Pick-and-place feeder module assembly
OwnerJohn S. Youngquistinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pick-and-place machine and method includes use of a passive component feeder cartridge including a feeder gear. Rotation of the feeder gear causes a component-bearing tape to be fed through the feeder cartridge. A pickup head includes a vacuum nozzle to pick up the components from the tape and a rack gear to engage and drive the feeder gear of the feeder cartridge via translational motion of the pickup head when operatively disposed with respect to a selected feeder cartridge.
Claims44
A feeder module for use in a pick-and-place machine, said feeder module comprising:
- a frame configured to support a plurality of snap-in connected feeders in cantilevered fashion;
- a component supply portion configured to accommodate plural supplies of components, each supply being located below a respectively corresponding feeder;
- and
- a lock mechanism configured to detachably connect the feeder module to a pick-and-place machine.
A feeder module assembly for use in a pick-and-place machine, said feeder module assembly comprising:
- a feeder module including:
- a frame configured to support a plurality of feeders;
- an attachment device configured to detachably connect at least one of the feeders to the frame;
- and
- at least one feeder configured to incrementally advance a tape bearing a plurality of components, the at least one feeder including:
- at least one connecting device configured to engage the attachment device and to detachably connect the at least one feeder to the frame,
- wherein the at least one feeder is supported by the frame by only a first end portion thereof so as to form a cantilevered attachment.
A feeder module assembly for use in a pick-and-place machine, said feeder module assembly comprising:
- a feeder module including:
- a frame configured to support a plurality of feeders;
- an attachment device configured to detachably connect at least one of the feeders to the frame;
- and
- at least one feeder configured to incrementally advance a tape bearing a plurality of components, the at least one feeder including:
- at least one connecting device to engage the attachment device in a snap-fit arrangement to detachably connect the at least one feeder to the frame.
A method of installing a feeder in a feeder module of a pick-and-place machine, the method comprising:
- providing a feeder having a first connector;
- providing a feeder module having a second connector configured for mating engagement with the first connector;
- and
- applying a force to the feeder to cause the first connector and the second connector to engage one another in a snap-fit arrangement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.