Supply apparatus, waste box, supply system and supply method

Abstract

The invention relates to a supply device (10) for supplying components (52) in order to assemble substrates by means of an automatic assembly machine (150), the supply device (10) having at least one receiving compartment (20) for receiving a plurality of component magazines (50), wherein the supply device (10) is designed to supply components (52) from the plurality of component magazines (50) to the automatic assembly machine (150), wherein the at least one receiving compartment (20) is designed to receive at least one waste magazine (60), wherein the supply device (10) has a discharge device (40) for discharging waste (80) from at least one of the plurality of component magazines (50) into the at least one waste magazine (60). Furthermore, the invention relates to a waste magazine (60) for use with the supply device (10), a supply system (100) and a supply method (200) for supplying components (52) to an automatic assembly machine (150).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a supply device for supplying components so as to assemble substrates using an automated assembly machine. Furthermore, this invention relates to a waste bin for use with the supply device, a supply system for supplying components to an automated assembly machine, and a supply method. Background Technology

[0002] The widely accepted and known method for collecting waste when supplying components to be assembled on substrates using automated assembly machines is to use simple boxes in each assembly area. These boxes are typically located below the assembly area, such as under the exchange table. Most of the waste is shredded and then falls into the boxes. Operators must manually empty these boxes frequently based on the accumulated waste volume. This work and changeover process directly affect the assembly performance of the automated assembly machine. The handling of material is mostly organized separately.

[0003] Furthermore, waste disposal systems are known, which include a conveyor located below the automated assembly machines on the production line. This conveyor allows waste to be transported from the automated assembly machines to a large common waste container for all automated assembly machines, for example, via conveyor belts or airflow. However, this waste disposal system disadvantageously requires large installation space, maintenance of the conveyor, and high costs and material expenditures.

[0004] The trend in electronics manufacturing and the pressing customer demand is to automate all processes as much as possible and achieve zero-operator production. This means that ideally, all processes currently performed by operators should be fully automated, i.e., operating without operators.

[0005] Most of the solutions described above use separate and / or complex transport devices to move waste from automated assembly machines to a central location on the production line. These additional transport devices and material handling operations result in high costs. Further robotic systems are often required for handling the logistics.

[0006] Furthermore, the described transport equipment is typically integrated under and / or within the machine, making access more difficult and requiring considerable space. In the event of malfunctions and / or maintenance, troubleshooting and resolving the problem takes time, leading to plant downtime and increased production costs.

[0007] Mass feeding equipment and methods for supplying components to a manufacturing process are known. Packaging and / or arranging components on a tape is common, particularly for handling small electronic components for, for example, substrates or printed circuit boards, where the tape is wound on a spool. The tape is fed from the spool to a feeder and from there conveyed to component handling equipment, particularly automated assembly machines. Introducing the tape into the feeder requires high precision because both the conveyor belt and the components are designed to be very sensitive. Precise placement of components via accurate tape positioning is crucial for the feeding equipment and / or feeder, as the quality of further component processing depends on the precise arrangement of the components. Obtaining components for automated assembly machines from multiple component cassettes is advantageous, and therefore it is preferable to be able to feed multiple and / or different components in parallel into the automated assembly machine via the feeding equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of this invention is to eliminate, or at least partially eliminate, the disadvantages of the prior art described above. In particular, one object of this invention is a supply device for supplying components to assemble substrates using an automated assembly machine, which makes waste disposal particularly easy. In particular, another object of this invention is to provide a waste container, a supply system for supplying components to an automated assembly machine, and a supply method.

[0009] The aforementioned objective is achieved through the patent claims. Specifically, this objective is accomplished by a supply device having the features of independent claim 1 for supplying components for assembling substrates using an automated assembly machine. Furthermore, this objective is achieved by a waste bin having the features of independent claim 10, a supply system having the features of independent claim 14 for supplying components to an automated assembly machine, and a supply method having the features of independent claim 18. Other advantages and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings. Features described herein in conjunction with the supply device according to the invention naturally also apply to the waste bin according to the invention, the supply system according to the invention, and the supply method according to the invention, and vice versa; therefore, reference may always be made alternately to the disclosures regarding various aspects of the invention.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a supply device for supplying components in order to assemble substrates using an automated assembly machine. The supply device has at least one receiving compartment for receiving a plurality of component boxes, wherein the supply device is designed to supply components from the plurality of component boxes to the automated assembly machine. The at least one receiving compartment is also designed to receive at least one waste box, wherein the supply device has a discharge device for discharging waste from at least one of the plurality of component boxes into the at least one waste box.

[0011] The supply device according to the invention preferably provides a guide channel for components and / or belts from the component box to the automatic assembly machine, and a discharge path for waste to at least one waste box. The supply device is preferably designed at least partially as a component of the automatic assembly machine or functionally as a separate device between the automatic assembly machine and the component box and waste box. Multiple component boxes represent a base for supplying components to the automatic assembly machine. The component box and / or supply device have devices and / or mechanisms for advancing components, particularly component belts. These advancing devices are generally referred to as feeders and can be designed as part of the component box and / or the supply device. Multiple component boxes and / or supply devices preferably have drive wheels for forward-driving the components. In this invention, the structural configuration of the feeder as part of the component box is preferred. Interfaces for providing energy and / or for introducing, for example, mechanical force from the supply device to the component box and / or vice versa via gears to drive the feeder are described later in this specification. The supply device preferably includes a movable bracket, which can be arranged, in particular, on the automatic assembly machine.

[0012] Within the scope of this invention, at least one waste container represents a substrate into which waste from multiple component containers can be discharged. The carrier tape of the components is preferably understood as waste. Component coils typically have carrier tape, especially paper carrier tape, and preferably have stamped bags for the components. The components are also typically protected by a protective film on the carrier tape and held in the bag of the carrier tape. When the protective film is introduced into the feeding device and / or automatic assembly machine, the protective film is preferably pulled down in a direction opposite or substantially opposite to the feed direction of the carrier tape. In the context of this invention, the term "X or substantially X" should be understood as possible, minor deviations, such as due to manufacturing tolerances, material and / or process characteristics, without altering the potential, intended function of that feature. The protective film may preferably be rolled up and / or stored in the component container and / or also fed to the waste container. After the components have been removed from at least one section of the carrier tape, the carrier tape becomes waste according to the invention, which is processed by the feeding device according to the invention. Compared to the previously described method of rolling up the protective film, rolling up the carrier tape is not an advantageous embodiment because, on the one hand, the carrier tape has a larger volume than the protective film, and on the other hand, the waste bin according to the invention preferably receives waste from multiple component bins, wherein the multiple component bins generally have different pushing forces on the components and / or component tapes. The waste and / or component tapes are thus advantageously supplied from the multiple component bins to the waste bin. The component tapes preferably have a width dimension of 4 to 56 mm. According to the invention, the supply device according to the invention preferably enables the components, particularly the component tapes, to be driven forward from each of the multiple component bins at a speed of up to 57 rolls per hour, wherein a roll preferably comprises 10,000 to 50,000 components. The roll comprises, for example, a component tape of 30 m in length, wherein the exemplary component tape does not include components having a preferred height of 0.5 mm.

[0013] The receiving compartment according to the invention should be understood within the scope of the invention as having a volume, for example, for multiple component boxes and at least one waste box. The receiving compartment allows multiple component boxes and at least one waste box to be pushed in, connected, and / or secured to a supply device and / or a supply equipment. Furthermore, the receiving compartment allows the supply of components from multiple component boxes to the supply equipment and / or an automated assembly machine, and the discharge of waste from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one waste box. From a functional perspective, the receiving compartment thus represents a securing, logistics, and / or input and output device for multiple component boxes and at least one waste box. The multiple component boxes and at least one waste box can preferably be arranged adjacent to each other, particularly parallel to each other, in the receiving compartment. For example, the supply device according to the invention has up to 112 storage locations for component boxes and at least one waste box. The supply device preferably has two receiving compartments, wherein at least one of the two receiving compartments is designed to receive a waste box. The receiving compartment preferably has a fixed and / or specific receiving area for at least one waste bin, wherein a discharge device for discharging waste from at least one of a plurality of component bins into at least one waste bin is disposed in the receiving area. The discharge device provided for discharge is described in more detail below and primarily represents waste guiding devices, removal paths and / or channels for waste to enter the waste bin. The discharge direction for discharging waste into at least one waste bin is preferably arranged at least partially parallel and / or opposite to the feed direction of components from the plurality of component bins. In other words, the supply device according to the invention is designed to supply components from a plurality of component bins to an automated assembly machine in a first direction, while waste is discharged into at least one waste bin in a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are at least partially opposite, side-by-side and / or parallel to each other.

[0014] This design of the supply equipment is particularly advantageous because the discharge of waste through a discharge device for discharging waste from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one waste box can be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured such that the supply device, particularly the discharge device, includes a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is designed to shred the waste before it is discharged into at least one waste bin. Preferably, the supply device has cutting devices for all component bins, particularly for all component strips from the component bins. For example, the cutting device preferably has a cutting distance of at least 30, 40, or 50 cm. The cutting device is preferably designed as a wobbling and / or rolling cutting device, wherein the wobbling and / or rolling motion is performed by the cutting device to cut the component strips. The cutting device, particularly the cutting process, generally generates vibrations in the supply device, components, and / or automated assembly machine, such that the cutting process can be advantageously coordinated with the gripping process in terms of time and / or position, and / or with the process of assembling components by the supply device according to the invention. The cutting device allows the waste to be shredded before it is discharged into at least one waste bin. Another advantageous embodiment of the cutting device according to the invention is that the size of the waste, such as the length of the component strips, can be adjusted to make it most advantageously possible to discharge the waste and / or fill at least one waste bin. For example, it is advantageous if the length of the scrap parts from the component belt is less than 5 cm, particularly less than 2 cm, and especially preferably less than 1 cm. The cutting device preferably cuts perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the components from the multiple component boxes. A feeding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the cutting device can discharge scrap from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one scrap box in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. The cutting device can produce smaller scrap blocks, thereby making better use of the volume of at least one scrap box. Better volume utilization can save on logistics processes, time, cost, and / or materials.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured such that at least one receiving compartment is at least partially designed as a volume within the supply device and / or is accessible on at least a first side of the supply device to introduce at least one waste box and / or to introduce multiple component boxes. The supply device preferably has a second side facing or accessible to an automated assembly machine. Here, the first side of the supply device is preferably arranged opposite to the second side of the supply device. The receiving compartment is thus clearly arranged on one side of the supply device, which is arranged opposite and / or away from the feed direction of the components of the automated assembly machine and / or the supply device. Within the scope of the invention, the receiving compartment is preferably understood as a volume within the receiving device. The receiving compartment is preferably open and / or accessible on its side for replacing multiple component boxes and / or at least one waste box. The exchange is preferably performed by a logistics device, which will be described in detail later. Multiple component boxes and / or at least one waste box are preferably exchanged along an exchange axis, wherein the boxes are inserted in the opposite direction to removal. Multiple component boxes and at least one waste box are thus preferably arranged on a common side of the supply device. The supply equipment designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the receiving compartment designed in this way can discharge waste from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one waste box in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured such that the discharge device includes a flow device, wherein the flow device generates flow to supply waste into at least one waste bin. The discharge device for discharge primarily represents waste guiding devices, discharge paths and / or channels for waste to enter the waste bin. The discharge direction for discharging waste into at least one waste bin is preferably designed to be parallel and / or opposite to the feed direction of components from multiple component bins. In other words, the supply device according to the invention is designed to supply components from multiple component bins to an automated assembly machine in a first direction, while waste is discharged into at least one waste bin in a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are at least partially opposite, side-by-side, and / or parallel to each other. Within the scope of the invention, the flow device of the discharge device should be understood as a transport device within the discharge device for supplying waste into at least one waste bin. The flow is preferably generated by a fan unit and / or blower unit of the flow device. Additionally or alternatively, the flow is generated or supported by a negative pressure and / or suction unit. The flow device advantageously enables waste to be supplied into at least one waste bin. Specifically, the waste has been shredded by the aforementioned cutting equipment before being supplied, making it advantageous to supply the waste into at least one waste bin via a flow device. The flow device and / or discharge device preferably includes vertical flow sections and horizontal flow sections. Since the waste bin and multiple component bins are arranged side-by-side, for example, at a common height, and the waste is preferably supplied in the upper region of the waste bin to advantageously fill it, the flow device makes it possible to transport the waste to the top of the waste bin via the vertical flow section. Since the multiple component bins and at least one waste bin are preferably arranged adjacent to each other, the flow device allows the waste to be conveyed to the waste bin via the horizontal flow section. The horizontal and vertical flow sections can, of course, also be combined, at least partially, in the form of diagonal flow sections. A supply device designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the flow device can discharge waste from at least one of the multiple component bins into at least one waste bin in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured such that the discharge device includes a dropping device and / or a ramp device, wherein the dropping device and / or ramp device are designed to introduce waste material into at least one waste container by gravity. The dropping device and / or ramp device according to the invention are preferably understood as guiding devices, which, for example, after the waste material has been shredded by the aforementioned cutting device, enable the waste material to be supplied to at least one waste container by gravity in a guided and / or directed manner. For the purposes of the invention, the dropping device and / or ramp device should be understood as a spatial constraint on waste material movement. The dropping device and / or ramp device are preferably arranged in the waste material supply path from the cutting device and the flow device to at least one waste container, such that the waste material supply path to at least one waste container is preferably configured as follows. The waste material, illustrated using a component strip as an example, is generated by the feeding of the component strip and the removal of components by an automatic assembly machine. The cutting device cuts off excess component strip segments. The cut scrap parts fall into a flow device via a drop device and / or a ramp device, where they are fed by flow in a particularly horizontal and vertical manner into at least one scrap bin. The feeding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the drop device and / or ramp device can discharge scrap from at least one of the multiple component bins into at least one scrap bin in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured such that at least one receiving compartment has at least one interface designed for transmitting data to and / or energy to each of the plurality of component boxes and / or at least one corresponding interface of the at least one waste box. Preferably, the interfaces for at least one of the plurality of component boxes and at least one waste box have the same or modular design. The interface is capable, for example, of detecting, identifying, reading data from and / or transmitting energy to the plurality of component boxes and / or at least one waste box and / or preferably to the plurality of component boxes and / or at least one waste box. The interface preferably enables the supply device, for example, to detect which interfaces of the receiving compartment are occupied by boxes and which components are available in which box. Particularly preferably, the mating interfaces of the component boxes and / or at least one waste box can also be read and / or used via the interfaces of the logistics equipment, which will be described in detail later. At least one interface of the receiving compartment is therefore understood as, for example, a data interface, identification device, and / or energy interface between the supply device and the box. The interfaces are preferably arranged on the end and / or bottom sections of the receiving compartment, and corresponding interfaces are arranged on the end and / or bottom sections of the component boxes and / or at least one waste box. The supply device designed in this way is particularly advantageous because at least one interface can discharge waste from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one waste box in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured to include a fill level sensor unit, wherein the fill level sensor unit is designed to detect the fill level of at least one waste container. If the fill level of at least one waste container can be determined and / or read out, it corresponds to an advantageous supplement to the supply device according to the invention. The fill level sensor unit determines the fill level, for example, by recording time, recording weight, using an ultrasonic sensor, recording the length of the component strip that has been driven forward, and / or using a grating sensor. The detected fill level of at least one waste container advantageously enables the at least one waste container to be replaced in a timely and / or on-time manner, and thus the operation and / or use of the supply device and the automated assembly machine can be improved.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device may be configured such that at least one receiving compartment has at least one closing device, wherein the closing device is designed to at least partially open and close the discharge device. The closing device should be understood, for example, as a cover plate of the receiving compartment. An exemplary cover plate allows components to be supplied from a component box to the supply device and / or waste to be discharged from the supply device into at least one waste box. The at least one closing device is preferably capable of opening an inlet and outlet for components and / or waste and also capable of closing the supply device, for example, when no component box and / or waste box is present. The closing device is therefore preferably arranged at the transition point between the component box and / or at least one waste box. The supply device may have a plurality of closing devices, particularly wherein the closing devices are configured respectively for one component box or a group of component boxes and / or for at least one waste box. Optionally or additionally, the closing device is designed to open and close the closing unit of the component box and / or at least one waste box. Clearly described, the closing device enables, for example, the cover plate of the component box to be opened when the component box is inserted and / or pushed into the receiving compartment of the supply device. The interaction between the supply device and the container can be mechanical and / or at least partially digital, for example, through the interface described above. Supply devices designed in this way are particularly advantageous because the closure device is able to discharge waste from at least one of a plurality of component containers into at least one waste container in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. The closure device advantageously protects the supply device, component containers, and / or waste containers from external influences and / or, conversely, prevents damage and / or contamination.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device can be configured such that at least one receiving compartment has multiple separating devices for the defined reception of multiple component boxes and at least one waste box, particularly wherein the separating devices are detachably fastened and / or modularly designed. The at least one receiving compartment preferably has ample insertion space and / or drawers for the component boxes and / or at least one waste box. In this improved embodiment of the supply device according to the invention, separating devices are provided for the defined reception of multiple component boxes and at least one waste box. The separating devices can be fastened and / or arranged in and / or on at least one receiving compartment. For example, the separating devices are designed as separating walls, separating rods, and / or separating cables. The separating devices preferably have a thin, for example sheet-like construction to create a small installation space requirement in the receiving compartment. The separating devices advantageously allow the component boxes and / or at least one waste box to be guided during insertion and / or removal, particularly by a logistics device described in detail later. A supply device designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the separating devices are able to discharge waste from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one waste box in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a waste container used in the supply device. The supply device is designed according to the first aspect. The waste container has at least one waste opening for discharging waste from the supply device, particularly from at least one of a plurality of component boxes into at least one waste container. All the advantages of the described waste container have been described in relation to the supply device according to the first aspect of the invention and the interaction with at least one waste container.

[0024] The waste container preferably has a base and an internal volume within the base. The base is designed to be substantially closed to accommodate waste. The waste container has a waste opening for discharging waste from the supply device into the waste container, wherein, when the waste container is installed in the supply device, the waste opening is preferably located in the upper section of the waste container. The waste opening is preferably located in the upper 30% of the waste container, particularly preferably in the upper 20% or 10% of the waste container. The waste container preferably has two main extending directions, which are greater than a third extending direction. The waste container is preferably designed to be substantially cuboid. Viewed from the insertion direction, the waste container in its installation position within the supply device is narrower than its height and depth. The waste opening is preferably located in the narrow end side. When the waste container is installed, the narrow end side of the waste container preferably faces the supply device.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste container may be configured to include a logistics interface designed for detachable connection to a logistics device. The logistics interface according to the invention enables the waste container to be processed by the logistics device and thus advantageously allows it to be replaced, removed, and / or inserted into or retrieved from the receiving compartment of the supply device. The logistics interface is preferably arranged on a narrow end side and / or opposite to the waste opening. The logistics interface may be designed, for example, as a handle, grip, slot, and / or protrude from or be integrated into the base.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste bin may be configured to include a corresponding interface, wherein the corresponding interface is designed for transmitting data and / or energy with at least one interface of at least one receiving compartment of the supply device. The corresponding interface of the waste bin according to the invention advantageously enables the exchange of energy and / or data between the waste bin and the supply device. Preferably, the corresponding interface allows the installation status of the waste bin to be detected by the supply device.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste bin may be configured to include at least one removal opening, wherein the at least one removal opening is designed for removing waste from the waste bin and / or the waste bin has at least one closing unit, wherein at least one closing device of the supply device is designed for opening and closing the closing unit. The removal opening preferably includes a closing device for closing and opening the removal opening. For example, the closing device is configured as a pivoting or sliding door. The removal opening advantageously allows waste to be emptied from the waste bin and thus enables the waste bin to be reused.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a supply system for supplying components to an automated assembly machine. The supply system has a supply device, a plurality of component bins, and at least one scrap bin, wherein the supply device is designed according to the first aspect, and the scrap bin is designed according to the second aspect. All the advantages of the described supply system have been described with respect to the supply device, component bins, and at least one scrap bin according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular, the supply system includes an automated assembly machine for assembling components from the plurality of component bins and / or logistics equipment onto a substrate. At least one receiving compartment of the supply device is at least partially designed as a volume within the supply device and / or designed to be accessible on at least a first side of the supply device for inserting at least one scrap bin and / or inserting the plurality of component bins. The supply device preferably has a second side facing or oriented towards the automated assembly machine. Here, the first side of the supply device is preferably arranged opposite to the second side of the supply device. The receiving compartment is thus clearly arranged on one side of the supply device, which is arranged opposite and / or away from the feed direction of the components from the automated assembly machine and / or the supply device. The insertion and removal directions of the bins are preferably arranged along and against the feed direction of the components from the plurality of component bins to the supply device.

[0029] This design of the supply system is particularly advantageous because the supply equipment can discharge waste from at least one of the multiple component boxes into at least one waste box in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply system can be configured such that the size of at least one waste container corresponds to the size of at least one of a plurality of component containers and / or corresponds to a multiple of the size of one of the plurality of component containers. As described above, when viewed in the insertion direction, the component containers and at least one waste container in their mounting positions within the supply device are narrower than their height and depth. The width of the component container varies depending on the width of the component to be supplied. The different widths of the component containers preferably correspond to a modular width system, having the same or uniform hierarchy between the different widths of the component containers. The different widths of the component containers preferably correspond to an integer multiple of a basic width, particularly to a basic width of 4 mm. At least one waste container preferably has a size, particularly a width, corresponding to the receiving compartment of the supply device, corresponding to the width system and thus advantageously corresponding to the size of the receiving compartment. The waste container can therefore be advantageously arranged, for example, next to the component container, and the receiving compartment can be configured in a particularly simple manner. Furthermore, with such a supply system, the handling of the component containers and at least one waste container can advantageously be achieved by the same and / or the same logistics equipment.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply system can be configured such that each component box includes a logistics interface, wherein the logistics interface is designed for detachable connection to a logistics device. Within the scope of the invention, the logistics device should be understood as a device that enables the component box and / or at least one waste box to be exchanged, emptied, moved, transported, pushed in, removed, and / or arranged. For example, the logistics device is designed as a logistics robot, particularly an unmanned logistics robot. The logistics interface of the component box and at least one waste box is used for a detachable connection between the box and the logistics device so that the box can be handled by the logistics device. The component box and at least one waste box preferably have the same and / or modular logistics interface so that, for example, the box can be replaced by the same logistics robot.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply system can be configured such that each component box has a closure unit, wherein at least one closure device is designed to open and close the closure units of the plurality of component boxes. Clearly described, the closure device enables the cover of the component box to be opened, for example, when the component box is inserted and / or pushed into the receiving compartment of the supply device. The interaction between the supply device and the box can be mechanical and / or at least partially digital, for example, through the aforementioned interface. A supply device designed in this manner is particularly advantageous because the closure device is able to discharge waste from at least one of the plurality of component boxes into at least one waste box in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. The closure device advantageously protects the supply device, the component boxes, and / or the waste box from external influences and / or, conversely, prevents damage and / or contamination.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a supply method for supplying components to an automated assembly machine. The supply method comprises the following steps:

[0034] -Provide a supply system, particularly one designed according to a third party.

[0035] - Provides automated assembly machines

[0036] - Components are supplied from at least one component box of the supply system to the automatic assembly machine via the supply equipment of the supply system.

[0037] Waste is discharged from at least one component box into at least one waste box of the supply system via the discharge device of the supply system.

[0038] All the advantages of the described supply method have been described with respect to the supply device according to the first aspect of the invention, the waste bin according to the second aspect of the invention, and / or the supply system according to the third aspect of the invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the method steps described above and below may be performed individually, together, once, multiple times, simultaneously, and / or one after another in any order. For example, the names "first method step" and "second method step" do not require any temporal order and / or priority. A preferred order of method steps is specified, in which the method steps are performed in the listed order.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supply method may be configured to include at least one of the following method steps:

[0040] - The waste is shredded by the cutting equipment of the supply system before being discharged into at least one waste bin.

[0041] Waste is discharged into at least one waste bin via flow equipment, drop equipment, and / or ramp equipment of the supply system.

[0042] - Transmitting data and / or energy between the corresponding interface of at least one component box and / or at least one waste box and the interface of the receiving compartment of the supply system.

[0043] - The fill level of at least one waste box is detected by the fill level sensor unit of the supply system.

[0044] -Provide logistics equipment,

[0045] - Replace one of multiple component boxes and / or at least one waste box using logistics equipment.

[0046] As described above, logistics equipment should be understood as a device that enables the exchange, emptying, movement, transport, pushing, removal, and / or arrangement of component boxes and at least one waste box. For example, logistics equipment is designed as a logistics robot, particularly an unmanned logistics robot. Multiple component boxes and at least one waste box preferably have logistics interfaces so that, for example, the boxes can be replaced via the same logistics robot. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The supply device, waste container, supply system, and supply method according to the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically illustrate, respectively:

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of a supply system with a supply device, multiple component boxes, and a waste box is shown.

[0049] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a supply system with component boxes is shown;

[0050] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a supply system with a waste bin is shown; and

[0051] Figure 4 A flowchart of the supply method according to the present invention is shown.

[0052] Components with the same function and operating mode are Figures 1 to 4 The same reference numerals are provided in the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0054] 10. Supply equipment

[0055] 20 Receiving compartments

[0056] 22 First side

[0057] 24 Second side

[0058] 26 Interfaces

[0059] 28. Enclosed equipment

[0060] 30 Separation equipment

[0061] 40 Emission Equipment

[0062] 42 Cutting equipment

[0063] 44 Mobile Equipment

[0064] 46. ​​Falling equipment

[0065] 48. Inclined ramp equipment

[0066] 50 component boxes

[0067] 52 components

[0068] 54 Corresponding Interface

[0069] 56 Logistics Interface

[0070] 58 Closed Unit

[0071] 60 waste bins

[0072] 61 Waste opening

[0073] 62 Remove the opening

[0074] 64 Corresponding Interface

[0075] 66 Logistics Interface

[0076] 68 Closed Units

[0077] 70 Fill level sensor units

[0078] 80 waste

[0079] 100 Supply System

[0080] 120 Logistics Equipment

[0081] 150 Automatic Assembly Machine

[0082] 200 Supply Methods

[0083] 202. Supply system

[0084] 204. Provides automated assembly machines.

[0085] 206 Supply

[0086] 208 emissions

[0087] 210 Chop

[0088] 212 emissions

[0089] 214 Transmission

[0090] 216 Detection

[0091] 218 Provide logistics equipment

[0092] Replacement 220. Detailed Implementation

[0093] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a perspective view of a supply system 100 having a supply device 10, a plurality of component boxes 50, and a waste box 60. The supply device 10 is designed to supply components 52 (not shown) for assembly onto substrates via an automated assembly machine 150. The supply device 10 has a receiving compartment 20 for receiving the plurality of component boxes 50. The receiving compartment 20 is also designed to receive the waste box 60, wherein the supply device 10 has a discharge device 40 (not shown) for discharging waste 80 (not shown) from at least one of the plurality of component boxes 50 into at least one waste box 60. The receiving compartment 20 has a plurality of separating devices 30 for receiving the plurality of component boxes 50 and at least one waste box 60 in a defined manner. For better overview, only one separating device 30 in the form of a partition wall is shown. The separating devices 30 are designed to be detachable and modular and are fastened to the supply device 10. The receiving compartment 20 is designed to be within the volume of the supply device 10 and is accessible to at least a first side 22 of the supply device 10 for inserting the waste bin 60 and for inserting the component bin 50. The size of the waste bin 60 corresponds to a multiple of the size of one of the plurality of component bins 50 and the sizes of the other component bins 50.

[0094] exist Figure 2The diagram schematically illustrates a supply system 10 with component bins 50 in a cross-sectional side view. The supply device 10 includes a cutting device 42 designed to shred waste 80 before it is discharged into at least one waste bin 60 (not shown). A receiving compartment 20 is designed as a volume within the supply device 10 and is accessible to at least a first side 22 of the supply device 10 for insertion into the waste bin 60 (not shown) and for insertion into the component bins 50. The discharge device 40 includes a flow device 44, which can generate flow to supply waste 80 into at least one waste bin 60 (not shown). The discharge device 40 includes a falling device 46 and a ramp device 48, configured to discharge waste 80 by gravity into at least one waste bin 60 (not shown). The receiving compartment 20 has an interface 26 designed for data and / or energy transfer with one of the plurality of component bins 50. The receiving compartment 20 has a closing device 28, which is designed to at least partially open and close the discharge device 40. The component box 50 includes a logistics interface 56, which is designed to be detachably connected to the logistics device 120. The component box 50 has a closing unit 58, which is designed to open and close the closing unit 58 of the component box 50. The waste 80, illustrated using a component strip as an example, is generated by the feeding of the component strip and the removal of components 52 by the automatic assembly machine 150. The cutting device 42 cuts off excess segments of the component strip. The cut waste pieces fall through a dropping device 46 and / or a ramp device 48 into a flow device 44 and there are fed horizontally and vertically into at least one waste box 60 (not shown) by flow. Clearly, the flow device 44 blows the waste 80 out of the drawing plane in the observer's direction. The supply system 100 configured in this way is particularly advantageous because waste 80 can be discharged from at least one of the plurality of component boxes 50 into waste box 60 (not shown) in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0095] exist Figure 3 The feed system 100 with a waste bin 60 is schematically shown in a sectional side view. Clearly, Figure 3 The sectional view in Figure 2The cross-sectional view is shown before, therefore, in the flow direction of the flow device 44. In the flow device 44, the cut waste pieces are fed horizontally and vertically into at least one waste container 60 by flow. The supply device 10 has a fill level sensor unit 70, wherein the fill level sensor unit 70 is designed to detect the fill level of the waste container 60. The receiving compartment 20 has an interface 26, wherein the interface 26 is designed to transmit data and / or energy with the waste container 60. The waste container 60 includes a logistics interface 66, wherein the logistics interface 66 is designed to be detachably coupled to the logistics device 120 (not shown). The waste container 60 has a closing unit 68, wherein the closing device 28 is designed to open and close the closing unit 68 of the waste container 60. The waste container 60 has a waste opening 61 for discharging waste 80 from the supply device 10 into the waste container 60. In addition, the waste container 60 includes a removal opening 62 for removing waste 80 from the waste container 60.

[0096] exist Figure 4 The supply method according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in the flowchart. For clarity, in Figure 4Only the reference numerals for the method steps are shown in the accompanying drawings. Supply method 200 includes, in a first method step, providing 202 a supply system 100. In a further method step, supply method 200 includes providing 204 an automatic assembly machine 150. In a further method step, supply method 200 includes supplying 206 components 52 from at least one component box 50 of the supply system 100 to the automatic assembly machine 150 via a supply device 10 of the supply system 100. In a further method step, supply method 200 includes discharging 208 waste 80 from at least one component box 50 to at least one waste box 60 of the supply system 100 via a discharge device 40 of the supply system 100. In a further method step, supply method 200 includes chopping 210 waste 80 by a cutting device 42 of the supply system 100 before the waste 80 is discharged into the at least one waste box 60. In a further method step, the supply method 200 includes discharging 212 waste material 80 into at least one waste container 60 via a flow device 44, a drop device 46, and / or a ramp device 48 of the supply system 100. In a further method step, the supply method 200 includes transmitting 214 data and / or energy between corresponding interfaces 54, 64 of at least one component container 50 and / or at least one waste container 60 and an interface 26 of a receiving compartment 20 of the supply system 100. In a further method step, the supply method 200 includes detecting 216 the fill level of at least one waste container 60 via a fill level sensor unit 70 of the supply system 100. In a further method step, the supply method 200 includes providing 218 a logistics device 120. In a further method step, the supply method 200 includes replacing 220 of one or more component containers 50 and / or at least one waste container 60 via the logistics device 120.

Claims

1. A supply system (100) for supplying components (52) to an automatic assembly machine (150), said supply system (100) having a supply device (10), a plurality of component bins (50) and at least one waste bin (60), The supply device (10) for supplying components (52) to assemble substrates by means of an automatic assembly machine (150) has at least one receiving compartment (20) for receiving a plurality of component boxes (50), wherein the supply device (10) is designed to supply components (52) from the plurality of component boxes (50) to the automatic assembly machine (150). And among them, The at least one receiving compartment (20) is designed to receive at least one waste container (60), wherein the supply device (10) has a discharge device (40) for discharging waste (80) from at least one of a plurality of component containers (50) into at least one waste container (60). The waste container (60) has at least one waste opening (61) for discharging waste (80) from the supply device (10), particularly from at least one of the plurality of component containers (50), into at least one waste container (60). Its features are: Each of the waste bin (60) and the plurality of component bins (50) includes a logistics interface (66, 56), wherein the logistics interface of the waste bin corresponds to the logistics interface of the component bin, and the logistics interface (66, 56) is designed to be detachably connected to the logistics equipment (120).

2. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The supply device (10), particularly the discharge device (40), includes a cutting device (42) which is designed to shred the waste before the waste (80) is discharged into at least one waste container (60).

3. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one receiving compartment (20) is designed at least in part as a receiving space within the supply device (10) and / or as accessible to at least one first side (22) of the supply device (10) for the introduction of at least one waste box (60) and / or for the introduction of multiple component boxes (50).

4. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The discharge device (40) includes a flow device (44) through which a flow can be generated to supply waste (80) to at least one waste container (60).

5. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The discharge device (40) includes a drop device (46) and / or a ramp device (48), wherein the drop device (46) and / or the ramp device (48) are designed to feed waste (80) into at least one waste container (60) by gravity.

6. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The supply device (10) includes a fill level sensor unit (70), wherein the fill level sensor unit (70) is designed to detect the fill level of at least one waste container (60).

7. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one receiving compartment (20) has at least one closing device (28), wherein the closing device (28) is designed to at least partially open and close the discharge device (40).

8. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The waste container (60) includes at least one removal opening (62), wherein the at least one removal opening (62) is designed for removing waste (80) from the waste container (60); and / or The waste box (60) has at least one closure unit, wherein at least one closure device (28) of the supply device (10) is designed to open and close the closure unit.

9. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The size of at least one waste box (60) corresponds to the size of at least one of the multiple component boxes (50) and / or a multiple of the size of one of the multiple component boxes (50).

10. The supply system (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, Multiple component boxes (50) each have a closure unit, wherein at least one closure device (28) is designed to open and close the closure unit, and in particular, the closure units of the multiple component boxes (50) correspond to the closure unit of at least one waste box (60).

11. A supply system (100) for supplying components (52) to an automatic assembly machine (150), the supply system (100) having a supply device (10), a plurality of component bins (50) and at least one waste bin (60), The supply device (10) for supplying components (52) to assemble substrates by means of an automatic assembly machine (150) has at least one receiving compartment (20) for receiving a plurality of component boxes (50), wherein the supply device (10) is designed for supplying components (52) from the plurality of component boxes (50) to the automatic assembly machine (150), and the at least one receiving compartment (20) is designed to receive at least one scrap box (60), wherein, The supply device (10) has a discharge device (40) for discharging waste (80) from at least one of a plurality of component boxes (50) into at least one waste box (60). The waste container (60) is used in conjunction with the supply device (10), wherein the waste container (60) has at least one waste opening (61) for discharging waste (80) from the supply device (10), particularly from at least one of a plurality of component containers (50), into at least one waste container (60). Its features are, At least one receiving compartment (20) has at least one closing device (28), said closing device (28) being designed to at least partially open and close the discharge device (40), and The waste container (60) includes at least one removal opening (62), wherein the at least one removal opening (62) is designed for removing waste (80) from the waste container (60); and the waste container (60) has at least one closure unit, wherein at least one closure device (28) of the supply device (10) is designed for opening and closing the closure unit.

12. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The supply device (10), particularly the discharge device (40), includes a cutting device (42) which is designed to shred the waste before the waste (80) is discharged into at least one waste container (60).

13. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The supply device includes at least one receiving compartment (20), which is at least partially designed as a receiving space within the supply device (10) and / or designed to be accessible to at least one first side (22) of the supply device (10) for the introduction of at least one waste box (60) and / or for the introduction of multiple component boxes (50).

14. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The supply device, particularly the discharge device (40), includes a flow device (44) which can generate flow to supply waste (80) to at least one waste container (60).

15. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The supply device, particularly the discharge device (40), includes a drop device (46) and / or a ramp device (48), wherein the drop device (46) and / or the ramp device (48) are designed to supply waste (80) by gravity into at least one waste container (60).

16. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The supply device (10) includes a fill level sensor unit (70), wherein the fill level sensor unit (70) is designed to detect the fill level of at least one waste container (60).

17. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The waste container (60) includes a logistics interface (66) which is designed to be detachably connected to the logistics equipment (120).

18. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The size of at least one waste box (60) corresponds to the size of at least one of the multiple component boxes (50) and / or a multiple of the size of one of the multiple component boxes (50).

19. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, Multiple component boxes (50) each include a logistics interface (56), wherein the logistics interface (56) is designed to be detachably connected to a logistics device (120), and in particular, the logistics interface (56) of the multiple component boxes (50) corresponds to the logistics interface (66) of at least one waste box (60).

20. The supply system (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, Multiple component boxes (50) each have a closure unit, wherein at least one closure device (28) is designed to open and close the closure unit, and in particular, the closure units of the multiple component boxes (50) correspond to the closure unit of at least one waste box (60).

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