US 4,543,705 AGranted

Axial-lead component sequencing and inserting apparatus

AssigneeUniversal Instruments Corporation

InventorsRichard Porterfield, Henry J. Soth, Douglas A. Biesecker

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Abstract

The present invention involves a method and apparatus for feeding axial lead components directly from a sequencer to an insertion head, while eliminating direct supplying of components to the insert head via a prededicated inventory such as reeled tapes or films having components attached thereto in a predetermined sequence. Preferably, an endless chain conveyor carries the components to the insert head in chain clips which positively retain the leads thereof while allowing centering of the bodies and electrical function testing of the components just prior to insertion of the leads into corresponding holes of a circuit board. Direct supply from a sequencer having a series of individually and programmably controlled dispenser heads provides for quick and flexible variation of an input sequence without manual intervention.

Claims30

Dependent claims

In an apparatus for automated processing of axial lead components, each having a body and at least two leads extending generally coaxially in opposite directions from said body, said processing comprising inserting leads of said components into corresponding holes of a circuit board at an insert station, said apparatus having means for conveying a series of said components incrementally along a conveying path to said insert station, means for forming said leads preparatory to said inserting, and means for performing said lead inserting, the improvement comprising:

means for shifting at least a portion of said conveying means in a reverse direction sufficiently for said forming means not to engage components carried on said conveying means during moving of said forming means from said path at a forming station, and for shifting at least said conveying means portion in a forward direction sufficiently for at least one of a series of spaced component positions of said conveying means to bypass said forming station prior to moving said forming means back into said path while not engaging said components;
and
means for moving said forming means from and into said path according to a controller.

In an apparatus for automated processing of axial lead components, each having a body and at least two leads extending generally coaxially in opposite directions from said body, said processing comprising inserting leads of said components into corresponding holes of a circuit board at an insert station, said apparatus having means for conveying a series of said components incrementally along a conveying path to said insert station, means for forming said leads preparatory to said inserting and means for performing said lead inserting, the improvement comprising:

means for centering each component, while carried by lead retaining clips of said conveying means, relative to a midplane about which said forming and inserting means are centered, said centering means comprising a pair of opening and closing arms each engaging said body so as to center said body upon said midplane during closing of said arms, said leads being retained in said clips and slideable in a direction generally perpendicular to said midplane during said centering.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.