Tape feeder

A tape feeder in which a component supply tape including a cover tape adhered on a carrier tape accommodating multiple components is fed to a predetermined supply position, and the cover tape is separated from the carrier tape in front of the supply position to expose a component on the carrier tape, the tape feeder comprising:

• a pair of rotating members configured to separate the cover tape from the carrier tape by pinching and drawing the cover tape:
• a drum member configured to rotate and wind the cover tape drawn by the pair of rotating members:
• a driving motor;
• and
• a distribution mechanism configured to distribute a torque from the driving motor to one rotating member of the pair of rotating members and the drum member, the distribution mechanism including a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear, the first transmission gear in mesh with the driving motor and configured to transmit the torque from the driving motor to the one rotating member, and the second transmission gear being in mesh with the driving motor and configured to transmit the torque from the driving motor to the drum member.