaded as part of the setup change before the mounting process is executed, a large number of feeders <NUM> and reels <NUM> are placed around the tape loading device. Therefore, when each of feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> is set in the tape loading device, either the feeder or the reel may be misrecognized.

Tape loading device <NUM> of the present embodiment can acquire the feeder ID and the reel ID, and can execute the collation operation by directly communicating with management device <NUM>. Then, tape loading device <NUM> controls the operation of loading section <NUM> based on the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible acquired from management device <NUM> as a result of the collation operation. As a result, tape loading device <NUM> is configured to improve the loading accuracy and the work efficiency.

Specifically, control device <NUM> is communicably connected to management device <NUM>. Then, in a case in which acquisition section <NUM> acquires the identification information of each of feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> (the feeder ID and the reel ID), control device <NUM> sends a pair of identification information to management device <NUM>. Control device <NUM> acquires a determination result as to whether tape <NUM> is loadable into feeder <NUM> by communication from management device <NUM>, and controls the operation of loading section <NUM> based on the determination result.

In a case in which the loading of tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM> is permitted by management device <NUM>, control device <NUM> causes loading section <NUM> to execute the loading process. In addition, after the loading process by loading section <NUM> is completed, control device <NUM> sends the result of the loading process to management device <NUM>. As a result, in a case in which the loading process is normally completed, it is recorded that predetermined tape <NUM> is loaded in feeder <NUM> in management device <NUM>.

In addition, control device <NUM> locks the operation of at least a part of loading section <NUM> in a case in which the loading of tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM> is not permitted by management device <NUM>. As a result, even if the operator instructs feeder <NUM> of a combination that is not permitted to load predetermined tape <NUM>, the loading process is stopped by the locking of loading section <NUM>. Control device <NUM> may unlock loading section <NUM> in a case in which feeder <NUM> is removed from feeder holding stand <NUM> or tape <NUM> is removed.

After the feeder ID is acquired by acquisition section <NUM>, for example, in a case in which feeder <NUM> is removed from feeder holding stand <NUM>, control device <NUM> discards the acquired feeder ID. Similarly, in a configuration in which it is detectable that reel <NUM> is set, for example, in a case in which reel <NUM> is removed after the reel ID is acquired by acquisition section <NUM>, control device <NUM> discards the acquired reel ID. After the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible is already acquired from management device <NUM>, in a case in which at least one of feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> is removed, control device <NUM> discards the determination result and stops the loading process.

Control device <NUM> may cause display device <NUM> to display information associated with the feeder ID and the reel ID related to the collation operation (such as the type of feeder <NUM>, the type and the remaining number of components <NUM> in tape <NUM>), a determination result as to whether the loading is permissible, or the like. For example, control device <NUM> notifies the operator of the abnormality in a case in which the loading of tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM> is not permitted by management device <NUM>. Here, in a case where management device <NUM> does not permit the loading of tape <NUM> into feeder <NUM>, the control device may acquire the information indicating the cause of the non-permission from management device <NUM> by communication.

Control device <NUM> may notify the operator of the cause of the non-permission together with the abnormality. As a cause of the non-permission, it is assumed that there is an error in the combination of feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM>, such as a case in which tape <NUM> to be loaded into feeder <NUM> set in tape loading device <NUM> is not wound on reel <NUM> that is a target of the collation operation. In addition, it is also regarded as the cause of the non-permission that the feeder ID or the reel ID is not registered in advance in management device <NUM>.

In addition, the loading process may be not permitted based on block information M3. Here, block information M3 is stored in storage section <NUM> of management device <NUM>. Block information M3 is information for regulating the application of at least one of feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM> to the mounting process of component <NUM> by component mounter <NUM>. For example, when predetermined feeder <NUM> is in a state of requiring maintenance from the viewpoint of operation accuracy, it is recorded in block information M3 in association with the feeder ID so that the application to the mounting process is regulated until the maintenance is executed.

In addition, when tape <NUM> to be loaded is in a state in which the use expiration date has been exceeded based on production plan M1 and device management information M2, it is recorded in block information M3 in association with the reel ID so that the application to the mounting process is regulated. Block information M3 is edited so as to cancel the regulation by, for example, executing maintenance on feeder <NUM>. In addition, block information M3 can be arbitrarily set so as to switch the applicability of feeder <NUM> or reel <NUM> according to the required accuracy or priority for each mounting process. In a case in which the feeder ID and the reel ID are inputted, management device <NUM> determines whether tape <NUM> is loadable into feeder <NUM> based on block information M3.

Loading process by tape loading device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. First, in a case in which feeder <NUM> is held in feeder holding stand <NUM> (S11: Yes), acquisition section <NUM> acquires the feeder ID by communication with feeder <NUM> and sends the feeder ID to control device <NUM> (S12). Tape loading device <NUM> maintains a standby state in a case in which feeder <NUM> is not set (S11: No).

In a case in which the starting end of tape <NUM> is inserted into tape insertion port <NUM> and code <NUM> of reel <NUM> is read by reader <NUM> (S21), acquisition section <NUM> acquires the reel ID from reader <NUM> and sends the acquired reel ID to control device <NUM> (S22). Tape loading device <NUM> executes an acquisition process of the feeder ID and the reel ID in parallel, and maintains the standby state in a case in which code <NUM> of reel <NUM> is not read (S21: No).

When acquisition section <NUM> acquires the pair of feeder ID and reel ID, control device <NUM> sends them to management device <NUM> (S31). Management device <NUM> determines whether the loading is permissible (S32). Specifically, management device <NUM> determines whether the loading is permissible based on conditions, of which the inputted feeder ID and reel ID are both registered in advance, whether the combination is suitable for the mounting process to be executed, and whether the application to the mounting process is not regulated, are satisfied. Production plan M1, device management information M2, and block information M3 are used for the determination of whether the loading is permissible.

Control device <NUM> acquires from management device <NUM> a determination result as to whether reel <NUM> is loadable into feeder <NUM> that is currently set (S33). In a case in which the loading is permitted (S34: Yes), control device <NUM> causes loading section <NUM> to execute the loading process (S35). After the loading process is executed, control device <NUM> sends the result of the loading process to management device <NUM> (S36). As a result, in management device <NUM>, it is recorded that predetermined tape <NUM> is loaded in feeder <NUM>. In addition, control device <NUM> may display various types of information on display device <NUM> so as to notify the operator that the loading process is completed.

In a case in which the loading is not permitted (S34: No), control device <NUM> locks the operation of at least a part of loading section <NUM> (S37). Control device <NUM> notifies the operator of the cause of the non-permission together with the abnormality (S38). As a result, the operator is notified that, for example, feeder <NUM> or reel <NUM> is not registered, the combination thereof is not suitable for the mounting process, and at least one of them is blocked. The lock of the operation of loading section <NUM> is canceled by removing feeder <NUM> and tape <NUM>.

With such a configuration, tape loading device <NUM> acquires identification information (feeder ID) of feeder <NUM> which is a target held by feeder holding stand <NUM> (S11). Then, the identification information of feeder <NUM> (feeder ID) and the identification information of reel <NUM> (reel ID) are sent to management device <NUM> (S31), and the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible is acquired from management device <NUM> by communication (S33). S11 to S12, S21 to S22, and S31 to S33 in the loading process correspond to collation operation for collating the feeder ID and the reel ID.

Tape loading device <NUM> controls the operation of loading section <NUM> based on the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible (S35 and S37). With such a configuration, since feeder <NUM>, which is an acquisition target of identification information (the feeder ID and the reel ID), is held in feeder holding stand <NUM>, it is possible to prevent another tape <NUM> from being erroneously loaded into feeder <NUM> after acquiring the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible from management device <NUM>. As a result, the accuracy of the loading can be improved. In addition, since tape loading device <NUM> directly communicates with management device <NUM>, it is possible to improve the loading efficiency.

In the present embodiment, since reel <NUM> is held in reel accommodation section <NUM> provided in feeder <NUM> and the starting end of tape <NUM> is inserted into tape insertion port <NUM>, it is possible to prevent another reel <NUM> or tape <NUM> from being erroneously set after acquiring the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible from management device <NUM>.

In addition, even if the starting end of tape <NUM> is inserted into tape insertion port <NUM> after the loading is permitted, since feeder <NUM> has already been set, the operator inserts the starting end of tape <NUM> of reel <NUM> that has read code <NUM> into tape insertion port <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to suppress the erroneous setting of reel <NUM> and tape <NUM>.

In the embodiment, feeder <NUM> which is a loading target of tape loading device <NUM> is configured to be fed and moved by pulling in tape <NUM> by feed driving section <NUM> provided on the front side. Feeder <NUM> may be an auto loading feeder as described above. Loading section <NUM> loads tape <NUM> for each type of feeder <NUM>.

In addition, tape loading device <NUM> may further include a configuration for opening and closing a cover constituting a side surface of feeder <NUM>, automatically setting feeder <NUM> and reel <NUM>, and moving the starting end of tape <NUM> from reel <NUM> to loading section <NUM> in the loading process. In either of the configurations, tape loading device <NUM> executes the collation operation by communicating with management device <NUM>, and controls the operation of loading section <NUM> based on the result. Accordingly, the same effect as in the embodiment can be obtained.

In the embodiment, tape loading device <NUM> is configured to send identification information (feeder ID and reel ID) to management device <NUM>, to acquire a determination result as to whether the loading is permissible by management device <NUM>, and to control the operation of loading section <NUM> based on the determination result. On the other hand, tape loading device <NUM> may acquire an operation command for instructing the execution of the loading process in addition to the determination result as to whether the loading is permissible from management device <NUM>, and control the operation of loading section <NUM> based on the operation command. With such a configuration, it is possible to manage the processing including the execution timing of the loading process by management device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A tape loading device (<NUM>) comprising:
a feeder holding stand (<NUM>) configured to hold a feeder (<NUM>);
an acquisition section (<NUM>) configured to acquire identification information of the feeder (<NUM>) held by the feeder holding stand (<NUM>) and identification information of a reel (<NUM>) on which a carrier tape (<NUM>) accommodating multiple components (<NUM>) is wound;
a loading section (<NUM>) configured to load the carrier tape (<NUM>) unwound from the reel (<NUM>) into the feeder (<NUM>); and
a control device (<NUM>) configured to be communicably connected to a management device (<NUM>) configured to manage each of the feeder (<NUM>) and the reel (<NUM>) with the identification information, and to control an operation of the loading section (<NUM>) based on a determination result of whether the carrier tape (<NUM>) is loadable into the feeder (<NUM>) by the management device (<NUM>), characterized in that:
when setting each of the feeder (<NUM>) and the reel (<NUM>) in the tape loading device (<NUM>), the feeder holding stand (<NUM>) is configured to hold the feeder (<NUM>) which is a target of the loading process, such that the feeder holding stand (<NUM>) is electrically connected to a connector of the set feeder (<NUM>).