Component feeder apparatus and method for vision-controlled robotic placement system
US4810154A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K13/0419
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved apparatus and method for feeding a large volume of electrical components to a vision controlled robotic placement apparatus is provided. Electrical components in a reeled pocketed carrier tape are indexed along a dereeling component feeder to a pick up station. Forward advance of the carrier is stopped when an optical sensor in the feeder senses that a depending pocket in the carrier tape is generally positioned at the pick up station. The vision control system on the robot is relied upon to locate the pocket at the pick up station and to locate the individual components presented in the pocket. The components are robotically unloaded from the carrier one at a time and placed on a printed circuit board assembly at a second station with the guidance of the vision control system. As the last component is picked up for placement, the vision control system signals the carrier tape drive to index the next pocket to the pick up station. In accordance with the invention, multiple parts may be presented in each pocket. The carrier tape and feeder are less precise and much less expensive because the vision system is relied upon to perform the location functions required for accu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.