Chip component take-in apparatus

A take-in apparatus for removing chip components adapted to be stored in a bulk state in a storage chamber from the storage chamber and for supplying the components to an output, the take-in apparatus comprising (a) a passage arranged (i) so the components in the storage chamber can move from the storage chamber to the passage and (ii) for causing aligned movement of the chip components away from the storage chamber, (b) a rotatable member for causing the chip components in the storage chamber to move to the passage in response to turning of the rotatable member, and (c) a guide way at an end of the passage proximate the rotatable member and remote from an outlet end of the passage for guiding the chip components from the rotatable member into the passage in response to turning of the rotatable member, the guide way having a funnel-shaped cross section having a wide mouth arranged to receive the components from the rotatable member and a narrow outlet arranged for directing the components into the passage.

A method of feeding chip components from a amber where the components are stored in bulk state to an outlet comprising turning the components along a rotary path in the chamber to another path, guiding the components from the rotary path to the another path, and moving the components longitudinally in alignment in the another path to the outlet via a guide way between (a) the rotary path and (b) an end of the another path proximate the rotary path and remote from an outlet of the another path, the guide way having a funnel-shaped cross section having a wide mouth into which the rotary surface directs the components and a narrow outlet through which the components move into the another path.