Tape feeder for component mounter and method of automatically setting tape initial position by the same

A tape feeder for a component mounter, the tape feeder comprising:

• a generally planar frame defining a first axis and a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis;
• a first actuator configured parallel to one of the first axis and the second axis, the first actuator including a first movable member that reciprocates along said one of the first axis and the second axis;
• a bracket connected to the first movable member for movement along said one of the first axis and the second axis;
• a second actuator connected to the bracket and configured parallel to the other one of the first axis and the second axis, the second actuator including a second movable member that reciprocates along said other one of the first axis and the second axis;
• an index pin connected to the second movable member for engaging a plurality of tape holes in a tape and incrementally advancing the tape;
• and
• an optical sensor that is disposed in the index pin and coaxial with a central axis through the index pin.