Component feeder system and method for feeding and displaying components

US8967365B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ABB TECHNOLOGY AG · CH

Inventors

• Daniel Sirkett · Fjärdhundra, SE
• Ivan Lundberg · Hagfors, SE
• Siim Viilup · Västerås, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 9, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/1478
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A component feeder including a bulk storage container for storage of components, and a lift for elevating a selection of components from the container, the lift being located inside the container. The feeder further includes a transfer arrangement for transferring elevated components from the lift onto a component pick surface on which the components are distributed in order to be picked by a tool or by a hand, and a plate configured to include the component pick surface. Further described is a component feeder system including at least one component feeder, a camera for monitoring the component pick surface and a processor used to control an industrial robot to pick pickable components lying on the pick surface. A corresponding method is also described.