Processing method for tip end of tape

A processing method for a tip end of a tape, the processing method being 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 a method of processing a tip end of the component storage tape before attaching the component storage tape to a component feeder, the processing method comprising:

• 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
• folding the lifted tip end of the cover tape along a fold to form a triangular fold piece;
• wherein the lifting includes:
• 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
• lifting the pair of cut parts to form a pair of cut/lifted parts;
• and
• wherein during the folding, 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.